Jump to content
  • Welcome to the TransPulse Forums!

    We offer a safe, inclusive community for transgender and gender non-conforming folks, as well as their loved ones, to find support and information.  Join today!

I know nothing!


ShawnaLeigh

Recommended Posts

OK I know a lot of things but not about styling your hair and especially with a synthetic wig.

I have read so much online and it all contradicts itself.  In the end I am not sure what is wise or not and I do not want to ruin my wig experimenting.

I love the look of my wig when I first brush it out and its nice and neat and then my longer bangs flipped over my right ear on one side.

Then 3 minutes later I look like "Cousin It" from the Adams Family.  All in my face and a mess.  Even if I just bend down or go walk outside for a second.

 

Ok so I know there is this new invention called "hair spray".  LOL 

I am not sure what I can use on a synthetic wig, or how much, and then how to clean it off. 

How often do you need to clean it with using hair products like sprays or gels.  Heck I suppose I need suggestions on what hair spray or gel to get and use before worrying on how to clean it off. 

So yes styling my hair is a challenge for me as I have had a very male military hair cut for 32 years.  Long hair in its self was never a part of my existence until now and I am only teaching myself how I know very little.  I know that most wigs can not stand high heat from blow dryers or curling irons and frankly I am so far away from learning that Its crazy.  Id be happy to get to a point where the hair isn't in my face every other minute. The instruction sheet that came with the wig suggested to not pin it up or use clamping barrettes as it can crimp or damage the strands. 

How true is this? 

Are there wig friendly barrettes or other hair devices I can use?

Heck, I had to be taught how to put a dang bobby pin over the weekend so I could vacuum the house and see what I was doing.  Then I could not figure it out while looking in the mirror or get them placed and holding enough hair to make a dang difference.  My wife had to do it for me and tried to explain it but I am all thumbs it seems.  I almost just took off my wig and went in guy mode but that triggers me pretty badly lately and the wig is definitely something I need to wear at almost every waking moment now.  

 

I'm talkin struggle here gals...  LOL

 

(help me please!)

Link to comment
  • Forum Moderator

I use a french-style barrette to keep everything pinned back. That or a couple hairpins if I want to be long and free in the back. 400 of those bad boys cost me $11. Usually it's the barrette though. It's quick, easy and it looks nice. For special occasions, I've got a banana clip with lavender accents and sparkles. Sometimes it's important to sparkle.

 

For a synthetic, you want to buy product specifically for synthetics. Synthetics are pre-styled and a sort of memory material, so I'd stay away from hairspray. Heat will damage the glue, so that is out of the question. The nice person you bought it from should also be able to point you at an array of product to keep it clean, bouncy, shiny and looking fresh as long as possible. But because of the material limitations, anything you do to change how you wear it should come from mechanical sources. You don't want to kill your pretty wig.

 

Hugs!

Link to comment
35 minutes ago, Jackie C. said:

The nice person you bought it from should also be able to point you at an array of product to keep it clean, bouncy, shiny and looking fresh as long as possible.

Yea I tried to ask them but Amazon does not help me much but willing to sell me a ton of stuff I may or may not need.  LOL

 

Its a cheap wig  ($18) but it is surprising nice and feels real.  I have had many compliments on it actually.  I do not want to ruin it before I can afford a nice one from my local wig shop ($185-$300) that I can only visit by appointment only at a sitting fee cost of at least $30 not refundable.

 

 

 

Link to comment
  • Forum Moderator

I know less than nothing about wig styling.  When I was young, I was in the military, so I had to wear my hair short.  Then, for most of my adult life, I wore it in a ponytail: daily maintenance = 3 seconds.  So I know nothing about hair, real or synthetic.

 

I wash my wigs periodically (i.e., when I think of it), using shampoo and conditioner designed for wigs.

 

One thing I do know is that wigs are designed to be trimmed.  The biggest wig fail I see is too much hair.  They are made with excess hair so that they can be trimmed to suit your face.  So, if your bangs are in your eyes, or even if they aren't, go to a good hairdresser and get the wig trimmed.  Make sure that the hairdresser is good (ask for their best person), and tell them that it is a wig, so they know that mistakes won't grow back.  I have had all mine trimmed, and they look so much better.

Link to comment
47 minutes ago, KathyLauren said:

One thing I do know is that wigs are designed to be trimmed.  The biggest wig fail I see is too much hair.  They are made with excess hair so that they can be trimmed to suit your face.  So, if your bangs are in your eyes, or even if they aren't, go to a good hairdresser and get the wig trimmed.  Make sure that the hairdresser is good (ask for their best person), and tell them that it is a wig, so they know that mistakes won't grow back.  I have had all mine trimmed, and they look so much better.

