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

Head Space: Advice on alternative hair fit for those on the larger side

Almost everyone knows that there are such a thing as petite sizes, but what can you do when you have measurements that are larger than most brand's averages?  This week I will give you some helpful tips to try.
Fit and comfort in your alternative hair unit should be just as important as how something looks.  Sometimes women aren't aware that they could use a roomier size or that one even exists.  With most average heads of women estimated at 21.5 to 22.5 inches. there are many women that measure 22.5 to 24.5.  Not only that I have had some women have an average circumference measurement yet the fit isn't great.
 
Thanks for listening to the podcast! Until next time:  Peace, Love and Alternative Hair!!
 
xxDebraxxo

Overwhelmed with topper choices? Is a topper right for you? Here's my three things to consider

Toppers are usually the first options women consider with alternative hair.  There's so many choices out there and videos and ads make it look so easy. The latest online statistics on topper returns quoted by Jon Renau in an email this week stated the return rate of toppers purchased online is a whopping 50%! I would bet that 50% is an underestimate simply because I have clients that come into my shop for help making a topper purchased elsewhere look natural when it was not the best topper for their situation.  This week I will break it down for you as simply as I can on the three main things to consider when shopping for a topper.
Also, attention fellow true crime fans!  At the end of this episode, I am going to make a recommendation for my latest binge listen in a case that is ongoing right now!
Until next time, thank you for listening!
Peace, Love, and Alternative Hair,
Debra
 

Help! My favorite alternative hair got discontinued! What can I do?

As you probably already know, styles and colors get discontinued from time to time.  Sometimes, without a lot of notice.  But not to worry, I am going to give you my best advice as to how to navigate the changes with confidence.  Then when the compliments start rolling in about your new style or color, you'll be right at home in the new look.
Until next time,
Peace, Love, and Alternative Hair
Deb
 
Find me at   www.debraheim.com
or at:   www.verybestlittlehairhouse.com 
Find Nikki on Facebook at Nouveau Hair and Wigs page and www.nouveau.hair 

Going to a wig shop in person? Here's my best advice for avoiding these 3 big mistakes!

Hey everyone!  Happy June to you!  
This week I am back with an episode that was inspired by the client who came to the shop today, and who left with gorgeous results that she did not expect (as I always say time and time again),   We discussed alternative hair journeys and what she experienced at other wig shops as well as what she's tried along the way to my shop.  There are many many things I could discuss that you'd want to look out for, but today I discuss three biggies.
Keep watching for the next series of episodes here, I plan to do an audio version of my book "Too Much Hair" one chapter a week.  
Thanks for listening this week and thank you for every single episode you've listened to along the way!  Drop me a line on socials and let me know if you have any thoughts.  Till next time...;.
Peace, Love and Alternative Hair,
Debra
 
www.debraheim.com
www.verybestlittlehairhouse.com

Have you tried a super inexpensive wig lately? I did and here's my thoughts!

Long story short, I was pleasantly surprised by quality of the haul of wigs I purchased each for 12 USD or less!  I think the least expensive one was 6 USD.  I tried many colors, shoulder length or longer, hats with hair attached and one with detachable hair!  I will post a few of the pictures in the Wise Wig Advice and Support group on Facebook.  This is not a sponsored review.
Other than size variations and a few construction differences in them they were much better looking than I expected.  So if you've been on the fence, I say at that price you should give it a go!As always.....Peace, Love and Alternative Hair
Debra Heim
www.debraheim.com

Part Two of "Why is shopping retail more expensive? Why aren't there more wig shops?" series!

Hey there!  Part Two I start to explain a little more about the pricing structure and how they are suggested from the manufacturer of the alternative hair for retail and internet suggested pricing plus what to reasonably expect from an authorized dealer.
 
Thanks for listening!Peace, Love and Alternative Hair,
Debra Heim

Why is shopping retail more expensive than an internet outlet? First in a four part series of the pros and cons of each!!

Hey there! This is the first in a multi part series where I am going to talk about alternative hair shopping in a boutique or salon versus internet.  There is a price difference but there is also a RESULTS difference from going to a qualified alternative hair consultant or a hairdresser educated and up to date in alternative hair versus doing it yourself. 
This episode, I tell you about my qualifications and certifications so that you can see for yourself the education and service I personally provide to a client.   The results you'll get from coming to my shop or any shop like mine just by the guidance, trying caps, styles and colors on in person, can save you money, not to mention trial and error. I explain some of the behind the scenes factors that go into making a wig purchased in a retail setting vs internet site initially more expensive.
 
I try and keep these episodes less than 15 minutes, so this is going to be a series explaining everything I feel you should know so that you can understand what I wish someone would have told me early in my alt hair journey!
 
Thank you from the 💖 for listening, as always...
 
Peace, love and alternative hair!Debra H.

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