James Galvin

Shape, condition and colour must all work together

“I’ve said to clients for years and years, when they kind of get to a certain age and they tend to feel that they kind of need their hair cut shorter, it’s absolutely not.”

Hair shape

One of the most important things to remember is that not all long hair suits everyone, but the shape can be created in long hair to suit everybody. Whether you put shape around the face, whether you add a fringe, whether you add curtain bangs, whether you add soft layers. Layers can add movement and dimension to long hair, which is especially beneficial for fine or thinning hair. Face-framing layers can also soften the jawline and draw attention to the eyes

“Providing that you have the right shape and you’ve got the right professional advice from your hairdresser, you can wear your hair longer.”

Hair condition

In our 40s and 50s, our hair tends to be a little bit drier in texture. Whether it’s changing gray or becoming a little bit more porous, it’s really important that you concentrate on the condition. To maintain length and prevent split ends, get a trim about every eight weeks. This keeps the style looking fresh and prevents it from growing out completely, like “re-touching that perfect style”.

“The shape, the condition, and the color must all work together. You get all these three right, having hair longer in your 40s & 50s can be elegant and stunning”

Hair products

James Galvin champion’s hair care products carefully curated and using natural ingredients to maintain hair goals and avoiding harsh chemicals. Daniel Galvin’s Love Your Hair range shampoo, the highlight brightener, and also the intensive treatment mask are particularly good products for longer hair styles.

Enquiries
For any enquiries or to book a consultation at one of the best hairdressing salons in London call us on 0207 486 9661

Image: V-Hair wig

Amazing new technology in wig & hairpiece design now available at Daniel Galvin.

Image: Cyberhair wig

Cyberhair®

Cyberhair is a synthetic fibre however the texture, appearance and characteristics are very similar to human hair and it has the ability to absorb moisture. Cyberhair has many incredible qualities including durability and lightness. It is colour stable and has a “style and curl memory”. This means that electric styling appliances and hair dryers can used on Cyberhair, permanently changing the original style. The Cyberhair is perfect for hairpieces or full wigs.

New technology for hairpieces

This new technology is ideal for hairpieces to blend in with your real hair perfectly. It can be colour matched to any shade and the wave pattern adjusted to match any style. The colour is stable and will not change over time.

The science

The science behind Cyberhair and V-hair is brilliant and can be seen with a microscope. The hair fibre texture closely resembles human hair when compared with synthentic hair.

Consultation

Daniel Galvin’s Wig Director will be happy to guide you through choosing the best type of wig. While we endeavour to carry a wide choice of colours and styles, if the style, colour or texture of the wig you require is not already in our collection we will certainly be able to source the perfect hairpiece or wig. More information and full description of the Daniel Galvin Bespoke Wig Service

Medical VAT exemption

All wigs supplied for any medical hair loss such as chemotherapy treatment, Alopecia, female pattern hair loss etc normally have a VAT exemption on any wig or hairpiece purchased.

Enquiries

For any enquiries or to book a consultation in a private room call us on 0207 3183663 or email Gary.price@danielgalvin.com

Image: Courtesy of Get Ahead of Hair Loss

Gary Price, Daniel Galvin’s Wig Director is invited back again as a main speaker at the Get Ahead of Hair Loss event this September. The one-day event based at the Royal Society of Medicine 1 Wimpole Street in London is designed to dispel the myths surrounding hair loss. Gary will be speaking about the state of wig provision in the UK, how you can get one and the different types that are available.

Stephen Nurse the operations director at Daniel Galvin is also part of the event, he will be sharing his expertise in the Style Solutions For Professionals session. It covers how to take the stress out of any consultation with the right language, style solutions and treatments. He will be among other top hairdressers including Andrew Barton, Jamie Stevens and Inanch Emir (celebrity hair extensionist) who will cover hair loss styling advice for all ages men and women with different hair types.

Image: Remy human hair wig by Gary Price

Choosing a wig for the first time can seem confusing, as there are so many types and styles to choose from.

The terminology used to describe the various wig types, how they are made, and the different price points just add to the confusion. So, lets first look at the three main types of wigs and why they may look and feel different.

Lace front

Each type of wig mentioned above may also have a lace front which gives the impression of a perfectly natural hairline. A full lace front is generally only used when the wig is worn for long periods of time, it needs to be secured at the hairline with glue. At the Daniel Galvin Selfridges wig department, we only stock partial lace fronts which require no gluing. Our range has been handpicked by myself for their quality, comfort, realistic hairlines and partings.

