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

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 

The real reasons your friends and family don’t like your wig or topper--it’s not what you think!

Hi everyone!This week I had the chance to observe a woman who was clearly jealous of someone else's alternative hair!   At the bottom of it (IMO) a resentment of the fact that someone else could have hair that looked as good as hers that wasn't "homegrown'. I give the details on this and also describe a few other reactions that friends and family have been less than nice about someone's alternative hair.  Usually, at the bottom of it all, it's more an issue of self esteem and basing your worth on a given feature about yourself.  But we are all so uniquely beautiful in our own way, the Universe has a perfect plan for each and every person coming into this world so celebrate what makes you YOU!.
It doesn't matter if you grew your hair or you bought it, it is YOURS and you should feel great about it!  Don't outsource your joy by listening to opinions that are trying to bring you down.  And if I can help you with any of that, let me know!Peace, Love, and Alternative Hair,
Debra Heim
 

Ever wonder why the wig looks so different on than it does in the picture? Here’s a few reasons!

After five years of helping over two thousand people in person, I can tell you a few of the reasons why the wig or hairpiece can look so different on your head.  Plus, my theories s why the wig always looks 'better' on someone else.  (Spoiler alert: it really doesn't, you just think it does).
Drop by www.debraheim.com and sign up for my email list and I will send you my 16 page PDF E-Book "10 Steps to Making Your Style Memorable" just for signing up!Peace, Love and Alternative Hair,
Debra xx

To shave or not to shave? Does a shaved head help wigs fit better? What else should I consider?

This week the pros and cons of shaving heads for wig wearing and some iconic examples of women characters with shaved heads is discussed.  The number one pro:  Confidence!
Peace, Love, and Alternative Hair,
Debra Heim

How stress affects hair and ten at home things you can do about it!

This week I discuss stress related hair loss (telegen effluvium) and how stress can affect hair growth in general.  As always, remember to consult your physician about your hair loss and regularly, but here are ten things you can do at home reported to help hair growth and strength.
Balanced diet, mindfulness/meditation, exercise and plenty of water are key though, no matter what you do! Oh, and a supportive listener can do wonders for you too!
Peace, Love, and Alternative Hair, 
Debra Heim