Why Are Wigs For Black Women Less Expensive? Cysterwigs Ama #5
- Posted on 02 April, 2018
- Lace Front Wig
- By Anonymous
CysterWigs.com: Have you ever wondered by wigs for white women are so much more expensive than wigs for black women?
No worries, Wig Cysters! We've got you covered!
In this video, Heather from CysterWigs.com provides detailed answers to all of these questions - AND MORE!
Do you have a question for Heather? LEAVE A COMMENT and the most interesting and most popular questions will be used to make later installments of these videos!
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Filmed in 2018
Written, Edited, Filmed, & Produced by Heather Hershey of CysterWigs.com
2018 CysterWigs.com
All Rights Reserved
BTW: Be on the look out for competing stores who copy this idea...because they copy everything else we do!
[ Heather ], Alright, everybody you might wan na grab some coffee'cause. This is gon na, be a long one. Hi. This is Heather from CysterWigs.com and I'm bringing you again yet another Monday morning. Ama. This time it's gon na be addressing a whole bunch of questions. All about the exact same thing. - These are all actual comments left in the comment section of these AMA videos, and they all have to do with the differences between what we're going to call BBSS wigs as in Black Beauty, Supply Store wigs so that whole black side Of the market, BBSS is what I'm going to say there. Cause. It seems like the most PC way to address it. And then we're just gon na, say, white people. Wigs Cause, I mean we are white. At least I'm white., So I'm not gon na get all uptight about calling myself white.. I just want to say up front that this is a very racially segregated market and we are going to be discussing it very frankly.. So if you are the PC police or a social justice, warrior and you're just dropping by to leave a bunch of really negative comments, just know we moderate the crap out of everything posted on CysterWigs because I'm not gon na. Let you harass my customers for a perfectly reasonable question., So move along.. I understand that there are various socio-economic, cultural, various like matrices of domination and oppression.. Yes, I have read Patricia Hill Collins on black feminist thought, but at the same time, that's not what this discussion is about. So again leave your social justice, warrior hat on the hook, we're talking for real here.. Okay. So with that being said, let's go ahead and get started.. First question is from `` agedjake'' who asks ``. Why are Caucasian wigs so much more expensive than wigs for the women of colour ?''? Oh, this is a beautiful question.. Alright. So a lot of this stuff is really complicated.. Three reasons why Caucasian wigs are more expensive and they're all related to each other. One. We make up less than 10 % of the global wig market.. The vast vast majority, like 90 % or more of wig sales worldwide, are done by black women. Totally.. You know it's part of their culture, it's a way that they express themselves. I mean they might talk trash about Becky with the good hair, but they'll spend a small fortune on getting that good hair for themselves. And news flash. Not all white women have good hair. Okay. So let's just get that out of the way.. We don't all have good hair either and that particular stereotype doesn't really do us many favors, especially when we lose that hair.. I just want to clear the air and state that.. The issue is, though, is that you know they embrace it they're very open about it, and because of that, there's not so much pressure for them to hide the fact that it's a wig., You know most white wearers would be mortified if someone knew that they were Wearing a wig, whereas it's kind of an assumed thing any time you see a black girl with really straight silky hair she's either got extensions. She'S got like a closure. She'S got something on that's kind of enhancing the texture of her natural hair., Maybe even a wig.. We tend to wear it cause our hair is falling out, it's not viable on its own, and we just want stuff that passes for our own hair. Black women make up a HUGE part of this market and we're just teeny tiny little potatoes by comparison. Okay.. That'S why it seems like all of the white women in the wig wearing community all know each other cause. We do cause it's a really small, world., Really really small world.. It really is.. That'S a part. Another part of it is that, because most white women get into this for medical reasons, we need more comfort, oriented cap features. We are very meticulous about the cap features in a way that most black women aren't, because they know how to `` frankenwig''. They know how to take a wig cut it up. The metal make a U-part. They know how to do all kinds of magical stuff with the hair. They can get away with it a little bit more than we can because they've actually got hair underneath their wigs, whereas a lot of us don't. Or if we do it's thin in the part Where you would use that for your U-part, so we can't wear that kinda stuff.! You know closures a lot of that stuff's really off the table for us.. So not only do we have very specific needs, but we make up a really small part of the market and part of those specific needs. The second point is that we like lots of very high end finishes. Case in point like just this BelleTress wig, I'm wearing the lace front, is white okay, so it's pale most wig factories do not even carry this light-colored lace. So we've got this light-colored lace. We want that to be pre-cut without any frame.. We want metal in the ear tabs. We don't want lace to go all the way to the ear tab, while I'll cover in a second.. You know we like felt around the perimeter for comfort and to aid with grip, and we don't want the caps to be too big, because if they're too big they'll slip and slide around over a bald head., We tend to want lots of monofilament features. So that way it looks like we've got a scalp there., You know we like lots of lace, fronts and our lace fronts like I said before, have to be white-colored lace and they have to be pre-trimmed.. I could even go even further with like French tops and silk this and, like you know, every little thing.. We want it to be perfect right out of the box and we don't know a lot of us. Don'T know how to customize our own