đ Our main Yorkville salon will be closed for our Christmas break starting December 22, reopening on January 2. Merry Christmas & Happy Holidays! âď¸
đ Our main Yorkville salon will be closed for our Christmas break starting December 22, reopening on January 2. Merry Christmas & Happy Holidays! âď¸
When it comes to wigs, the choice between synthetic and human hair can feel overwhelming. Human hair wigs are generally the higher-end option and command a premium price, but there are more differences to consider.
Synthetic Hair Wigs
Material: Synthetic wigs are crafted from man-made fibres like acrylic, nylon, or polyester. These fibres are designed to mimic the look and feel of natural hair, but they can vary in quality. High-quality synthetic fibres can look incredibly realistic, while lower-quality options might appear less natural.
Lower Cost: If you’re budget-conscious, synthetic wigs are generally more affordable than human hair wigs. This makes them a popular choice for those who want to experiment with different styles without breaking the bank.
Ease of Maintenance: One of the biggest perks of synthetic wigs is how easy they are to care for. They usually come pre-styled and maintain their shape well, so you won’t need to spend much time styling them. However, this convenience also means they can be less versatile when it comes to changing your look.
Easier Style Retention: Synthetic wigs hold their style even after washing, which means theyâre low maintenance in terms of daily styling. However, keep those curling irons and straighteners awayâhigh heat can melt the fibres, leaving your wig damaged beyond repair.
Slightly Lower Durability: With proper care, synthetic wigs can last 4 to 6 months. However, if worn daily, they might not last as long as human hair wigs. Regular maintenance and gentle handling can extend their lifespan.
Less Natural Look: Modern synthetic wigs have come a long way in terms of looking realistic. They can offer a convincing appearance, especially if you choose a high-quality option. However, they might not blend seamlessly with your natural hair if you’re trying to match colours closely.
Feel: To the touch, synthetic wigs might feel a bit less natural, often having a plastic-like texture. High-quality synthetic wigs can feel more like real hair, but there’s usually still a noticeable difference.
Human Hair Wigs
Material: Made from real human hair, these wigs are often sourced from countries like India or China. The hair is collected, processed, and then crafted into wigs, ensuring a natural look and feel that synthetic wigs can’t quite match.
Cost: Human hair wigs are pricier due to the sourcing and processing of real hair. However, many people find the investment worth it for the natural appearance and versatility they offer.
Ease of Maintenance: Think of it as caring for your natural hair. Human hair wigs require more care and attention. They can be washed, dyed, and styled with heat tools, giving you the freedom to change up your look as often as you like. However, this means youâll need to invest time in maintaining them.
Great Styling Flexibility: One of the greatest advantages of human hair wigs is their flexibility. You can restyle them repeatedly, making them a long-lasting option for those who love changing up their look. Whether you want to curl, straighten, or colour your wig, the possibilities are endless.
Maximum Durability: With good care, human hair wigs can last for years. High-quality human hair wigs can be worn and restyled for much longer than synthetic ones. This durability makes them a great long-term investment.
Natural Look: These wigs offer the most realistic appearance, blending seamlessly with your natural hair colour and texture. When worn correctly, they can be indistinguishable from your own hair, giving you a natural and confident look.
Natural Feel: Human hair wigs feel natural and soft, often indistinguishable from your own hair when well-maintained. This makes them a comfortable and natural-feeling option for daily wear.
Other Considerations
Heat Resistance: Synthetic wigs canât handle high heat, so youâll want to avoid using heat styling tools on them. On the other hand, human hair wigs can be styled with curling irons, straighteners, and other heat tools, just like your natural hair.
Weather Adaptability: Human hair wigs hold up better in varying weather conditions, including humidity. Synthetic fibers, however, might frizz or lose their shape when exposed to moisture or high temperatures.
Colour and Texture: One of the biggest advantages of human hair wigs is their ability to be dyed and permed to match or change styles. Synthetic hairâs colour and texture are set, meaning you have fewer options for customization.
Final Thoughts
When choosing between synthetic and human hair wigs, think about your budget, lifestyle, how often you’re willing to maintain the wig, and how much you value the ability to change styles or the natural look and feel. If you’re not sure, contact us and book a free, fun, and confidential consultation and we’ll help you find exactly the right hair replacement option for you!
