With Lag BaOmer just two weeks away, wedding season is about to take off! Already, my phone has been ringing off the hook with excited kallahs who are eager to have their very first sheitel appointments. This is one of my most favorite times of year. I love meeting and working with kallahs. I love the passion and energy they bring to the salon. It is such an honor and privilege to be a part of this special time in their lives. As they share their wedding details, show me pictures of their dress, and discuss with me their future plans, I get to know each one as an individual. I get a sense of their style, and help them to pick out pieces that not only look natural and beautiful on them, but are also comfortable and practical for their lifestyle.
One of the most important parts of working with a kallah is patiently teaching her how to put on the wig. I explain to kallahs that having a great wig is like having a gorgeous Chanel lipstick. The product is amazing, but knowing how to properly put it on is key. Since each hairline and head shape is unique, it’s important to show the kallah how and where to place the piece so it looks most natural for her. Depending on the type of wig, and which style the kallah chooses, I educate them about the best products to use to maintain their desired look.
Altho buying a new wig can be overwhelming, (even for those who have been married for years!) here are some kallah tips to make it as simple, positive and yes even as an enjoyable an experience as possible.
Where to shop:
This decision is so important, if not more important than deciding which wig to buy. Some sellers have tremendous patience and love working with kallah’s and the younger clientele. Others prefer working with more experienced buyers. When booking an appointment be sure to tell them you are a kallah and in need of some extra time to learn about the different options as well as how to put on a piece.
The relationship you establish with your sheitel macher will hopefully be a long term relationship. Make sure it is someone you feel you can communicate comfortably with. A kallah should feel completely comfortable expressing herself, opinions and needs so that she is happy with the end result.
Do not over buy:
Although this piece of advice is bad for business, I must out of good conscience advise it! The best is if every kallah can start with two options. Often pieces need to go for repairs, washing or other servicing, and having just one piece will make the timing of that very difficult. After a few months of covering her hair she will know what she likes, needs, etc. and more purchasing can be done then. Buying too many pieces before knowing what she is most comfortable in, often leads to regrets.
Consult with your chatan and rav before the appointment:
The kallah, along with her chatan and rav, has to decide how much hair she wants to cover or leave exposed. Your sheitel macher is not a halachic authority and should be nonjudgmental. She is there to help you facilitate covering your hair according to your level of choice, helping you to make it look the most natural and beautiful as possible. How you decide to cover your hair will help to determine if you are looking at full wigs, pony wigs, falls, hat falls, yarmulke/kippa falls or other options. Make sure the person you choose has plenty of options available to you.
Avoid sales:
Enticing ads with attractive sale prices are seen everywhere and are hard to ignore. Do not fall into that trap! Every kallah I know who bought at a sheitel sale not only regretted it, but the savings they saved, ended up costing them more in servicing and repairs. Since they have no experience with what to look for, and what works for them, they unknowingly bought pieces not suited for them. Save the sales for when you are more experienced and know exactly what to look for!
Be patient:
Choosing a wig should be well thought out. It is a decision that will affect you daily for the next few years, as it is an unfamiliar item that you are now expected to wear on a regular basis. Expect every new wig to be a new experience and each one needs to have a break-in period. That is the time needed when you get used to the wig and figure out all the little nips snips that still need to be done. A kallah especially has more of this break in period, as she does not yet know what she likes. So kallahs, moms of kallahs and especially chatans, be patient and supportive, give yourselves a learning curve, in time you will figure it all out, and you will be happily debuting your new sheitels!
By Sari Friedbauer
Sari Friedbauer is the owner of Sari’s Wigs. She is a licensed hairstylist and certified wig maker. She is available for consultations and can be reached at 201-694-5319.
