wig/fall/hairpiece vs. perm?

[jmdruadh]

(cross-posted to tribe; sorry if you see this twice)

Hi everybody,

I noticed that anytime I see a dancer picture and think "I want to look like that", she happens to have really long, beautiful hair. Thick, wavy, waist-length hair. My own hair is longish (3-4" below shoulder), fairly straight, and fine. I can get a little body out of it with velcro rollers and/or a curling iron, but it takes FOREVER, and I am just too lazy. Usually I just blow-dry it upside down and hope for the best.

So I'm thinking of either buying a hairpiece (to make it look longer and thicker) or getting a perm (to make it look thicker and add some loose waves). I'd really like some advice:

About perms:
- has anyone here gotten a loose wavy perm, and if so, were you happy with it? I'm shooting for body and *very* loose waves, not curls.
- how often does it have to be redone?
- how much did it cost you? Are touch-ups cheaper?
- what does it look like as it grows out?
- is there anything I should know / ask the stylist?
- is the damage comparable to coloring your hair? (I colored for 7 years, and didn't mind the extra conditioning, etc.)
- can anyone recommend a good perm specialist in the Boston area (preferably Cambridge)?

I'm alternatively considering getting a hairpiece. Can anyone tell me:
- what is the most secure method for applying it? I do a lot of head rolls/tosses, and could tone those down, but I don't want to be holding my head rigid the whole time.
- about how long does it take to put on?
- can anyone recommend a particular model of hairpiece? I'm specifically looking for something:
- natural-looking
- very long (I'd like it to end somewhere between the top of the bra back and my waist)
- straight with layers or very loosely wavy (not curly)
- that moves reasonably well
- that doesn't cover my entire head (I think I'd prefer a 3/4 cap or fall, but wouldn't rule out other styles)
- that has a secure attachment method (or could be adapted to be more secure)
- under $200 if possible (although I can go higher if it's exactly what I want)
- can anyone recommend a good wig shop in the Boston area?

Any recommendations? Alternatively, if you happen to have one for sale (dark brown, in good condition), I could take it off your hands...