hair.. So, even if it does arrive in less than perfect shape like, for instance, if it didn't have all of these fancy finishes on them, cause the wigs. Don'T just come like that. Most BBSS wigs do not have any of these high-end finishes.. The lace will come down to here, it'll be dark, you'll have to trim it up yourself, you know., if it's too big, you're gon na, have to sew it up in the back or sew a wig grip to the inside of it. So that way, it stays a little bit better. Maybe even some clips, some combs you may have to remove clips and combs. The BBSS wigs are made to customize, because those clients know how to do it.. Our wigs are made to wash and wear and go. They're pre-styled pre-cut everything's trimmed they're made for comfort.. So the consequence of these two factors is the third point, and that's that only a handful of factories in the world make these products. And I could go real deep with that, but I'd probably be in violation of some of the confidentiality agreements I have with some Of these companies, because there's scarcity built into the marketplace because not every company will make these things and because they have so many high-end features, high-end comfort features high-end monofilament features that are done by hand. I mean that costs money because that's an actual skilled trade., Those people, it's an apprenticeship program. Somebody follows a master tradesperson at doing this wig ventilation for 14 months before they can ever even touch the hair, And these people aren't paid slave labor wages. They'Re paid really well cause it's a skilled trade.. So it's expensive to make all of these hand-tied cap features for a white wig.. I also want to take a moment to just sort of bring into focus that sometimes when you find something that seems too good to be true, it really is.. If you can't vouch for the origin of that product, you have to assume that if it's a really good bargain that it's probably dubious sources., Let me tell you a tale.. What you see here is actually a sample of a cold-call e-mail that was sent to us via one of these dubious factories., And it looks pretty innocent on the surface. You can see that my business partner actually had some dialogue with these folks and then they disclosed that they were actually creating these wigs out of North Korea.. So, as you can see here, they disclose in kind of broken English, that they are based out of North Korea and that it'll take 25 days from the point we place the order until they can actually send us the product.. So we weren't actually going to do business with these people. I was just curious to see what they were about, because I cringe constantly. Whenever the newest seller of these direct-from-China wigs comes through the forums., You have to assume that, if the rate that they're charging is extremely low for something that looks like it's got a lot of hand-done labor on it. That that item has most likely been made. In a factory in North Korea., Not China, North Korea., Which is why you should avoid these people like the plague.. Not all deals - are good deals.. I cannot say that more passionately. There's a longer timeline for production from the time they make the order for the wigs until it gets to the end. Consumer. I mean that's, why there's a lot of back orders in the white wig world and that sort of thing., So I mean that's it right there in a nutshell., The entire ecosystem of white wigs and how very few people are buying them. The fact that they tend to be really nitpicky about constructions and features the fact that they want lots of high-end features that are expensive and time consuming to make and that there's a scarcity of factories making these products.. All of these factors drive up the price.. Let'S move on so these are not just like apples and oranges. It'S like we're, comparing an aardvark to a cantaloupe. They're, completely different things.. While you can bounce in between BBSS wigs and these wigs they're meant for completely different consumers who have completely different needs and completely different expectations of the product.'', Why are wigs for white, ladies, so much more expensive than wigs for black? Ladies ?''? Hopefully, I've just answered that. Because we're in the minority and we're really really picky. Lisa also wants to know ,''. Why don't wig manufacturers sell directly to consumers to save consumers' money ?'' As in? Why don't they bypass people like me and just sell to you guys? Directly., I don't know if you guys notice this, but you guys can be a handful.. I love my customers and I love you guys, but for real you don't understand.. If you've never been in customer service or worked with such an intimate personal product, you have no idea.. Hopefully that makes sense they want to play the principal of the school and let us play the guidance counselors basically.. Most of the women who are wearing these wigs are wearing them for medical reasons. They don't know how to customize them. They don't even know how to apply them. Sometimes they are scared of basically every aspect of this and they need a Sherpa to lead them up. The mountain top. And that's what we exist for., It's not easy dealing with the customer service needs of a medical consumer. And just ask a nurse if you don't believe me about how hard that can be sometimes.'' Atypical60'' asks. Why is it that wig companies don't make wigs with different textured hair? So, as I described earlier, that's because these wigs are made for white consumers. Specifically, there isn't any crossover in the marketing.. These are made for white women, specifically, they are made to the needs and even to the lace color of white women and the primary buyer is someone aged 50+.. So most of those women want soft silky, ,'' Becky, with the good hair'' kind of hair that reminds them of the kind of hair that they're used to., And in fact, that is also a reason. Why there's such a push for these really light density wigs.? It'S because white wig-wearers don't know how to thin their own wigs they're afraid to thin their own wigs and on top of that, they're used to seeing themselves without a whole lot of hair.. So to them really limp sort of sleek thin hair is what they're used to and they feel really uncomfortable in big poofy hair.. So you got ta, remember the age