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Home :: Wig FAQ

Wig FAQ

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What is a monofilament wig? High-quality, monofilament wigs (with wefted back and side) construction gives the appearance that the hair is actually growing from the scalp.

This monofilament material allows the wig to be parted in any direction. Thin, breathable fabric is placed at the hairline or the front of the head toward the crown section. Plus, they can be styled with hair accessories

Many of these wigs will have this monofilament material on the top portion of the wig, and weftings through the back & sides.
(Wefts are the ribbon-like bands that the hairs are attached to). See diagram below:

The top portion of the cap Monofilament Diagram is specially woven to allow for comfort and excellent ventilation. This helps to prevent irritation and itchiness. It will "Breathe" while being worn, thereby preventing heat and moisture build up.

Monofilament is considered to be one of the most desirable of wig types. Most women, especially those who wear wigs every day, feel that its superior "wearability" and natural look more than justify the additional cost.

Most women going though chemo-therapy will opt for these monofilament wig caps as well- due to the added comfort.

 

Click here for our Monofilament wigs.

 

What does hand-tied mean? Each individual strand of hair is hand-tied into a mesh fabric for a  natural appearance. This style almost disappears onto the scalp and around the hairline. They are extremely lightweight with a true comfort fit and natural volume.

What is the difference between synthetic hair and human hair? Synthetic is easy to maintain (wash-and-wear), less expensive than human hair, easy to wear, pre styled. Human hair has more versatility, longer durability and can be custom coloured. It is heavier than synthetic to wear and requires styling each day just like natural hair.

Is human hair better than synthetic? Not necessarily... choosing between a human hair wig and a synthetic wig is more of personal preference. For example, a person looking for a wig that is light, easy to wear/maintain and less expensive would choose a synthetic wig. A person looking for a wig that they can style themselves everyday would choose a human hair wig. Keep in mind that just because human hair wigs cost more it does not mean they are the "better" wig to buy. Many times a high quality synthetic wig looks more realistic than a human hair wig and can be much easier to manage.

Why are some wigs more expensive than others? Like most items you purchase, price is a reflection of quality. The higher quality often results in a higher price. There are many different types of materials than can be used to make wigs, including various types of synthetic fibres and human hair. For example, some synthetic fibre is softer and silkier than other types, therefore making the wig more expensive. Some constrcution and materials used inside the wigs are lighter weight and more durable, therefore, increasing costs.

Can I send in a hair sample for you to match my colour? Yes, we will be happy to help you select the right colour by matching your hair sample to the closest available wig/hairpiece colour. Please send in a sample to Alternative Look 171a Church Street, Blackpool, FY1 3NX or simply drop by the shop.

MORE ANSWERS TO YOUR QUESTIONS:


First time buyer? Which style is best for me?

Choosing the right colour Correct head size

Caring for your wig Styling tips

Order acknowledgment Ways to pay & Returns

General Information  

FIRST TIME BUYER?

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If you are a first time buyer Alternative Look will do all we can to insure that you choose the right style for you, whether it's for fun, fashion or medical.
Any questions you may have please email us or telephone/fax, our team are always ready to help.


WHICH STYLE IS BEST FOR ME?

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HOW TO CHOOSE A WIG THAT COMPLIMENTS YOUR FACE SHAPE.

If your unsure of which style will be most flattering on you, use these suggestions as a guide to find a look that works with the shape of you face.
To determine your face shape:
In front of a mirror, pull your hair back. Trace the outline of your face, with a bar of soap, onto the mirror. Compare the outlined shape on the mirror to the illustrations below

1. TRIANGLE SHAPED FACE...

Narrow forehead with a wide chin.
Try a shapely-layered look or a curly style. Heavy fringe and layers build fullness on top to soften a wider crown. Hair should be layered all around and tapered in back and at the sides.

2. SQUARE SHAPED FACE...

Angular jaw line is the same width as the forehead.
Try a short style that is wavy on top. The wispy edges soften a wide forehead and strong jaw line.

3. OVAL SHAPED FACE...

Well proportioned, with length of face longer than width.
Try any style. A classic oval shaped face looks great with all styles. Perhaps a longer style with a few graduated layers around the face.


4. HEART SHAPED FACE...

Wide forehead, high cheek bones narrow ( V-shape ) chin.
Try a short and smart elfin crop that is wedged or tapered at the neck. The long wispy fringe softens a rounded and peaked forehead: layers are long at crown, graduated at the sides, and tapered at the nape of the neck.

5. ROUND SHAPED FACE...

Full cheeks with a circular form.
Go longer, with lots of soft curls, a layered style, or a classic page. Layers on top and longer length at the back elongate your face.

6. NARROW SHAPED FACE...

Slender face with a narrow chin.
Try a chic bob, or a bob with waves or soft curls on the top and sides. This style tends to round out your face.

