Alternative Hair Alchemist - A podcast about everything wigs, toppers and alternative hair!

Feeling guilty about spending on your alternative hair? Three reasons why you shouldn't!

One thing I see in common with all women, no matter how much money they earn, there is the tendency to feel guilty about what they spend on their hair.  Here's the reasons why you should allow yourself to feel good and how to reframe your thinking about it.
Peace, Love and Alternative Hair,
Debra Heim

Shopping pre-owned synthetics--four things you want to check that don't show in the photos!

There's so many places to get a good deal on alternative hair that someone else purchased that didn't work for them.....if you know what to check for!  First and foremost you want to trust the seller, do your due diligence on that.  But here are a few questions you might want to ask because things like care products or perfumes used by the person selling can scent the hair.   These questions are just a start as to what to ask the seller. When you find a group where trusted sellers buy, sell, and trade you will learn so much more.  
Upcoming episode:  I'm going to give you my review of some super inexpensive wigs and hat/hair type wigs from different sites.  Also, how to handle vulnerable moments when you are an alternative hair wearer.  If you have any other episode suggestions, just send them on it!
Peace, Love and Alternative Hair,
Debra Heim
debra@debraheim.com

What will it take to end the stigma for alternative hair wearers? These two things need to stop!

Back in 2017, practically nobody was using the term "alternative hair' for wigs and toppers. I deliberately chose that term to help change the perception of "wig" to become more acceptable.  Words have power, and it worked to an extent!  But, I got tired of explaining the term as I meant it:  alternative hair is just that....an ALTERNATIVE to hair you grew yourself.  Wigs have long been the source of jokes and just the word 'wig' can cause fear in some, but not so much anymore.  We have come a long way towards acceptance of self and acceptance of "helper hair" but there are two things that need to stop pronto!  And those are:  making jokes or telling stories about wigs looking bad or flying off, and wearing wigs that are obviously not right for the person.  But don't get me wrong everyone has to start somewhere with alternative hair, you get better at it and learn more about what works for YOU along the journey.  But lets face it, there are some wigs that are so obvious they cause someone to feel fearful about how they will be percieved.
Remember, wearing alternative hair doesn't mean anything about you! It's not superficial to want to look great, nor is it dishonest or inauthentic to wear alternative hair.  It's about confidence!
Much love to all my alt hair family that listen to this podcast and thank you!
 
Peace, Love, and Alternative Hair,
Debra

What to realistically expect out of your alternative hair and four steps to remember if disappointment happens!

There's a lot of different variables in your choices of wigs and toppers out there to consider when choosing your next wig or topper. You want a certain style, but maybe it parts on the opposite side.  You want a certain color, but there isn't your favorite color choice in that style. It usually happens like this:  you have this picture in your head of how you want your hair to look and when you get your new choice in, when it doesn't match the picture you had in your head, disappointment can happen.  So, prioritizing what is most important to you is a big key in choosing hair that works best for you. The main three things in a wig that you may have to choose between is color, style, and fit.  This week I discuss how to approach choosing and if something unexpected comes up and you feel disappointed, four things to keep in mind and consider.
Peace love and alternative hair,
Debra
Find me at www.debraheim.com
www.verybestlittlehairhouse.com 
Wise Wig Advice and Support Group on Facebook
 

How long does a wig last? Find out the four factors to consider to extend the life of your alternative hair!

One of the most common questions I get is "how long does a wig (topper) last?".  That's such an individual thing to answer😊 To me, there are four factors to consider that will help you understand how to estimate how long you will get from any wig.  Also, the fifth factor to consider when estimating the life span of your alternative hair is experience wearing and caring for it.  The more you wear it, the more you become aware of the wear and tear as you go and know what will and won't work for you.
As always, enjoy your alternative hair!
Peace, love and alternative hair,
Debra Heim
www.debraheim.com
www.verybestlittlehairhouse.com

Grief and hair loss? The three mindset shifts you'll want to make to get past that!

It's true, there is a grief associated with lots of things, and hair loss is one of those. In coming to terms with hair loss or an alopecia diagnosis ( or ANY diagnosis for that matter), you can expect to go through phases of anger, denial, bargaining, depression and acceptance in no particular order.  So the healthy thing to do is to acknowledge your feelings and surround yourself with supportive people.  And the good news is, how long you stay in the grieving process is up to you entirely.  Listen and find out the three mindset shifts you need to make to start on the road to self acceptance.
As always....
Peace, Love and Alternative Hair ✌💘🌟
Debra Heim
The Alternative Hair Alchemist

Do you second guess yourself? Find out what is behind it and listen for tips on how to keep that to a minimum!

One of the things I see often is someone having a difficult time making a decision between two favorites.  Find out why second guessing happens and why you ultimately can't make a wrong decision.  First of all, you learn from each time you try.  Second, no choice is permanent, there will always be another style for you.
Remember, it's a journey to finding what works for you.  It's a process that includes trial and error and be kind to yourself.  My best tip when deciding between two colors and styles?  Get both!Peace, Love, and Alternative Hair ✌
Debra Heim

What if someone doesn’t like your new look? Three reasons why someone may have a less than favorable reaction and what to say!

Change is not easy for everyone.  Ideally we all want everyone to absolutely love our new look and the truth is, someone may say something that hurts your feelings.  Sometimes boyfriends, family, friends and the people closest to you will need some time as well to get used to the change and might say "I don't know' or "it looks different" and take it from me, that doesn't mean you are choosing the wrong style or color.  This week I give you some behind the scenes situations where someone says something about it and what to say back.
Remember, the most important person that should like your new look is YOU. No alternative hair is a permanent decision and you are so much more than just your hair.  If your hair makes YOU feel great, that's all that matters!
Peace, Love, and Alternative Hair
Debra Heim

Wait! I’m not ready! When alopecia is going on with a family member, here’s how the fears will show up.

Hello!
This week's episode is based on fear a loved one may have with taking action on their own hair loss situation.
Every year around holiday time like it is here in the USA, I will get a flurry of calls from daughters of moms and moms of daughters that have hair loss wanting to make an appointment for them.  I explain the fears running the show behind the situation and how I suggest dealing with them.  Even when someone is complaining about their hair loss, sometimes the wig or topper isn't the solution THE PERSON with the hair loss really wants themselves.  Sometimes, someone who is not truly ready will find a reason to dislike the most perfect wig or topper in the world.
Survival fear is hardwired into our brains.  Your brain will act the same way with fight or flight reaction when faced with a good change like a great new 'do, too.  Fear is a sneaky thing sometimes.  I talk about how sometimes it's more comfortable to stay in a familiar pattern such as complaining and not doing something about it, as crazy as it sounds.
Peace, Love and Alternative Hair

Thinking about or wishing for bangs? Check out clip on bangs and why wig colors can look different even in the same color!

One thing I wanted to discuss this week was that you can have two of the same wig in the same color and although overall the same, there will be individual differences piece to piece.  Also, did you know about clip on bangs? Milano, Jon Renau and HairDo all make versions.  You can try bangs without the committment!
 
Peace, Love, and Alternative Hair,
Debra Heim