A few days ago me and my fiancé piled into the car and headed towards Follea so that I could pick up my newest girl! She had arrived and she was waiting for me. We decided to take a camera with us and shot a lot of “Q & A” type interaction in the car and I ended up with quite a bit of footage that I’l have to figure out how to best present to everyone. I don’t want to bore the heck out of everyone by posting one really long movie. In the meantime, I put together a highlight reel of the day to share with everyone. I posted the video to Facebook a couple days ago and then redid the audio music and changed a couple elements for the YouTube version.
The reason I’m starting to do more videos is because I *think* it’s what may help women who are struggling with the decision to wear hair, I want to show what wearing hair can be, and share things that I really would have loved to have seen myself while in the process of exploring and learning about wigs. If there is anything that would be helpful to you, you can always send me an email and if it’s something I feel comfortable doing or sharing, I’ll definitely try to include that in a future video. I’m very new to wearing wigs, but I’m loving it and I never thought those words would come out of my mouth or through my fingertips on the keyboard 🙂
Happy Sunday! xoxo
{ 22 comments… read them below or add one }
Hi there,
Thanks for these videos and the website. It’s amazing.
I had just reached the point where I realized I’d look much better if I shaved my head instead of nurturing my “combover”, and was beginning to think about wigs. I’m going to go for it – the minute I figure out how to pay for it, that is 🙂 as I’m a student.
TTMO
I wasn’t very clear, was I? I am going to for the wig because of your videos. You look so amazing, and completely natural, and I was worried about pain but your explanation about how to learn how to use the headwrap instead of clipping the wig (which I know I couldn’t deal with either) was so helpful.
So thanks again.
Wow!
That can’t even be a wig – you look so natural and it blends so well and moves amazing! I haven’t worn bangs since grade school, but the wig I have now has bangs, I don’t have a front hair line really. I would love a wig that I could wear without bangs and no hair to blend and it would look ok (does that make sense – is that even possible). I also don’t have a facebook or twitter account, will I miss your posts or will you post here too? Also, since you sit on the board of Follea, it would be impossible for me to go to the salon in person, their lifestyle wigs look amazing. If I could afford one is the mail order a plausible avenue? Do you know if they sell many that way. I’m sorry I have so many questions, but all the money and heartache I’ve wasted, it would be priceless to have your first hand knowledge.
By the way, you look amazing, your smile is amazing and the happiness in your voice is amazing!!!
Did I say amazing? 🙂
Thank you – a lot!
Lina
You look like a movie star! Beautiful!
I have been an expert “wig-spotter” (yes, we all know we stare at everyone else’s heads), for over twenty years, and I would never “out” you. You look natural and oh so fabulous!
You look ahhhhmazing!! LOVE Anya! That hair is gorgoues! Thanks for sharing the videos. As an on-the-fence gal about wearing a wig, it really is inspiring and encouraging!
@TryingToMoveOn- I’m so glad the videos are being helpful. Yes the WiGrip head wrap thing is a godsend, it works marvelously, no clips or glue needed. I’m glad you are at the point where you ARE TTMO, just getting our minds going in that direction is so important for our outlook and mental well being when we’ve reach a place where we realize this hair loss thing ain’t changing for us, so we’d better change something we can. And I think that can be different things for different women. Perhaps for some it will just be an outlook change and acceptance and they won’t want to wear hair, perhaps some women will shave it off, for others they may bond hair, and of those like myself, we’ll get wiggy wit’ it 🙂 We all need to TTMO!
@Lina – There are lace front wigs that allow the person wearing it not to need a front hairline. I have a lace front wig (Mila) that I put behind my hairline because I do still have a hairline, but it really is meant to be used in place of your existing hairline. No you definitely don’t need a twitter or Facebook account, I do post things to twitter, mainly small comments here and there that are just spur of the moment thoughts from my iPhone, but all the main stuff will always be posted here. There are some occasions where things will be posted first to Facebook or Twitter first out of ease and convenience but like I said all the main stuff will always be shared here.
Follea does do by phone orders and they work with people through Skype. If for some reason there is no rep in your area, I think they work with you by doing the Skype consultation and they can send you a color ring. I’m not entirely sure how the whole process works but I do know they do, do that. I will inquire further to get better information on this for you. Thanks so much for you kind words!
@Amy – Aww thanks so much!
@Beth – Thank you! Yes indeed I know I stare at everyone’s head, in fact if there is ever a crime committed that I’m a witness to, I wouldn’t be able to tell anything to the police except for the diameter of the ponytail (if it as a female) or what level the man was on the Norwood Scale (baldness chart). 🙂
@Christine – Anya’s my GIRL! She’s My Fav! I wonder if it’s wrong to play favorites LOL. I’m so glad the videos are helpful for you, It’s good to hear that they are encouraging for others!
