Finding the Perfect Fit

The Cottage Wig Shoppe, owned and run by Cathy Bullock, has been a wonderful addition to downtown Henderson since its opening last May. Cathy opened the shop after she retired from the Henderson YMCA after 31 years. Inside, there are over 100 wigs in all colors, styles, and varieties. “We offer a full line of designer synthetic wigs, human hair wigs, hair extensions, toppers, hats, turbans, and care products.” The shop also offers snap jewelry. 

“I don’t think people realize just how many women are affected by hair loss whether it’s chemo, alopecia, medication that causes hair loss, thinning hair… people have said that there is no place to buy a wig in the area and that they are so glad there’s a place in Henderson.” Cathy has said that she wanted to build a place where women can feel comfortable enough to try on wigs and find the perfect one that makes them feel better about themselves. The shop contains a private room, which Cathy believed was important to have in a shop like this. Many women come in and are very nervous about the process because of their hair loss and often need a space where they can try the wigs on alone. Cathy’s goal is making these women feel “at ease and happy again.” She says many walk out with a whole new outlook on life and can feel confident again about their appearance. 

Cathy started this store because of her mother who had cancer. “I remember going with her to find a wig and just what a difficult time it was to find one. Hair loss affects so many women and I just thought there really needed to be some options.” 

When I first walked in, I would have sworn that the wigs were made of human hair. I was shocked to hear from Cathy that most were all synthetically made. They look just as real as actual hair. The wigs are made of different materials and typically range in price from $99 to $399. Cathy sells the wigs as reasonably as she possibly can. Her objective is to increase self-esteem of those who have found it diminished because of their hair loss. 

Wigs have come a very long way in recent years. She says the major complaint of women who come in was that they used to wear a wig years ago, but that it was so heavy and scratchy that it wasn’t worth it. The wigs that Cathy sells are very well made and are very lightweight and comfortable. They are meant to be worn all day and they do not feel uncomfortable. 

The hair can be brushed and combed, and some of the wigs can even withstand a curling iron or straightener at low heat. The Cottage Wig Shoppe offers wigs for all sorts of people, and if someone comes in and cannot find one they like, Cathy has many magazines full of wigs that she can order. “I want to offer wigs for everyone, not just one type of person.” 

Of course, the wigs are not only available to those who have suffered from hair loss. Wigs can be purchased by anyone, whether it be someone looking for a way to change things up, someone looking for part of a costume, or for any number of reasons. Cathy laughed and said that she has had a few women say that they were going on vacation and wanted a wig so that they did not have to style their hair. Whatever the reason, Cathy’s shop is there to help. 

The Cottage Wig Shoppe is open from 10am to 4:30pm Tuesday through Friday, and appointments can be made on Saturday. Cathy says many people feel more comfortable coming in after hours when no one else will be around, and she is quite happy to accommodate by booking a private fitting. The shop is located at 137 Second Street in Henderson, Kentucky, across from Hometown Roots. The shop’s website is cottagewigs.com and the Facebook page is The Cottage Wig Shoppe.  

Kaycee Garner has lived in Henderson her entire life and plans to keep it that way. She loves animals and movies, and enjoys drawing with charcoal and working on local political campaigns in her spare time.