If you know me then you know I enjoy changing up my look. As a seasoned woman variety is the spice of life and I love a lot of variety! However as a single mother of four my pocketbook doesn’t always agree with my need to change. That lead me to find inexpensive alternatives to these high cost bundles and frontals and the like and still be able to look good. I wanted to share some of the things I do to keep my look fresh but still seasoned.
First let’s talk about something real quick. As a 40 year old woman I in no way or shape want to be out here looking like a damn fool! All of my looks are fresh and fun but I am not trying to look like a 20 something (or anything else that I’m not). I don’t want to say I keep it age appropriate but in reality that is what I do. I work in a corporate environment and even though it is a relaxed office I would not feel comfortable or be taken seriously by sporting some wild hairstyle or some rainbow colors. Now if this is your thing by all means do it but as for me and my life, we will keep it real. That’s another thing… I am not against the 30 inch weaves falling down your butt, do you Boo!!! However, personally I like my hairstyles (for the most part cause I do have a moment here and there lol) to look believable not unbeweavable. I try to stick with natural colors and with textures close to my own natural hair. I am natural and one of the reasons I also wear wigs and weaves is to protect my hair and keep me from resorting back to the creamy crack.
Now that we got that out the way let’s talk about all this hair!
TIP #1 – Research! I never ever purchase a wig without looking up a review online first. I mostly search YouTube videos by putting in the search what I am looking for. For example, if I want to wear a curly style I will search curly synthetic wig. It is important to put synthetic so those types of wigs will show at the top of the search. If you’re trying to just get a new hairstyle or maybe even try a style before purchasing or attempting a more expensive version. Synthetic is the way to go. Companies have come a long way with how these wigs now look and I promise most of them look like real hair now. I also go to Youtube because I like to see how the wig came out of the box and if any manipulation is required to make this wig look natural. I will just tell you now, you will very rarely be able to wear a wig straight out of the package. You will need a reference to make it look like you want it to. Some ladies I follow on Youtube that you can check out to get an idea of how to wear these wigs are: The Brilliant Beauty, The Hearts and Cake90, Trendy Kay, Ms MuffinisMyLovers, Her Style, NaturalJoy & OhsoFashionable805. These ladies will give full reviews on the wig, show you how it came out the box and how to wear it. Here are some full wigs I have enjoyed in the past.
TIP#2- Try a simple style. You don’t have to go big or go home when changing up your look. You can switch things up by adding a hair piece or using a half wig. When I am between hairstyles like sew ins or braids I will purchase a half wig to get me through! One of my favorites is the Outre Dominican Culy Half Wig which you can purchase here. Now I love big hair and this half wig can get very big but I tame it somewhat by wearing it in a half up/half down hairstyle. I even did a Youtube tutorial showing how I installed it on my natural hair. You can take a look here. Another simple way to make a change is to add a pony tail or braid. You can buy a drawstring ponytail from your local beauty supply for under $15 or get a pack of cheap braiding hair and make a braid. I love to use to wear the halo braid which I learned how to do by watching a simple tutorial on you guessed it, Youtube!
TIP#3 – Have fun with your hair. Sometimes as seasoned women we take ourselves a little too seriously. It’s okay to play around and try different looks and hair and makeup is one of the easiest ways to accomplish this. Get out of your style rut and try something different. It doesn’t have to be a drastic change as I stated before but a new look can have you feeling like a million bucks. I also suggest if there is a hairstyle or hair color you have been thinking about trying try it in a temporary form first. A wig is a great way to try out a color without making a commitment or even damaging your hair.
TIP#4 – Set a budget. A little here and there can add up quickly. I try to set a budget when I am purchasing wigs and I always search the internet for the best deals. I will tell you now it is almost always cheaper to buy on a wig website instead or your local beauty supply store BUT it is even better when you’re buying in bulk you also get free shipping. I usually do my research and buy a variety of wigs (usually 2-3) at a time. Here are some of the sites I like to purchase from:
These are reputable sights with fast shipping available and I can always find something within my budget.
Another budget friendly look you can do yourself that lasts a little longer than wigs is crochet braid styles. I love crochet styles and they have some a LONG way from the 90s when we first started wearing them. Take a look below on some of the styles I have worn.
The main thing I want you seasoned ladies to take from this post is that it is never too late to reinvent yourself and you don’t have to do something like cut your hair. You can just get a new wig and become a new you!!!
Now let me know in the comments if you would try some of these looks!
Love Ricki
Dress: 
Jumpsuit: 
severalpeoplesmama.com 