Don’t Fall Prey To Online Wig Scams
Don’t Fall Prey To Online Wig Scams
In today’s tech-savvy culture, the first place many people go to look for a wig is the internet. Many online marketplaces exist to truly serve their customers, who are often going through difficult times. However others exist solely to prey upon the needs of others, luring them in with bargain prices and extravagant claims about wigs that are actually made of sub-standard materials.
If you’re in search of a wig, we don’t want you to become the next victim of such marketing. Whether you shop online or at a “discount” wig boutique, here are a few tricks to be aware of:
Substandard or Ambiguous Materials
Unscrupulous dealers often take advantage of their customers’ lack of knowledge about the various types of materials used to make wigs. Both human hair and synthetic wigs may be made in a number of different ways and from a number of different materials of varying quality – some of which are inadequate for long-term use. If the wig doesn’t specify the materials from which it is made – be suspicious. If it does, check to see which of these terms it uses:
Polypropylene – This derivative of plastic was common in wigs a number of decades ago, but has since been surpassed by more realistic fibers. Polypropylene wigs melt when exposed to heat and have been nearly phased out of wig production, being reserved instead for costume hairpieces.
Toyokalon® – Toyokalon® brand fibers were introduced in 1952 and was the first PVC fiber used in wig production. These wigs are longer-lasting and more realistic than polypropylene, in addition to being flame retardant. However, since some people feel they are slightly silkier and shinier than real hair when viewed at close range, they have ebbed from favor in recent years.
Kanekalon® – Kanekalon® brand fibers are the most favored ones in professional wig making today. They come in a number of varieties, including standard modacrylic (usually marketed under the name “Kanekalon” and heat-resistant (often marketed under the brand names “FuturaTM” or ULTIMATM”.
100% Synthetic – If a wig doesn’t specify a material, but instead simply says “100% synthetic,” it is likely made of polypropylene or a similar material. Avoid such wigs for everyday use.
100% Human Hair – While it might seem like there is no wiggle-room when it comes to describing human hair, reputable dealers with high-quality wigs usually use the term “remy” to describe hair that has been properly harvested with all the strands running in the same direction. If a wig is simply described as being 100% human, it often means that the hair is non-remy – which will either cause tangling between the opposing cuticles or, more often, result in dull and weak fibers due to the cuticle being stripped and replaced with a temporary silicon coating.
Misleading Names
Terms like “Brazilian,” and “Peruvian” hair are often used by disreputable dealers as marketing ploys, when in reality, there is no known commercial source of Brazilian or Peruvian hair available. If pressed, a dealer may clarify that it has been made to look like Brazilian or Peruvian hair, but such disclaimers are seldom readily available. More often, these wigs are made from Indian or Chinese hair (often low-quality) and labeled with a more appealing term.
Large Quantities of Rare or Impossible Materials
Virgin and European wigs do exist – however, they are relatively rare and expensive. Beware of a dealer who has a large number of these in stock – especially at low prices. Also be on the lookout for impossible combinations – such as blond wigs labeled as “virgin Brazilian.”
Quality and Price Mismatches
No matter what materials the dealer claims to have used, always beware of “high quality” wigs at “bargain” prices. If the wig is priced drastically under its market value, it is often not what it claims to be.
Although it’s natural to seek out the best price, we always encourage people to visit a reputable dealer in their city, with quality they can count on, wigs they can see, touch, and try on in person, and a knowledgable staff who can answer their questions and educate them on the proper way to care for their new hairpieces.
If you’re looking for a new wig, why not drop by Rosalind Stella’s before you try to navigate the online jungle of honest businessmen and slippery scammers.