If you've been circling the idea of a wig consultation — maybe you've had the tab open for a week, or you've driven past a salon and kept going — I want to take that uncertainty away. Most women who walk into my showroom for the first time have never done this before. Some of them call ahead twice just to make sure I'm real. That's not unusual. It's actually one of my favorite parts of this work: being the first call someone makes when they don't know where else to start.
So let me tell you exactly what a wig consultation looks like, what to bring, and what to expect when you arrive.
Quick answer: A wig consultation at Dorin Wigs is free, takes 45 minutes to an hour, and needs no preparation — come as you are. Bring photos of styles you like, your questions, and insurance paperwork if you're exploring a medical wig. Wear a button-down top, and expect to try on several options with no obligation to buy.
What Happens When You Walk In
My showroom is at 4800 SW 28th Terrace in Fort Lauderdale, and from the moment you come through the door, the goal is the same: make you feel like a person, not a patient or a customer.
We'll sit down first. I'll ask you a few questions — not to fill out a form, but because I genuinely need to understand your situation before I pull a single wig off the shelf. Are you dealing with hair loss from a medical condition, or are you exploring wigs for fashion and everyday wear? Have you worn a wig before? Do you have any allergies or scalp sensitivities? Is there a hairstyle you've always wanted to try?
This conversation usually takes about 10 to 15 minutes, and it's the most important part. Everything I recommend after that is shaped by what I hear from you.
The Fitting Itself
Once I have a sense of what you need, I'll measure your head — the circumference, the front-to-nape length, and the temple-to-temple width. You can also take these measurements at home beforehand. These three measurements tell me which cap sizes will actually fit you, which matters more than most people realize. A wig that doesn't sit correctly on your head will never look right no matter how beautiful the hair is.
Then we try things on.
I'll pull several options — different lengths, textures, maybe a few different colors than you expected — and we'll work through them together. I often suggest something a client wouldn't have picked herself, and sometimes that's the one she leaves with. In 25 years of fitting wigs, I've found that seeing yourself in something different is part of how you figure out what you actually want.
A full consultation runs about 45 minutes to an hour. I don't rush it. South Florida traffic is real, and I know most of my clients are coming from Miami, Hollywood, Aventura, or further up the coast — you've made the trip, and I want it to count.
What to Bring
You don't need to bring much, but a few things can make the appointment more useful:
Photos of styles you like. Pull a folder on your phone — screenshots from Pinterest, Instagram, Google Images. You don't need to know wig terminology to show me what you mean. A picture is worth a lot more than "medium length, brownish."
A list of questions. Write them down before you come, because it's easy to forget things once you're in the moment. Common ones I get: How do I wash this? How long will it last in Florida humidity? Can I swim in it? What happens if the color isn't right?
Your insurance documentation (if applicable). If you're experiencing medically-related hair loss and your insurance covers cranial prosthetics, bring a letter of medical necessity from your doctor. I can walk you through what's needed if you don't have one yet — that's something I help clients navigate regularly.
Something comfortable to travel in. If you're mid-treatment and your scalp is sensitive, bring a soft scarf or hat for the drive over. You won't need it during the fitting, but it's nice to have on your way home.
What to Wear
This one surprises people: wear a button-down or zip-up top, not a pullover. You'll be taking things on and off, and pulling a sweater over a wig you just fell in love with is nobody's idea of a good time.
As for your existing hair — come as you are. I have clients who walk in with a full head of hair looking for a fashion wig. I have clients who come in with complete alopecia. I have clients everywhere in between. Whatever stage you're at, I can work with it. You do not need to shave, cut, or otherwise change your hair before we meet.
Common Worries — and the Truth
"I'm afraid I'll cry." You might. That's okay. I keep tissues on the table and I mean that without irony. I've sat with women who've just finished their last round of chemo, and I've sat with women who are celebrating their first wig purchase just because they wanted a change. The space holds both.
"I won't know what I want." That's exactly why you're coming. You don't need to know. That's my job.
"I'll feel pressured to buy." You won't. The consultation is free, and there's no obligation. I had a woman come in last year who spent an hour trying things on, thanked me, and came back three weeks later to order a custom piece. That's fine with me. I want you to feel ready, not rushed.
If You're Coming for Medical Hair Loss
I want to say something directly to anyone searching because of a diagnosis: I see you, and I'm glad you're here.
I work with a lot of women in this situation — through chemotherapy, after radiation, navigating alopecia or thinning from hormonal changes. Many of my medical wig clients come through my partnership with the oncology team at Mount Sinai. I know this kind of appointment carries more weight than just picking out a hairstyle. We'll go slowly. We'll talk about what you need now and what you might need in a few months. And I'll make sure you leave with a wig that actually fits, feels secure, and looks like you — not like you're wearing a wig.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a wig consultation take? About 45 minutes to an hour. I want to hear your story, measure properly, and give you time to try on options without feeling like a number.
Is the consultation free? Yes. No charge, no obligation. I want you to make the right decision, not a rushed one.
Do I need to shave my head first? Not at all. Come as you are, whatever stage your hair is at.
Can I bring someone with me? Please do. A friend, a daughter, a partner — another set of eyes is always welcome. Just let me know when you book so I can make sure we have the space.
What if I want something custom? I hand-tie custom wigs here in my studio — each one takes 40 to 60 hours. We can talk about that option during the consultation if standard styles don't feel right for you.
If you're in South Florida and you've been putting off that first step, this is the invitation. Come sit with me in the showroom — I'll make sure the appointment is worth your drive.