I really wanted to call this blog "Everything You've Always Wanted to Know About Sheitels But Were Afraid to Ask," because there's such mystery about the sheitel industry.

So, here, and in my store, Classic Sheitels, I'm going to teach you about sheitels and empower you to spend wisely. My mission is to take the scary out of buying and selling a sheitel.

So read away, and feel free to get in touch. You can reach me by phone at 443-717-1111 or email me at lena@classicsheitels.com.

Or come for a shmooze at Classic Sheitels. We are located in Baltimore, MD, and open for walk-ins every Sunday from 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., or call for an appointment.

Sunday, January 16, 2011

All About Sheitels 3: How to Become a Sheitel Insider

If you are looking at my blog for the first time, welcome! This is a comprehensive version of an article that was recently published in Baltimore's Where What When magazine. This time, we're talking about everything you need to know in order to succeed in buying a sheitel.

So, you want to buy a sheitel, but you're overwhelmed and confused. You're afraid of wasting your money and ending up unhappy…again. At Classic Sheitel Consignments I sell new and gently-worn precuts. I also teach you about sheitels and empower you to spend wisely. Here, I share some sheitel buying tips:


  • Ask questions! When something seems too good to be true, it is. Where is the hair from? Has it been stripped of cuticle or dyed? How long is it expected to last? Understand that the more processed the hair, the shorter the life of the sheitel.
  • Try to buy a precut. How many times have you bought an uncut sheitel, only to end up hating the cut? When you buy knowing what it already looks like, you're at a great advantage.
  • Sheitels don't last forever. Generally, a cuticle-intact wig can last one to six years and a piece that's stripped of cuticle around one to two years. No matter how fancy your sheitel is, if you mistreat it, you will exponentially shorten its life. Frequently using heat on the hair will damage it.
  • A sheitel should be washed BEFORE you buy it. If not, there is no guarantee that the way it looks in the store is the way it will look after being cleaned.
  • Take the sheitel outside to see yourself in natural light. Indoor lighting will not accurately show if the color suits you.
  • Don't buy a sheitel under pressure or one that can't be returned. I know it's really tempting to grab something at a sale, but if you can't at least wear it for a day to make sure it's right for you, you're taking a big risk. Six-hundred dollars is cheap for a sheitel, but expensive for a mistake!
  • Always find out the specifics of what the sheitel's warrantee covers and get it in writing with your dated receipt.
  • Ask the stylist who is cutting your sheitel what the cut covers—how many times can you come back to have it fine-tuned? Make sure you are crystal clear about the cut and bring a picture. Don't be afraid to speak up for yourself and insist upon good customer service. This is your sheitel and your money.
  • A special note for kallahs—mazel tov, darling! We're so excited for you, your family, and your chassan! I want to explain something to you that no one may be telling you—your sheitel will not look exactly like your hair. It can come close, but you will look different. Realizing this from the beginning will help you tremendously.
  • Become an educated consumer by reading my blog, http://classicsheitels.blogspot.com and coming to my store! I'm always available to answer your questions and teach you ALL about sheitels.

At Classic Sheitel Consignment, my mission is to make buying a sheitel an affordable, honest, and pleasant experience. After all, covering your hair is a special and beautiful mitzvah. You deserve to look amazing, feel terrific, and get a great deal!