I did not know this.  I assumed wig were designed to lay as it was made and I was foolishly thinking before I even got one that it was a "shake n go" sort of thing.  Put it on and shake your head and let it fall as it was manufactured to do so and it would stay like this.

So yea I miss on that one I suppose.  LOL

Link to comment

I like the idea of using ties or clips to do things with wigs or hair, instead of hairspray.  I use conditioner and product to keep moisture in my hair, but not with wigs.

Hairstyles and stylists for women's straight hair are outside my experience.

 

Inside my experience is the making of mistakes..  I hope you enjoy that as much, or more, than I do

Link to comment
  • Admin

I show a number of wigs on my gallery page here, and all of them were cut to my face by a hair stylist  https://www.transgenderpulse.com/forums/gallery/album/1573-wigging-out/ All of them are synthetic and I just wash them in regular human hair shampoo, rinse well and I put a plastic clothes hanger through the wefting and hang the wig up to dry on the shower curtain rod,  Be sure the wig is completely dry before using a brush to comb it out.  I did get some actual wig conditioner which I used once and has since gravitated to the back of my beauty supply cupboard and stayed there for several years, but unless it is a human hair wig, do not use human hair conditioner on them, it just wastes the conditioner.   

Link to comment
  • Forum Moderator
1 hour ago, ShawnaLeigh said:

Yea I tried to ask them but Amazon does not help me much but willing to sell me a ton of stuff I may or may not need.  LOL

 

Its a cheap wig  ($18) but it is surprising nice and feels real.  I have had many compliments on it actually.  I do not want to ruin it before I can afford a nice one from my local wig shop ($185-$300) that I can only visit by appointment only at a sitting fee cost of at least $30 not refundable.

 

 

 

 

Ah, alright. I didn't realize it was from Amazon. I've got a synthetic store and a human hair store within a couple of miles of the house. Lots of product in the synthetic store for natural and synthetic hair. My first two wigs came from En Femme, but that was before "Jin's Wigs & Beauty" opened up where my favorite comic book shop used to be.

 

Anyway, the most important thing you're going to need is a shampoo. I've been using the DeMert Wig & Weave line of products. They've also got a detangler and conditioner you might find useful. I've got a wig brush and a smaller comb for dealing with day to day maintenance. Brush it out every day. The comb lives in my purse for tangles while I'm out and about.

 

Like I said, for keeping it contained. I just use a french-style barrette most of the time. It's easy and versatile. The hair-pin thing takes a little practice, but just relax and you'll get it. Your roommate can probably demonstrate about where they go for different looks. They're versatile too and pretty cheap so you can lose a couple hundred behind the dresser without too much drama.

 

Depending on how much curl you've got, I'd stay away from elastic. I've had trouble with it getting caught in my wig. Who needs that, right?

 

Hugs!

Link to comment
33 minutes ago, Jackie C. said:

The hair-pin thing takes a little practice, but just relax and you'll get it.

I'm not dilating I'm doing my hair!

 

34 minutes ago, Jackie C. said:

Your roommate can probably demonstrate about where they go for different looks.

Yea she has two looks. 

Super gorgeous long and straight when she comes home from getting her hair colored and trimmed and this not so flattering "tied back super tight, bangs and all and into a pony tail she does not have enough hair for" look.  This is the look I get to see on her at home all the time.  

She does not do makeup either so my roommate is a bust for beauty tips really.  LOL

 

I did get a wig brush combo set that I use all the time at home.  I am getting a mobile comb and brush set now that I am getting purses to carry all my "gear" in.  LOL

On that note.

What's the deal with the sex that has the most stuff to carry have the least amount of pockets also.

What's up with that?  

Link to comment
  • Forum Moderator

I use a messenger-bag style purse (This One!). There's plenty of space. The pockets thing is a little weird, but I find that I don't like breaking up the lines of my pelvic area like would happen with lots of crap in my pockets. Also my wallet is big enough it would ONLY fit in a purse. No more tight little billfolds. I hung on to my old Tyvec wallet for a while but ended up going with one of these. Well, the same style. Mine says, "Book of Spells." Susan talked me out of the one that said, "People to Kill."

 

I get the hair thing. Susan wears hers long, but just throws a scrunchie on it, makes a low pony and calls it a day. Of course her hair is too fine for some of the heavier things I use. Just as well, she threatened to steal my favorite barrette if she could wear it. She can't. It's all mine. (This One). I really ought to increase my collection though. I usually wear my favorite or Mister Bat. Susan's actually accused me of being vain about my hair. Honestly that's fair.

 

Hugs!

Link to comment

Oh girl I have been shopping lately and have purses and wallets and the like all covered now.  LOL

I prefer Coach as a brand and of course it is pricey which was always the way it was when I was a guy.  I just bought 4 Coach purses in different sizes, two wallets one with and one without an checkbook holder and three card holders.  I 86-ed the guy wallet just this past weekend.

