Claim OwnershipAlternative Hair Alchemist - A podcast about everything wigs, toppers and alternative hair!
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Welcome to the Alternative Hair Alchemist Podcast!
It’s a scary place to be in when you are losing your hair. There’s a lot of unnecessary shame and loneliness that can go along with it. Not to mention the overwhelm when you are trying to figure out what kind of replacement hair works for you.
Between having had chemo twice and alopecia areata on top of that, I know all too well that sinking feeling when you see more scalp than hair when you look in the mirror.
I also know that it is overwhelming when you don’t know who to ask for help, what to do, or where to start – and I want to say, helping you do just that is my gift.
Hi, I am Debra Heim. I’m a certified alternative hair expert, wig wearer and the co creator of a one of a kind wig and topper boutique, The Very Best Little Hair House. And I created this podcast to educate, inspire and empower you!
Out of my own hair loss journey was born a desire to make wearing alternative hair feel normal and an exciting place of possibilities. I use my superpower intuition to help women in my shop in a one on one, private and comfy environment with fifteen of the worlds’ best brands of alternative hair find their beauty again.
And I take wearing what you may know as wigs to a whole new level and my goal is to bring your beauty back to full on radiance.
Because you don’t want hair that looks good on someone else! You want to find the hair that maximizes your own unique beauty and I want to help you do that!
I have helped over five hundred women of all different looks, shapes and sizes look better than they’ve ever imagined.
My shop is where the magic happens and confidence is restored! Our clients leave looking fabulous and knowing not only what works for them but also how to care for it with ease.
Because let’s face it - if finding the hair that lights you up was as easy as choosing from a picture, I wouldn’t need to have my shop.
Think of me as that “tell it like it is” friend that also happens to be an expert in alternative hair.
The shame starts to end when you learn how to make yourself feel beautiful again and I am going to help you do that. At the end of the day, natural hair or not, wig or not, I want you to know that we are all worthy of love and belonging.
So take a deep breath, feel the love I’m sending your way–it’s time to find and love yourself again. Let’s do this!
Let’s Connect!
Facebook: Wise Wig Advice Facebook Group- A shame-free zone for alternative hair wearers!
Instagram:@verybestlittlehairhouse
Youtube: Very Best Little Hair House - YouTube
Visit my website: Very Best Little Hair House
Email me: debra@verybestlittlehairhouse.com
It’s a scary place to be in when you are losing your hair. There’s a lot of unnecessary shame and loneliness that can go along with it. Not to mention the overwhelm when you are trying to figure out what kind of replacement hair works for you.
Between having had chemo twice and alopecia areata on top of that, I know all too well that sinking feeling when you see more scalp than hair when you look in the mirror.
I also know that it is overwhelming when you don’t know who to ask for help, what to do, or where to start – and I want to say, helping you do just that is my gift.
Hi, I am Debra Heim. I’m a certified alternative hair expert, wig wearer and the co creator of a one of a kind wig and topper boutique, The Very Best Little Hair House. And I created this podcast to educate, inspire and empower you!
Out of my own hair loss journey was born a desire to make wearing alternative hair feel normal and an exciting place of possibilities. I use my superpower intuition to help women in my shop in a one on one, private and comfy environment with fifteen of the worlds’ best brands of alternative hair find their beauty again.
And I take wearing what you may know as wigs to a whole new level and my goal is to bring your beauty back to full on radiance.
Because you don’t want hair that looks good on someone else! You want to find the hair that maximizes your own unique beauty and I want to help you do that!
I have helped over five hundred women of all different looks, shapes and sizes look better than they’ve ever imagined.
My shop is where the magic happens and confidence is restored! Our clients leave looking fabulous and knowing not only what works for them but also how to care for it with ease.
Because let’s face it - if finding the hair that lights you up was as easy as choosing from a picture, I wouldn’t need to have my shop.
Think of me as that “tell it like it is” friend that also happens to be an expert in alternative hair.
The shame starts to end when you learn how to make yourself feel beautiful again and I am going to help you do that. At the end of the day, natural hair or not, wig or not, I want you to know that we are all worthy of love and belonging.