So we threw a party last week called âProsecco Nightâ. This originated many years ago as âClient Appreciation Nightâ, but Prosecco Night has a better ring to it. The reason is still the same: Continental Hair is grateful for all the friends and clients that have supported us over the years. It was especially brought home during the lockdowns. Clients were still sending me orders from as far away as Germany, Florida and The Caribbean and I am very proud to say that during that time not one employee at Continental Hair missed a paycheque.
I have noticed a couple things at these gatherings. Clients are thrilled to be able to finally commiserate with other women that have had similar experiences. And hey love seeing new developments and designs that can give them more options for their hair loss (although they usually stay with their tried and true method).
For myself I love catching up with clients that I have not been able to talk with for a long time. Thereâs Sarah, whoâs parents brought her to me when she was a little girl with alopecia. She has grown up and now has a beautiful little boy of her own. She has a podcast called The Art of Alopecia that she co-hosts with another Sara with alopeai (and another client as well). She has modeled for Continental Hair and I was so glad that she was able to come by and enjoy the party.
And there is Marcy, who was a teenager when her alopecia hit her. Her parents brought her from London to see me and get her first wig. She still wears Continental Hair wigs. She is a volunteer with the Canadian Alopecia Areata Foundation (CANAAF) and has an extremely popular Instagram page called The Art of Alopecia.
And Dawn who never wore a wig until she was in her 30âs and got one from Continental. Now she models and pageants and promotes. Her Instagram is @baldisbeautifuldawn.
And its always great seeing Avery. She lights up a room even with her dark hair!
Some of you might remember Kate from more than a few of our video and posts. She has been a wonderful client for more years than any of would care to say. It was lovely that she could come by.
I am grateful to all Continental Hair clients and it was great seeing so many of you last week. I know the photos donât show a big crowd but thatâs because I wanted to make sure that the guests that were shy did not get photographed. Bur we had over 60 here. And I know that there are many that did not get to join us but really wanted to so thereâs always next year.
Thanks again and enjoy a beautiful spring. Cheers!
Shopping for a wig can be challenging. The fact that you are new to the product and the process can be daunting. Add to the fact that maybe you do not actually want to get a wig but circumstances are such that you need one makes it even more stressful. I hope that these tips can help you find the perfect wig for you.
The first thing I tell a woman who calls about buying her first wig is that she should see it as shopping for anything else. If it is a jacket, a car, or a phone it’s basically the same thing; you want the right colour, style, fit and price.
The first thing that you may encounter is sticker shock. There is a wide range of prices for wigs and that depends on the type of hair used and its manufacturing method. It’s really not practical to get into every aspect of wig making and the details of how a wig is made, but there are a few things you should know.
The least expensive hair used in wigs is synthetic. Then comes processed human hair and then virgin European. The processed hair is natural but it has been bleached and dyed so the lighter colours sometimes can be a bit wonky. Virgin European is the most natural but it comes at a premium.
Like any shopper, you should be “results-oriented.” You need a wig that will do all three things. It’s like a bar stool that needs all three legs to work.
It must look good.
Their reputation aside many wigs can look amazing. And this can be done with a synthetic or a human hair. Try stuff on and get a good look. Remember that most wigs will require some styling so you will have to use some imagination to have it
It must fit comfortably.
Sometimes a wig cap can have scratchy materials inside. Some have combs and clips that are worse than useless if you have no hair. You should be able to move your head from side to side without the cap moving. If you look straight up at the ceiling you should feel it living at the nape. If you look at the inside is there anything there that could cause irritation? This can sometimes be hard to judge because many women try on wigs before they lose their hair. But you can usually be able to tell.
It must be reasonably secure.
You have to remember that a wig is essentially a hat with hair, so it does have some limitations when it comes to security. It should be fine in a regular gust of wind, but not if you go off the three-meter board. Many times if you still have some of your own hair that can make the wig slide a bit. You may require a ‘wig cap’ or a special headband to wear under the wig to give it some traction. That is not a biggie.
If you can satisfy these three issues you should have a lovely wig that you will enjoy with confidence. If you have any questions please email me at mi*****@*************ir.com
Back in the 1960âs wearing hair was a fashion statement. A woman was not considered âwith itâ unless she was wearing a âfallâ or a ‘wigâ. It was a time when women wore gloves when they went to a hockey game (and a man wore a suit).
It was round about then that my mother, Emma Suba, created what my father named The Postiche.
