Thread: Where to get wigs for paid gigs?? (NYC or north Jersey)

Hi ladies,

I have been dancing 7 years, most of the time not being paid. I started out in tribal, and my short, curly, almost kinky hair has served me fine for fusion styles. I have been learning Egyptian for just over a year, and for cabaret costumes and restaurant gigs, this hair just doesn't cut it. (Aside from the hair I have olive skin and big hazel eyes...a pretty "Middle Eastern" look.)

I don't want to go through the annoyance and expense of growing out my hair and relaxing it...been there and done that before I starting belly dancing. My teacher recently told me "Those who want gigs should get wigs," so it's time to face the facts! There are lots of wig stores in NYC, but I'm not sure what I should be looking for. Of course, I'm terrified that it would catch on something and fall off. I'm willing to spend up to $100. Would appreciate any advice!

Thanks!

although some people may swear against it, I'm a huge fan of eBay - I've picked up some nice hairpieces for relatively cheap... You just need to do a little searching

Sice I live in Sweden,I dont have any good shooping tips for your area;but I love International Wig!
When I had a perm and could pull out some curly tendrils in front I loved this fall:
International Wigs®: Sunset by Sepia

I am a HUGE fan of the Revlon Splendide 3/4 fall. It looks great and everyone thinks it is my real hair! They are usually more than $100, but I got one from this website for a great price: Falls & 3/4 Caps From e-Wigs.com

The first thing you can do is go to your local beauty store, one with hair/makeup supplies and all of that good stuff. You can also find lots of places online: Lace Front Wigs, Remy Hair, Weaves - Black Hairspray Hair Stop and Shop- Human Hair Lace wigs, weaves, braids and hair extensions - HAIR STOP AND SHOP INC. Shop Here For The Best Prices On Lace Front Wigs And Other Great Hair Bargains!! - Janet Collection Wigs Maybe you can try those places. There's always ebay and what-not, but I like to try on wigs to see what looks good on me, and you can only do that in person. I have a huge beauty store by me, with aisles and aisles of wigs, weaves, makeup, lotion, costumes jewelery, etc....I could stay in that store for hours!,r:; Unfortunately, I live in Florida, so I can't really tell you about where to go in person. I hope this helps you a bit though! Good luck! ..g.:

Look in the Garment District there in NYC. You will probably find an area completely devoted to pet hair. In some shops, you can go, try on, check out different lengths, etc. I do this here in LA.

[{{HUGS}}}

Originally Posted by Minicello

I am a HUGE fan of the Revlon Splendide 3/4 fall. It looks great and everyone thinks it is my real hair! They are usually more than $100, but I got one from this website for a great price: Falls & 3/4 Caps From e-Wigs.com

I think Revlon/Tressallure has the best fibers for the price(light,silky) that holds up to wear and doesn´t tangle.
My three falls and two wigs have lasted through lots of wear and tear!

The new versions of Splendide and Bonita are also gorgeous;they have mono tops which means less "pouf" on top:
Splendrous 3/4 Fall Hairpiece - Revlon

Here the models hair and the piece don´t match,you can clearly see the size and how natural the part looks:
Magnificent 3/4 Fall Hairpiece - Revlon

i have some fabulous wigs from hothair. i wouldnt perform in them though as i'm crap at putting them on well. so only used for photoshoots, where the makeup artist secured them for me.

so i'd really also suggest a lesson with a hair/makeup person to teach you how to put them on so they stay PUT

I love 3/4 falls, using your own hair in the front for a natural look. With curly/kinky hair you can wear a curly fall or a wavy one. Don't get the ones with the built-in headband. You can use a costume headband to cover the transition from your own front hair to the fall. But keep in mind that you will need to get the fall in a color that is a close match to your natural color.

You can also go with a full wig. My current favorites are Forever Young. They are inexpensive, stylish, lightweight, and have lovely texture. You can get curly, straight, wavy, razor cuts, layered, whatever your heart desires. I get mine from Shop Synthetic and Human Hair Wigs at Cheap, Discount Prices - Vogue Wigs.com, Your Online Wig Store. Prices are between $35 and $50 and they often have free shipping offers. Since you are not wearing the wig all day long day in and day out, the wigs stay in good condition and need little care other than washing every 10-15 uses.

Another site to look at is Wigs-US.com. They show each wigs from a variety of angles in many colors, so you have a better idea of length, what the back and sides look like, etc.

Hi Ladies, thanks for your help! Sorry for taking so long to respond. I went with a full, lace front, synthetic wig from a store called Manhattan Hair Trading, one of several wig stores along Broadway in the mid-20s in Manhattan. I guess the "wig" district could be said to be more or less within the "Import-Export" district, just below the garment district in Manhattan. The brand is X-Tensions and the wig is called, surprisingly, "Jerry." I'm loving it!

Before and after:
Lafayette Grill Ranya Gala 2009 p1.jpg

layback colorfade in baladi dress small.JPG

xo,
Raqsie