group, the specifications and the reason why they're wearing the wigs., Because they're the people who are driving this marketplace in general., They tend to gravitate towards blondes and they tend to gravitate towards really silky hair.. And we make up such a small portion of the marketplace that there just is no demand for making Yaki textured hair for white women, because most white women don't want that.. They want stuff that looks like this. I'm reading. Atypical60'S thing again is that the hair is usually not as dense. Hopefully, I've just described why? Because a lot of these women have been living a long time with their hair thinning out before they actually start wearing wigs and toppers, and so they feel weird when they see themselves with a lot of hair.. It feels fake. It feels costumey to them., Even if it looks really good on them, Which, from my perspective, drives me bonkers cause. They do. They often look wonderful and they're like ``. Oh, this is too much !'', It's like no. You look healthy and vibrant and awesome, but they're used to seeing themselves with really limp hair, so that's kind of what they want.. But it is a growing trend to have really light density hair and in fact we even had a question from somebody who was asking ``. Why don't they make lighter density, wigs ?'''' And the hair is so shiny !''. So I don't think this is shiny at all, and I've got a ton of studio lighting on it. Okay, this is a heat friendly wig. This is a Peppermint by BelleTress in Champagne, with Apple Pie, which is a funny name. I think, but this doesn't look too shiny to me. I'Ve got lights there there there everywhere., But I think it depends on the fiber you're buying and it also depends on the brand.. Not all brands of synthetic hair are super shiny. You just got ta know what you're buying.. I think that, for instance, like Jon Renau, Estetica Ellen Wille, even they tend to have a very matte finish on their fibers. That makes the fiber more prone to tangling, but it does decrease the shine.. Here we go. Let'S get to the next one.'', Why do wigs for the Caucasian market mostly have temple to temple lace fronts, while wigs marketed to Women of Color have ear to ear lace, fronts, ?'', Oh.? Okay, so not all wigs are like that.. For instance, I have an Ava by Henry Margu up there that has an ear to ear lace front.. So what she means is that the lace goes all the way down to the ear tab and then kind of wraps around.. We do sell wigs that are like that, as opposed to just temple to temple where the lace goes from here to here., But most white wig wearers, don't know how to customize their hair or they're scared to do it. They're not adventurous enough to spend that much On a wig only to `` Franken-hair'' it like I do., Except a lot of the collectors, are a little more comfortable with this cause. They'Ve got tons of wigs. You know what I mean, I'm the same way, I'm like'' whatever. Let'S do this.'', But I think that the reason why is because if they have hair over here on the sides that that lace is gon na be really obvious., You can only really get away with that. If you don't have a lot of hair there on the sides or in the case of a lot of women in the BBSS market, they can just trim the lace so that way, it doesn't cover up their hair and look weird.. The answer at the end of the day, for most of these questions that y'all keep asking about the differences between BBSS and Caucasian. Wigs is basically a reflection of the fact that I don't think many of you realize exactly how many differences there are between the typical BBSS buyer and your medical Caucasian wig wearer.. And that is why I keep saying the word `` medical'', Because most medical wearers have extremely specific needs and they're all looking for something extremely different., Whereas your typical BBSS buyer they're buying for fashion purposes.. They know that those wigs are only going to last about a month a pop, and then they just switch them out.. So they don't need to be as durable. They don't need to be as realistic and they don't need to be as comfortable. All three of those things add to the price.. So the differences in density, texture and all these other nitpicky things they all come down to personal taste, differences and the fact that there aren't as many options for us, because we are such a small segment of the marketplace.. Hopefully, this video has helped obliterate. Some of your previous misconceptions about any similarities about the two marketplaces. You could go in between the two, but just make sure your expectations are correct, or else you're going to get disappointed. Whichever end you shop at., This reality check is for the betterment of all of us so that hopefully we can have less frustration in our wig shopping all throughout our wig-wearing lives. Hopefully that has helped describe a whole bunch of things. Hopefully, we've pulled the wool out from your eyes, so that way you know exactly what's going on and why you pay more for a lot of these higher end cap features and why you don't have quite as much variety or as many high-fashion funky style options as Women on the Black Beauty Supply end of things., Oh and check out my wig store. If you get a chance, We sell lots of these white lady wigs there. It'S triple-dub, C-Y-S-T-E-R, W-I-G-S.com, Otherwise known as CysterWigs.. If you don't know the first thing about customizing your hair, these white wigs are wonderful. Lots of W words. Because the finishes are already provided for you.. Alright, bye, everybody
Comments
Ruth Wells: Thank you for in informative video. As a woman of color, I wear both types of wigs. I will tell you black women are very creative when we do buy BBSS. And truly a lot of white wig shops colors are not for women of color, and vice versa, and the texture is not suitable to intermingle for all women. I watch videos from both, and I have learned a lot from both. I do feel cap construction is a MAJOR difference in segregation. I prefer belle tress wigs for comfort, and "it's a wig" for style. I hope your video helps ALL WOMEN as I feel good ordering from ALL types of vendors. I think information is power, and truly YouTube has changed the "wig game". It has empowered and helped women, ALL WOMEN. I am glad we do have ALL the choices. Thanks again and God Bless.
