'Hair Care' Category Archive

Posted on Jul 10th, 2007

Many men and women complain that their hair is not growing. They buy the most popular hair products, which promise more shine and growth. They buy supplements and read magazines looking for the next quick fix. But what many men and women fail to realize it that the way they treat their bodies plays an enormous role in the state of their hair.

Here are some helpful tips to help grow healthier hair:

Consume a diet high in vital nutrients mainly beta carotene, iodine and protein are necessary for shiny healthy hair.

  • Iodine is necessary for the production of the thyroid hormone thyroxin. This hormone promotes hair growth. The foods that contain iodine are seafoods like cod, mussels, seaweed and haddock.
  • Beta Carotene is actually converted by the body into vitamin A which makes the hair strong. You can find it in green and yellow fruits and vegetables like green peppers and cantaloupes.
  • Protein can be found in foods like meat, eggs and nuts to name a few.
  • Also, try to exercise weekly. This helps improve the circulation while getting your body in shape and making your body "work" better. The hormones and healthy chemical processes taking place in your body during your workout sessions, assist in overall health.

    Get out! Well, I’m not saying this rudely. But rather literally. Get out of the house more often and get some sun. If you’re at the office during the day, take a short walk outside on your lunch break. Studies have shown that healthy doses of vitamin D received from the sun actually plays a role in hair growth. But don’t forget to protect your hair and scalp at all times.

    Always apply a sunscreen lotion to your skin and wear a hat if you’re outside for long periods of time. If you’re not wearing a hat a great tip is applying some sunscreen lotion to the exposed skin on your scalp. This will keep the area from getting burned.

    Remember, take care of your hair and skin. You’ll be thankful in years to come!

    Janice Johnson is the founder of the http://www.CurlyHairSalon.com website. An online multi-ethnic curly hair magazine that offers information, tips and advice to care for curly hair.

    Posted on Jun 29th, 2007

    Some people who weren’t blessed with good hair are actually envious of those people who have the luxury of being able to wear their hair long and keep it that way in spite of whatever hassles that long hair may bring to a person. From taking a longer time in taking a bath as well as having to deal with all sorts of monthly hair treatments just to keep that long hair in tip, top, shape.

    Fortunately, for those who are at times in the mood for longer hair, there are actually hair extensions that are proven to be a safe and fast way for people to be able to have longer hair. Through hair extensions, people will be able to have the length of hair that they want whichever time they want their hair to be long and for only several days (which means people who have hair extensions need not to worry about the hair extensions upkeep in the long run). Hair extensions are actually great for people who are thinking of growing out their hair into a long, luxurious mop from a short, boyish style hair cut.

    Have you even noticed that a lot of celebrities nowadays tend to sometimes have longer hair then shorter hair the next? Well, it certainly is not a work of magic but a breakthrough in the field of both beauty and fashion wherein top hairstylists nowadays are doing these hair extensions on people who do not have the patience nor time to grow their hair long. When it comes to growing one’s hair, there are certainly a lot of things that a person needs to do in order to keep it looking beautiful. Of course, when it comes to growing one’s hair, it is highly important that you actually maintain it in a good condition otherwise long hair will just make you look untidy.

    Through hair extensions, having long hair is really a breeze. You just come in the salon and have it made and after a few hours, you have perfectly nice long hair. Hair extensions are actually highly in demand hair treatments at the salons nowadays wherein a lot of their clients all want to have some hair extensions added to their natural mane in order to look a little more girly, sophisticated and even a bit sexy.

    For most people who come to the salons for a hair extension treatment, they usually opt to have the human hair extensions in order to achieve a natural look as compared to the synthetic type of hair extensions that actually has a different texture. And since human hair extensions are highly in demand nowadays, be prepared to shell out a little more cash for these human hair extensions, because human hair extensions can actually set you back around $1,000.

    If you are worried about having to spend the whole day at the salon while having your hair extension treatment, then you really need not worry about a thing since having a hair extension treatment is actually a quick and easy method wherein you will end up with a wonderfully dramatic fix for your hair and the hair extensions can actually last you for five full months (but of course, you need to be go on a little easy when you brush, style or wash your hair).