This was a small hairpiece that gave a woman the ability to have a little more length and/or height. It attached to her hair with a large comb. I know it was popular because when I was in first grade back in 1970 I gave one to my teacher and she was absolutely thrilled. It was still a fashion accessory though. A woman wanted to be seen wearing one. But later in the 70âs and 80âs the fashion changed and the postiche faded into history.
In the 90âs I had taken over the management of Continental Hair we were mostly doing womenâs wigs. However I started to have more and more women coming to see me with thinning hair problems. Back then we were really the only wig salon in southern Ontario so they naturally called on us. A wig was way too much for their thinning hair loss. Then I remembered the old postiche that my mother had designed. I changed the base and put menâs âclipsâ on the inside to attach to her hair.
It was beautiful. And women loved it.
I made several design changes over the years to make it lighter and more natural. a âFrench Partâ and lace front are the most recent. But the main thing that has determined the posticheâs success is the fact that we always use really beautiful hair. And not a lot of it. I know women today do not want to look like Miss Louisiana 1968 (not that thereâs anything wrong with that). But my clients want the postiche to be undetectable. Seamless. And it is. I actually know that you have seen one. There are several prominent Canadian women that wear a postiche that I made for them. Some are entertainers, some report the news. Some make news. And they are totally confident going on stage or in front of a camera. It gives me a special kind of pride when I am watching TV with a group and see a client of mine on the screen and no one can tell that she is wearing a postiche I designed and made for her.
And now things have changed. When I hosted a group of world hair replacement professionals in 2009 they were astonished to see what was my biggest seller. You see, most hair replacement salons concentrate on permanent attachment systems. When a woman has a permanent attachment hair system she comes in every month to have it re-attached, or serviced. This way the salon has a steady income month to month and the woman has hair that she never takes off herself. My colleagues were astonished that I would not see a client again for years until they wanted a new postiche. I had to tell them that clients come back because they love the look and can maintain it themselves.
By the way, we do permanent attachments at Continental Hair, but that is another blog.
And now EVERYONE is selling the postiche, although they call it a âtopperâ.  This is good that now womenâs hair enhancement is becoming more mainstream. Everyday it becomes more acceptable for a woman to be proactive about her hair loss. But the downside of this is that there are a lot of toppers out there that do not wear well or look good. This is (mostly) because of cost. Inexpensive processed hair is used with short cut-manufacturing methods put together with an unimaginative old fashioned base design. These new toppers are usually heavy and obvious. And so just like any product you have various levels of quality. I cannot blame anyone really since they are new to this. Continental Hair has had 30 years of practice at perfecting the topper, or postiche.
So when looking for a postiche/topper I suggest that you look at the following factors:
Do you like the hair quality? Does it look natural? Does it blend with your hair and match the colour?
Is the base of the topper a good size or is it more than you need? Is it light? Can you see through it (a good sign).
Is there the right amount of hair for you? Most first time wearers are terrified of too much hair, even if its only a little more. But many toppers have waaaay too much.
Is colouring and styling of the postiche/topper included? Do they stand behind it?
My most important bit of advice: Try stuff on. I always tell women that call me that they should see it as  they are just shopping. Look for something in you colour and size and price range, just like a coat or a car. Hair is important (and can be expensive), but you are looking at a positive enhancement of your appearance and that is a good thing. Hair loss can be traumatic and finding the right solution for you is life changing. I know this because countless women have told me so. It worked for them, and it can for you.
Most women have no idea that the postiche even exists. The few who do know it call it by its modern name, the “topper”. But it’s been around since my mother invented it in the ’60s (my father named it, sorry). Back then it was more of a fashion statement than a hair loss solution. But Continental Hair always designed them with virgin European hair so they would look AMAZING. I have a client who had my mother make her one of these for her wedding back in 1968. The one she wears now that I made for her is A LOT more subtle.
The way the modern Postiche came about was that in the early 1990’s I was making a hair system for a client who wanted it permanently attached. She had thinning hair and this small hair system was bonded (glued) onto her head. She moved away to Europe and I had an extra one for her so when a new client came to see me I saw that it was a perfect match for her hair. She did not want it bonded. We used comb clips for menâs hairpieces for years so I had my stylist add some clips and it worked!
I played around with the materials and the design over the years. The quest for the perfect postiche was on!