Synthetic fibre or real hair ?

If you are not sure whether to choose synthetic or real hair your wig consultant guide you to the most suitable option. Here are pros and cons of each option;

Advantages of synthetic fibre

• Synthetic wefted construction has the lowest price point
• Easy to care for. Simply wash in warm water and leave to dry naturally, they will fall into style.
• Monofilament synthetic wigs come in a wide variety of different styles and colours that are not available in real hair wigs. (Grey shades are not available in human hair wigs).

Disadvantages of synthetic fibre

• On average a synthetic wig will need to be replaced after 6 months.
• A fully wefted synthetic version may be heavy and dense
• Most synthetic fibre ones cannot be heat styled. There are a few heat styleable synthetic fibres available, they can only be blow dried or heat styled with low temperature appliances. High heat will permanently damage the fibres.

Advantages of real hair

• Human hair wigs will last much longer than synthetic fibre ones. On average a human hair wig will need replacing after a year of constant use. The longevity depends on the aftercare being followed correctly. High temperature appliances and harsh products will shorten the life span of real hair.
• High grade hair types are easy to maintain. Low grade human hair wigs can be purchased cheaply online but the quality makes them difficult to maintain & style and they rarely last more than 6 months.
• Good quality hair can be toned and made darker but not lightened. We strongly advise against attempting to colour a human hair wig at home.
• Real hair wigs can be cut, blow dried, and styled with curling tongs or straightening irons.

Disadvantages of real hair wigs

• The cost may seem prohibitive. However, in balance over the course of a year the cost of 2 to 3 hand knotted synthetic wigs is equal to the cost of one good quality human hair wig.
• Proper aftercare and styling must be carried out to maintain the condition.
• People with very fine hair may find the real hair wigs appear too thick, when compared to their natural hair. A light density monofilament synthetic may be a better option.

Cost

Here at the Daniel Galvin Selfridges Wig Department, director Gary Price sources and picks the very best ready to wear wigs, from across Europe. Gary has brought together a selection of wigs to suit all budgets. The collection includes;

• Small discreet hairpieces – from £248*
• Full hair toppers highest quality real hair – from £420* to £650* (depends on hair length and type)
• Synthetic wefted wigs – from £248*
• Hand knotted synthetic & human hair wigs – from £320* (synthetic)
• Lace front human hair wigs – from £720*
• Lace front Remy human hair – from £1,200*

Custom made wigs can also be ordered, price by quotation. For more information see our article on custom made wigs

Medical VAT exemption

All wigs supplied for any medical hair loss such as chemotherapy treatment, Alopecia, female pattern hair loss etc normally have a VAT exemption on any wig or hairpiece purchased.

Consultation

Daniel Galvin’s Wig Director will be happy to guide you through choosing the best type of wig. While we endeavour to carry a wide choice of colours and styles, if the style, colour or texture of the wig you require is not already in our collection we will certainly be able to source the perfect hairpiece or wig. More information and full description of the Daniel Galvin Bespoke Wig Service

For any enquiries or to book a consultation (check price) in a private room call us on 0207 3183663 or email Gary.price@danielgalvin.com

*Prices quoted on this page are at the time the article was published. Daniel Galvin reserves the right to change the prices, products and services offered.

Image: ready to wear human hair wig by Gary Price.

 

As the Wig director and designer at Daniel Galvin Selfridges, i deal directly with clients on a daily basis who are about to undergo chemotherapy. This article is based on answering the three questions that I’m asked most often.

“Don’t synthetic wigs look artificial?”

Advances in the technology have transformed the way in which synthetic wigs look. The new designs have virtually invisible lace fronts which create a realistic hairline, most also have a monofilament top which is transparent and breathable. The density and amount of hair has also been reduced to create a very natural shape. Unlike older designs they are cool and comfortable to wear. Synthetic wigs also come in a vast array of colours, from the natural and grey shades and others with balayage and dark rooted tones.

“Is a real hair wig the best choice?”

A real hair wig can be restyled, blow dried and curled, and generally lasts much longer than a synthetic one. Synthetic wigs are very low maintenance but on average will need replacing after 6 months. Real human hair wigs have a reputation for being hard to look after and style. However, this is only true when working with poor quality, or over processed hair.