    Another popular option when it comes to having hair extensions, is to have the synthetic type of hair extensions which is the less expensive choice as compared to the human hair extensions and contrary to what other people might say, synthetic hair extensions actually looks just as natural as the human hair extensions that are extremely pricey.

    But how are the hair extensions actually applied to your natural hair anyway? Well, the hair extension is actually placed on a small part of your hair. Your hair and the hair extension will be sort of braided together so that the hair extension will have something to hold onto. Next, after the braiding session of the hair extension treatment comes the bonding session wherein a bonding solution for your hair extension is applied then heat will then be applied to the treated area which will secure the hair extensions to your natural hair.

    For more great wig and hair extension tips and ideas check out: http://www.lookingforwigs.com

    Posted on Jun 28th, 2007

    1. Be true to yourself

    Don’t choose a hairstyle that makes you feel not yourself. Brides often get pressured into certain styles because of "tradition". If a particular style makes you feel uneasy, don’t choose it. It does not matter that your mother, best friend or hairstylist like it - what really matters is YOU.

    2. Develop a clear idea

    Before going to the stylist, try to develop a good idea of what type of hairstyle you would like. Cut out the pictures of your favorite hairstyles from magazines and bring them to the stylist. If you can’t find any pictures, be prepared to describe exactly what you want.

    3. Do a practice run

    Try out the hairstyle in advance, before your wedding day. Schedule the "practice run" with your stylist. If the hairstyle that you envisioned does not look as good on you as you had hoped, you’ll be glad you found that out before the big day!

    4. Is it comfortable?

    Walk around with this hairstyle for several hours to make sure it’s comfortable. The last thing you would want is to have hair pins hurting you and ruining your fun.

    5. Take pictures

    At the "practice run", bring a Polaroid or digital camera to take instant pictures. Ask the stylist to take pictures from the back and other angles. The pictures will give you a better idea how the style would look to others (as opposed to just looking in the mirror).

    6. Does it hold up?

    Make sure your hair style does not get completely messed up several hours later. Try moving around and see if the hair stays put. You would not want a hair disaster during the first dance!

    7. Matching with your dress

    Your hair style should go well with your wedding dress and headpiece. Classic dresses go best with classic hairstyles. Non-traditional dresses might look odd with the formal updos. Buy the dress before you select a hairstyle. Bring your headpiece and the picture of your dress to the stylist, so the stylist can evaluate whether it’s a good match.

    8. Watch out for chemicals

    Don’t have any coloring or chemical treatments done right before the wedding - these can go wrong, and there won’t be time to fix them! Do them several weeks in advance.

    9. Stay consistent

    Don’t make drastic changes. Your wedding day is not the time to color your hair in a completely different color or cut off long locks. After all, you would still want people to recognize you at your own wedding!

    10. Beware of the height effect

    Be aware that updos will make you look taller. Depending on your situation, it might work for you or against you. If you are already taller than the groom or are the same height, don’t do an updo. If you are short, use the updo to your advantage.

    11. Keep it sensible

    Don’t make your hairstyle too flamboyant - it should not compete with your face and your dress. You would want to avoid the situation where your hair is the only thing that jumps out at people when they look at you.

    Melanie Mendelson will help you lose weight fast for your wedding. Visit her wedding weight loss diet website http://www.DietForBrides.com

    Posted on Jun 13th, 2007

    We’ve come a long way since our mothers straightened our hair with an iron and ironing board, and it has never been more evident than now. The Sedu hair straightener has revolutionized the way we straighten our hair and has proved that hair Sedu style is hair to be truly envious of.

    Hair Sedu style is identified by sleek, straight, shiny and conditioned tresses, the likes of which can only be obtained by using the Sedu ceramic flat iron. This flat iron infuses hair with moisture during every step of the straightening process to ensure that hair Sedu style remains healthy, shiny, strong and vibrant.

    The secret of hair Sedu style lies with ionic technology and the materials used to create the Sedu hair straightener. Hair Sedu style is achieved thanks to the high concentration of negative ions, which work to infuse moisture and shine into the inner layers of your hair.