In the design of, well anything, there is always the tug of war between something that is natural and something that lasts. I can make a postiche that will last until the sun explodes but it will not be very comfortable or attractive. Most toppers are made on a base of what is called a fine monofilament, and also a welded monofilament. These have been used in men’s hairpieces since the ’60’s. After several designs in the late ’90’s I came up with the “Suzie” design (named after a client). What I was able to do was get a Japanese fabric which was described as a “polyester silk” as the base material. This is light and breathable but, like silk, is stronger than it looks.
Here is a design that can be bonded or taped to a woman’s head. The inside is monofilament and it is surrounded by a polyurethane “tape tab”.
This is basically a wig with the cap cut off at the back. The flower design under the top says that is a very old design. The lines under the loose mesh show that it is machine wefted. Very large and very heavy.
This one is a “welded” monofilament base. This will last for ages. But it will always betray the wearer up close and it is very hot to wear.
The above are some examples of the “topper.” Continental Hair does NOT carry these. They are basically either a wig with part of the cap removed or men’s hair systems with longer hair. These do not give a woman a natural look, especially when using processed hair.
I know that virgin hair is very expensive (and getting more so almost by the day) but that is the only way to get a truly natural look. Also what needs to be considered is the density. The majority of women who come to Continental Hair for the first time are very worried about suddenly having “a lot” of hair. So a light density with virgin hair will give her a natural look that is believable and enjoyable.
The Suzie design below is the best I have seen in terms of delivering a natural look with a durable but comfortable cap.
The Suzie Design
The lightweight base looks like it’s delicate but it is not. These usually last 2 – 3 years and I have seen some last many years longer. Just think how long a pair of jeans last if you wore them every day. Not nearly as long.
So the Postiche has come a long way. and it keeps getting better and better. The design, the workmanship, the hair and the styling all combine to make a beautiful look for a woman who needs just a little more hair. I am very proud that Continental Hair has what I have to say is the class of the field.
Whether youâre a man or a woman, it is at the very least, frustrating when you start to notice that your hair is thinning. It might be that youâre experiencing a gradual loss of hair or patchy hair loss. Perhaps thereâs more shedding of hair than usual and when you use a hairbrush, you see excess strands amongst the bristles. Maybe your hair stylist or barber has mentioned that your hairâs not as thick as it used to be. Or youâve undergone a medical treatment that’s caused hair loss. If the above sounds familiar, you could be wondering if your hair will ever look the same again.
So Many Reasons Behind Hair Loss
There are lots of different reasons behind hair loss. From plain old genetics to illness, to a shocking event in life. There are other reasons too, a lack of vitamins, poor eating habits, using too many chemical processes (such as hair colouring or hair straightening) and over-use of hair tools. At Continental Hair, we understand how you might be feeling and want to help you through your hair loss journey. You may well be able to reverse hair loss, but it doesnât always work, so itâs comforting to know that there are superb alternatives that can make a world of difference. With todayâs modern technologies, our hair pieces and wigs are outstanding works of art that make it almost impossible to tell the difference.
Hair Loss â the Causes
 Stress and Hair Loss
If youâve been through a very stressful situation or life event, or perhaps you feel that you are constantly under stress then your hair loss could be the result. Simply put, stress impacts hair quality.
Hair grows in three different stages (anagen the growth stage, catagen the resting stage and telogen, the resting and shedding phase). When your body is under stress, these stages change. A stressful situation or ongoing anxiety can trigger hair growth to suddenly grind to a halt. You wonât notice this change immediately but after a few months, youâll see that your hair sheds more than usual and itâs at this point that youâll notice thinning. Next, the shedding phase of hair growth (scientific term telogen) lasts longer than normal, and hair falls faster. In extreme situations, you might even experience alopecia or telogen effluvium (temporary hair loss caused by shock or trauma) or in severe cases, total hair loss.
Over-Processing
If youâre a slave to hair colouring, or you like to perm or perhaps straighten your hair, this could be a reason for your hair thinning or patchy hair loss. When hair is constantly under stress from heat and chemicals, its structure alters. It dries out, becoming brittle and prone to breaking and snapping. Additionally, constant chemicals on your scalp can cause inflammation, this shrinks the hairâs follicles and hinders new hair from growing healthily. If you do want to colour your hair, seek out an organic hair colour. Unfortunately, chemical hair straightening and perming (despite todayâs products promising safety) will always cause trauma to the hair.