I have not carried anything in my pockets for years.  I hate having things in there.  No keys or wallets though I will say my rear left pocket did hold my phone but that's going to have to change real quick.  Heck most of my new pants don't have a pockets at all no less a rear left pocket.  LOL

 

Wait did I just high jack my own post with something else?!?!?!

Link to comment
  • 1 month later...
Guest Deleted account

The thing you need to know about Synthetic wigs, and especially cheap ones, is that you have to use specialized products. There are spray in conditioners you can use for styling that will control fly away, and their are holding sprays that are alcohol free. The one thing you do not want to do is use these products daily, and you do not want to wash your wig no more than once every other month. I use just a little Woolite in the bathroom sink in luke warm water (never hot!) and gently massage the wig in the water and let sit for about 15 minutes, then rinse in cool water. Don’t not brush when wet! I hang mine in the shower overnight to drip dry and then gently style with a wig brush in the morning, and that is when I use my leave in conditioner. 

Link to comment

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now
  • Who's Online   3 Members, 0 Anonymous, 130 Guests (See full list)

    • EasyE
    • Lorelei
    • KathyLauren
  • Recently Browsing   0 members

    • No registered users viewing this page.
  • Forum Statistics

    • Total Topics
      80.5k
    • Total Posts
      767.2k
  • Member Statistics

    • Total Members
      11,945
    • Most Online
      8,356

    Melissa_J
    Newest Member
    Melissa_J
    Joined
  • Today's Birthdays

    1. Amyjay
      Amyjay
      (58 years old)
    2. bettyjean
      bettyjean
    3. Breanna
      Breanna
      (52 years old)
    4. Emily Ayla
      Emily Ayla
    5. JET182
      JET182
  • Posts