Here at the Daniel Galvin i have carefully chosen collections that only use the best quality hair. I also give step by step instructions on how to care for both real hair and synthetic fibre wigs.

“Aren’t good quality wigs very expensive?”

When I source new products for clients who are facing the prospect of hair loss due to chemotherapy I always take into consideration a wide variety of price points. Some clients think that they will have to pay a lot for the right wig. Here at the Daniel Galvin I have high quality wigs that range from £120.00 for synthetic through a variety of price points up to £1,500 for a top-quality lace front, hand knotted real hair. If we don’t have exactly the right one for a client I am able to source wigs and hair pieces to suit the individuals’ budget and requirements. These pieces can typically be ordered in for a client to try within a week.

It is a common misconception that because we are based in Selfridges that we will be prohibitively expensive, but we ensure that all clients are given as many options within their budget as possible. We also provide VAT exemption (20%) on any wig that is required for medical reasons.

For any enquiries or to book a consultation (check price) in a private room call us on 0207 3183663 or email Gary.price@danielgalvin.com

Gary Price – Medical wig director at Daniel Galvin.

Selfridges
400 Oxford Street

Custom wig design process

Throughout the bespoke wig or hairpiece creation you will be guided by Gary Price, Daniel Galvin’s Wig Director at Selfridges in London. During the initial consultation he will discuss the options available to suit your particular needs and expectations. Gary will assist your decision making by showing you a variety of hair colour, texture and density samples. Daniel Galvin also stock a range of ready to wear wigs and hair pieces which you can try on to visualise the colour, length and style of your bespoke piece.

When choosing colour and style it often helps if you have photographs or hair colour samples to bring to the consultation. We can match any hair colour blend and texture with the custom made wig.

Template design & foundation

Once your specific requirements have been discussed and agreed, the wig designer will create a mould or template of the either the whole head or the specific area that the wig or hair piece is to fit. This procedure includes recreating a natural hair line pattern and a very precise fit. From this mould, your wig foundation will be created. On the foundation additions such as a lace front, as ‘skin’ parting and crown may be applied. Once this is completed, Gary will explain to you the choices of hair available and make recommendations on the best type of hair to use.

Hair choice

The choice of hair type to be used varies according to your specific requirements and ethnicity. Our suppliers will provide samples of different shades and curl patterns to be approved by you before the hand knotting of the piece begins, this ensures that the colour and curl match are perfect before your bespoke piece is made.

We use only the finest quality, ethically sourced hair. This includes high quality Remy hair and beautiful silky European hair, we create custom made wigs and hairpieces in blends of human and synthetic hair. Or, in the design of grey wigs and hairpieces pure resistant synthetics are recommended. Heat resistant synthetic hair can be blow dried and heat styled with appliances with a temperature up to 120° degrees only.

Construction

The completed template and agreed design will then be sent to the manufacturer. The makers construct a monofilament or lace cap and start hand knotting the hair into this base. A hand made wig can take 3-4 months to complete.

Fitting and attachment

According to the type of hair loss a variety of methods of fixing or attaching the wig or hair piece may be chosen. For clients with Alopecia Totalis we would recommend a bespoke ultra-secure wig foundation which grips to the skin and may be used with double sided wig tape. For clients who have some hair such clients with female pattern hair loss, or Alopecia Areata, clips or combs may be added to secure the wig to the existing hair. All of our hair pieces, toppers and hair enhancers are fixed with snap lock clips. Front hair line replacement systems, for clients with Frontal Fibrosing Alopecia, are taped at the front hairline and the back of the hair piece is clipped to the clients existing hair .

Hard moulds are laser cut from the original template and the wig or hairpiece foundation is constructed directly onto this. This ensures a secure and comfortable fit in the completed item.

When the foundation is completed it is then sent to be ventilated, this is the process where thousands of individual strands of hair are knotted by hand into the transparent net of the foundation. The average amount of hairs knotted this way are approximately 150,000, in a higher density piece many more. The hand knotting of a bespoke piece is very labour intensive and can take 3 to 4 months to complete.

Final wig fitting

At the final fitting you will be shown how to apply your wig or hair piece and it will then be cut and styled by Gary Price at Selfridges. You will also be instructed in how to care for your new hair to maximise its condition and longevity. Aftercare instructions & FAQ can be found on the Daniel Galvin website.

Booking

For any enquiries or to book a consultation (check price) in a private room call us on 0207 3183663 or email Gary.price@danielgalvin.com