 


CHOOSING THE RIGHT COLOUR

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COLOUR CHARTS

All of our wigs have colour swatches on to the right of the product images. You can click on them for larger images. If you require more definition of the colour description contact us by email, telephone or fax.

FREE CUSTOM COLOUR MATCH.

Cut a sample from the front or top of your hair - 1" long, and if possible. as thick as a pencil. Write the colour numbers ( see Colour Chart ) that are closest to your own colour and send the sample with your order. We'll ship your wig in a colour that best matches your own hair sample!

WIG COLOUR SAMPLES

We can send you actual colour swatches upon request. Sometimes it takes a little patience to find that perfect colour match. We won't give up until you're completely satisfied. If you're not happy with a colour selection, we'll gladly exchange it.
Swatches are available for viewing for £20.00 per colour swatch ring, this is either refunded or credited towards your purchase upon return to Alternative Look. The swatches can be requested by telephone, fax or post, providing us with the Designer, wig name and colour of your choice.

We recommend the Colour Swatch service if you are ordering hairpieces, colour match has to be perfect, also please check the colour in natural daylight, as fibre can look different in artificial light.

If you are looking for a complete change always remember it is more flattering to choose a lighter shade than your own to create a softer and more youthful look.
If you go darker the effects can be quite harsh and unflattering, you would need to wear a much darker make-up to balance your look.

Download swatch order form


FIND YOUR CORRECT HEAD SIZE

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It is important that your wig fits properly, click on the link below to ensure you find your correct fit.
Wig clips and tape are also available to assist in your feeling secure, please look in Accessories.

Click here to find your size correct head size

 


TIPS ON CARING FOR YOUR WIG

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WASHING YOUR WIG

Before you wash, gently brush out the tangles and hair spray. For tight curly or all over curl, do not use a brush - finger pick thoroughly and gently remove tangles.
In a sink or basin, mix with wig shampoo with tepid water and immerse wig. Gently swirl and let soak for 5 minutes. Rinse wig in cold water until all wig shampoo is removed.

DRYING YOUR WIG

Wrap in a towel and gently pat out excess water. DO NOT TWIST, OR BRUSH YOUR WIG WHILE WET. Gently fluff your damp wig. Allow to air dry on a wig stand. For a healthy shine, spray on your spray conditioner.

CONDITIONING YOUR WIG

We recommend that you apply spray conditioner to your wig each time you have worn it and then always keep it in it\s box until the next time its put on, this will stop the fibre from drying out and looking thick and dull, it also prolongs the life of your wig.

WIG CARE DO' S AND DON'TS

alternative look wig care guide

To maintain your wig's natural look:

DO spray your wig or hairpiece with wig lustre between washings to add shine and body.

DO use wig products to keep your wig or hairpiece looking its best.

DON'T use regular shampoo, conditioner, delicate fabric wash, or baby products on your wig or hairpiece.

DON'T use a hot curling iron or hair dryer on your wig or hairpiece.

DON'T brush or wring out your wet wig or hairpiece.

DON'T wear a wig or hairpiece near any sources of excessive heat such as an open oven, boiling water, barbecue grill or even some cigarette lighters.

CLICK HERE to download our wig care guide.



STYLING TIPS

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1. Out of the box

When you take your new wig out of the box -- it will not look like the style you pictured in the catalogue -- it has been specially wrapped and packed to hold its preset style.
Remove the hairnet and any tissue paper.
Cup your hands inside the wig at the crown and nape, and give it a good shake. This wakes up the wig fibres.
For best results place your wig on a wig stand overnight. This allows your wig to breathe and loosen into it\s preset style more completely.

2. Preparing to wear your new wig

No matter what your hair length, we recommend a wig cap ( retainer ). This will hold all hairs securely in place under your wig. The wig cap is also useful if you have little or no hair. It will make your wig feel more secure. The wig cap can be found in our Accessories section.
Short hair-Brush your hair back in the front and up on the sides - then spray with hair spray. Longer hair - Pin up your hair in flat pin curls away from the front, side, and the nape of your neck. Set pin curls evenly all over your head, so that your wig will lay flat.

3. Putting on your new wig

Hold the wig with one hand gripping the back of the wig, at the label, and the other hand holding the centre of the front hairline. Tilt your head forward and slip on the wig from front to back. Slide the wig back until the front edge is even with your front hairline. Then use the ear tabs to adjust from side to side, restring the wig.
Use the sizing adjustments to adjust the size to your comfort level. The sizing adjustments allow 1" larger or smaller.

