The popularity of wigs started with the one and only queen of style herself Jacqueline Kennedy. Back from a trip to Paris in the early 60s wearing a wig is all it took to make wigs fashionable. Shortly after that human hair wigs became a status symbol. As demand grew hair sources became scarce. Importers started to import long beautiful hair from the Orient. As the consumer demand grew major chemical companies began to develop synthetics.

I believe an important rule to remember when transsexuals and crossdressers are purchasing a wig it is important to remember it can not be returned do to hygienic reasons. Once you have purchased a wig, in person or over the internet, you can not return it. Please keep in mind that this policy is there for your protection. At the same time be sure that you love the style. Measure your head to make sure that the wig will fit, better yet, go to a wig store and try them on. Pick a wig or hair style that is best suited to you and your age. if you are in your senior years you may not want to wear a black wig, because you will look hard and tired. If you are a larger girl wear a bigger hair style that will help to balance your size and your size becomes less of an issue.

Picking a wig style is most definitely fun, that is one of the greatest pleasures of dressing as a woman. You can be Marilyn Monroe one moment and Joan Collins the next. Picking a color is sometimes hard " I want it all", who doesn't? Some thoughts you may wish to consider a couple of things about color when picking a color.

• Light and warm colours (reds) are more vibrant and bold.
• Light and warm colours can take years off someone's appearance.
• Light and cool colours(ashes) are demure and sophisticated.
• Darker colours are hard and they will give the appearance of an older individual.

This is the better of the two for several reasons. You are able to do more with it such as styling with hot rollers, curling irons and blow dryers. Another great reason is that it can be colored or permed. They require the same maintenance as your natural hair. Use the same shampoos and conditioners you would usually use. Unfortunately they do have some draw backs. For starters anyone who is on a tight budget, it is most likely to be beyond their reach do to its high price. They are also porous just like human hair is after all it is real hair. It also does require almost as much maintenance. With it being porous it draws in pollution, dust and what ever else is in the air and much upkeep.

This is my favorite of the two for many reasons. Why do I love them so much? First of all the economic factor means that I can purchase more of them when I am on a tight budget. More selection means more styles, colors and lengths to suit my different moods. They are light weight, non porous and so darn easy to take care of. Unlike natural hair the synthetic does not change color in sunlight. Do to it being non porous it does not absorb pollutants. The only down side is curly wigs (Diana Ross style) can not be brushed or combed.

• When cleaning a wig/hair piece, do not wring the fluid out.
• Brush and remove knots before you wash.
• Never brush your wigs after washing.
• Always brush or comb you wig/hair piece downwards.
• Take care when combing or brushing wigs to avoid matting.
• If your wig mattes cut upwards into it the matte not straight across.
• When cutting a wig remember it will not grow back.

Brushing and Combing: It is best to use a wire bristle brush for synthetic wigs. It does not tangle as much and you do not lose as much hair. Brush the back first then the front and finally the sides. I find that it is best to hold the hair close to the ends, brush and gradually work your way up towards the root. Remember not to pull to hard a gentle touch is better. Use hair spray sparingly and this will insure longevity for the wig.

Teasing: You can back comb synthetic wigs. Do small sections at a time. Light hair spray and you are ready to go. To remove the teasing do it in small sections at a time, combing out at the ends and gradually work towards the base.

• Skin Top: A synthetic flesh-colored vinyl material into which the fiber has been implanted. This section is usually located from the front hairline almost to the crown. It allows natural parting in different locations.
• Skin Crown: A small skin top located at the crown; provides natural crown parting.
• Hand Tied: A wig or section of a wig where groups of hair or fibre are attached by knotting to the foundation by hand. This application is frequently used on the front hairline for styling versatility.
• Wefting: The individual rows of hair or fibre that are sewn to the foundation of a wig.
• Adjusters: Usually located at the nape of the neck, allows for partial cap size alteration.
• Capless: The type of foundation used in most modern wigs, where wefting is sewn onto thin lacy bands rather than a solid, hat-type foundation.
• Fishnet: As you might guess, the wefting is sewn onto a lightweight, stretch, fishnet-type material.
• Denier: This refers to the thickness of the shaft of the fibre. Quality wigs today are a blend of several different deniers to very closely resemble human hair.