XOXO
You look like Jennifer Aniston, but with better hair!!!
How did you get the color to match so perfectly?
Are you hot with you hair down underneath?
Do you pull hair out from the sides too? Just curious because my one temple is almost bare 🙁
Can you do a video of putting your hair up with wig on??
Looking good, Y! Love the long one so much! I think the hair I’m ordering will be the same color. Is it a “6” color with “8” highlights? I am curious.
Also, just wondering if you could do it over again, would you buy all three wigs or would you have just gone with 2 of the longer model? Thanks! Pretty, pretty! The layers look wonderful!
@hope4hair – Okay, that must have been like the best compliment ever!!!! Thank you!! I didn’t do anything special to get the color match, this color they have (c5030) just happens by pure luck for me, to be a super close match to my natural hair color and former hair texture. I don’t find my head to be hot at all with my hair underneath the wig, but I’m not working with tons of my own bio hair (but I still do have enough of own bio hair to wear a ponytail out of the house and not have anyone think my hair is as bad as I know it is. So that is just a reference comparison: thin enough to not add bulk under my wig, but still enough hair to not have my bio hair draw any weird looks). Also this wig is very light weight, which I’m sure helps. I try to pull out hair at the temples but I don’t have a lot of side temple hair, that is probably the thinest areas on my head, is both sides, it’s super fine/thin in that area, so I do get a tiny bit to come out around the temples, but not much. If I’m reading your request right you are wanting to see the wig in a clip undo? I can definitely do that, I choose not to wear my hair that way even though it’s totally possible, but I don’t do it because it changes the weight distribution of the wig which isn’t comfortable for me, almost making the wig feel heavier, and not as secure as when it’s down. I wear side clips, or straight back poof front style, and low ponytails or just hair straight down au naturel, but I don’t do up dos for my wiggy life.
@ Ann – Thanks so much! Based on the Follea catalog they consider this color to be a 10/24-10 – If someone has their captin crunch decoder ring with them they’ll probably know what that means, I’m still confused about the colors. I do know the higher the number, the lighter the color. But It appears that it is 2 levels lighter (again based on their catalog) than the 6/8. They have a 6/8 in the color C3050 which they call a Chestnut Brown w/ Low-Light and it’s listed as the Medium shade in their browns. But I think this will vary from vendor to vendor. Nope, I wouldn’t have gone for the 2 longer ones, actually the wigs that will get the most wear time from me will be both of the Lifestyle’s the medium (Natalia) and long (Anya). 🙂 I think the medium length is awesome, it’s a pretty perfect length, not too short, not to long. I have worn Anya each day since I got her, and both the other girls are starting at each other in my bathroom thinking (WTF?). But I do LOVE my medium length one too and she’ll get plenty of wear time too.
Happy Monday!
XOXO
Thanks, Admin! Yes, I’m with you trying to figure out the hair color codes! I appreciate the input. Do you think the 24 is for 24″ in length? Not sure? I’m still trying to figure out what hair color I want to go for since I’m not order my piece in person. I used to wear my hair lighter when I had more, so I may just got a bit lighter than the 6/8 I’ve been thinking about. Thank you again for the detail on color.
I also read that you don’t feel you can wear your hair up all the way, comfortably. That is disappointing to hear since I love to wear my hair up but you have to take the bad with the good and your wigs are gorgeous so, I’m sure it is a small issue to you!
Hi Ann – the “24” is the color of blonde in my hair, it’s the highlight parts. Didn’t you order a topper? I’ve never worn one, but I’m guessing it would feel pretty comfortable wearing a clip updo with a topper and you know it may be plenty comfortable for other women wearing wigs to clip their hair up, it’s just not for me. It really depends on the person, so don’t fret about it because it may work out fine for you!
XOXO
Y:
You look SO HAPPY!!! I am so happy for you! 🙂
Would Follea be up for like a volume discount if multiple ladies are interested in purchasing from them?! lol! Cause I know I’d totally be down for that! 😉
🙂 XOXO
Love,Love your videos so much ! Been sick for a few days and was so excited to find all the new “treasures” you left us when I got to my computer ! :):) ALl 3 wigs are beautiful but Anya is definitely my fav! Id have to go with a long wig too but they usually have zero movement to them..she looks so natural and lots of body and movement and tone ! “Swing your hair back and forth….” lol So so happy for you ! All the good you do for others is coming back to you! Karma baby !
I want to feel that happy again ! Praying for the courage to take that leap….first gotta get my boys to show me how to skype if thats how Follea does it ! 😉
xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxo
Admin: UPDATE! UPDATE! I went to a studio here in Atlanta today that carries Follea products (well in a suburb of Atlanta called Marietta, which I usually try to avoid because, well, I dislike the suburbs! 🙂 )! The name of the studio is Jentis Studios and the place you recommended I go to to try the Follea products for myself.
