Christmas Party Hair

November 28th, 2011

Unbelieveably it’s nearly Christmas again, with all the crazyness that entails. Buying presents, wrapping them, entertaining, cooking…. it can be relentless!

Fortunately there is one thing you won’t have to worry about if you are a wig wearer- and that is long styling sessions to get party perfect hair. Instead you can have the hair you want in a flash!

Here are our hot tips for a  glamorous season wearing wigs:

1. Now is the perfect time to try an updated style. Go for one a little longer or shorter than normal- or what about a  different colour. Just as you feel if you buy a new dress,  a new wig style can really give you a confidence boost!!

2. Make sure your wig is clean and ready to wear for any nights out.  A little conditioner and a wash can work wonders.

3. Why not spritz your favourite perfume through the ends of the wig so you ‘waft’ fragrance wherever you walk.

4. This is very  important tip, especially at Christmas when you are most likely to be baking. Be extra careful when taking anything hot out of the oven, a blast of very hot air can be quite damaging to wig fibres, causing them to curl or distort.  Stand to the side when opening the oven door and be careful!

Show Stopper by Raquel Welch

Get the compliments you deserve. OR when should I replace my wig?

October 5th, 2011

How do you know when it’s time to replace your wig? Is it when you stop receiving compliments? Or are there other tell tale signs?

All our wigs are made from the very finest quality materials however even so, they will with time need to be replaced. Generally if you wear a wig everyday, it should be replaced every 3 months to retain that fresh look that you love. If you are an occasional wig wearer, or if you have a wardrobe of wig styles that you wear on a rotational basis you amy get six months or more of wear out of your wig.

If you care properly for your wig with the right products this will extend the life of your wig. Our specially formulated wig care products are designed to clean and condition your wig so that it looks fresh for longer.

If you are unsure whether you wig needs to be replaced, here are some tell tale signs that it is time.

  • The colour looks dull
  • The hair has become frizzy
  • The wig has lost its lustre
  • It no longer feels secure or comfortable

Top of the Crops

August 15th, 2011

This season has seen cropped hair styles go from strength to strength. Helen Mirren is one of our favourite wearers of this enduring style, proving it can look elegant and glamorous no matter what your age. We love her delicate blonde coloured locks tipped with silver.

Helen Mirren's Perfect Crop

A key element in a modern crop is to keep the layers feathered and the texture soft and not too voluminous. Why not try out this gorgeous style with one of our cropped wigs? Our favourite is the Enchant by Raqel Welch- another woman who knows a thing or two about glamour!

Wig styles…The Flip

April 6th, 2010
The Flip wig style

The Flip wig style

InStyle magazine calls the flip style on of the 10 most enduring styles that are always fashionable. And we agree! Whatever your need, Natural Image wigs are fashionable and current. It’s all about the layers and unstructured style. Try a few of our ladies fashion wig styles to get this look:

Maddie is a great example of a modern unstructured style!

Maddie wig by Natural Image

Maddie fashion wig by Natural Image

Our Leah wig is another great example of a ladies fashion wig where the layers really flip out and provide softness to the style.

Leah wig from Natural Image wigs

Leah wig from Natural Image wigs

Have a browse through our Medium fashion wigs section for more fun flippy wig styels.

‘My New Hair’ with Natural Image

March 17th, 2010

Natural Image is part of Trevor Sorbie's My New Hair
Natural Image is part of Trevor Sorbie’s My New Hair

We are getting involved with Trevor Sorbie MBE’s government funded charity MY NEW HAIR – a charity that provides public advice and support, through a national network of independent salons and professionals, to provide a wig styling service for people suffering from cancer and medical hair loss. We have pledged our commitment to the charity which benefits our wig clients who receive a customized, caring and respectful wig service. A number of Natural Image staff wig consultants have already attended the training seminar which has enabled us to become accredited by the charity and its goals. Within the next few months all of our wig salons will have completed the program.

At Natural Image wigs, we pride ourselves on our service to women who require wigs. Our empathetic, trained team advises you every step of the way. Our shops offer private fitting, personalized service and cut/custom styling as required. Although we’ve always provided a free wig fitting and customising service in our wig salons, it’s fantastic that Trevor Sorbie has given the topic of wig wearing the attention it deserves with his charity. We too think that every woman should be able to find the exact style that she’s looking for.

CLICK HERE: Please see our list of retail wig salons for a location nearest you.

About wigs and headwear for hair loss

February 26th, 2010
Natural Image Virgo Wig

Natural Image Virgo Wig

Many people with hair loss often caused by alopecia or cancer chemotherapy prefer to wear a wig. In recent years, wigs have improved greatly and it is no longer painfully obvious that someone is wearing one. Natural Image has an excellent selection of ladies wigs for all occasions.

