Look Good Feel Better - Index

Look Good Feel Better - magazine - Index

LOOKING GOOD
Wig tips from a pro
Zain Haji, wig specialist and Look Good Feel Better volunteer
hair-alternatives specialist at Princess Margaret Hospital in
Toronto, offers these helpful tips for wig wearers:
Don’t just walk into a wig salon — call ahead and make an
appointment with a wig expert to help you fi nd the best style and
fi t. That way you’ll have her or his undivided attention.
If you’ve already lost your hair, make sure you bring a photo of
yourself (with hair) when you go to get fi tted.
For the best fi t, you should have no more than ¼ inch of hair
underneath your wig so there will be no slippage.
Get the right products for your wig to keep it looking good. For
synthetic-hair wigs, you’ll want to purchase specially formulated
shampoos and conditioners, and styling products (mousse or gel,
for example) that are alcohol free. On human-hair wigs, it’s best
to use salon-quality shampoo and conditioner. Regular styling
products are fi ne as long as you wash them out — but brush your
wig before you wash it to prevent knots.
Invest in a wig stand so that when you’re not wearing your wig
it can air out properly. Don’t use a Styrofoam head — it doesn’t
allow the wig to breathe and could stretch it. Look for a wire or
plastic frame wig stand instead.
Break your wig in by wearing it a little bit at a time. That
way your natural oils will soften the inside of the wig, making it
more comfortable on your scalp.
A wigwearer’s
guide
Here are Linda Fogazzi’s
wig-savvy tips:
If you can, attend a Look
Good Feel Better workshop
to help you get comfortable
with the idea of wearing a
wig and to see what options
are available to you.
Take your time trying on
wigs so you can get a feel for
what you like, says Linda.
It can take a while for hair to
grow back after treatment,
so you’ll want a wig you feel
really good in.
Ask a friend to come with
you for support and to give
you a second opinion.
Start with a wig that looks
like your own hair. For
work and regular day-to-day
activities such as grocery
shopping, Linda prefers a
blond synthetic wig similar
to her own hair colour
and style.
Pick a second wig just for
fun. Linda likes to let loose
with a blond braided wig
or a long red one when she
goes out with girlfriends
on the weekend.
34 LOOKGOODFEELBETTER.CA