So take a deep breath, feel the love I’m sending your way–it’s time to find and love yourself again. Let’s do this!
Let’s Connect!
Facebook: Wise Wig Advice Facebook Group- A shame-free zone for alternative hair wearers!
Instagram:@verybestlittlehairhouse
Youtube: Very Best Little Hair House - YouTube
Visit my website: Very Best Little Hair House
Email me: debra@verybestlittlehairhouse.com
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There's so many places to get a good deal on alternative hair that someone else purchased that didn't work for them.....if you know what to check for! First and foremost you want to trust the seller, do your due diligence on that. But here are a few questions you might want to ask because things like care products or perfumes used by the person selling can scent the hair. These questions are just a start as to what to ask the seller. When you find a group where trusted sellers buy, sell, and trade you will learn so much more.
Upcoming episode: I'm going to give you my review of some super inexpensive wigs and hat/hair type wigs from different sites. Also, how to handle vulnerable moments when you are an alternative hair wearer. If you have any other episode suggestions, just send them on it!
Peace, Love and Alternative Hair,
Debra Heim
debra@debraheim.com
Back in 2017, practically nobody was using the term "alternative hair' for wigs and toppers. I deliberately chose that term to help change the perception of "wig" to become more acceptable. Words have power, and it worked to an extent! But, I got tired of explaining the term as I meant it: alternative hair is just that....an ALTERNATIVE to hair you grew yourself. Wigs have long been the source of jokes and just the word 'wig' can cause fear in some, but not so much anymore. We have come a long way towards acceptance of self and acceptance of "helper hair" but there are two things that need to stop pronto! And those are: making jokes or telling stories about wigs looking bad or flying off, and wearing wigs that are obviously not right for the person. But don't get me wrong everyone has to start somewhere with alternative hair, you get better at it and learn more about what works for YOU along the journey. But lets face it, there are some wigs that are so obvious they cause someone to feel fearful about how they will be percieved.
Remember, wearing alternative hair doesn't mean anything about you! It's not superficial to want to look great, nor is it dishonest or inauthentic to wear alternative hair. It's about confidence!
Much love to all my alt hair family that listen to this podcast and thank you!
Peace, Love, and Alternative Hair,
Debra
There's a lot of different variables in your choices of wigs and toppers out there to consider when choosing your next wig or topper. You want a certain style, but maybe it parts on the opposite side. You want a certain color, but there isn't your favorite color choice in that style. It usually happens like this: you have this picture in your head of how you want your hair to look and when you get your new choice in, when it doesn't match the picture you had in your head, disappointment can happen. So, prioritizing what is most important to you is a big key in choosing hair that works best for you. The main three things in a wig that you may have to choose between is color, style, and fit. This week I discuss how to approach choosing and if something unexpected comes up and you feel disappointed, four things to keep in mind and consider.
Peace love and alternative hair,
Debra
Find me at www.debraheim.com
www.verybestlittlehairhouse.com
Wise Wig Advice and Support Group on Facebook
One of the most common questions I get is "how long does a wig (topper) last?". That's such an individual thing to answer😊 To me, there are four factors to consider that will help you understand how to estimate how long you will get from any wig. Also, the fifth factor to consider when estimating the life span of your alternative hair is experience wearing and caring for it. The more you wear it, the more you become aware of the wear and tear as you go and know what will and won't work for you.
As always, enjoy your alternative hair!
Peace, love and alternative hair,
Debra Heim
www.debraheim.com
www.verybestlittlehairhouse.com
It's true, there is a grief associated with lots of things, and hair loss is one of those. In coming to terms with hair loss or an alopecia diagnosis ( or ANY diagnosis for that matter), you can expect to go through phases of anger, denial, bargaining, depression and acceptance in no particular order. So the healthy thing to do is to acknowledge your feelings and surround yourself with supportive people. And the good news is, how long you stay in the grieving process is up to you entirely. Listen and find out the three mindset shifts you need to make to start on the road to self acceptance.
As always....