Alopecia
Alopecia is a condition that affects hair growth, causing hair loss â it doesnât just affect the hair on your head, it can cause complete body hair loss too. Sometimes, the condition causes complete hair loss, other times it results in temporary, patchy hair loss. Alopecia can develop at any time, with no warning. Some people may even experience a full recovery â very quickly but others can go through life with regular flare-ups, with cycles of good regrowth and sudden hair loss.
Heated Hair Styling Tools
Perhaps you don’t feel anxious or stressed and you donât regularly use chemical products on your hair. However, you do use hair straighteners or tongs â every day, or even every other day. Thereâs no doubt that they impact the hairâs health. Tongs, hair straighteners and blow dryers all emit heat and when that heat is constantly applied to hair, it reacts by drawing out natural moisture and drying it out which leads to breakage. Even those big brands that promise less damage wonât make a difference, heat damages hair so the less heat you use, the better your hair quality. Not only does hair dry out, break and thin, it also loses its glossiness because it lacks natural moisture. Itâs best to avoid them altogether or use them very sparingly, at low heat. If you insist on using heated hair styling tools, use a heat-protecting spray beforehand.
Chemicals in Shampoos
Itâs possible that the haircare products youâre using could be doing your hair more harm than good. Certain chemicals found in shampoos can affect hair growth and certainly affect its quality. There are lots of unnecessary chemicals used in shampoos, such as Sulphates and Parabens. Sulphates (Sodium Lauryl Sulphate and Sodium Laureth Sulphate) are completely unnecessary in shampoos. They aren’t cleansers; they’re salts and act as foaming agents creating a lather. It’s not the lather that cleans hair, and the same sulphates are used in abrasive household cleaners. They’re very harsh, causing redness on the scalp, itchiness and the tiny salt particles block up the hair follicles interfering with healthy hair growth.
The other chemicals that you don’t want in your shampoo are Parabens. These are used as a preservative, so your shampoo has a longer shelf life; however, Parabens are a known irritant, causing dermatitis and eczema. When your scalp isn’t happy, your hair isn’t happy. Often, especially with hair loss, that inflammation aggravates the problem and may even cause fungal infection in the scalp too. A Sulphate and Paraben-free shampoo is always best.
Trichotillomania
Ever heard the phrase “Pulling your hair out”? Itâs usually used in relation to stressful situations and itâs a real condition, called Trichotillomania. Some people combat stressful feelings with literally pulling hair out! Obviously, excessively pulling hair out interferes with the hairâs growth and causes patchy hair loss.
Hormonal Changes
Hormones are another reason why your hair is thinning or youâre losing excessive amounts of hair. Lots of women experience hair changes post-pregnancy. During pregnancy, the shedding phase halts, which is why so many pregnant women have thick, glossy hair. Post-pregnancy, the shedding phase restarts itself and thereâs often exaggerated shedding of hair that happens very quickly. For most women, their hair resorts back to how it was pre-pregnancy but sometimes, the shedding causes extreme hair loss. Menopause is another reason why hair loss in women occurs. The fluctuation in hormones, especially the drop in oestrogen can result in hair loss and patchy baldness.
Hereditary Hair Loss
Hereditary hair loss is mainly found in men (but some women can experience it too). It is simply down to genetics and thereâs not a lot that can prevent it, although sometimes, it can be slowed down. Its clinical name is androgenic alopecia because itâs affected by androgen, a hormone thatâs present in men and women. If your father or mother experienced hair loss, it is likely you will too. Your genetics will play a role in the age you experience hair loss, how quickly it happens and the quantity too.
Other Reasons for Hair Loss
There are other reasons why you might experience hair loss, such as medication, auto-immune disorders, an underactive or overactive thyroid gland or poor nutrition. You should ensure that you eat healthily, include lots of green vegetables and fruit in your diet as well as plenty of protein. Supplements can help to improve the quality of your hair but always seek advice from a doctor before taking a supplement, especially if youâre on medication.
Hair loss doesnât have to impact your confidence, nowadays, wigs and hair pieces can make a tremendous difference. The technology behind todayâs weaves is leading-edge and Continental Hair creates the most amazing quality wigs that really do turn heads, in the right way! We are so proud of the difference we make in our customersâ lives. We want you to be our next success story. Have a look at what we can do for you here.
