eBusiness Weekly
Great for hiding hair ‘issues’
Chipo Sabeta
Despite differences of age, lifestyle and other fashion preferences, many women will wear a wig.
Whether it is for prosthetic, cosmetic or convenience reasons, wigs are proving popular.
Even, people who have lost all or part of their own hair due to illness or natural baldness can disguise the condition with wigs.
Women have opted for a wardrobe of wigs to avoid more hours spent with professional hairdressers in addition to the complicated task of finding appropriate hair care while traveling.
Historically, wigs were popular in ancient Greece, both for personal use and in the theatre. In Imperial Rome, fashionable women wore blond or red-haired wigs made from the heads of Germanic captives, and Caesar used a wig and a laurel wreath to hide his baldness.
In Zimbabwe, the enormous popularity of wigs has given birth to high demand for various wigs types and wig-construction.
Internationally, the wig industry is a huge one and makes millions per year.
Veteran hairdresser, Rhoda Mwazonda said wigs have become popular because of the low maintenance cost and ability to turn one’s hairstyle up a notch for any occasion.
“Wigs can conceal natural hair issues. They are great for hiding hair issues that many young girls and women have. It can conceal the hair of those who have receding hair lines.
“This is an issue that many women, especially of an older age, are not comfortable exposing to the public. It can conceal the hair of those who suffer from hair loss. They allow the scalp to breathe and makes it convenient to moisturise,” said Mwazonda who is based at Planet Nails.
Mwazonda, who doubles as a makeup artiste suggest that wigs are convenient and cheap.
“You can save a lot of time by choosing to wear a wig. There are many women that live busy lives and schedules. Women have so many duties that include professional demands, family as we as household duties. This even encompassed a student with a full schedule of classes and facing exams. Or maybe you’re a business woman doing a lot of traveling. These are the times when you’ll appreciate how convenient and easy wig can be,” she added.
Whilst women stress about new styles looks, with wigs, there is commitment and they give room someone to try different styles.
“Many women love how easy it is for them to try different hairstyles by wearing wigs. With wigs, you never have a bad hair day. Instead of taking the time to figure out how to make it look right, you can choose to throw on a wig of your choice. Just quickly run a comb, your fingers, or a brush through the wig and you’re out the door,” Mwazonda added.
Wigs have become trendy and popular in the country with many hairdresser making a living through wigs-construction.
Nomsa Ruvazve, owner of Bliss Hair Saloon says they have been rapid rise in women preferring wigs over weave in the past year.
She also explained important things to consider when purchasing or constructing your wig. Wig construction cost between $30-$50 depending with hair type and its length.
“One has to ask herself various questions. How often the wig will be worn? How long a period in the day? Are you a person who feels the heat?
Do you want the wig to look natural through the top and parting areas? Do you have a sensitive scalp?” Ruvazve said.
She added: “It is imperative that one chooses the correct colour. Some fans also love the drastic change can always be made later as you get used to wearing a wig. That’s when the fun begins. Many of our clients ultimately have a lot of fun experimenting with a variety of looks. Certain face shapes are flattered by certain styles.
“If you are new to wearing wigs, consider staying close to your natural shade to ease the transition.”
Whilst human hair is relatively expensive, Ruvazve explained the major advantages human hair in comparison to synthetic hair wigs.
“Human hair wigs have the most swing and bounce and can be washed and heat-styled just like your old hair. They will last several years — but they can cost a fortune. Today’s synthetic hair wigs are almost as authentic-looking, require less maintenance, and can start under $10. If you’re wearing one every day, it will last three to six months.
These include Brazilian, Peruvian, and Malaysian among other which are imported from China among other Asian countries and constructing them cost $30 up to $70,” she explained.
“Human hair looks more natural. Human hair can give more confidence and you can have a natural and elegant look just like real hair.