Peace, Love and Alternative Hair ✌💘🌟
Debra Heim
The Alternative Hair Alchemist
One of the things I see often is someone having a difficult time making a decision between two favorites. Find out why second guessing happens and why you ultimately can't make a wrong decision. First of all, you learn from each time you try. Second, no choice is permanent, there will always be another style for you.
Remember, it's a journey to finding what works for you. It's a process that includes trial and error and be kind to yourself. My best tip when deciding between two colors and styles? Get both!
Peace, Love, and Alternative Hair ✌
Debra Heim
Change is not easy for everyone. Ideally we all want everyone to absolutely love our new look and the truth is, someone may say something that hurts your feelings. Sometimes boyfriends, family, friends and the people closest to you will need some time as well to get used to the change and might say "I don't know' or "it looks different" and take it from me, that doesn't mean you are choosing the wrong style or color. This week I give you some behind the scenes situations where someone says something about it and what to say back.
Remember, the most important person that should like your new look is YOU. No alternative hair is a permanent decision and you are so much more than just your hair. If your hair makes YOU feel great, that's all that matters!
Peace, Love, and Alternative Hair
Debra Heim
Hello!
This week's episode is based on fear a loved one may have with taking action on their own hair loss situation.
Every year around holiday time like it is here in the USA, I will get a flurry of calls from daughters of moms and moms of daughters that have hair loss wanting to make an appointment for them. I explain the fears running the show behind the situation and how I suggest dealing with them. Even when someone is complaining about their hair loss, sometimes the wig or topper isn't the solution THE PERSON with the hair loss really wants themselves. Sometimes, someone who is not truly ready will find a reason to dislike the most perfect wig or topper in the world.
Survival fear is hardwired into our brains. Your brain will act the same way with fight or flight reaction when faced with a good change like a great new 'do, too. Fear is a sneaky thing sometimes. I talk about how sometimes it's more comfortable to stay in a familiar pattern such as complaining and not doing something about it, as crazy as it sounds.
Peace, Love and Alternative Hair
One thing I wanted to discuss this week was that you can have two of the same wig in the same color and although overall the same, there will be individual differences piece to piece. Also, did you know about clip on bangs? Milano, Jon Renau and HairDo all make versions. You can try bangs without the committment!
Peace, Love, and Alternative Hair,
Debra Heim
It's a sad, sad day anytime your new wig or topper starts to show wear. But, just like shoes, alternative hair will wear out with use. I have come up with some pretty clever hair styles just based on trying to hide something on a wig that didn't look 100% fresh and here are some hacks for hiding the wear.
Thanks for listening....
Peace, Love and Alternative Hair,
Debra
It's a sad, sad day anytime your new wig or topper starts to show wear. But, just like shoes, alternative hair will wear out with use. I have come up with some pretty clever hair styles just based on trying to hide something on a wig that didn't look 100% fresh and here are some hacks for hiding the wear.
Thanks for listening....
Peace, Love and Alternative Hair,
Debra
This week I would like to address something that I pick up on from women who call the shop that want to come in and see about natural looking alternative hair but feel that because they have their own hair, they might be not allowed to come to the shop. It's something I never thought about until I noticed that many women seem to feel a sense of guilt/resistance/reluctance (or something?) about wanting to look and feel better in a luxury wig yet still have hair growing on their own head. So lets' address the most common concerns once and for all.
1.) Will it make my hair fall out?
No, wearing a wig that fits correctly won't make your hair fall out. In fact, when you take the pressure off of yourself because your own hair isn't growing fast enough to feel great about yourself, it can grow in a little faster.
2.) It's not like I have cancer or anything, is it ok if I come in for an appointment?
Certainly! Repeat after me: It is safe for me to wear alternative hair to look and feel good.
3.) Why is it more accepted in some circles to wear a wig but in others its not?
Because women themselves make it more of an issue than it has to be! If we could all get past making it mean something bigger than what it is, something that helps confidence and self esteem it will be more accepted.
If you look great, it doesn't matter if you grew it or you bought it.
Until next time...peace, love and alternative hair!
