It’s that time of year again, when the kids have returned to school and you now have some time and energy to take care of your needs, to start planning your Yom Tov looks. As women, we all know our sheitel/hair is the number one most important aspect of our looks. A woman’s sheitel/hair is the first thing people notice about you. People often make assumptions based on your haircut, style, and even the color that you choose.

The right cut and style will enhance your best facial features, while concealing your less favorite ones, and is the ultimate confidence boost for any woman. When your sheitel looks awesome, you immediately look put-together, regardless of your outfit, shoes and makeup. Whether you’re looking to purchase a new piece, do a complete makeover on an older sheitel, or looking to spruce up and maintain your existing piece, make sure to book your appointments in advance, as proper coloring and wig repairs are extremely time-consuming.

Mending the Cap and Lace

All wig caps stretch with time. The very front of the lace does stretch out more quickly than any other part of the wig. Depending on the age and how one treats the wig, along with several other factors, the lace in the front of the wig needs to be taken in every three to six months so that it will lay flat to one’s hair line. After a while, there will be no lace left to be taken in, and the tip of the lace will be too frayed and no longer strong enough to hold the baby hairs on the lace. When that occurs, you might want to remove the tip of the very front of the lace, and attach a new lace with your hairline retraced. Doing so will give the appearance of a brand new sheitel.

Caps on all wigs, falls and kippah falls stretch with time and wear. When it stretches too much, the cap bulges off one’s head. Taking in the cap will make it lay flatter to the head, resulting in a more natural appearance.

Enliven the Color of Your Wig

After the summer is the best time to recolor your wig. Chances are the top of your wig has oxidized, and has a brassy shine on the crown, as well as orange/reddish-looking highlights. Depending on the age of the wig, ashing out the crown of the wig and toning the highlights should be maintained every four to six months. Whether you get the color of your wigs refreshed, or decide to go bold and opt for a complete color makeover, you will feel as though you have purchased a brand new wig.

Giving

While we are so preoccupied with all of our personal and families’ physical and spiritual preparations for Yom Tov, let’s all take a moment and think how we can best help Klal Yisrael during this difficult time. To quote Gedalai Fenster: It’s time for “MEGA”—Making Elul Great Again.

Let’s all work together, and decide to include as part of our families Yom Tov preparations, to help the many wives and children of our true heroes, and ensure an amazing Yom Tov for all of them. “Widows of Warriors” has been established to support the courageous wives and children of our fallen IDF heroes. These families have sacrificed their loved ones to protect and save us, our country, and Jews all over the world. There are not enough words, help or money we can give that will ever ease their painful reality. At the very least, we can help to alleviate some of the stress and loneliness in preparing for the upcoming chagim. Sari’s Wigs will donate 10% of all sales and services provided over the next few months. Together let’s help these courageous wives and mothers make a beautiful Yom Tov for their families.

Adding Hair

While all wigs and hairpieces lose hair, lace-top wigs (especially the baby hairs placed on the front of the wigs) lose hair much more quickly than other pieces. Generally lace-top wigs need hair added every three to six months. It is not recommended to wear the same lace-top wig every day, as it will require repairs more often. You will also be amazed to know that adding a few wefts to the sides and/or back of a wig can have the potential to give it new life. Adding hair to bald spots towards the top of the wig, whether it is lace or a silk skin top, is extremely time-consuming as each strand needs to be sown in one at a time. It is always best to consult with a professional wig stylist to see whether the cost of the wig repair is worth investing in, or better to use the money to purchase a new piece.

Wear and tear, as well as color changes, gradually happen to a wig with time. Since it slowly happens, the wearer does not notice the gradual changes and is unaware of the necessary repairs. Before Yom Tov is the perfect time to bring it to a professional to assess what the wig needs, in order to prolong its longevity.

May this year we be zoche to have Hashem abolish and destroy all of our enemies. May all of Klal Yisrael unite together and lovingly help to support each other, and may we be zoche to bring the true and ultimate redemption. Wishing a Chag Sameach to all!

Sari Friedbauer is the owner of Sari’s Wigs located in Teaneck, New Jersey. She is a licensed cosmetologist and certified wig maker. She is available for consultations and can be reached via text at 201-694-5319.