The other day, I found a couple of wigs of the style (and quality) I used to wear when I first started going out as Marian. By the standard of wigs I wear today, these were the equivalent of cheap costume jewelry. Although the style looked good on me, I would have to replace the wig on a monthly (or even, a bi-weekly basis) to be wearing something that looks good on me.
Years ago, I started wearing inexpensive wigs that cost $60 or so. They served my purpose way back when, but I knew I needed to wear something better. So, I graduated to wearing wigs in the $300-$400 range, and replacing them every 6 months or so. (I still can't believe that one of my current wigs still looks OK after 9+ months of wear. But I will soon be using it as a backup when I take my upcoming Bahamas cruise.) There's a part of me that would like to try a much more expensive human hair wig that costs $1,800-$2,500 or so (as once recommended by my former cruise partner, FCP), but I am uncomfortable spending that kind of money on a wig when my face still looks relatively masculine - even with properly applied makeup.
What might the big deal be in regard to the human hair wig? To answer this, one has to understand the psychology of the largest group of consumers (in the New York Area) for human hair wigs - the ultra orthodox Jewish women whose faith prohibits them from showing their real hair in public. To get around this, they wear wigs in place of their own human hair as a way to skirt around laws of their faith. (Don't get me started about their Eruvs.) FCP came from such a tradition, and wanted me to upgrade my look. But, I realized that it made more sense to be able to replace my wigs in the same way that women might try new hair styles and colors until they get one that works - then stick with it for a while.
Right now, I have 4 unworn wigs in my closet, and will be taking it out to replace the oldest wig that I now wear. Hopefully, I will be able to get as much wear out of this wig as I have its predecessor.....
PS: One can feel the difference between an old and new wig. And that's how I usually determine when to retire a wig. So keep a new one around to compare the feel between old and new wigs. When the old one starts feeling worn out, replace it. You'll be glad you did.
