Lena's Sheitels and LENA Handmade Wigs Review

Since opening her consignment wig boutique, Lena’s Sheitels, in 2009, owner Lena Fleminger has sold nearly 500 gently-worn sheitels for clients from all over the U.S., Canada, and Israel. Now she’s expanding by adding her own line of new wigs, LENA Handmade Wigs, which she sells in addition to the consignment sheitels.

Lena started her consignment business when she realized that almost every woman she knew had a sheitel she never wore, worth thousands, just sitting in the closet. Her consignment shop allows women to sell the sheitels they are not wearing and put what they earn toward buying another piece.

Lena Wigs

Although the store is located in Baltimore, MD, 85% of its consignment wigs come from sellers in the New York and New Jersey area who send sheitels via the mail. Lena’s Sheitels only consigns nearly new or lightly worn pieces.

Human hair wigs are incredibly expensive, so it’s so frustrating when one spends that kind of money and ends up not using the product.  In this situation it makes so much sense that one style or length might not suit a particular woman, but may look fabulous on a different woman.  

And the consignment process at Lena’s Sheitels allows women to purchase very high-end wigs for a fraction of their retail prices. “Our most popular sellers are Shevys, Dinis, Shulys, and Freedas,” she says.

Most kallahs (brides) hate their first sheitel, and this was Lena Fleminger’s experience as well.  A sheitel macher convinced her to buy a very long wig at a higher price even though she was looking for a shoulder length wig that would have been cheaper.  Lena never felt comfortable in that kallah sheitel and spent hours styling and tweaking it.

All of this experimentation paid off because she learned so much about sheitels and how to make them look better.  This experience was the beginning of her journey to becoming a sheitel macher.

After years of selling all the different brands and styles of sheitels, Lena has started manufacturing her own line of sheitels called LENA Handmade Wigs. She conducted extensive research, testing samples from numerous manufacturers and hair suppliers until she was happy with her creation.  

One of the most distinct features of her wigs is that they are completely tied by hand (not made with machine sewn wefts), making them particularly popular with women who have comfort issues or suffer from medical hair loss.  

Chavi modeling a LENA Handmade Wig

Lena experimented with hair density to create a more natural look and comfortable wearing sheitel.  LENA Handmade Wigs are made with high quality European-texture hair that is only minimally processed in order to maintain the hair's cuticle, sheen and integrity.  The wigs are specially cut, highlighted, and styled for a haute-fashion look, and that also makes them ready-to-wear for buyers.

Lena sent me a sample of one of her wigs to try on and examine and I took some pictures and videos to share with my readers.  I found the wig incredibly comfortable and I found the hair quality to be similar to many higher-end sheitels on the market. I loved the way it looked on me
and would definitely consider purchasing one because I feel it is a great value considering the quality and price. You can see the wig in detail in the pictures and video on this page and please email me if you have any questions or feedback.  It was hard sending the wig back to Baltimore, but someone had already purchased it!  

Summary of Features

LENA Handmade Wigs

European-texture hair

Hand-tied stretch cap

Multi-directional skin top

Pre-cut and highlighted

Check out Lena's Facebook page for more information about wigs for sale and info on an upcoming giveaway!  www.facebook.com/Lenaswigs

Wig Review: Jacquelyn Wigs Lace Front

Click to see the entire album of photos:

Jacquelyn Lace Front

I had never tried on a lace front wig, so I was curious about them. When I found out that Jacquelyn made them, and that they can work for people who want their wig hair to not fall in their face, I figured I would try it. Jacquelyn Wigs was happy to send me one to review and I had a lot of fun trying it on, taking pictures and making a little video series on Lace Front Wigs since I had never featured any on AskChavi before.

I love that the cap is hand tied. Most wigs I see have machine sewn wefts throughout the sides and back of the cap and a small hand made french top which gives the appearance of a scalp. The hand tied wigs are a big more comfortable and stretchier than a machine wefted cap. They take more time and skill to manufacture and therefore hand made work increases the cost of a wig.

The reasons this particular wig did not work for me was mainly due to my larger than average head. I also have medium-thick hair that is a little past shoulder length. Therefore, when shoved under a wig cap this piece was a little too tight for comfort. I was a little worried about the wig application process considering that I wouldn't want to wear tape or glue. I have heard there are ways to sew regular clips into lace front wigs, and I figured that even a The Hair Grip, WiGrip or Aishes, etc. would probably keep the wig in place sufficiently. Lace front wigs still have to be styled in the front in order to make them look more natural, but they at least have a "hairline" as opposed to french top sheitels.

