Lessons - #5 How to Set Realistic Expectations for your Hairstyle

Wednesday, February 20, 2008 6:25 PM

There are many different hair replacement companies in the world.  There are a few companies that have the capability to send you hair that you order online.  However, Hairdirect is the only company I am aware of that allows you the option of having your hair "cut to style" before it is even delivered to you!  You choose the haircut, order the hair and in a perfect world**, it arrives at your front door - ready to take out and wear!

**(You have read my posts about not expecting perfection - so remember, there is ALWAYS the chance of your order not being exactly right for you.  Fortunately, HD's guarantee gives you the assurance that they will get it right for you!)

Let's talk about how you choose your hairstyle.  Wow, have you visited the women's hairstyle gallery at HairDirect?  There are so many styles it makes my head hurt trying to choose just one! 

http://www.hairdirect.com/photos/hairstyle-gallery/women.aspx

One of the most frequent mistakes that women make while ordering their hair is the choice of hairstyle.  The hair gallery has lots of pictures of great hairstyles, any one of which would flatter almost any of us!  But....be careful!  You have to carefully consider more than just what the hairstyle picture looks like on the website. 

As an example, let's say that you have ALWAYS dreamt of a full head of long, flowing, bouncy, shiny hair.  So, you research the women's hairstyles and decide you want your hair to look like the style in this link:

http://www.hairdirect.com/photos/hairstyle-gallery/styles-women/HD069.asp

Well, here's the part where you need to set a realistic goal for your hair.  First of all, you need to understand the type of unit you want to order.  Is it a frontlace?  Is it a full cap or a partial?  What kind of hair do you already have to work with?
 

If you are ordering a full cap, you can have this look.  Here's why:

• the hair techs can determine the type of hair, the density and the length needed to match this picture
• the hair on the unit will cover your entire scalp so there isn't any blending needed

 Keep in mind that your new hair isn't a "WIG" or a "LACE FRONT WIG".  It will not hold this style on it's own like synthetic wigs do.  Although the cut will be great, you will have to use styling methods on your unit, just like you would if it were your very own hair.  This particular style probably uses very large rollers under a hot dryer, sprayed lightly and finger brushed to achieve the soft bouncy curls you see.  Your unit will not arrive fully styled and ready to wear - but it will be cut so that you can style it just like this!

That's the "easy" scenario.

Now, let's say that you only use a partial unit.  Your unit will cover the top of your head only.  The back of your natural hair and the sides are thin and you can't wait to put your new hair on!  Well, here's the catch!  This hairstyle needs the same density and length all over to work.  If you have a partial unit made to these specifications and then put it on over what you have naturally....well...then

Need I say more?  The hairstyle will not look like the one you chose, because you don't have a match with your natural hair.

So ladies (and gentlemen) I urge you to:

Be very diligent (and set realistic goals) when you choose your hairstyle!

Make certain that it matches what you already have to work with and will blend in great!

Make certain you have the energy (and the right tools) to style your hair to match your expectations!

Me?  I go for the simple stuff...a blowdryer and a curling iron. 

Now, if only I didn't have to keep covering up that VERY PREMATURE gray hair!  Tee hee...

Babe