    The smooth ceramic plates of the Sedu ceramic flat iron also work like no other ordinary straightening iron to give you hair that is truly Sedu style. Ceramic tile, made from clay and hardened by fire, is a naturally moist and smooth material. When heated, it actually infuses its moisture into any absorbent material that it comes into contact with such as your hair. The results are luxurious, shiny tresses that can only be credited to the Sedu hair straightener.

    Not only is hair Sedu style a step above styles created with ordinary flat irons, hair Sedu style also boasts of tresses that are up to three times smoother and silkier than those that can be achieved with other ceramic flat irons. Additionally, the Sedu hair straightener uses ultra-smooth plates which guarantees smooth straightening motions that will not pull or break your hair. This all results in truly healthy and silky hair Sedu style.

    Sedu styled hair is also a breeze to achieve and maintain. The Sedu flat iron cuts straightening time in half and heats up to the desired temperature in less than 25 seconds. This means that not only will your hair style be gorgeous, it will also take you a fraction of the time to go from frizz to sleek than it does when using conventional flat irons.

    And the consistent heat held by the ceramic plates of the Sedu flat iron means that your hair will be shiny and frizz free throughout. From the roots of your hair to the tips of your tresses, your hair will be beautiful when you achieve hair Sedu style.

    Sedu styling is also great for every type of hair imaginable. From fine, limp and damaged hair to coarse, thick ethnic hair, the Sedu hair straightener can be adjusted to suit your particular needs. This is possible because of the flat iron’s adjustable thermostat, which allows you to choose a heat setting that is perfect for you to achieve hair Sedu style.

    As you can see, there are many beautiful benefits associated with the Sedu styling. What are you waiting for? Why not see what the Sedu hair staightener can do for your look today.

    Michael Barrows’ website gives great advice for good hair. Get your free ebook packed with hair style and hair care tips and advice, visit the great hair styles website.

    Posted on Jun 7th, 2007

    Health, strength and beauty of hair depends primarily on its nerve vigor and the good circulation of the oily scalp secretion which gives it gloss and luster. Beauty is not so much a matter of color where hair is concerned. If your hair has a fine glow, a rich sheen, is thick and long, it will be beautiful irrespective of its pigmentation. Hair often makes an otherwise plain person beautiful. And practically every woman, if she cares to make the effort, may have beautiful hair.

    SOME HAIR HINTS

    If you have the least suspicion of a curl in your hair, brushing around rather than straight will bring it out. Do not worry if you shed your hair. It is natural for the hair to shed — and to keep right on growing in again. Only see to it that the ingrowth is equal to the loss by shedding.

    No young girl should use a rat. Metal combs should be tabooed. Keep the hairbrush you use for dandruff stiff, the "polishing" brush may be softer. Use a hair net that matches your own hair color, and do not get too small a one. Remove snarls and tangles in the hair gently, with fingers, before brushing. The three-weekly or monthly shampoo is a good rule. If you wash your hair too often, it will turn dry and brittle and change color.

    The hair should never be worn "done up" constantly. This is injurious because every part of the hair should have frequent air and sun baths. For normal shampoo employ Castile, tar or vegetable soaps, and Green soap for oily hair. A good egg shampoo may be made of an egg, thoroughly beaten, one tablespoon alcohol, four ounces bay rum, a pinch of borax, and four ounces of Castile soap mixed in a pint of hot water, to be used when cool.

    Hair that is blonde or ruddy, as well as gray hair, may be washed with Castile soap jelly plus a quarter-teaspoonful of borax. Always comb and brush thoroughly, with finger-tip massage. After shampooing is the best time for scalp massage, hair pulling and skin loosening.

    DRY SHAMPOO AND SCALP MASSAGE

    The scalp and hair should be cleansed between shampoos. For this purpose the "dry shampoo" is necessary. It is actually a form of scalp massage. Preparations of orris, corn meal and other dry shampoo powders are not recommended. They stick, and it is hard to get them out of the hair. A vigorous rubbing of the scalp after the hair has been parted, using a small piece of muslin over the tip of the finger, is best. Hot and cold applications are good, with or without shampoo, especially if the hair is falling. Remember that the hair should not be "hot-air" dried. The hot-air cone used for the purpose in hairdressing establishments destroys the hair. Human hair should always be dried by hand.