I think if styled and cut beautifully and if I had the application process down pat, I would love to wear a lace front in general because it would solve the problem of hair falling into my face and it nicely covers all of my hair.  I also think lace-front wigs are eye-catching and refreshing since they are still rare in orthodox Jewish circles, the kind of wig that will make people check twice to see if you are really covering your hair.  Plus, its different, why wear what everyone else is wearing when you can be a trend-setter?

However, if you like wearing bangs or side bangs or the "curtains look" (see picture below) then a lace front is NOT for you!

Ever seen wigs with a middle part tied back like this?

Video Review

Lace Front Wig vs French Top Wig

I made a video showing the difference between a lace front wig and a french top wig.



The Lace Front Wig was loaned to me by Jacquelyn Wigs. 10-7 from their European Line
The French top wig (Sheitel) shown is a Milano Collection Ponytail wig which I own. 6/10/8

The Lace front wig is handtied and the transparent lace piece in front that gives the appearance of hair growing out of the wearer's head.  Additionally, the hair is sewn to go up and back off of the face and can be parted in any direction.  The most realistic way to wear the wig requires wig glue or wig tape, but I have seen some people who wear lace fronts without adhesive.

A French Top Wig has a multi-directional "skin top".  The hairs are sewn individually into several layers of material, the top layer synthetic silk material which looks like skin.  Each hair is tied into the material and pulled through the top layer of synthetic silk to give it the "skin top" look.   However, the hair direction goes forward, and there is usually a thin layer of hair in the very front of the wig (not coming out of the skin top) going forward into the face as well in order to create bangs.  Because of the multiple layers of fabric on the french top, this type of wig is more "durable" then the lace front which is  just a piece of lace.  However, if the lace front wig is treated properly and washed properly it can be maintained over time.  

Topper Info and Review of Aura Topper

This is my first post featuring topper wigs since starting AskChavi in 2010.  Toppers go by many names: kippa fall, half fall, integration piece, closure.  This is a "Clip-In" topper (because it has clips) as opposed to a bonded topper (which would be glued in).  Toppers and Wiglets are popular pieces for women who suffer from Alopecia (medial hair loss) because often their hair loss can be partial, and looks like thinness or balding, and hence a full wig is not needed. Toppers are lighter and more comfortable than full wigs because they contain less hair, and because they do not stretch over the entire head.  

Kippa Falls (as they are referred to in the Orthodox Jewish Community because the cap is the size of a kippa or yarmukle) are also becoming popular in the Modern Orthodox Jewish community.   Many MO women are committed to always covering their head, whether with a hat or scarf.  Wearing a topper or sheitel or band fall satisfies the requirement to cover their head and also allows them to blend into professional environments or formal social occasions where hats or other head wear are not common or socially normal.    Some Orthodox women only cover their hair at synagogue, so a topper is a less intense way of wearing a wig that still covers as much or more as they would cover with a hat, scarf, doily, etc.

A caveat with toppers: they will take more time to put on because they must integrate with your real hair.  Its ideal to have a topper the same color and texture as your hair and that it is cut in a way that meshes with your own hair length and style.  For example, my hair is really wavy and frizzy and currently dark blonde, so it looked a little silly when I threw perfectly sleek brown hair over it (as seen in the pics).  However, when done right they can look COMPLETELY natural, and I think its much lighter and more comfortable and should be considered as an option for women who suffer from painful wig headaches.  

The Piece:
SavvySheitels.com let me borrow a topper to review.  They manufacture Aura Wigs.  This is a light brown European Hair piece which I believe has its cuticles intact based on the feel and sound of the hair when I rubbed it.  There is no color number but it is close to my 6/8/10 wig.  The hair feels very sleek, did not knot the entire time I handled it, and the skin top looks very realistic.  There is variation in the hair color, so it looks like a natural shade.  It is neither ashy or very warm, but a medium toned light brown.  

Savvy Sheitels is offering $150 discount on all custom pieces over $700 (to AskChavi readers!).  The toppers can be viewed here - You just have to enter the code TOP150 at checkout.  This piece shown is available for sale as well.  I am just borrowing it in order to make this review.  They can manufacture a custom piece to match your hair color and texture, which I recommend highly when it comes to wearing toppers.

How to style Full Bangs on a wig with a Blowdryer

Here is the latest wig styling video.  In this video we are showing how to style full bangs (full fringe) on a wig (sheitel).  This wig is a Blush Pony Wig, which is made of processed hair. This can work right after a Wash and Set, or you can touch these up later. Bangs need to be re-set more often because people tend to sweat around the hairline.