Thank you for sending me there! I met with Curtis Jones, who is the owner. He is wonderful and has a very upbeat and positive personality. He spent A LOT of time with me even when I told him that I wasn’t ready to purchase anything yet. He took a look at me and complimented my hair and said he didn’t think I needed to do anything yet. I thanked him profusely and then explained that I want to have my “Plan B” securely in place for THE DAY that WILL come when I will need a topper/wig.
Curtis let me try on some very nice Follea toppers as well as a MAJOR long, blonde wig (pretty much the opposite of my regular shoulder-length, layered, brown hair style). I had so much fun talking to him! He made me smile and we even took some funny pictures of me wearing a topper and the long blonde wig. He also informed me that Lady Gaga ONLY wears Follea wigs (so we know they have to be the best)!
Bottom line, I walked in feeling apprehensive and unsure if I was even in the right place and walked out with a smile on my face and some reassurance that I had someone in Atlanta who would be able to help me, in-person, when the time came. He made me laugh and understand that I’m seeing my problem worse than most people do at this point.
My hair keeps falling and my eyelashes and eyebrows but I am feeling better tonight. I even sent some of my fun photos to some friends who all got a big kick out of them too. The Follea quality is gorgeous. I tried on a small topper with their top of the line hair and it felt so silky! So, I know now what you have been talking about.
Curtis was unaware of the WiGrip but I filled him in on it. When he first put the topper on me, the clips did pull and hurt my hair (I feared this would happen). He said we could put the clips in looser in the future. Still not sure if the topper or a wig will be right for me one day, due to this issue that you also have.
Thanks for sending me to Jentis Studios. For those women who live in the Atlanta metro area, I would recommend them. I believe he is the only authorized seller of Follea products. He also sells their very cute hats and headscarves for when you do not want to wear a wig (esp. important for those who have lost all their hair to cancer, illness, etc.). When my mother lost her hair during chemo for breast cancer, she had a very hard time finding something to wear around the house or to the doctor that was cute and comfy. I love that Follea makes such cute options! The “newsboy” hat I got is adorable!
One more comment about Curtis…he has a lot of compassion and treats men, women, younger teenager girls, middle-aged ladies like me, whomever! He has been doing this for 20 years and has obviously learned a lot about how to interact with people who are going through this.
And NO…Curtis did not offer me anything for writing about his studio! He has no idea I’m doing this. I am just very appreciative today!
@phillygrl – I’m so sorry to hear you’ve been sick, but glad you’re back! Yes Anya is my Fav too! It’s funny you mentioned the swinging of the hair, I make my fiancé walk behind me in places when we are out, and saw now “Watch” and move several feet in front of him and start super exaggerating my walk and hair swing so it bounces moves left to right up LOL. Usually there is no one around when I’m been silly like this, but I have been surprised once in awhile by someone seeing me act like a goofball. Oh well 🙂 I don’t think Skype in mandatory to order hair, it’s just a way they use to make a consultation as “in person” as possible without being in person, you could talk by phone too, but Skype is easy and if you have boys, they know Skype so they can hook you up!
@Ann – I’m soooo happy you had a wonderful experience at Jentis Studios.. Curtis sounds like an awesome and caring man and your visit there sounds like what I’d hope for any woman walking into a hair replacement salon. Comfort, understanding, respect and fun! I was having fun from my chair reading your experience, and found myself wishing I was there with you! I’m so glad you got to experience the silky yumminess of the Follea hair, it’s crazy how good it feels. You did a wonderful thing for yourself, you made the step to go to a place to look at your “options” for the future, it doesn’t have to be now or a year from now, but I know it feels good just knowing what you “can” do when you are ready. Any guy that shows sensitivity, caring and understanding to a woman dealing with hair loss is A-OK in my book, so props to Curtis Jones!
XOXO
So beautiful my darling! Muah xoxo!
@Angela – XOXO MUAH, back at you!!!
Admin:
Just saw your response to my response. 🙂 Thanks. Yes, he is pretty cool! The only thing is he said my next step would be a topper when I am ready and that he doesn’t sell as many wigs as he does custom toppers (men and women). I tried on a clip-in topper while I was there and it hurt/pulled on my scalp, so I’m now worried that I won’t be able to wear a topper after all. It felt like it weighed a ton (the one that I tried on) and it had TOO MUCH hair in it…it looked too thick to be real. I think it was a Follea topper but it hadn’t been cut into at all yet.
Anyway, I left thinking that I should wait a while to make any decisions on wearing hair. I’m just not ready yet. However, I agree, it is nice to know there are solutions in my future.
Will you let me know…have you had a very sensitive scalp since your hair loss started many years ago? It would be nice if this sensation would go away. Just curious about your experience. Thanks!