Have you been wanting to dip your toes into the world of wig fashion, but don’t know how to get started? We get it…finding the right fit and style can seem like an overwhelming process. But when you break it down, it’s really not that difficult. And the whole experience can actually be quite fun! Here are a few tips on how to choose your perfect wig:
Get out the tape measure.
Most women will find they have an “average” sized head, but for those few who don’t, measuring your head before you buy a wig will save you a lot of hassle. It may sound intimidating, but it’s really quite easy. Just get out your soft measuring tape and make three simple measurements: 1) from ear to ear, over the top of your head; 2) the circumference, from your front hairline, to behind your ear, to the nape of your neck, to your other ear, and back to your hairline; and 3) front to back, from your hairline, over your crown, to the nape of your neck. Wigs.com has a great video and diagram that show the whole process, if you need a visual.
Human hair, synthetic, or blend?
Next, you’ll want to decide what kind of wig you want to purchase. There are benefits to each choice, so you’ll want to consider your lifestyle and budget when making this decision. Human hair tends to look the most natural and has the most styling versatility, as you can blowdry and use heated styling tools on it. It does take more time and care to maintain, however, and often comes with a higher price tag. On the other hand, these wigs tend to be more durable than their synthetic counterparts, and with the proper care, can last much longer.
Synthetic styles are typically more affordable and lower maintenance—most can be worn straight out of the box. They cannot be used with heated styling tools, however, so changing up the look of a synthetic wig is not always as easy as with human hair. If you’re wanting to build up a collection of wigs, or need something temporary to get you through a bad haircut or chemo treatment, synthetic might be a good option for you.
Synthetic/human hair blends are a nice compromise between the two. Our own line of Envyhair, for example, is a blend of 70% heat-friendly fiber and 30% human hair and can withstand temperatures of up to 356°F (180°C). This makes them much more stylable than synthetic wigs. And the price point of these blends tends to rest somewhere in the middle, as well—while not as inexpensive as fully synthetic wigs, many blends are still only a fraction of the price of 100% human hair products.
Find your cap construction.
This is another aspect of wig-buying that can seem more overwhelming than it really is. There are several types of cap constructions that work best for women with different needs or wants, all at different price points. While Open Top is the most common and accessible, Mono Top and Lace Front constructions are worth looking into if you want more styling flexibility. Awhile back, we wrote an article on how to pick your perfect cap style—a handy resource for finding the right construction for your needs!
Pick your style and color.
You’ve determined your wig size, fiber, and cap construction…now comes the fun part! Head to your local wig store to start trying on your new hairstyles. A professional stylist will help you find wigs with your preferred specifications, and will be able to recommend cuts, styles, and colors that flatter your face and work with your lifestyle. (And if you need extra help finding a new hair color that works with your skin tones, we’ve written an article about that, too!)
We hope these tips help make the wig shopping process much more fun and manageable. When you’ve found your perfect wig, let us know—we love to see pictures of our clients in their favorite Envy Wigs!