I hope you find this helpful!  You will need a large round brush and a blowdryer in order to do this at home.  It also helps to have a spray bottle to slightly dampen the hair for touch ups.

How to Style Sheitel Side Bangs

After many requests, I am finally able to bring you the next wig styling video. This video is all about styling side bangs and we show you two methods: Blowdryer and Curling Iron.  There will also be a video on how to style a full bang.

Jew in the City's Freeda Wig Makeover

I saw this video today and I like it for a variety of reasons.  First of all, an influential Jewish blogger gets a new gorgeous sheitel.  (Hey Freeda, where's AskChavi's Freeda Makeover?) Secondly, I really like how it provides a good view on what a typical NY wig salon looks like and how the process of buying a new wig goes. 

They highlighted a few important things. 
1. Make sure you are happy with the color of the wig
2. Make sure the wig fits perfectly
3. Have an idea of how you want the wig cut and styled
4. Let a good stylist cut and style the wig on your head

When I bought my Freeda Wig back in 2009 I didn't have the luxury to buy it directly from the Freeda Salon in Brooklyn.  I bought mine through a sheitel macher over the internet and did not get to see it in person until it arrived.  Although I had the option to return it, its so heartbreaking to send wigs back and forth through the mail.  If my out of town readers have the chance to buy a wig in person PLEASE DO.  It makes such a difference to see a wig in person and to have it cut by someone who knows what they are doing.  Either way, enjoy the video - its entertaining and showcases some very cute and trendy wig styles.

Setting a wig as a Pony

Some of you may remember my review of my Freeda Riva which I purchased in 2008.  In the past year or so I had really gotten tired of the cut and texture and starting wearing my falls instead.  I didn't like how thickly the hair framed my face and I believe I look so much better with the hair out of my face like when I wear my fall.  A few months ago I decided to pull it back in a ponytail to make it wearable and I realized that it actually looked kinda good.  The problem however was that the wig was set in a deep side part meant for side part side bangs look.  So I decided to do a full wash and set (it was dirty anyway) and to change the multi-directional scalp part of the wig to be angled backwards so the hair fit nicely into a pony tail holder.

For instructions on washing please check out my other videos found here.  To change the part I very delicately combed (with a very wide toothed comb) small sections of the part backwards until the hairs were no longer parted to the sides.  This video starts once the hair was parted and divided into sections.  Not shown on the video is how small the sections I split the top layer into (about an inch wide) once I got to the multi directional part, to make sure the hair was blown flat.  Watch the video and enjoy!!!

The finished product turned out to be great!  I also changed it to be half up on Shabbat and it looked great because the top layer that was pulled back into the pony looked natural!

MyHeadcoverings Sale for AskChavi Readers

Dear Readers, I recently reviewed a few pieces that I received from MyHeadcoverings.  For the next week and a half AskChavi readers can receive a 10% discount on orders placed with www.myheadcoverings.com by using code 'askchavi'.  Additionally, one lucky reader will be entered in the chance to win $20 credit from MyHeadcoverings!  All you have to do is check out www.myheadcoverings.com and find your favorite item and then comment about the item on this post!! Double your chance of winning by liking MyHeadoverings on Facebook! http://www.facebook.com/pages/MyHeadcoveringscom/135559593151974 Comments must be posted by June 15, 2011 to be eligible for the drawing!

I received my items quickly and in a secure padded envelope.  The items were nicely wrapped and very clean and presentable.  They have fast and affordable shipping to the United States and Canada. They also offer international shipping. 

Lurex Beret in Navy

The Lurex Beret was incredibly comfortable and stretchy.  I have a large head and have to wear a large or extra large sheitel so I was pleased that the beret fit over my head and could also be worn over a fall.  I actually was able to wear it with my hair tucked in and it was really cute.  I like the sparkly inside and the light weight.

Blue Floral Pre-tied Israeli Tichel

 The Israeli Pre-tied tichel was great because it combined my two favorite things: Israeli Tichels and Pre-tieds!  This is a great option for people who do not want to bother with tying an Israeli Style tichel but want the look of one.  It was very comfortable and the elastic held it onto my head securely.  

Glitter Stripes Pre-tied Head band in White and Gold

The pre-tied headband is made of very stretchy material that is very comfortable and does not hurt my head, even though I have a large head.  I like that it is wide but can also be folded to be narrower.

