Following our recent interview about Wigs (see here) with Nuala from Celtic Creations we thought we'd try using a wig to see what we thought!

(for general info on Hair, or Curling Ringlets or Wig suppliers see here)

If you want to consider wigs there are several good suppliers (click here for details)

We decided to be genuine first timers and order a wig as if we knew nothing about them. We telephoned Celtic Creations in Belfast and asked Nuala to send us a wig. Obviously this is likely to be the worst way to select the right colour etc.
Nuala then asked me the question all Dad's hate : "What colour is your daughters hair?"

How am I supposed to know that???

Hair colours are either Brown, Blonde or Ginger as far as I'm concerned!

However, Nuala had seen a picture of Siobhán on this website and guided me in the right direction by asking me sensible questions. The picture wasn't really the right colour (poor quality scanner I'm afraid) but with Nuala's advice we decided upon a two colour Erin wig.
Finally she advised me that I could check it out and change it without question if it turned out to be the wrong colour. You can't argue with that!

The wig arrived in the post the very next morning, that's what I call service!!

First Impressions

On opening the remarkably small box I must confess my heart sank. The colour was obviously totally wrong, much too blonde for Siobhán. My instant reaction was that I had been right all along, and when I read the note from Nuala that was enclosed I just laughed!

She had written that the wig was the best there is and I thought she was joking!

HOWEVER.......

With Mum's help it was placed on her head and then I realised that Nuala had practically picked a perfect colour match for Siobhán's own hair. I am very impressed!
She had picked up from the picture that Siobhán's hair is lighter in some places and darker in others, and the two tone wig reflected this perfectly. In particular the hair at the front of her head was an exact match. Nuala told me they are 95% accurate with telephone calls and I have to say that I do believe her.

Now for the first of a series of tests..........

Test 1 - MUM!

Mum is always critical of Wigs because they don't hang right, or the hair is too flat, or it bounces badly etc. That's why she goes through the long process of curling hair for all the feisanna. Siobhán danced around a bit and we waited for Mum to comment.

After a few minor adjustments she said "I think it looks quite good actually... The colour really suits her and it doesn't look shiny like nylon as some do. I like the way it bounces, and it's got plenty of height behind the tiara as well."

(The height comes from following the instructions properly)

PASS

Test 2 - Siobhán herself!

Siobhán thought the wig looked "COOL" and was really comfortable. "It doesn't feel like its tight but it feels really secure. Can I wear it at the feis at the weekend?"

We agreed provided her teacher was happy with the wig.

PASS

Test 3 - Her Teacher

This is the real test!
If he isn't 100% happy with something he lets you know!
The wig was fitted outside of class and she danced into the hall.

His face said it all. "It suits her, the colours right as well. I like it. Can xxxx try it on as she needs a wig as well. That might just suit her." After she'd passed it around Teacher gave the wig a proper inspection, pulling at it etc. It's well made and there are no gaps in in the weave, this is a really good wig." I have never known him to be so positive about something on first impression!

Then her other teacher arrived whilst Siobhán was again dancing in the wig. She smiled at Siobhán and mouthed over the music, "I like it!"

PASS

Test 4 - The Feis

We fitted the wig before we left for the feis as we didn't want to pre-empt any comments from people. All of her friends soon gathered round enthusing about her "hair".
We were then approached by someone that we don't actually know. Her daughter dances for another school.
She said "I know you always curl your daughters hair but it looks different today. I really like it, have you cut it differently or something?"
When she was told that it was a wig she instantly asked where she could get one as "it's the best I've seen!"

PASS

Our Conclusion

I have to say that Siobhán wants to wear this wig all the time, except perhaps the really big competitions where she might have more time for curling her hair.
Mum feels the same, and reluctantly I confess, so do I!

It looks like Nuala's advice and the quality of her wigs has converted someone else!

Irish-Dancer happily endorses the Erin Wig from Celtic Creations