I am 28 yrs old and I am required to wear a wig because I have alopecia areata. I am having the hardest time finding any wig that I will look great with my veil and tiara. I do not know what to get, where to find it etc etc. Any ideas please?

Donna, Wedding Queen, President; Top Wedding Sites, Inc

I would start by going to bridal salons in your area. The people who work there are usually pretty knowledgeable when it comes to their products. Also ask where you are currently purchasing your wigs for referrals and suggestions.

Rebecca Black, Etiquette By Rebecca

Great advice. Another thought also… When Kim Basinger made the movie, LA Confidential, she had to have her hair bleached. It damaged her hair so badly that it began to fall out in handfuls. Because she needed to be on the set with a full head of hair, the hair masters weaved new hair into the empty areas.

I’m not sure if this is an option for you, but it is worth asking about.

Best wishes,

lilerink

Thanks for the suggestion Rebecca, however weaving is not an option. I have sparse patches of hair. What I do have is more bald spots than hair [:P]. The largest problem I have had is finding someone to assist me in this difficult task in my city, Dallas, TX. Salons don’t generally want to mess with wigs since the hair does not grow back.

Rebecca Black, Etiquette By Rebecca

I am so sorry that you are having all of this trouble. Hopefully someone out in cyberland knows a great wig maker.

Take care,

Donna, Wedding Queen, President; Top Wedding Sites, Inc

So, what you are really looking for is a person to style your wig using the veil and tiara and you have asked at salons?

When my sister was getting chemo her salon washed and styled her wig for her. Have you asked around at the local salons?

lilerink

Thank you so much for the advice. I appreciate any suggestion anyone gives me. [:P]

Dawna Smith of Custom Photo Book

Perhaps you should “forget the wig” and go for something super classy and stylish….. a cloche hat. Women wore cloche hats throughout the twenties. A cloche hat told everyone that you had short hair. It was only possible to get a close fitting cloche on the skull if the hair was cropped short and flat. They are so classy and beautiful, available in all colors, silk, beaded, ribboned, with or without lace, and can come with veils or trains attached.

Apparently, they are still popular, because if you type in “wedding cloche hats” or “cloche hats silk” etc., there are numerous sites on the internet offering these elegant hats. Several sites provide custom creations, so you could have them do the veil and train for you as well. I saw several that had beautiful embroidered floral designs and beaded.

Wouldn’t it be cool to incorporate it as a theme with your bridesmaids? They could wear something similar in style, not as close fitting as the cloche, and of course without the veil and train, but help maintain the elegance of the affair.

Keep us posted and let us know what you decide. If you get a cloche hat, please share a picture with us. Thanks!

Gena Conti, Owner, Designer, Milliner at Gena Conti Millinery

Dear Erin:

I am a milliner. I make hats, so naturally, I am concerned with all things involving your sweet little head.
Choosing a wig/ hairstyle is much the same as choosing a hat. You should begin with your face shape. Certain styles are better suited to each face shape (round, square, heart, oval, etc). You can view a sample of shapes on my web site:
genaconti.com

Still not sure of your face shape?

Look at your face in the mirror. With bar soap, trace the shape of your face directly onto the mirror … Now stand back and observe “objectively.”

In my most humble opinion, your wig/hair style should look like the real you on your wedding day … afterall, he is marrying YOU — not someone else.

Are you looking to wear your hair “UP” – not always easy with a wig, I understand. Yet the “updo” is certainly the most traditional look with a tiara. Perhaps a short style wig with wispy “extensions” added to the nape of the neck … curly, perhaps, but not too long – OR a low chignon (bun at the nape of neck).
Since I do not know what you look like, these are only generic suggestions. LUCKY FOR YOU .. you live in Dallas! Dallas/Fort Worth – home of:
WIGS.COM

These people are a FABULOUS source of all information. Human hair and synthetic wigs, extensions, care products, color help, On-Line-Chat (Help).
You can call them for a personal appointment (take your tiara and at the very least, a photo of your dress).
My best to you, Erin.
Congratulations and go have some fun!

lilerink

That would have been a wonderful suggestion a few months ago. [:(] My wedding is March 26th and my dress, veil, and tiara have all been purchased and a hat really doesn’t suit my dress style. But, I never thought of that and those type of hats are awesome! I used to wear hats when this first happened to me in 1987. Fortunately for me, it was the style in the 80’s to wear those big hats. I pulled it off almost perfectly (kids can be mean ya know).

My wedding is traditional and I, for once in my 28 years, would like to be the norm. Not saying a hat isn’t but I want the whole 9 yards every little girl dreams of, the gorgeous hair, the long flowing veil, the sparkling tiara, and the cathedral length train.

I am in debt to everyone who has had such wonderful suggestions and it means the world to me that there are people out there who are concerned about my wedding being as beautiful as possible.

[:)][blush] Erin

Gena,

My first reply was accidentally erased.

I would love to look into purchasing one of your hats in the future. I am stuck on having “hair” for my wedding.

I am fortunate enough to live mere blocks from the wigs.com salon. I have been there before and I was impressed by the privacy, care, and concern the girls had there for myself and the other women. I actually own a wig I purchased from there (I am including a pic).

I am lucky to have a man who loves me and not my hair!

I appreciate any suggestions anyone has for me and I am happy to know there are other out there that are willing to help me like you have. It means so much to me.

Thanks!!!!!!!! [:(]

I must have missed this response.

Yes I am trying to find someone who can style and/or cut the wig to look phenomenal with my veil and tiara. I was going to select and purchase a wig beforehand.

If you know of anywhere please let me know!

Donna, Wedding Queen, President; Top Wedding Sites, Inc

Who wouldn’t love you…you’re gorgeous…inside and out and it has been a pleasure helping you.

I don’t know of any Texas based salons but try asking friends to give you referrals and then call and ask to speak to the owner. Ask if they provide service for wigs and then when you find one that does make an appointment for a consultation.

You two look like a terrific couple..good luck!

lilerink

Thank you so much!!!!!

I will sing my praises about this Forum to any bride I know in need.

This is the first time in years I have felt so comfortable with my situation and discussing it openly. Most people shy away from this stuff.

Thanks again…I will let you know what pans out. Maybe I can send a pic in March! [:(]

Donna, Wedding Queen, President; Top Wedding Sites, Inc

Please do come back and show us all how you worked this out. I am sure there are a lot of other brides out there that have been too shy to come forward. Thanks for helping them.

You may find this site a cool reference:

View your photo or a model with thousands of hairstyles and color combinations that suit your face, including short, bridal, men’s, celebrity and everyday hairstyles.