Debra
If we are going to talk alternative hair, we would be remiss to overlook men and their choices! Did you know that there are men's full wigs in addition to top pieces? The selection of the styles in the heat friendly synthetic fiber has doubled in choice since I opened the shop! The thing that may be of interest to you is that the men's cap on the average is quite roomier than the ladies. Check your specs for specifics as far as size per style and colors available from brand to brand, and I will post links to some of the mens' choices in the Wise Wig Advice and Support Group on Facebook.
Peace, Love and Alternative Hair,
Debra
When you are an empath (deeply sensitive, loyal, giving) some times 'friends' won't respect your boundaries. Sometimes too, their opinion on whether you look good or not isn't entirely accurate. Find out why this week as I discuss how insecurities can affect what someone says to you when you ask them for an opinion on your hair or clothes...plus be prepared ahead of time with these comeback replies for when you are at a loss for words because you are feeling disappointed that they didn't 'love' your new look.
psssssst.....wear it anyway, you look good!
Peace, Love and Alternative Hair!
Debra
I see in my shop people coming in with something that doesn't work for them simply because they were embarrassed to say 'no' or the sales tactics unscrupulous. Often people buy things that they don't want just to avoid saying "no". Here are some tips to spot manipulative sales tactics and a few responses to be prepared with to empower you to say "No" gracefully.
It's ok to say "No" and not to have to justify it. But being prepared with some responses to have ready can help a lot!
Peace, Love, and Alternative Hair,
Debra Heim
In my five years of having the shop, I see firsthand how beautiful, intelligent women get caught up in these five areas with overthinking things that really don't matter in the long run. As someone who wears alternative hair and an overthinking "worrier' myself but also a confidence coach, here's some tips on how to not overthink it and just wear that wig or topper knowing you look gorgeous!
If you want a free copy of my e-book "Too Much Hair: A Wig Shop Owner and Wearer's Guide to Wigs and Toppers just find it on Amazon on October 27 and 28, 2023 and get yourself a download for free during those two days!
Until next time....Peace, Love, and Alternative Hair!
Debra
This week, I found an online article that someone wrote with do's and don'ts for wig wearing. I go over the article with my thoughts, and while everyone has different experiences and opinions and I respect that, I can tell from the article that this woman may not have had a wig on that fits her head correctly. This is not by any means an insult! I have had women in my shop that have worn wigs that were way too big or small for their head and since they had nothing to compare it to, and were trying to figure it all out themselves. The information in this article written about the risk of wigs flying off and stretching in water and slipping out of place because of turtleneck tops is quite frankly, not accurate.
If your wig fits, there isn't any situation that you have to worry about it accidentally flying off I promise you!
Wear that alternative hair bravely and proudly!
Debra Heim
Peace, Love and Alternative Hair
Hi everyone!
This week I had the chance to observe a woman who was clearly jealous of someone else's alternative hair! At the bottom of it (IMO) a resentment of the fact that someone else could have hair that looked as good as hers that wasn't "homegrown'. I give the details on this and also describe a few other reactions that friends and family have been less than nice about someone's alternative hair. Usually, at the bottom of it all, it's more an issue of self esteem and basing your worth on a given feature about yourself. But we are all so uniquely beautiful in our own way, the Universe has a perfect plan for each and every person coming into this world so celebrate what makes you YOU!.
It doesn't matter if you grew your hair or you bought it, it is YOURS and you should feel great about it! Don't outsource your joy by listening to opinions that are trying to bring you down. And if I can help you with any of that, let me know!
Peace, Love, and Alternative Hair,
Debra Heim
After five years of helping over two thousand people in person, I can tell you a few of the reasons why the wig or hairpiece can look so different on your head. Plus, my theories s why the wig always looks 'better' on someone else. (Spoiler alert: it really doesn't, you just think it does).
Drop by www.debraheim.com and sign up for my email list and I will send you my 16 page PDF E-Book "10 Steps to Making Your Style Memorable" just for signing up!
Peace, Love and Alternative Hair,
Debra xx
This week the pros and cons of shaving heads for wig wearing and some iconic examples of women characters with shaved heads is discussed. The number one pro: Confidence!
Peace, Love, and Alternative Hair,
Debra Heim
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