4. The styling basics

Relax and have fun! Experiment with your style to get the look that's right for you. Trying to get every hair in place can make your style look " wiggy "
Many of our styles just need a good shake and they're ready to wear.
For our other styles, always use a good quality wig brush or pick comb. A regular comb or brush will stretch the wig fibres and loosen the curl.
If you have chosen a wig with " styling flexibility," don't be afraid to try different looks using your wig styling brush or pick comb,
To finish your style and hold it in place, use wig styling spray, if you wish to create a more textured and natural look, spray the wig with water then brush it through gently to get a modern effect.
Never use regular hair spray, styling gels, and mousse - they will leave a film that attracts dirt and dust.

SPECIFIC STYLING

A tight or ringlet curly style - -

Give a good shake and then gently lift and separate curls with your pick comb, or style with your fingers.
Do not brush.

Wavy with loose curls - -

Lightly brush using short lifting strokes, just enough to relax and shape your style.

A fluff style or soft curls (especially back and sides)

With short upward strokes, lightly brush away from your face.

Straight

Lightly brush with long, even strokes, from the crown to the ends for a smooth, sleek look.

It takes a little time to get accustomed to your new style. You may not feel quite right about it the first time you see it on. Take a few days to get used to seeing the " new you ". Walk past a mirror a few times, ask a close friend or family member to give you their opinion.



ORDER ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

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If your order is placed through our web site you will receive an order acknowledgement via WorldPay, our merchant service provider.
Orders placed by telephone, fax or post will be acknowledged by e-mail or post.
Please allow 28 days for delivery.

 


WAYS TO PAY

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For U.K. orders we accept payment by Visa, MasterCard, Delta, Solo, Switch, American Express, Postal Orders and Bank or Building Society cheque. Personal cheques are accepted but require 7 - 10 days clearance.
Other world-wide orders personal cheque's are NOT accepted.

All prices shown on our web site are in U.K. Pounds Sterling and are inclusive of VAT.
Please send us an email enquiry for postage to other countries.

RETURNS

We want you to be satisfied with your order. We are happy to refund a single item if it's unsuitable. If more than one item is ordered then only the first will be refunded and for any others an exchange will be given. Products must be in original and perfect factory condition (unaltered, unworn, undamaged, and with tags attached) and in original packaging. Please use the returns form that you received with your wig and allow up to 14 days for processing.

 
 
© Alternative Look -Wigs, Hairpieces, Fashion Wigs, Fun Wigs, NHS Wigs, Human Hair Wigs, Synthetic Wigs and Costume Wigs © 2005-2010 Alternative Look
 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Wigs, Hairpieces, Fashion Wigs, Fun Wigs, NHS Wigs, Human Hair Wigs : Alternative Look

Welcome to Alternative Look wigs formally Yvonne Barlow Blackpool. We’re the number one wigs, hairpieces and accessories shop on the web. Whatever the reason for your need we offer the most comprehensive range, selected from all the leading brands the highest quality products at the most competitive prices.

Wigs, ladies wigs, wig, UK wigs, monofilament wigs, synthetic wigs, human hair wigs, medical wigs, alopecia wigs, cancer wigs, chemotherapy wigs, long wigs, short wigs, curly wigs, blonde wigs, Raquel Welch wigs , wig fibre, Natural Image, real hair wigs, wig care, wig style, wig size, synthetic hair extensions, hair extension, extensions, clip in extensions, clip on extensions, hair do, hairdo, Hothair.co.uk, human hair extensions, human hair extensions, jessica simpson hair extensions, tru2life, true2life

It's Back ! - The Alternative Look Members Discount Scheme

Back my popular demand, Alternative Look website members can once again enjoy an additional 10% discount on all their purchases, as well as "exclusive members only offers". If you are not already a member and would like to join, all you need to do is to register and place an order, we will then adjust your profile and you will qualify for a 10% discount on your next and future orders.

Expert and personal advise is always on hand from our highly skilled wig and hairpiece consultants. With over 37 years experience in retail sales and 30 years as a NHS supplier in the North West of England we are second to none in our knowledge of the wig and hairpiece industry. We are dealing with chemotheropy patients and alopecia suffers everyday in our large shop and showroom where we stock hundreds of styles in fibre and human hair, custom made wigs, hairpieces and men's units are one of our specialities.Our showroom has private fitting rooms and we offer a personal caring service for all our clients, personal resizing for petite and large head sizes plus a restyling and revamping service is also available.

Our showroom has private fitting rooms and we offer a personal caring service for all our clients. Personal resizing for petite and large head sizes plus a restyling and revamping service is also available.

Each month Alternativelook offers our customers fantastic deals on a wide range of our product's. Each of these special offers comes with a selected FREE gift either. Why not visit us in person, many of our clients from the South of England have already done so.

Yvonne Barlow - Alternative Look Hair
171a, Church Street, Blackpool
Lancashire, FY1 3NX.

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