Purple Puffin: Thank you for this!!! I've always been jealous of black women and how they can wear whatever kind of hair they want. I was wearing a wig once (while recovering from chemo) to Walmart and was chatting with a black woman about this topic, and how I wish white women would embrace wigs too, and she told me, "Girl, just DO it!!" My hair is back now, and I'm taking her advice!
Liz Lyons: I think I am going to listen to this twice. Wow, Heather! You are such an effective speaker and salesperson. Now I feel like a totally spoiled baby because you are so right. I want my wigs to look like my hair once was before it started to get thinner, and I want the wig to be perfect so none of the snarky people who know me as I am will give me a hard time. I am also going to treat these wigs with even more love and respect now that I know how precious they really are. Whew! We needed that! xoxo
Terese Weir: Thank you, Heather. Sensitive subject handled with class, honesty and humor.
Valerie: This is a informative video. As a black woman, I don't wear wigs. I didn't know there was a difference between black and white wigs. My motto is "Do You." Thank you for this video.
Atypical60: What a great video!!!!! I wear both BBSS wigs ( that I buy online) and white lady wigs! But my favorite WL wigs are from Estetica Designs! I love the lace fronts that I don’t have to cut and the parts that I don’t have to tweeze! But I love my BBSS wigs too because I can customize the part, thin the wig a bit if it is too thick ( which is rarely) and make it my own! I’ll be 63 next week I’m in that wiggy age demographic but don’t see myself as overly picky because to me, wigs should be fun and I like je to think that the stigma is lifting!! This video should be required viewing for women of all cultural backgrounds ! Nice job!!!!
dark doll: Getting Bbss wigs is a great way to learn about customization and not be so nervous about cutting into your pricier wigs.
Ruth Wells: I am glad too. I come from a long history of wig wearers. My aunt use to travel to New York to purchase wigs. I can tell you you really debunked some stereotypes (all white women don't have "good"hair). I feel soo blessed to live in a time where I can get great looking hair right at my finger tips. Thanks
Cathy Olague: Wow Heather. I've been a wig wearer for a million years, but I've learned more from you in the last few months than I have in my entire life. You are amazing! Keep up the good work, I always look forward to your videos and Taz's. I hope your business thrives! I wish I were as brave as you, so I hope to be just like you someday! You rock!
Trish KZ: Very good video Heather. As a multicultural woman with a crazy mix of hair that has now thinned to the point of wearing toppers or wigs, I relate to all of the points you made in this video. I encourage Caucasian women to try a wig from the BBSS market and learn to customize it. It can be a lot of fun and a great learning experience to find out what features you like or don’t like.
Mandy McCarthy: Makes sense that if a person pays a few hundred for a wig that they would be more than a little hesitant to experiment with it! My takeaway was if you're a person with DIY spirit and can't afford a closet full of hair, it might be worth it to branch out and play.
suzy mcclung: Great video. I had no idea the white wig community was so small. I now understand why there are so many u tube videos about “slaying”a wig and it was a huge learning curve. It was not until I found Cysterwigs that I realised I did not have to dye knots or use concealer on the part. i would love to know more about working with and customizing wigs now that I am a little more comfortable wearing them.
queenelizabethok4: Thank you for this video. I am mixed and I have Androgenetic Alopecia, basically my hair looks just like yours. I shave it down. My bio hair is the same texture as "white" hair. I've been wasting money on the struggle bus with wigs for at least 6 years. All this time searching for everything you talked about in this video!! I never wanted to buy a "white" wig because of the expense. Even though I've spent that many times over and over buying wigs that didn't fit etc etc. You have set me free.
Diana Corsetti: Thanks Heather. Interesting information... Sad that people who need wigs for medical reasons have to pay more.
judahgad: The workplace prefers us to have "good" hair. Not always our preference We prefer wig over using chemicals.
Christina: Heather thank you, finally a great review on the difference in wigs, I have to say as a white woman, who was a hair dresser for 25 years and wore and sold wigs in a salon setting the industry needed some clarification and what a job you did. Not an easy thing to do. I always appreciate the energy and education you interject into your reviews.
Patricia English: Really is an informative video Heather. I was surprised about the percentage of medical wigs was only 10% of the entire industry! Keep this video series going. I'm learning new things each week!
Krystin Nunya: Heather thank you so much for this video!! Ive been going BBSS searching lately because my wigs always cost me about $250. Well now I know why. And im not so mad anymore Thanks again girl.
Sky Eyes: Everyone that knows me knows I wear wigs. I will tell them . Why because I want white women to not be scared for people to know they have a wig one.
Karen Schroer: Wow, loved this video. I learned so much. You do such a great job Heather, thanks so much
Nancy Sams: Very interesting and informative. I really appreciate your dedication to your customers and going above and beyond just making a sale. Keep doing what you're doing! You make the whole wig buying and wearing experience so much more enjoyable.