    Scalp massage makes the hair grow and prevents many hair troubles. A five-minute finger-tip mas- sage, night and morning, is the one ounce of prevention worth a pound of cure. The electrical massage by a professional (after a shampoo), the violet ray, and the rubber-disk vibrator are all excellent for the hair. They strengthen and stimulate.

    HAIR TONICS

    Massage is the first and best hair tonic. Though a good scalp lotion may stimulate circulation, massage always does so more directly. In general it will be wise to remember that tonics are meant for specific purposes of cure for hair disorders, rather than for common use. A little refined beef marrow rubbed gently into the hair roots is a good natural tonic (though an old-fashioned one) and together with plenty of fresh air and sunshine, does more for the hair than all the compounded tonics and "restorers" marketed. Every woman can keep her hair in good condition if she chooses to. If she cannot give it attention in the morning she shoulcf do so at night.

    HAIR TROUBLES

    Most hair troubles could be prevented in the start by ordinary good care of the hair, and the maintenance of the state of general good health. Of course, various diseases affect the hair: fever dries it out and makes it fall; syphilis and other sex diseases poison and destroy it. Some skin diseases have the same effect. In general, if you are healthy, broadly speaking, your hair will be healthy too.

    Dandruff—What we have to deal with in dandruff is a horny layer cast off by the scalp. This layer thickens, closes the pores, diminishes the hair’s oil supply, and prevents the perspiration glands from getting rid of waste. Soon the hair loses tone and color, and is covered with whitish powder. Then it starts to itch and fall. In an advanced state of the disease, the hair falls out, and blood crusts form on the scalp as a result of scratching. Digestive disorders, toxic elements in the blood or local irritation may cause dandruff, and it is communicable.

    Daily care of the scalp, massage and brushing, if persisted in when the disorder first appears, are very beneficial. The crude oil massage of the scalp, not the hair, is excellent and often effects a cure. A massage every night, using vaseline or olive oil, together with repeated shampoos, also helps to do away with dandruff. Although pomades in general should be avoided, a pomade with a precipitated sulphur base, mixed with glycerine, rose-water, lanoline, and soap, or a sulphur ointment or cream kills the dandruff germ.

    There is an "oily dandruff," also, though the disease is most commonly a dry scalp one. Shampoo with tincture of Green soap should cure this type of the disease in about a week’s time. If you have dandruff, observe a regular diet, and stick as much as possible to milk and fresh fruit.

    Falling Hair.—An acid condition of the blood encourages the hair to fall. Correct it and you will have removed the cause of your complaint. The use of the violet ray and the vibrator, which hold down the tendency to an oily scalp, is also valuable for hair treatment in this connection. So, too, are hot and cold applications.

    HAIR DISEASES WHICH SHOULD NOT OCCUR

    Favus, the development of yellow scalp crusts, accompanied by severe itching, bald spots and a musty odor, is a dirt disease, hence inexcusable in a woman, unless as a result of infection. To remove it the scalp must be soaked in olive oil for a few days, carbolic acid being mixed with it in a weak solution, the hair pulled out of the most infected areas, the crusts removed, and the whole scalp shampooed with an antiseptic soap.

    Ringworm is usually a gift of those evil things, the "common property" comb and brush, or the patent hair clipper. Rubbing with sulphur ointment, washing with bichloride soap, or painting with iodine, to precede the application of a cleansing ointment, is the treatment. It is dangerous since it may result in baldness.

    Head lice (which may be cured by saturating the hair with kerosene or crude petroleum at night, wrapping in a towel to retain fumes, and following by antiseptic soap shampoo) is a most disgusting trouble, and unless communicated cannot occur except as a result of neglect and uncleanliness. The possibility of contagion constitutes the menace of all three of these diseases.

    Michael Fortomas is a teacher of Biology and his Free Guide "151 Beauty Tips" is a look at specific tips, old and new, to help women meet the current perception of our societal definition of beauty.

