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

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

Is your wig or topper starting to show wear and tear ? Try these clever hacks!

It's a sad, sad day anytime your new wig or topper starts to show wear.  But, just like shoes, alternative hair will wear out with use.  I have come up with some pretty clever hair styles just based on trying to hide something on a wig that didn't look 100% fresh and here are some hacks for hiding the wear.
Thanks for listening....
Peace, Love and Alternative Hair,
Debra

Is your alternative hair wig or topper beginning to show it’s age? Try these clever wig hacks to hide wear and tear!

It's a sad, sad day anytime your new wig or topper starts to show wear.  But, just like shoes, alternative hair will wear out with use.  I have come up with some pretty clever hair styles just based on trying to hide something on a wig that didn't look 100% fresh and here are some hacks for hiding the wear.
Thanks for listening....
Peace, Love and Alternative Hair,
Debra

Can I wear wigs if I still have hair?

This week I would like to address something that I pick up on from women who call the shop that want to come in and see about natural looking alternative hair but feel that because they have their own hair, they might be not allowed to come to the shop.  It's something I never thought about until I noticed that many women seem to feel a sense of guilt/resistance/reluctance (or something?) about wanting to look and feel better in a luxury wig yet still have hair growing on their own head.  So lets' address the most common concerns once and for all.
1.)  Will it make my hair fall out?
No, wearing a wig that fits correctly won't make your hair fall out. In fact, when you take the pressure off of yourself because your own hair isn't growing fast enough to feel great about yourself, it can grow in a little faster.
2.)  It's not like I have cancer or anything, is it ok if I come in for an appointment?
Certainly! Repeat after me: It is safe for me to wear alternative hair to look and feel good.
3.)  Why is it more accepted in some circles to wear a wig but in others its not?
Because women themselves make it more of an issue than it has to be!  If we could all get past making it mean something bigger than what it is, something that helps confidence and self esteem it will be more accepted.
If you look great, it doesn't matter if you grew it or you bought it.
 
Until next time...peace, love and alternative hair!
Debra

Men’s alternative hair, what you need to know that may help you!

If we are going to talk alternative hair, we would be remiss to overlook men and their choices! Did you know that there are men's full wigs in addition to top pieces?  The selection of the styles in the heat friendly synthetic fiber has doubled in choice since I opened the shop!  The thing that may be of interest to you is that the men's cap on the average is quite roomier than the ladies.  Check your specs for specifics as far as size per style and colors available from brand to brand, and I will post links to some of the mens' choices in the Wise Wig Advice and Support Group on Facebook.  
 
Peace, Love and Alternative Hair,
Debra

When friends aren’t so friendly with their opinions on your hair....reply with these things to say!

When you are an empath (deeply sensitive, loyal, giving) some times 'friends' won't respect your boundaries.  Sometimes too, their opinion on whether you look good or not isn't entirely accurate.  Find out why this week as I discuss how insecurities can affect what someone says to you when you ask them for an opinion on your hair or clothes...plus be prepared ahead of time with these comeback replies for when you are at a loss for words because you are feeling disappointed that they didn't 'love' your new look.
psssssst.....wear it anyway, you look good!
Peace, Love and Alternative Hair!Debra

The wrong reasons to buy a wig or topper and tips on saying NO gracefully to high pressure tactics!

I see in my shop people coming in with something that doesn't work for them simply because they were embarrassed to say 'no' or the sales tactics unscrupulous. Often people buy things that they don't want just to avoid saying "no".  Here are some tips to spot manipulative sales tactics and a few responses to be prepared with to empower you to say "No" gracefully.
It's ok to say "No" and not to have to justify it.  But being prepared with some responses to have ready can help a lot!
Peace, Love, and Alternative Hair,
Debra Heim
 

Don’t get caught up in overthinking that wig or topper! 6 things I see that cause worry and how to deal with fearful thoughts!

In my five years of having the shop, I see firsthand how beautiful, intelligent women get caught up in these five areas with overthinking things that really don't matter in the long run.  As someone who wears alternative hair and an overthinking "worrier' myself but also a confidence coach, here's some tips on how to not overthink it and just wear that wig or topper knowing you look gorgeous!
If you want a free copy of my e-book "Too Much Hair: A Wig Shop Owner and Wearer's Guide to Wigs and Toppers just find it on Amazon on October 27 and 28, 2023 and get yourself a download for free during those two days!Until next time....Peace, Love, and Alternative Hair!Debra 

Is your information source reliable? Reviewing a do’s and don’ts list I found online!

This week, I found an online article that someone wrote with do's and don'ts for wig wearing.  I go over the article with my thoughts, and while everyone has different experiences and opinions and I respect that, I can tell from the article that this woman may not have had a wig on that fits her head correctly.  This is not by any means an insult! I have had women in my shop that have worn wigs that were way too big or small for their head and since they had nothing to compare it to, and were trying to figure it all out themselves. The information in this article written about the risk of wigs flying off and stretching in water and slipping out of place because of turtleneck tops is quite frankly, not accurate.  If your wig fits, there isn't any situation that you have to worry about it accidentally flying off I promise you!
Wear that alternative hair bravely and proudly!
 
Debra Heim
Peace, Love and Alternative Hair