Alternative Hair Alchemist - A podcast about everything wigs, toppers and alternative hair!

There's been a lot of women experiencing weight loss as the result of taking meds such as Ozempic and Wegovy (both versions of semaglutide--initially developed with the intent to help control Type II Diabetes) and some of those women also have been noticing texture and condition changes of their hair as well as some reporting noticeable hair loss. Could this be a side effect of the meds, too? In this episode, I am going to give you my take on this based on what I have seen firsthand both as a nurse and now having eight years of experience with hair loss clients in person, and what questions they have asked me and the opinions they have given. I also address a reminder that ANY body changes, trauma, dramatic weight loss, changes in nutrition, medical conditions such as hypothyroid, COVID and auto-immune disorders ALSO affect your hair's condition, growth and texture. Think of your hair as a "report card" for your health on the inside. Anything that affects your physical and mental health has the potential to have an effect on your hair. Remember, taking care of yourself involves both your physical and mental health, and most of all....your spirit! Put yourself just as high on your priority list as you do the others that you love! And remember, I am not a physician and nothing I say should replace medical care with the professionals that know you and your specifics! Peace, Love, Alternative Hair Debra Heim @debra_heim on Instagram and Debra Heim on Facebook @verybestlittlehairhouse on Instagram and Facebook

Toppers are usually the first options women consider with alternative hair. There's so many choices out there and videos and ads make it look so easy. The latest online statistics on topper returns quoted by Jon Renau in an email this week stated the return rate of toppers purchased online is a whopping 50%! I would bet that 50% is an underestimate simply because I have clients that come into my shop for help making a topper purchased elsewhere look natural when it was not the best topper for their situation. This week I will break it down for you as simply as I can on the three main things to consider when shopping for a topper. Also, attention fellow true crime fans! At the end of this episode, I am going to make a recommendation for my latest binge listen in a case that is ongoing right now! Until next time, thank you for listening! Peace, Love, and Alternative Hair, Debra

Hey everyone! Happy June to you! This week I am back with an episode that was inspired by the client who came to the shop today, and who left with gorgeous results that she did not expect (as I always say time and time again), We discussed alternative hair journeys and what she experienced at other wig shops as well as what she's tried along the way to my shop. There are many many things I could discuss that you'd want to look out for, but today I discuss three biggies. Keep watching for the next series of episodes here, I plan to do an audio version of my book "Too Much Hair" one chapter a week. Thanks for listening this week and thank you for every single episode you've listened to along the way! Drop me a line on socials and let me know if you have any thoughts. Till next time...;. Peace, Love and Alternative Hair, Debra www.debraheim.com www.verybestlittlehairhouse.com

Hey there! Part Two I start to explain a little more about the pricing structure and how they are suggested from the manufacturer of the alternative hair for retail and internet suggested pricing plus what to reasonably expect from an authorized dealer. Thanks for listening!Peace, Love and Alternative Hair, Debra Heim

One thing I see in common with all women, no matter how much money they earn, there is the tendency to feel guilty about what they spend on their hair. Here's the reasons why you should allow yourself to feel good and how to reframe your thinking about it. Peace, Love and Alternative Hair, Debra Heim

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

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

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

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

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

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

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