    Visit http://1source-body-health.com/beautysecrets.html

    Posted on May 31st, 2007

    Have you ever had this happen - You decide to do something different and exciting for your lover, like completely shaving your pubic area, but end up with red blotches and so sore you don’t even want your lover to see or touch you? What a drag.

    The thought was a good one - really - You just made the same mistake most people make, thinking you could use just anything for shaving the pubic area.

    The pubic area is quite different and certainly more sensitive than other parts of the body you might already be shaving. For those of you who know, the closest comparison would be with shaving under your arms.

    Whether you’re a male or female, if you try shaving your pubic area with the same device you use for shaving your face, under arms or legs, it’s most likely that you’re going to irritate the pubic area skin.

    Tell the truth - You were shaving with a wet razor weren’t you? Or was it your favorite triple-headed shaver you usually use for shaving your face?

    Whichever it was, it didn’t give you the results you had been hoping for.

    This doesn’t mean you should give up the idea of shaving your pubic area, just that you need to find out about better shaving tools for this area.

    Just like thousands of others who already have.

    What? You think you’re the first to want to have a hairless pubic mound? You might be surprised … Just mention your shaving experience to one or two of your closest friends and see what happens. They may be thrilled to finally be able to talk to someone about their own experiences.

    And know this - Learning how shaving is best done in the pubic area is also important to achieving that silky, smooth look and feel you’re wanting.

    Your friends may be able to enlighten you to pubic shaving tricks and tips they’ve learned along the way.

    Just remember that every body is different and/so what works for them might not be best for you. But at least you may hear some things to think about as you continue to explore shaving your pubic area.

    Allow your pubic hair to grow back in some, which will allow your skin to settle down, before attempting shaving again.

    But do try again - Those who are shaving their pubic area, and those who are benefiting from it say it’s amazing how much it adds to intimate interactions.

    All you need to do now is your own research to find out about the shaving tools designed for safely shaving the pubic area.

    Bodworx International presents articles, tips, tricks and resources for hair removal from the entire body at their personal shaver website. Visit them at http://www.hair-removal-shaver.com for more information.

    Posted on May 14th, 2007

    The number one thing that you can do to guarantee that you always receive the best hair cuts, latest professional techniques and stellar service is to choose the right hair salon. Granted, that is easier said than done. With hair salons on practically every street corner, narrowing down your options to find the right hair salon can be confusing.

    Getting a referral to a hair salon by family and friends could be a good way to begin your search. But do not stop there. As you may already know, no two hair stylists take the same artistic approach to their work. That means that a particular stylist or hair salon may do a fantastic job on your Cousin Suzie’s long layers and still not be quite able to pull off your short textured crop. That does not mean that your cousin’s hair salon is inferior in any way. It just means that you need to find a hair salon that is more suited to your particular style and needs.

    The easiest way to find a hair salon suited to your needs is to ask people with hair styles similar to what you want for a referral to their hair salon. These may be people you know or complete strangers that you see while you are out shopping. Do not be shy. If you see a cute style that you have been unsuccessfully trying to achieve, ask the person which hair salon they go to. You may never get a chance to do so again.

    Another thing that you can do to make sure that you choose the right hair salon is to schedule a consultation. A consultation allows you to "feel out" a hair salon before making a commitment to a stylist that you may regret. During a consultation, you can observe the different techniques that the staff at the hair salon is using and how they interact with their customers. A consultation also gives you the chance to vocalize what you want and receive feedback from a professional, all before the first snip is made. Most hair salons also have a portfolio that you can look through of before and after pictures, which can give you a sense of what kind of work do.

    During your search for the right hair salon, there are some red flags that can be easily detected that can warn you of impending disaster if you choose a particular hair salon. Here are just a few:

    * Dirt and grime. A clean hair salon is mandated by the state, but some salons still tend to push the envelope where cleanliness is concerned. Look for sanitary procedures such as the use of clean combs and brushes, sanitary neck strips and a clean work station. If a hair salon feels dirty, do not frequent it. Look at it this way, if the stylists of a particular salon do not take enough pride in their hair salon to keep it clean, why would they take pride in the work they put out the door?