My Bunny Valentine: Next time someone (non wig wearers) asks me why I pay so much for my hair when they see so many online for $19.99, instead of getting frustrated, I'll get them to watch this! Thanks!
MichelleM: My mother use to wear Eva Gabor wigs in the 70's and early 80's..I think that was all there was for white women...Now..as time passes we have such a selection..of everything..and versatile wigs..white or black if your daring and creative and have total confidence to wear them..I think wigs are magical and a cure all..no matter what kind I get my hands on ..lol!
Monica F: Thank you for explaining all these topics!!! You are awesome at what you do for us!!
S B: Heather, you nailed it! Everything you said is totally on point and so true. I chuckled at being characterized as "very discerning, kind of picky". Happy Easter!
ANNA B: Thanks so much for that. Your video really helped me understand the differences between the 2 markets. As you say, most of us whites wear wigs for medical reasons and not as a fashion statement. Shame and humiliation play a huge role for me. That is why I am so grateful for all you You-tubers out there who share, inform, propose, advise, suggest, recommend, reassure, encourage, comfort and gently, gently push us newbies out of the closet! A special thanks to Heather and CysterWigs for your unfailing support
Heather: Another great informative video. The wig you are wearing just suits you so much - looks completely natural. Many thanks Heather :0)
PMD: Heather...love your videos. Your take on wig wearing and life is so down to earth. Keep tellin' it like it is, Cyster!
Monica M: Excellent video, very informative! You answered all my questions on why there such differences between the two worlds of wigs. THANK YOU!
Sari S: Thank you for this wonderful video. As someone with gradual hair loss from thyroid disease finally purchased a topper when my hair began falling in clumps this past winter. My main concern was worrying if anyone would notice I had a topper or wig on. I envied black women wearing wigs and changing colors and style freely. As an Asian women I felt I could never do that. We are supposed to this dark glossy hair! Not on my head LOL. Expense is a big concern for me but not as much as the natural hair look. Learning what is available from other women on sites like this is priceless!
My Music: LOL "Good Hair"... Chris Rock made a whole MOVIE about this subject! Thank you so much for posting this, it's something I've discussed privately amongst friends for years now. You're spot on with the whole video, not to mention BRAVE in this powderkeg time of Race relations to do this! Bravo!
Genxmuse: Great info Heather! Thanks for going there. Loved the preface!
Robin Allgold: Thank you so much for doing this video. Now I understand more about the differences between the two dominant wig producers. Never knew there was such a huge difference between the two, in the percentage of people who wear wigs. Love the wig you are wearing, low density is my kind of wig.
Ima OnnaLyneNow: Great video - not only for the 'reasons' but also for the information of what to look for and why ... my wig arsenal of wigs contains both 'white women wigs' and 'black women wigs' ... both have great looks, styles and colors ... each type wig has its pros and cons and each and every separate wig has its pros and cons. I evaluate and purchase my wigs based on what they look like on me ... NOT whatever 'racial label' might be put on them ... same as I select my friends .... are they good wigs (people), do the wigs fit into my lifestyle (people) --- are the wigs something I want in my life (people) ... etc ... wigs are wigs ... people are people -- pick carefully and focus on what works for YOU, not what the label might say! You go girl! Keep on keepin' on ... say it like it is ...
mybuggie2: Heather!! I love that color of wig on you. Looks perfect! I wish I could wear blonde but I just don't have the coloring for it.
Barbara M: Well, that answered most of my questions on the differences between wig buyers and wig producers! Thank you, Heather! That's why all the wig stores around are for the women of color! Try finding a cap in a local store for a very fair skinned white woman :-P not gonna happen lol.
Susan Heckert: Dear Heather, your videos are the absolute best, I love you! You explained exactly why black woman wigs are so much less expensive than wigs for white women! I was at a black-woman-oriented beauty supply store in Dallas this afternoon and was astounded by the inexpensive prices of their wigs! After trying on a few, it became apparent that something was very different ... other than just the colors. Your video made so much sense to me now and I totally get it. Thank you so much for all your great videos/reviews. When I'm considering purchasing a new wig, I always try to find a review from you, as you give the most accurate, concise, and down-to-earth reviews out of anyone online! You are beautiful and the best in my books. (I love Taz too but not quite reality for us real ladies, no offense, Taz, lol!)
laughing Hawk: Learned so much from this. Looking forward to more informative videos. Still haven't gotten up the courage to wear a wig outdoors, but the anxiety is starting to dissipate slowly with the more I learn. Glad to have people like you around to help us wig newbies out.
Lia Sottolano: Enjoyed the video. I wear wigs for a change of color and style. I have short curly hair that takes some work to straighten. I love your videos and also the videos of wigs for women of color. They have a lot of less expensive shorter styles.
Pebbles: Very interesting and I learned a lot! Thanks for addressing the confusion associated with these two kinds of wigs. I was often wondering about why my wigs were so costly...now I know!
