Cathe Lartigue's Advice for Embracing Wigs as You Age
Aging. It’s a process. And we spend a lot of money and time on skincare and makeup in an
attempt to age gracefully. Cleansers. Serums. Creams. They make our skin hydrated and
supple so that our cosmetics will apply smoother. Powder and gel to fill in those brows
that used to be so lush. Lots of mascara to give our thinned lashes volume. Skin tint to even out the redness that has overtaken our complexion. Lip liner and lip plumping products to make our mouth look as full as it did when we were young. It’s all good.
Then there’s the hair. Except for a small minority of us, our crowning glory hasn’t aged as
well as the rest of our features. That head of hair that used to be so thick, barely keeps a
hair elastic in place these days. Those tresses that once were lustrous and shiny are now
dull and brittle. Thinning hair and actual hair loss occur during and after menopause. And
how much money has been spent on trips to the salon to dye the gray? It can be daunting
and frustrating.
I’ve been through my naturally black hair being dyed and dyed and dyed. Been through the dry and brittle stage as well. The hair loss has been the most frustrating. Yet, solutions to hair loss and aging hair have been a heavy emphasis on drugs like Monoxidil and “supplements” that advertise to give you back your full head of hair. There are shampoos and topical ointments that guarantee the same thing. All the while preying on the vulnerability and emotions of women who have hair loss issues.
As an every day wig wearer, I’ve often wondered why wigs have never been advertised as an accessory for aging hair. I mean…why not? Wigs will make one look more youthful the second that wig is placed on your head.
Each morning as I get ready for work—or on the weekends when I’m going out and about or just taking it easy, the mirror’s reflection shows a me that is much older-I see wrinkles and lines and uneven skin—and I take care of that with cosmetics. But the true testament of looking more youthful is when I choose the wig for the day. I will have confidence and just feel better.
And we are very lucky to have choices with wigs. Long, medium or a short pixie. These are not the granny and unstylish wigs of decades ago. Today’s wigs have a plethora of shades. Rooted shades to appear even more realistic. Lace and mono tops that give you a natural parting space. Some wigs are dense; and if you have had a thick head of hair once upon a time, these are the ones you want. For others with finer tresses, a less dense wig is perfect!
With the holidays inching upon us, why get upset with your hair that has aged? Wear a wig! Have a trip planned? Spend more time having fun and less time trying to style the hair you have left. Wear a wig!
We may need help getting up of the floor when we play with our grandkids or our fur babies. Our knees will creak. Our bodies make funny noises. We forget where we placed our keys. We need tweezers in every purse and in the car for to pluck those pesky lady whiskers. But—we can wear a wig and look great while getting up off the floor or listening to our creaky knees or searching high and low for our keys!
Aging is a privilege that many don’t get to experience so enjoy the ride and make sure your hair looks great—even if that hair is synthetic!