    * Professionalism. The hair salon is a professional place, and you should feel like you have stepped into a den of luxury not one more suited to the Saturday nightlife. Again, it’s all about pride. Professionals who take pride in their work will strive to create the right atmosphere for their customers.

    * Communication. Communication is vital in a hair salon. Observe how the stylists interact with their customers. That is how they will interact with you.

    In the end, it may take a little trial and error to find the right hair salon, but you can make your search easier by following the above advice. Always keep in mind, though, that choosing the wrong hair salon is not a death sentence. Simply brush yourself off and keep looking.

    Michael Barrows’ website gives great advice for good hair. Get your free ebook packed with hair style and hair care tips and advice, visit the great hair styles website.

    Posted on May 8th, 2007

    Hair color correction is a big money maker in salons nationwide. The reason: over-the-counter hair coloring products have given consumers the impression that hair color is easy and extremely affordable. One look at a professionally-colored model on a commercial or glossy magazine page, and many people clamor to the closest drug store to purchase a $5 box of color with the hopes of receiving a $50 salon look.

    The results are often disastrous, and it can take hundreds of dollars to correct a hair color problem that could have been prevented with just a tiny bit of knowledge and planning.

    The most common problem seen with hair coloring at home and in salons is choosing a hair color that is too light for the natural shade of hair. Realistically, color can only lighten hair beautifully by a few shades. If you go any lighter than a few shades, you need to choose a high-lift product such as bleach or a professional highlighting system. Failure to do this often results in hair color that is much too brassy or even orange.

    Word to the wise: high-lift hair coloring should only be performed by professionals. The controlled chemicals used in the process, if used incorrectly, can result in irreparable damage and/or chemical burns on the scalp and skin.

    Another hair color mistake that is seen quite often is choosing a color that is too dark. Extremely dark hair color can be the most challenging to correct because dark color can actually stain the cortex (inner layer) of the hair, making it almost impossible to lighten. Again, avoid choosing hair colors that are more than a few shades darker than your own to prevent a costly cortex stain.

    When it comes to choosing the right shade of hair color to use, pick tones and shades that flatter your skin tone. Choose warm shade of hair color (reds and warm browns) if you look best in warm-colored clothing such as reds, pinks and oranges. Choose a cool shade (beige, pale blonde highlights and neutral colors) if you look best in blues and greens.

    As you can see, just a little bid of planning and knowledge can save you from costly hair coloring disasters. And by making an informed decision before you purchase hair color, you will not only save money, you will also save your hair from needless damage.

    Hair color is a chemical, and every time you chemically process your hair, you damage it to some extent. The damage can be minimal, as is usually the case with high-end professional hair coloring systems, or can be extreme. And each time you use hair color to correct a problem, you are damaging your hair even more.

    Here are just a few tell-tale signs that your hair has been over processed with hair color and other chemicals.

    " The hair is limp and dull, and no amount of styling can bring back its luster and bounce. " The hair color has faded dramatically, and you are left with brassy and banded hair color. (Banded hair color is evident by the sudden change of hair color along the hair shaft. For example: the hair may be dark until about 2" from the scalp where it turns a brassy orange.) " The hair is extremely dry and brittle. When it is wet, it is almost impossible to comb it without causing breakage.

    You can avoid damage to your hair caused by hair coloring by taking the same precautions recommended for choosing the right hair color. Choosing the right hair color reduces the amount of color applications, therefore, reducing the chances of your hair becoming over processed.

    Michael Barrows’ website gives great advice for good hair. Get your free ebook packed with hair style and hair care tips and advice, visit the great hair styles website

    Posted on Apr 26th, 2007

    Conditioners helps you manage things well, especially your hair.

    Conditioner is a substance that makes things easily manageable. Bread dough’s for example, conditioners make it easy to manage bread dough, which is otherwise hard without it.

    The best use for conditioners, on the other hand, is for the hair. Hair conditioners are heaven sent for people with frizzy and dry hair. It helps make hair easily manageable and easy to style. It also lessens the pain of detangling the dry hair when frizzyness attacks.

    Conditioning the hair also eliminates the problem when it becomes nest-like after shampoo.