Sandy Lewis: I wear wigs for fun - no hair loss. I avoid lacefront and pull my own hair through the front for max realistic effect. I was pleasantly surprised by a blonde Vivica Fox wig I bought. It was non-lacefront and skintop -- so cheap but the hair quality was really nice! One of my favorites.
Frances Stanfield: I appreciated this episode. Just started following you recently. I’m a black woman with alopecia since 12. I’ve had it all. Honestly, the worst emotionally has been when I have tried these lace fronts marketed to black women. I can’t deal with the maintenance and upkeep and all that you have to do before you can comfortably step out. I want simple as you speak of so I do pay more. I’ve learned what to pick that looks the most natural. Always have to have body with some wave and layers. It cuts down the shine. Jon Renau does that for me in colors that are darker. I’m most in my comfort zone when I can walk through life and not be asked questions about my hair. These big lace fronts with all the baby hair, etc is way to over the top and way too heavy and the circumferences too big. With that said, the good news is that I’ve learned tricks from some of those bad experiences and that’s a good thing. I love and respect your honesty and will keep following.
Terri Dunkel: Haha. This was very fun and educational. As always THANK you. Why don't you do more customization videos for us picky medical wig wearers (just kidding)
Cee Al: Heather I just gotta say I love your wig reviews and somehow stumbled onto this video. I have tric and over the last few years my hair has gotten thinner and thinner. I used to buy cosplay or BBSS wigs since I was a student on a tight budget. I have recently started to wear more of the mid range priced wigs and am thrilled at the more realistic features. So now I've been experimenting on my cheaper wigs with cutting bangs, thinning parts, dying, etc. So for you out there wanting to experiment I just youtube whatever it is I want to do and don't fear since it was a $20-$40 wig. But your videos have really made a difference for me in picking the right wigs and what looks good and what to avoid. So thanks for being there for us medical wig wearers! You rock girl!
Crowning Glory: Thanks for this video. I've purchased some pieces from the BBSS but I'm not afraid to customize my pieces (or create new ones). I have often wondered why there was such a huge price difference. I've watched this video a few times, mostly because I'm a little obsessed with the Peppermint by Belletress - which I just ordered (my first Cysterwigs order!) <3
R S: Thank you! I wondered! I was tempted to buy a "BBSS" wig but couldn't find too many blondes and I was just clueless as to the difference in texture, etc. VERY informative video.
Linda Anderson: Heather very good info as usual. Gave me some good answers as to why things are the way they are. Thank you for being so honest
Dee Statham: Great video Heather! And thanks for putting political correctness in its place when it comes to this topic. Facts are facts and that’s all we want. You’re SO right that white ladies are more afraid to customize their pieces then black ladies. I’ve learned so much from black ladies about customization, so I’m not afraid anymore to take thinning shears or a razor to a piece in order to make it my own. We are, indeed, the minority in this market which makes it more expensive for us. Thanks so much for answering some of the questions I’ve had for a while, especially the one about density. Keep these great videos coming.
Why am I here?: Love the glasses - love the sweater - LOVE the frankness and the info in general! I love your videos!
Kate Mazetier: Heather, you and your CysterWigs company are awesome!! Thanks for the AMA videos. So much valuable content.
Stephanie Kowalchuk: Thank you Heather, you answered so many of my questions.
StudioQ: Heather, you are FULL of INFORMATION! I have seen some of your videos, and I like them all! I really need to take about 3 days and binge on Heather Vids non-stop. You throw Gold Nuggets at us in every one! It is a pleasure to hear you and see you in my wig wearing adventure! Thank You!
Paula Downie: My husband is working from home today and he thinks you’re just as awesome as I do! He listens in all the time and just thinks the world of your laugh
Amie Shadlu: Thanks so much for the info, Heather!! I was super-curious about the temple-to-temple vs. ear-to-ear lace. BT dubs, that’s a genius idea to leave your sideburns unshaven to blend with the wig...may I please steal your idea?
sdraper2011: Aardvarks and cantaloupes and sherpas, oh my! :D This is a great video, funny and very interesting. I'm new to all this and the "big picture" background info is fascinating to me. Thank you, Heather!
Sheila Miller: Great info and.... I love, love the delivery. You are awesome!! (Watching your videos on a day off during the middle of the week:) Thanks once again!
Angie Gay: You know your stuff girl! Great video thanks Angie
NyLashLady: Thank you!! Very informative. I always wondered why there was such a disparity in price. I have a handful of BBSS wigs mainly because I fell in love with a style (that I haven't yet found in a higher quality wig) and am "ok" with having to toss it 3/4 times a year. My first higher quality wig was purchased from your store. I have a wish list that I'm saving up for. Thanks again.
Julia-Venetian Cat Fine Art: Thanks so much for this most informative video. I'm an olive skinned Italian and love to style wigs, so I can get away with BB wigs ;) To make my high-end wigs last, I rotate with low-end ones.