    • EasyE
      So, I jumped on the "E" train last week and am about 10 days into my HRT journey. I have the tiniest patch available. I laughed when I opened it. "This little thing is supposed to give me more feminine characteristics?"   I haven't really felt much of anything so far, not that I expected to at this point. I am really, really tired but that may be other factors (like staying up too late to watch NCAA basketball every night). The one noticeable difference is that my libido seems to be a lot more subdued. Not that I am proud of this, but the big M was a practically a daily part of life for me. My daily comfort and way to get an endorphin hit or just deal with loneliness. The past week, though, has been, "meh." Is that the HRT tamping things down? Or just a normal down cycle for me? Not sure yet. Time will tell.   I have been very quiet about things overall. Only a few people know. No one in my immediate family. I fear the backlash I will get when they find out. Worst- case scenario, my daughters stop talking to me. That would kill me. I hope I can show them over time, "See, I am still me."   Met with my endo on Wednesday. He is good for me to up the dose when I feel comfortable. For now, I think I am going to stand pat and take things nice and slow. Of course, I could see myself tomorrow asking him to send in the script for the higher dose...   I keep asking myself, what is the end game with all of this. Unlike many on here, I don't have a concrete answer yet. I am not convinced I will "go all the way" and change my name and ID, etc. Part of me would love to soldier on just as I am but with a lot more feminine physical characteristics and a more distinctly feminine wardrobe. What does that make me? Non-binary? Not sure.  Again, I am just me, as unorthodox as that is...   All I know is that this is something I want to do. I am comfortable walking this path for now. Again, we'll see. As always, would appreciate any feedback the more experienced folks may have. Blessings to all!    EasyE
    • Ivy
      I grew up with it, my mother's side were Germans.  I still like cabbage.  I make a sweet/sour dish with vinegar and brown sugar, add some bacon if you have it.  And in warmer weather, slaw.  I like that better if it's a few days old, and has worked off a little.
    • Ivy
      Pity that we can't just respect each other and get along.
    • Willow
      Good Friday Morning    I will be spending a good portion of my day at church today.  I don’t know how any of my family would have been with me.  They all passed before I figured myself out.  I often think my mother and sister may have figured it out before I did but maybe it was just my depression that they saw.  I don’t know and never will.  My grandfather Young unconditionally loved me but he passed when I was 9.   Same with my wife’s parents, both gone before.  We’ve never had the greatest relationship with my wife’s brother but we do see them occasionally.  They words and actions aren’t always in sink when it comes to me.   Sour kraut or boil cabbage were never big even with my parents so that was something we were never expected to eat.  Nor was anything with mustard.  My mother hated mustard and it turns my stomach. My wife tried to sneak it into things early in our marriage but I could always tell.  She stopped after a while.   well I wave to go get ready to go to church.  I have a committee meeting at 10 and then we have a Good Friday Service at noon.   Willow
    • Mmindy
      Good morning everyone,   @KymmieLI hope you're misreading your bosses communications. As you say keep plugging a long. Don't give them signs that you're slow quitting, just to collect unemployment.   I have a few things to do business wise, and will be driving to the St. Louis, MO area for two family gatherings.   Have a great day,   Mindy🌈🐛🏳️‍⚧️🦋
    • KymmieL
      Good morning everyone, TGIFF   It seems like I am the one keeping or shop from being the best. According to the boss. I don't know if my days are numbered or not. But anymore I am waiting for the axe to fall. Time will tell.   I keep plugging a long.   Kymmie
    • KymmieL
      In the warmer weather, Mine is hitting the road on the bike. Just me, the bike, and the road. Other is it music or working on one of my many projects.   Kymmie
    • LC
      That is wonderful. Congratulations!
    • Heather Shay
      What is relaxation to you? Nature? Movie? Reading? Cuddling with a pet? Music?
    • Heather Shay
    • Heather Shay
      Having just a normal emotional day.
    • Heather Shay
      AMUSEMENT The feeling when you encounter something silly, ironic, witty, or absurd, which makes you laugh. You have the urge to be playful and share the joke with others. Similar words: Mirth Amusement is the emotional reaction to humor. This can be something that is intended to be humorous, like when someone tells a good joke or when a friend dresses up in a ridiculous costume. But it can also be something that you find funny that was not intended to be humorous, like when you read a sign with a spelling error that turns it into an ironic pun. For millennia, philosophers and scholars have been attempting to explain what exactly it is that makes something funny. This has led to several different theories. Nowadays, the most widely accepted one is the Incongruity Theory, which states that something is amusing if it violates our standards of how things are supposed to be. For example, Charlie Chaplin-style slapstick is funny because it violates our norms of competence and proper conduct, while Monty Python-style absurdity is funny because it violates reason and logic. However, not every standard or norm violation is necessarily funny. Violations can also evoke confusion, indignation, or shock. An important condition for amusement is that there is a certain psychological distance to the violation. One of the ways to achieve this is captured by the statement ‘comedy is tragedy plus time’. A dreadful mistake today may become a funny story a year from now. But it can also be distant in other ways, for instance, because it happened to someone you do not know, or because it happens in fiction instead of in real life. Amusement also needs a safe and relaxed environment: people who are relaxed and among friends are much more likely to feel amused by something. A violation and sufficient psychological distance are the basic ingredients for amusement, but what any one person find funny will depend on their taste and sense of humor. There are dozens of ‘humor genres’, such as observational comedy, deadpan, toilet humor, and black comedy. Amusement is contagious: in groups, people are more prone to be amused and express their amusement more overtly. People are more likely to share amusement when they are with friends or like-minded people. For these reasons, amusement is often considered a social emotion. It encourages people to engage in social interactions and it promotes social bonding. Many people consider amusement to be good for the body and the soul. By the end of the 20th century, humor and laughter were considered important for mental and physical health, even by psychoneuroimmunology researchers who suggested that emotions influenced immunity. This precipitated the ‘humor and health movement’ among health care providers who believed that humor and laughter help speed recovery, including in patients suffering from cancer1). However, the evidence for health benefits of humor and laughter is less conclusive than commonly believed2. Amusement is a frequent target of regulation: we down-regulate it by shifting our attention to avoid inappropriate laughter, or up-regulate it by focusing on a humorous aspect of a negative situation. Interestingly, amusement that is purposefully up-regulated has been found to have the same beneficial physical and psychological effects as the naturally experienced emotion. Amusement has a few clear expressions that emerge depending on the intensity of the emotion. When people are mildly amused, they tend to smile or chuckle. When amusement intensifies, people laugh out loud and tilt or bob their head. The most extreme bouts of amusement may be accompanied by uncontrollable laughter, tears, and rolling on the floor. Most cultures welcome and endorse amusement. Many people even consider a ‘good sense of humor’ as one of the most desirable characteristics in a partner. At the same time, most cultures have (implicit) rules about what is the right time and place for amusement. For example, displays of amusement may be deemed inappropriate in situations that demand seriousness or solemness, such as at work or during religious rituals.
    • Heather Shay
    • Heather Shay
    • Heather Shay
  • Upcoming Events

Contact TransPulse

TransPulse can be contacted in the following ways:

Email: Click Here.

To report an error on this page.

Legal

Your use of this site is subject to the following rules and policies, whether you have read them or not.

Terms of Use
Privacy Policy
DMCA Policy
Community Rules

Hosting

Upstream hosting for TransPulse provided by QnEZ.

Sponsorship

Special consideration for TransPulse is kindly provided by The Breast Form Store.
×
×
  • Create New...