Alternative Hair Alchemist - A podcast about everything wigs, toppers and alternative hair!

This week, I found an online article that someone wrote with do's and don'ts for wig wearing.  I go over the article with my thoughts, and while everyone has different experiences and opinions and I respect that, I can tell from the article that this woman may not have had a wig on that fits her head correctly.  This is not by any means an insult! I have had women in my shop that have worn wigs th...

Hi everyone! This week I had the chance to observe a woman who was clearly jealous of someone else's alternative hair!   At the bottom of it (IMO) a resentment of the fact that someone else could have hair that looked as good as hers that wasn't "homegrown'. I give the details on this and also describe a few other reactions that friends and family have been less than nice about someone's alternati...

After five years of helping over two thousand people in person, I can tell you a few of the reasons why the wig or hairpiece can look so different on your head.  Plus, my theories s why the wig always looks 'better' on someone else.  (Spoiler alert: it really doesn't, you just think it does). Drop by www.debraheim.com and sign up for my email list and I will send you my 16 page PDF E-Book "10 Step...

This week the pros and cons of shaving heads for wig wearing and some iconic examples of women characters with shaved heads is discussed.  The number one pro:  Confidence! Peace, Love, and Alternative Hair, Debra Heim

This week I discuss stress related hair loss (telegen effluvium) and how stress can affect hair growth in general.  As always, remember to consult your physician about your hair loss and regularly, but here are ten things you can do at home reported to help hair growth and strength. Balanced diet, mindfulness/meditation, exercise and plenty of water are key though, no matter what you do! Oh, and a...

This past week, someone brought to my attention a website that had "Debra" as part of the name and asked if it was a new line for me.  The site had pictures that were stolen from famous influencers and reputable websites.  By stealing pictures and using similar look alike names and fake reviews, that is just a few of the tactics that these scam artists trick unsuspecting buyers into thinking they...

Being true to yourself is what authenticity is about! It doesn't mean your physical appearance, it doesn't mean you can only have hair that you grew yourself.....let's talk about what authenticity means and why you aren't being 'fake' if you embrace alternative hair! Peace, love, and alternative hair!! Debra The ORIGINAL alternative hair alchemist ✌💘💇‍♀️

This week we wrap up the last five of the top twenty searched questions by wearers of wigs and toppers. How to I properly clean and care for my wig? What is the difference between a lace front and a full lace wig? How long does a wig typically last with regular use? Can a wear a wig while swimming or exercising? Are there any specific tips for wearing a wig in hot weather? How do I secure my wig f...

Here is the continuation of last week's episode covering the most commonly asked questions to Google (and myself) concerning alternative hair.  I cover the next five and next week we will wrap it up. The thing to remember is for every question, there is an answer and for every problem there is a solution! Looking back over the show's episodes I have done an episode for all of the questions and mor...

This week in the first of a two part series, I will answer the questions most frequently searched on the internet about wigs.  The difference between me and the internet is I am going to give you answers based not only on my experience but also from the view of someone that has helped 1800 clients in person and counting!  Also, find out about how you can work with me on a deeper level!   Peace, Lo...

Alternative hair is a great way to look salon fresh in minutes, or to change your look completely for a photo shoot or mood.  Slept in and have to do a Zoom in ten minutes? No problem, hair can be ready to go! Wigs and hairpieces have been used by celebs for years! The difference is they have someone who knows alternative hair to do it for them.  Listen for your chance to get a virtual makeover vi...

If you are worried that someone "will know" you are wearing a wig or hairpiece, fear not! If you do it right, nobody has to know unless you tell them.  But here's a recap of the reactions you may get if you decide to tell someone that your hair is yours, but you didn't grow it!   www.debraheim.com www.verybestlittlehairhouse.com  

The time to replace your alternative hair is mainly up to you! My best advice is don't wait until the last minute! But here are the key things that I see that show wear in your alternative hair, and most importantly, don't feel guilty about self care!  Plus, a big surprise....a new shop opening in the USA!

Hand tied wigs take on the average, 40 hours to produce each, where wefted wigs take about 8 hours each according to one of the major manufacturers my shop carries.  But allow yourself to try a good one if you have the chance, here are the five advantages you will find. Thank you for listening and as always, Peace, Love and Alternative Hair! Debra Heim www.debraheim.com www.verybestlittlehairhouse...

Sometimes you can get a really great deal on buying a wig or topper that simply didn't work for someone else.  It's a great way to snag a bargain, if you know what to look for and most of all, trust the seller!

Alternative hair scams are out there in full force!  Here are some of the tactics scammers use to fool and manipulate you. www.verybestlittlehairhouse.com www.debraheim.com  

This week I will break down the differences in cap designs and what that means for you.  Also there will be a short video to go along with this episode posted on YouTube and also in the Wise Wig Advice and Support Group that can be found on Very Best Little Hairhouse's Facebook page to show you the differences along with the explanation. www.verybestlittlehairhouse.com www.debraheim.com Peace, Lov...

This week I will give you the guidelines on how to determine if you are cool, warm, or neutral as far as skin tones and what hair colors are flattering to them.  Here's the thing, though:  rules were made to be broken as far as I am concerned and I say the real test is to try it in person to tell for sure!  I'm a very visual person as far as that goes in guessing what colors look good,  And I can...

One of the biggest concerns alternative hair wearers can have is that someone will "know" they have a wig or topper on and will ask the dreaded "Is that a wig?" Here's the different types of responses I've experienced when I choose to reveal that "Yes, it is indeed a wig!".  The good news is that if you do alternative hair right, you won't ever be asked....but here's what to expect if you do choos...

If you are afraid of looking 'fake' in a synthetic, let me tell you that those days are over!  Here's my top reasons why synthetic is the way to go for the most part, especially if you are in the experimentation phase of alternative hair styles and colors.  

Whether you have a round, square, heart shape, diamond or classic shaped face, there is a style that is recommended for you, and I am going to run through them.  Spoiler alert:  a longer side swept bang is flattering to all faces (according to the hair style experts).  But rules are made to be broken and I have seen all kinds of different styles work on different faces in my shop.....and with alte...

Even to this day, I find there are women who are terrified at the thought of someone finding out or knowing they are wearing a wig or topper. Why is that?  Because most people have pretty significant memories of a bad wig or toupee.  There's no need for that anymore, the alternative hair out there now is amazing!  Here's some of my thoughts and observations.  And as always, when you become aware t...

Changing your color or style is always an adjustment and there is a phase where it might seem like a huge mistake.......but it's not! It's just part of the process.  Here's my process to adapt to new colors and styles. 

Choosing a first wig or topper? Consider these 5 tips.

It's warming up in my part of the US and I often get asked if I have or know of any wigs or hairpieces that are "good for summer", meaning less 'hot' than others.  You can look at these three things when choosing your hair to help you decide if it might be cooler than another. I'm sure there are wigs being sold as "summer" or "hot weather" wigs but here's the three biggest factors to considerer if...