Katt: What a great video! Who knew, all these fun things I've learned I wore a lot of wigs in my 20's as I had a very busy job and didn't always have the time to style my hair in the mornings. There were never as many choices as there are now in my 40's. I've been looking at a lot of wigs that say "For Black Women", but it never explained the difference. You explained it all beautifully and it makes sense as I too wore wigs for fashion so I had 4-5 varying styles all in the same length. No one ever knew (or cared) as they looked like my natural hair! Thanks, Heather, your personality and humor are a winner!
Nichole Renee: So glad you did this video! I am Caucasian and wear wigs daily for fashion and I also hate my hair, but I don’t hide it. Don’t get me wrong, I make it look natural, but when someone compliments my hair I tell them it’s a wig. I actually only wear wigs that are marketed to women of color because I like the price, and variety better. I also think they look more realistic. Unless it is a natural Yaki texture, they have some silkiness and courseness like my hair is. Wigs for white women tend to be too silky and I don’t want my wig to look like doll hair. With the price being lower too it allows me to purchase more of them. I have found several wigs that have HD lace which is much lighter for my skin tone. If I get one with darker lace, I just blend it with makeup powder to lighten it.
Chiana22: I love your AMA videos! So informative. I have a question about transitioning from using cover-up products for my thinning part to wearing a topper (and even wigs). How do you make this transition without drawing too much attention (either positive or negative)? Thanks!
Kate Cartmell: Ah, you also answered a big question I've had for a long time: the "medicalization" of wigs for white women, in particular. They are MADE for medical reasons, given that hair loss is considered a medical condition, life threatening or not. I haven't thought of hair loss that way - just unlucky genetics - but I get it. And, I also didn't realize what a small community we are - 10% of the market! So, maybe it IS somewhat unique in our society for a white woman to be a daily wig wearer, which is why we're more self-conscious and perhaps do attract more interest. Excellent and very well explained topic!
Cheryl Kitchen: I'm not a medical consumer. I'm just obsessed with the options. I have gotten such odd reactions from other white women, and total support from my black friends. It's a struggle for sure, but fun so far. Thanks.
General Tso: My niece has cancer, lost her hair, it's short now, I keep encouraging her to buy some fun wigs -- I bought a couple for myself, to be a wig buddy to her
Diane R-D: Oh my goodness, Heather, you are answering questions that I have been dying to ask!! and many more, actually! I wasn't sure if I should ask a black women or a white women. Black women work magic with wigs and I have seen such talented hands making their own custom wigs! Thanks my friend. Diane
Donna Estle: What a fabulous video! So many questions are finally answered and it makes sense now! Thank you, thank you!
Jen Jen: Thanks Heather, very helpful. I'm new to all of this wig stuff and as a caucasian woman I bought 2 BBSS wigs by accident. One of them is okay, but the other one has a Yaki texture, which I had no idea what it was. I agree with what you've said. I also have thinning hair that I decided to shave it off cause it looked very crappy, so i'm not wearing wigs as a fashion statement either. Just ordered a Tatum from you guys, one of them 'limp' wigs I guess
Patricia Blankenbaker: Thank you so much for explaining something I've been wondering about for a long time!
Cutemolly99: Really good explanation!! I had been wondering since I’ve been buying from both
Jackie Marsh: Thank you so much for a very interesting review!! Love xoxoxo
grandmacia: Omg you are awesome! I love your wig. I never knew these wigs existed until my friend told me about them. I will be buying some once I get together with her! I’m so excited!!
Ellee Hunter-Jones: ❤❤❤❤ I'm relatively new to wig wearing. With that being said, I started doing bbss frontal/closure sew-in. I will be moving overseas soon and need to learn more about wigs. I started educating myself and have learned so much. I always wondered why it was so much more expensive to purchase a white-girl wig (wgw) vs bbss. Thank you for the explanation. Makes sense! With that being said, I learned how to customize/install bbss for longer wear time and then use wgw for quick or short notice events.
L. Jung: Very informative and I did wonder why some wigs are more expensive, now I understand. Thank you! Excellent video!
Sharon S: Thanks so much for this video - very informative. The blond color you’re wearing looks So Great on you! Also, I know you verbally mentioned the wig name, manufacturer, and color name during the video, but could you also include that information in the information box below so it would be available for quick reference? No matter the topic of your video everyone always wants to know what you’re wearing (because you make them all look so good).
agedjake: Thanks Heather, It is so obvious when you explain it. Thank you for taking the time to spell it out. Jake
Annie Em: Well spoken! Very informative. Thank you, Heather!
latteliz: Oh, NOW I get it! ♀️ Thanks for doing this. Very informative.
