Although the entire process is incomplete, and we await the arrival and fitting of the ordered wig,…read morethere are a few observations to be made about the process to date. This review will be updated at that time to account for how the experience reached conclusion.
My spouse wanted to look into the possibility of wearing a wig for work as a dealer at a local casino. She was concerned that she was washing her hair too often over recent years on the job, and that her hair was thinning as a result. I agreed to research both 'hands on' and online retail choices. As to the internet we looked on Amazon and after reviewing alternatives there decided to purchase one that most closely resembled her existing coiffure. We also visited Wig Elegance in the Big Oak Center, just off Oxford Valley Road in "Yardley."
We had to make an appointment to be sure someone would be there to show her around and test drive the headpieces. Arriving on time, we were let into the shop by a very pleasant and well focused store manager. There were walls lined with shelves full of mannequin heads showing a hundred or more wig possibilities. Through the process of elimination a favorite was selected and discussion had about natural vs synthetic hair, proper maintenance and longevity, and finally cost. The fit was comfortable, the style complimentary and the effect on her mood, immediate. It looked very good on her, and she knew it. First impressions are so important.
Price was challenging at first. Over $600 for a man made hairpiece that was not in inventory, and would be shipped from California to the store for fitting and adjustment. This, compared to under $100 for the mail order. There was understandable resistance to this disparity. I suggested we had time before the expensive one arrived, and in the meantime Amazon would deliver and she could explore both before deciding.
Well, Amazon was on our front porch the next day. Dear heart opened it, and realized immediately it was the wrong color. Okay. It could be exchanged if she liked the fit. She slipped it over her forehead as she had been shown, and noticed that the part was on the wrong side and could not be moved. Next problem was that it was uncomfortable on her scalp due to the materials used to hold the hair to the base and netting. One look in the mirror and it was tossed onto the floor with unmentionable comment. This would never do.
Rather than return it immediately in disgust, we decided to hold it to compare directly with the one ordered from Wig Elegance. We should have that happen within the next ten days. At that time, a decision will be made and this review extended.
At this moment Wig Elegance is clearly in the lead by a head.
To be continued...
01/07/2024
We returned to the Wig Elegance shop when called that the ordered wig had arrived. As with last time, the front door was locked until the manager saw us outside and let us in for the appointment.
She brought it out along with the other parts of the transaction; net cap to place over her natural hair, thin strap to place around her hairline to hold the wig in place, plastic snap together stand to store it when not worn. In addition, we had to buy the special shampoo for monthly washing.
The wig was made of good material. It felt soft and silky like natural hair. It was far superior to the cheaper one already returned to Amazon. My beauty queen was feeling pretty good about her decision. I was happy she was happy.
After a few days of rehearsals, she summoned the courage to wear it to work. That went well, as all she received were positive compliments from her co-workers. It also became clear that she also needed a mannequin head to hold her wig at home, as the thing the store gave her was too flimsy for regular use, and really only good for drying it after washing. We bought that from Amazon and it now sits on here dresser, hairpiece in place; a proud trophy.
At the end of the day, this was a predominantly positive experience with Wig Elegance. The product was top quality, and the knowledge imparted, invaluable. Price seemed high, regardless. Given the expense, it would have been consistently superior and polished had they provided everything necessary in the overall price, including the $10 shampoo and $20 mannequin head, rather than charging for one and ignoring the other.
If they had considered and adapted that business model, we would have found it a more complete, totally informative and satisfying experience. As it was, we were happy with the result.
