Education

Not All Wigs Are Created Equal

There are many wigs on the market today, some good, some bad and some just plain ugly. Unfortunately not all wigs were created equal and to an untrained eye may appear to be good quality when in actual fact after a couple of wears the cap is stretched out of shape and the fibre is fraying.

Let us help take the guess work out of choosing the right wig. Starkles Australia stock only the highest quality medical and fashion wigs and our professional team can give advice not only on products but wig care as well to help keep your wig looking its very best.

Remember the only wig you will ever notice is a bad wig…..

Choose a Wig That’s Right for You

Human Hair V Synthetic

The first decision you will need to make is whether you go for a wig made out of human hair or one made out of synthetic fibre.

Human Hair Wigs – Advantages

Natural look & feel
Style them as you like
Life expectancy of up to 24 months if cared for correctly
Can be exposed to heat without damaging
Can be coloured
Can be cut

Human Hair Wigs – Disadvantages

More than triple the price of synthetic wigs
Needs to be styled each time it is washed
Requires shampooing, conditioning and drying up to an hour
Requires straightening or curling depending on the style you want

Synthetic Hair Wigs – Advantages

Pre styled, no need for self-styling (retains shape even after washing)
Less expensive than human hair wigs
Low maintenance – Shake and go
Are colour fast and will not fade in the sun
Quick and easy
Will last 12-16 months if cared for correctly
Never have to spend money at the hairdressers again

Synthetic Hair Wigs – Disadvantages

Fibre gets damaged when exposed to heat e.g. can’t use a straightening iron or hair dryer etc.
You can’t change the style or colour

Wig Construction Guide

Machine Made Caps are the simplest cap type produced and therefore the least expensive. Hair wefts are attached to a pre constructed base and the hair is pre teased at the crown to give it lift and volume.

Monofilament Caps are made from an ultra-fine mesh fabric that blends with all skin tones. This fabric also allows for excellent ventilation and light to shine through. Individual hairs are hand tied to the thin material giving the appearance of a natural scalp. This cap construction allows for versatile styling as hair on the crown can be parted in numerous directions. Whether you are seeking exceptional comfort due to hair loss or scalp sensitivity, or incomparable stylishness to satisfy your inner fashionista, a monofilament wig will give you the look and feel you’ll love to wear.

Highly recommended for hair loss.

Lace Front Caps have a very thin, transparent mesh trim around the hairline of the wig and hairs are individually tied to it giving the appearance of hair growing from the scalp. The mesh generally runs from ear to ear and temple to temple. This type of cap construction can be delicate and should be treated with care.

Size – Most wig caps are made to a standard size, however there are petite and children’s sizes available for those with smaller heads. All wigs have adjustable straps to ensure the best fit.

Selecting Your Wig Colour

Buying a wig means you can choose whatever colour you like! You can go for the colour of hair that you used to have or even a colour you have never been able to achieve at the hairdressers. Choosing the right colour can be a little daunting, especially if purchasing online. Which is why we want to make the process a little easier:

Book a free phone consultation
Send us a snippet of your hair and we will colour match your chosen wig
Email us a photo of the colour you would like and our wig experts will assist you in selecting the closest colour
Colour wheels can be purchased. This is not the best option as they are expensive (up to $40 per wheel) and only act as a guide with small pieces of colour. If you find the above options not suitable and would like to order a colour wheel it is an option.

Wig Care

How to Wash a Synthetic Wig & Hairpiece

Care Instructions for Synthetic Wigs & Hairpieces

Always use a metal comb or brush
Spray wig/hairpiece with Shelley Jane sheen every 6-10 wears, very sparingly
Wigs may be worn approximately 25 times before washing
Hairspray will damage fibre. However a water based hairspray may be used sparingly. We recommend Cedel hairspray
Use recommended products to maintain and increase the life expectancy of your wig /hairpiece
Heat will damage synthetic fibre

Wash Procedure

Fill basin with cold water and add approximately 5mls of Shelley Jane shampoo
Soak wig / hairpiece approximately 10-20 minutes (do not rub or scrub).
Rinse gently
Refill basin with cold water and add 5mls of Shelley Jane conditioner
Soak wig / hairpiece approximately 10-20 minutes
Rinse gently
Blot out excess water with a towel, and then gently shake
Do not brush or comb fibre when wet

Drying Procedure

Place wig on a collapsible wig stand or lay flat on a towel to dry
Do not brush wet wigs/hairpieces. Wait until dry before brushing with metal brush

WARNING: Do not use hair dryers, curling irons or hot rollers on synthetic wigs & hairpieces. Avoid exposure to direct heat such as: ovens, BBQ grills and outdoor heat units as this will damage the fibre.

Storing Your Wig

Store wig on a collapsible wig stand – Ideal option as this will allow it to retain your natural head shape.
Store wig in a net in wig box
Store wig inside out in wig box

Wig Style Adviser

How to choose a wig that compliments your face shape.

Different style wigs will suit different face shapes. To help assist you in selecting the best wig that’s right for you first determine your face shape below.

Oval Face Shape

Description: Your forehead, cheekbones, jawline & chin are proportional and balanced. The length of your face is longer than the width.
Best selections: Because everything’s so balanced the oval shaped face tends to look good in almost any style.
Avoid: Best to avoid styles with heavy fringes as this will add weight to your face.

Round Face Shape

Description: A round face can be described as short and broad with rounded contours. The widest part of a round shaped face is at the cheeks and ears.
Best selections: Styles that add height to the top of the crown, but not at the ears are best suited to the round face shape. You can wear styles with layers and wispy directional fringes and wigs with an off centre part.
Avoid: Wig styles with hair longer than chin length, wigs with fullness at the sides of the ears and very short pixie styles.

Square Face Shape

Description: Your face shape has a broad forehead and cheekbones as well as a wide strong square jawline and equally square hairline. The square face shape is about as wide as it is long.
Best selections: Short to medium length styles that help to soften the angles of the face. Wigs with layers and wisps of hair around the face, off centre parts and height at the crown are all very flattering features for this particular face shape. Another suitable style is the layered bob that sits above or below the jawline.
Avoid: Wig styles that are long and straight, centre parts, straight fringe, straight bobs that sit on the jawline.

Diamond Face Shape

Description: Diamond shape faces have a narrow chin and forehead with wide cheekbones.
Best selections: Most styles will work with your balanced face shape. If you want a short style be sure to choose one that has weight in the nape area as this will balance the cheekbone and chin areas.
Avoid: Diamond face shapes can wear just about anything.

Heart Face Shape

Description: The heart shape face has a wide forehead, eye and cheekbone area along with a delicate pointed chin, reminiscent of an upside-down triangle.
Best selections: A chin length bob or a wig with longer, subtle layers are flattering on a heart shape face. Side pated styles, wigs with wispy fringes and shorter styles with weight at the back of the nape area are best suited.
Avoid: Wigs that emphasise the upper face. Short full styles with tapered necklines will give the appearance of more longer and narrow chin.

Pear Face Shape

Description: Your face shape is charactered by a narrow forehead with a wide chin and jawline.
Best selections: This face shape looks best with full layered styles that create width at the forehead and temples.
Avoid: Styles that are long and full, placing emphasis on the jawline.

Oblong Face Shape

Description: Oblong faces are narrow from the forehead through the cheekbones to the jaw line. Your face is longer than it is wide giving a slender appearance.
Best selections: Choose a wig that adds width and fullness at the sides. Wigs with any style fringe are flattering as well as shoulder length or shorter wigs with longer top layers. Wigs with side parts are also a good choice.
Avoid: Long styles, centre parts and wigs with too much height.