Phyllis Moore: Heather (right?), I'm a Black woman who has often wondered the same thing, why do white women have to pay so much more than us. You've cleared this up so well. I see lots of wigs that are marketed to Black that I believe would work for anyone; and would be purchased by a more diverse group of women. All white women don't have long straight hair; lots have curly and or kinky hair and would look good in the BBSS wig. Now as for alopecia, if you watch some of the videos featuring Black women, you'll find that there goo-gobs of Black wig -wearers that do suffer from alopecia; as a matter of fact, most of the auto-immune diseases that cause baldness in women are suffered by Black women; but since lots of us don't care that it's obvious that today's "do" is a wig, just like the "do" I was wearing yesterday, and the day before that, and the day before that... Even when suffering from an autoimmune cause of baldness, we love the fashion of it all, just as you said in this video. This a wonderful explanation of it all, though; I never thought about the "pickiness," the comfort concerns, and the smaller market made up of white women that want their hair to look just like it did before losing and during the time period before they lost it, or that it became a real concern. Lace from ear to ear...we wish! Yes some do, but the majority of the wigs don't have that luxury. Some wigs sold to the BBSS customers will have a 2", 3" parting space, now who wears their hair that way, lol?! They do find shortcuts that make the wigs less expensive, but watching video after video, we do, as you made clear, learn how to make lemonade when given a truckload of lemons. Thank you for such an informative and enlightening explanation of questions that both, Black and White women have been wracking (sp) their brains about. Great, and so very amusing, presentation!
Dawn McFarland: I'm ghostly white and just wore a $50 Bobbi Boss Carmela for my wedding last Sunday and people who haven't seen me in awhile thought it was my real hair and were blown away at how beautiful I looked in it.
Miche Moffatt: Another fab wee video heather! Loving it x
Jennah Bush: Very good video Heather! Very interesting. I always wonder why BBSS wigs don't come in transparent lace. Then we could all wear them. I just always wondered this
LaVena Lacy: You are awesome :) Thank you for filling us in!
Brenda Botzer: Wow, great information. I’m a blonde so I always wondered why the high cost.
Sharon Harrod: Great video, I learnt a lot, thank you
Lori Beth 428: I know this is an older video and I'm not sure if I commented already but I just wanted to say how EXTREMELY helpful this video was and how well you explain everything and being politically correct etc was just pure perfection you done good girlfriend!!!
COgal H.: GREAT video with such a wealth of information. Thank you for sharing your knowledge.
Rhonda Scheidel: You are so amazing, so intelligently presented. None of us, I guarantee u were knowledgeable about the size of the white wig market. Now I get it. I work with a lot of black women that wear “hair” that is so gorgeously customized, no sign of Wigginess but u know they are store bought. Is the market in Europe similar in that’ white women buyers are minority and over 50?
Rene Hill: This video was done so well and you did such a good job and handling / tackling this topic. I fell like this is a really “loaded” topic and also a topic that people can be very sedative and ALSO a topic that if not some right could be very offensive. I was really impressed by how well you talked about this...you were super informative and managed to not be offensive at all. Great job!
Cindy's Wigs: AMEN! How can I decide what I want without your review and information!! No, no way! We need the middle "mam"
Diane R-D: you have done a great job of answering some questions that I never asked but always wondered about. Thank you Heather.
Jackie Torres: Thank You for this Video..so good ! Love all my sisters Wig wearers :)
Liz Masi: Oh my! Love this wig on you and the color is beautiful.
Kate Steak: Super helpful and informative. Respectful yet honest
Laura B: I like that you addressed this in a respectful way. I like BSS wigs, I like easy wigs, I don't care if it's a dark root, it's just more budget friendly for me to get the less expensive wigs. I don't mind cutting or thinning the hair myself since I used to do all types of things on my own hair. I don't hace alopecia, but I have a migraine condition so what little energy I have is spent on school work and cleaning and work, not doing my hair or make up.
Rose M: I was browsing the internet for a wig and came upon this video. I really enjoyed the information presented. On some websites like Paula Young or The Wig Company, they have a few wigs I like but not in the petite head size. Most of their short length wigs are in the petite head size but I don't want short length wigs. I already have too many of them and lately I've been donating them to the cancer program. I want to wear a medium length wavy wig but all that I've seen online are for average or large head sizes. Does anyone know of any company that produces medium length wigs for petite heads? Thanks.
mustangmama: I have a couple of questions AMA. Why are certain colors not available on all wigs. I'm interested in Renau's fs10/16 but it is only available on a very few wigs. My second question is why can't the lace front and mono top be all one piece? They do it for mono parts, so why not for a full mono top?
Lisa Marie: Great video Heather! Just wondering since most of the white wig clientele is over 50 and looking for blondes why I am unable to find light cool blonde in so many great wig makers like Estetica and John Ranau. I cant be the only frustrated cool blonde out there. Envy light blonde is a great option as is RW Biscuit. But so few have similar colors.
A F: Best video yet! Excellent! Keep them coming...
Diane R-D: By the way, I have visited black wig shops, and have found styles that I love, but they were limited on color choices. I can't wear black wigs, I'm too fair complected. Some of the hair fibers were soft but, at closer look, just slightly textured. Thanks Heather for your hard work! PS, I already know I'm a handful! Diane