Wigs

In the UK, the National Health Service (NHS) will supply a wig if a consultant or doctor considers it necessary. These are free of charge for hospital inpatients, for under 16s, for 16–18 year olds in full–time education and for those receiving income support or family credit. People on low incomes may get some help towards the prescription cost. Our Natural Image shops are NHS recognised and happy to help with the process.
Acrylic wigs are light weight and look extremely natural. They can be washed (but do not use a hairdryer the heat can make them frizzle or melt). They are pre-styled, so their hairstyle stays in shape after washing. This is very helpful if you’re very tired from medical treatments. It does not matter if an acrylic wig is worn in the rain and they’ll never lose thei r shape. Because Natural Image  stocks many sizes and styles, acrylic wigs can be obtained quickly. They should be replaced every 6–9 months. Most people have two: one to wear and one to wash. For totally bald heads, we stock special adhesive tape to stop the wig slipping, and some women also use them for extra security.
Real human hair wigs. Some people still prefer a real–hair wig, and these cost much more than acrylics each even when obtained through the National Health Service in the UK. However, they can last a long time.  They must be protected from rain as they’ll go frizzy or lose thier shape just like a natural hairstyle. They take a little more work than an acrylic wig, because they have to be styled and set like real hair and you should buy a proper wig head for styling it. Due to the price of human hair wigs, we don’t sell them online as they truly need to styled and customsed. Our Natural Image retailers will sell human hair wigs in the shops and can help fit and style the wigs as well as help with any NHS wig prescrptions.
Buying and living with a wig. A few tips about wigs.
  • If you decide to buy your wig in person from our  shops, we’ll provide you a private fitting room.
  • If you buy online, you can try on your wigs in the privacy of your home.
  • You will probably feel you look very odd (even though you won’t) in the first few wigs you try on – partly because you have not seen yourself with hair for a while. Wear the wig around the house for a while to get used to it.
  • Try a style similar to your own so it’s easier to get used to. Persevere until you find one you like.
  • Each time, make sure you put the wig on properly – it is quite easy to put a wig on backwards. (The tapes to adjust the size will be at the back.)
  • At home, do not leave your wigs lying around. Use a wig stand to preserve the shape of the wig.
  • If you feel happier going to bed in your wig, do so.
  • Remember that at a party you will not be the only one wearing something false. What about false nails, bosoms and teeth?

    Natural Image Velveteen Turban

Headwear

Natural Image Velveteen Turban

You don’t have to wear a wig all the time and you might find that it’s easier to wear a scarf or turban around the house. At Natural Image, we sell many alternatives to wearing a wig. We have all types of headwear including turbans, scarves and hats with hair.

A message from Raquel Welch

January 19th, 2010
Raquel Welch wig collection

Raquel Welch wig collection

Most of the time when you look in the mirror…it’s all about your hair! Right? When my hair looks good, everything is right with the world. I think you know the feeling, but it doesn’t happen often enough…so besides the times I wear wigs for filming or red carpet appearances, I have been wearing wigs in my personal life too…What a difference! Let’s face it when a woman feels good about her hair she radiates beauty and confidence.

Over the last eleven years since I started the Raquel Welch Wig Collection, I’ve witnessed enormous advances in technology that have allowed for countless improvements in the coloring, fibers, construction and wear-ability of our wig products…which means that they are lighter, more natural looking and more user friendly than ever before.

It is my aim to help you achieve whatever hair style you desire and to change your look and color on a whim…if you so choose. Women change their minds often, that’s how we keep ‘em guessing. So we should be able to change our hair at a moments notice. And it’s easy!

What fun to be alive when the new age in wig making is keeping up with our ipods and blackberries. It’s a whole new world for today’s woman and her hair. Join the fun and step into “the look” that you’ve always wanted…with one of my wigs. People will never know you are wearing one!

As always,

Raquel Welch wig collection

Understanding hair loss

November 26th, 2009
Styling your wig to suit you will bake a big difference!

Styling your wig to suit you will make a big difference and boost your confidence!

We understand when buying wigs online, you may have some questions and concerns.  Here’s our new brochure that will help you make some decisions online and feel better about wearing a wig.  Your confidence is our business!

Download our brochure here: Natural Image Brochure

Understanding hair loss

It’s natural to have concerns about the effect medical hair loss may have on the way you look and feel. None of us is taught how to deal with hair loss. There is little information on how to deal with the loss of self esteem related to the fear and emotional effects that follow. We’re here to help. We understand that many women feel that when they lose their hair, they’ve lost a large part of who they are. We work with patients and help them through the difficult task of choosing wigs for hair loss  and how they want to look during treatment and recovery.

You have options

A wig can help you feel the most like yourself and is the preference when experiencing hair loss. You might also want to consider headwear such as scarves and wrap, turbans or hats with attached hair. Some women choose not to cover their head at all and wear their baldness with pride.

Whatever you want to do, consider ‘trying it on’ in the early stages of hair loss to adjust to it slowly. This way you can transition into a new look and your friends and family will also have time to get used to your new style.