Azhur Knit Crochet Snood with Sparkle in Black

I love my new black Azhur knit crochet snood and I think it is very beautiful.  I love that it is sparkly and I love that it is black so it matches everything.  I wear it as a snood but showing two fingers width in the front.  It also looks great covering all of the hair, as shown in the video above.  It is lined so absolutely no hair will show through. 

Video: Dying a Wig at Home

Here is a video I made of my most recent dye project. The wig was a human hair Milano Collection Wigs fall.  It was originally 12/14 but it oxidized.  I used Clairol professional hair color in shade 5AA lightest very ash brown with equal parts level 20 creme developer in hopes to dye it to a light ash brown shade. 

The project was not entirely successful, as the dye was not equally distributed throughout the hair.  I should have used twice as much dye and developer and spread the mixture throughout the hair while wearing gloves.  I believe the 20 minutes process time was correct. 

I found a great blog post in which the author (a professional colorist) explains how hair color works here.  

Wig Review: Paris Hilton Bandit Fall

When I was at Sally's Beauty a few weeks ago picking up wig clips I saw that they had synthetic Paris Hilton wigs on sale for $15.  I decided to buy one.  It came with three patterned headbands and one plain black headband.  The wigs came in eight colors and in three lengths.  The fiber is supposedly heat safe to around 200 fahrenheit, but I have not tested styling with heat yet.  I would say that the wig is somewhere between a 3/4 and 1/2 cap in terms of size.  I like that the front has a large comb, which helps to keep it securely in place.  As for the bands, they have velcro on them which allows them to attach to the front of the Paris Hilton Bandit.  If I decide to not use them with the Bandit, I will probably remove the velcro from them and then they will be like normal headbands.  As I state in the video, $15 is not a terrible price for four headbands, so since it was on sale I decided it was a worthwhile purchase.  The retail price seemed to be $40, and I would not spend that much on this product, but perhaps a normal synthetic wearer would like it.

Cute Video about buying Custom Wigs

The point of the video is to distinguish between the two types of "custom wigs" that exist in today's industry. One is the true custom, which is made to order with a custom made cap created to fit the customer's head exactly and made to specification including hair color, texture and thickness.

The out of box custom, or "semi-custom" is used to describe pre-made wigs which mimic the high end features of a true custom wig, but are not actually made to order. Often wig salons will add highlights or low-lights, adjust the cap size either through sewing or stretching and make other modifications. Unfortunately many of these pre-made wigs cost $2000-$4000.  I suspect that throwing in the word "custom" justifies wig shops and sheitel machers to sell these wigs at such a high price tag. 

Short Movie about Buying a European Wig

In this video our wig consumer gets no direct answers to her questions about the wig she is trying on...

Synthetic Wigs?

What is the deal with synthetic wigs? Why are they so cheap? How do they compare to human hair?? In the video below I discuss a $30 synthetic that I bought on Ebay.

The color of the wig turned out to be very different from how it appeared in the listing. However, I still enjoyed trying it on and I may wear it some night soon. 

Original Listing

I think synthetics are a great way to try out a new color, hairstyle, length or texture.  So many of us spend a lot of money on a wig only to realize later that we hate how we look in it.  More information in my 8 minute video... LOL i get carried away!

Anyway, I bought the wig from Ebay seller fashion1658.  It shipped immediately after payment and arrived promptly.  

What are your thoughts on synthetics?? 

How to Curl a Sheitel with a Curling Iron

Dear Chavi,
How do I set my sheitel to be curly?
-B

Dear B,
Watch THIS video.


Something to keep in mind. Some sheitels will not hold a curl. Also, you CAN burn the hair if you hold the curling iron for too long, so curl at your own risk!

Special thanks to "Ruchie" for appearing in my video!

This was part three of my series on how to wash and style a wig.  Check out the other parts under the "how to" label.

Blowdrying a Sheitel Straight

Dear Chavi,

How can I blowdry my sheitel straight at home?

Wash and set your sheitel at your own risk. Keep in mind that this sheitel macher has years of experience...

This was part two of my series on how to wash and style a wig.  Check out the other parts under the "how to" label. 

How to Wash and Set your Wig

Dear Chavi,
I live in a place where there is no professional wig stylist. I was wondering if you could show me how to wash my wig at home?
Thanks,
R

Dear R,
Please see the video below which shows how to wash your sheitel in your very own sink.
Enjoy,
Chavi



This was part one of my series on how to wash and style a wig.  Check out the other parts under the "how to" label.  

How to Clip Your Hair So It's Flat Under a Sheitel

I found clips that will work for long thick hair on amazon here.