    Here are a few tips on how to use hair conditioners to the fullest.

    First, is clean your hair with shampoo. In shampooing, avoid bring up your hair and rubbing it with the shampoo. It will tangle all the ends and it will be hard to fix it after washing.

    Shampoo needs to clean your scalp where dirt may build up that may cause dandruff.

    Use your fingertips to clean your scalp with shampoo working the lather down to the tips from the roots. Do not rub the hair strands together to avoid damaging your hair.

    Rinse well to wash the shampoo completely.

    Secondly, apply a rich, moisturizing conditioner to the hair with more concentration on the tips.

    Please note that when you shampoo, you concentrate on your scalp, but when you condition your hair, you concentrate on the tips.

    Comb your hair with the conditioner still on it, and use a wide-toothed comb.

    Remember, shampooing is to clean the scalp, conditioning is to treat your hair with protective shield to keep it moist and protected from dryness that harms the hair.

    Rinse well after about a minute. If your hair is extremely dry, you may

    James Monahan is a leading authority on hair care. He has written many articles and newsletters. For more information to go http://www.AllConditioner.com.

    Posted on Apr 18th, 2007

    I am sure you have wondered what the truth is about the prices of wigs made from European human hair. From shop to shop you will find a huge variation in prices, anywhere from 300 USD to as high as 10.000 USD (!). So let me take you through each step of the process of producing high quality handmade wigs, and show the real costs.

    Firstly, take the acquisition of hair. The cost of hair for one wig (0,2 – 0,4 kg) varies from 30 to 40 USD throughout most Eastern European countries. There is little variation there, but an important additional cost is incurred by high-quality wig-makers who collect hair in an appropriate and well-controlled way. The best wig-makers visit hairdressers and care for the hair themselves, using no middleman. They do not buy hair from wholesalers because wholesalers blend hair, because it is so time-consuming to acquire really good hair.

    One simply has to find a girl among hairdresser’s clients that has beautiful, healthy hair and who wants it cut. The hairdresser can offer a free service to such a girl and actually pay her for her hair - and clearly both sides benefit from such a transaction. But this shows that, by its very nature, acquisition of good-quality hair cannot be a simple large-scale automatic process. That explains why outside of Eastern Europe the price of acquiring good quality hair is skyrocketing - not because the hair in itself is expensive, but because of its rarity. It is difficult to imagine a large-scale cheap process of acquiring high quality human hair in European countries.

    Second, take the other materials used in making wigs. These are not expensive and their costs do not exceed 50 USD for a typical wig. These are the materials used to produce a cap. More and more wig-makers are now buying ready-made caps, so called "monofilament", which are gaining popularity and their cost is not very high.

    Third, take the labor involved in making high quality handmade wigs. This is the main cost factor. Handmade wig needs at least a week to be produced by an experienced expert worker. It takes a week of hard work, with each hair being knitted to the cap with a very small crochet-needle or glued with a special glue. In the case of long hair, the production time could be two to three weeks. Reliable wig-makers knit hair with a double-knot which makes the construction much more durable but needs some extra work-time. Depending on the type of wig, length of hair and type of cap the cost of labor is from 150 to 300 USD.

    Finally, you cannot forget other typical business costs like investment’s amortization, management costs, taxes, insurances, rent, and profit. Altogether, the price of a handmade human hair wig made from European hair cannot be lower than 500-600 USD even for the shortest hair. There is no upper limit and it only depends on how much a customer is willing to pay, but before you pay 1000 USD or more for your wig remember the real costs of its creation.

    And now for a real mystery. Why are European human hair wigs not made in China where labor costs are much lower than in Poland, Russia, or the Czech Republic? The main reason is no good quality European human hair available in large enough quantities to make profitable large-scale production in China possible. This is because wig-makers in Eastern European countries are buying all of the available hair for their own production. Surprising? — but that is how it is. And that is why most of wigs produced in China are made of Asian hair or blended hair widely available on a wholesale market.

    Franek Migaszewski is co-founder and manager of Wiggywigs.com site, the first wig vendor from Eastern Europe selling human hair wigs directly to the western markets on the Internet.

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