Choosing a wig that’s right for you

With our range of colours and styles, we’ll have a wig that looks just how you want to look. And for extra confidence we can customize the style to suit you perfectly. Some time in the past, wigs gave a negative impression and patients had preconceptions that a wig would be obvious looking. It’s just not so! Modern synthetic fibres look so natural that no one will know you’re wearing a wig…unless you tell them. Consider length and style: Generally shorter ‘shake and go’ styles are easier to care for and longer styles require a little more maintenance. Consider a style that is similar to your own so it’s what you’re used to styling and a more subtle change. Also remember that during treatment you may experience tiredness and won’t want to fuss with your hair.

Choosing a colour: You might feel comfortable choosing a shade that matches your own. It doesn’t have to be identical. When in doubt go a shade lighter or warmer to brighten your features.

Consider your lifestyle: What does your typical day involve? Will you be wearing your wig everyday? Be sure to keep your typical daily or weekly activities in mind when you try different wigs.

Have fun! This just may be the opportunity to have the hair you always wanted. Try on as many styles as you like. Our customizing service will ensure you get the look you want.

Wig questions answered

October 10th, 2009

Louise has answered a few common questions on choosing and wearing a wig. If you have any questions…let us know and we’ll be happy to answer them.

Q Can synthetic hair be trimmed?

A Yes, our Natural Image shop consultants will personalise your wig to suit, or if you prefer, your own hairdresser can cut to style

Q Can I shampoo wigs and hairpieces?

A Yes. At Hot Hair & Natural Image we have a complete aftercare kit with full instructions on every piece.

Q Can I use straighteners, tongs, hairdryers etc?

A Yes, on human hairpieces it will be necessary for styling. No heat is required on synthetic fibre. Any heat at all will cause damage

Q Will my wig stay in place?

A Yes, absolutely, although for extra confidence initially, we have a special two sided hypo-allergenic tape which is skin friendly and easy to use.

Q Am I entitled to the NHS service?

A Currently you are entitled to a free acrylic wig if :

1) You are having treatment for alopecia or chemotherapy

2) You are claiming income support or disability allowance

3) You are under 16 or 16 to 19 and in full-time education

The Department of Health Form HC 11 can be informative. Not all NHS Trusts offer the same service or selection.  Our team of consultants will be happy to advise you on the Trust in your area.

C21 magazine article – choosing and wearing a wig

September 26th, 2009
Natrual Image Wigs in C21 magazine

Natrual Image Wigs in C21 magazine

Our very own Louise Pearson wrote an article for C21 magazine. It’s the UK’s first magazine dedicated to everything you need to know about living with and surviving cancer. She gives her top tips on how to choose the right wig and find the style that’s right for you:

Stepping out in Style

A wig or a hairpiece is every bit as important to our wardrobe as our undies or our jewellery. Our hair makes a huge difference to our confidence and self esteem. We think nothing of enhancing our looks with false nails, make up, eyelashes, tans, etc. The list is endless. But for now, let’s focus on the wig. As a survivor of cancer, I understand the fear related to this scary, all too common problem. I am eight years on now and I still wear wigs and hairpieces on a daily basis, not because I have to, but because I experienced the benefits and expelled the myths. I now choose to buy them and wear them as an accessory to my wardrobe. No–one ever knows …unless I tell them!

Most of us have no idea about its evolution.  Just hearing the word can create negativity. However, over the past few years the only thing that hasn’t changed is the name. Today the quality, style, variety, texture and colour range is incredible. The choice is endless.  There’s monofilament, hand tied on an ultra fine flesh tone mesh cap. Hand tied, lace front, is so light and cool to wear. Fully hand-knotted fibres on a fine soft lace base is very natural looking. And there are always classic styles, comfortable fit, fashionable colours and design. Trendy bobs, bouncy curls. Try a top piece for thinning hair which give versatility and confidence. There’s something  to suit everyone with a price range for all

So, where do you start?

First of all you have to decide whether you want a change, or just to look like you. The very best way to answer this question is by experimenting. When you first try a wig or hairpiece, give yourself some time. Don’t judge it in the first few moments. So often we put on a wig and instantly decide it’s not for us. But I promise that if you just take a few minutes to get used to the change of volume, colour or maybe style, you’ll get a better idea of what’s right for you.

Initially it’s sensible to go for a similar colour and style to your preferred image of yourself. If in doubt go a little shorter and a little lighter in colour. Try it in private first and go with your own instincts. Friends and family can be helpful, but only after you feel comfortable with how you look. Pick a few different images and then ask the opinion of others.

Human hair or synthetic?

That is a personal choice and price will vary considerably. But I have to say that with our latest technology and design the synthetic fibre will wash spray condition and with a little shake lock back into place, no hassle, no heat, no styling. It’s natural to feel, comfy and light to wear and breathable. Its manmade, that’s all. It doesn’t look or feel atificial. Human hair will need individual styling and attention on a regular basis and we all know that the wind and the rain can cause havoc! But it is your choice whether to wear synthetic or human hair.

What next?

No matter what you choose, we recommended that that you have your wig ready to wear before losing your hair, so everyone around you will be used to your new look beforehand. This will give you the chance to adjust slowly. Giving you back your hair can give you back lost confidence!