How to buy a wig?

Wigs are more than just a great addition to your beauty routine: they can boost your sense of self-esteem, help you follow the dictates of your faith, or make you feel more comfortable as you undergo cancer treatments. While the potential uses of wigs are very wide, you will find that there are some common steps you can take to make sure you buy the best wig for your lifestyle and needs.

  1. Image titled Buy a Wig Step 1

    1

    Decide if you prefer a synthetic wig or a human hair wig. Most wigs are either made of out synthetic fibers, real human hair, or a combination of the two.
    • Synthetic wigs are especially great for holding volume with short hair styles. They are often referred to as "shake-n-go" wigs because you can simply shake them out as you pick them up and then put them on.
    • If you are experiencing hair loss due to chemotherapy treatment, most hair grows back within six months of your last treatment. Many cancer patients prefer a synthetic wig because they are a more affordable and temporary option. They generally cost between $50-$500.
    • Wigs made of human hair tend to be more versatile in that you can style them in multiple ways (in a ponytail, bun, with curls or beachy waves). And while they generally remain in good condition longer than synthetic wigs, they also require more maintenance.
    • Human hair wigs are often more expensive and can range between $600-$4,000 (very long wigs are the priciest).
    • You can also look for a wig with a lace front cap. This will help position the hair around your face in a natural shape (not as a harsh seam of hair on your head).
     
  2. Image titled Buy a Wig Step 2

    2

    Consider your lifestyle. What kind of needs do you have for your haircare routine? Will you want a wig that you can put on with minimal styling and care or do you want something that can be elaborately styled?
    • You should also think about if you need a wig that you can wear comfortable when you exercise.
     
  3. Image titled Buy a Wig Step 3

    3

    Look for a wig that flatters the shape of your face. Your wig can be most flattering if you pick one that enhances the shape of your face. Here are some general guidelines:
    • Round faces. These generally look best with short, spiky pixie wigs, hair that graces the collarbone, or with longer layers that hit at the jawline (but not above it).
    • Heart-shaped faces. Consider a short pixie cut that can be tousled and has some texture (like Halle Berry), a shoulder length wig with side-swept bangs, or long layers with a fringe of bangs.
    • Oval face shapes. For shorter hair, look for a shaggy bob (or lob -- long bob). For long hair, look for a wig that holds layered curls or waves.Pick a wig that can hold lots of volume as this will make your face appear fuller.
    • Square faces. For square faces, picks wigs that will soften your jawline, such as a longer, angled bob, a shoulder length style with soft layers, or a wig with an off-center part.
     
  4. Image titled Buy a Wig Step 4

    4

    Select a wig that compliments your skin tone. You should have a general idea of which color you want before you go to buy your wig. You might be tempted to try something very different once you are in the store, but it's best to stick with colors that you know will work for you. Skin tone types generally fall into three categories: warm, cool and neutral.
    • Determine what skin tone you have if you don't know already. Warm skin tones tend to have brown, hazel, or green eyes. If you tan easily, then you most likely have warm skin tones.
    • By contrast, if you burn easily and have a ruddy color to your skin, then you are cool-toned. Neutral skin tones will often not have an obvious undertone to their skin (neither yellow or pink) and will, therefore, be compatible with most hair colors.
    • Warm skin tones can generally wear colors like honey blondes, chestnut browns, ebony brown-black shades or copper colored reds.
    • Cool skin tones can generally wear platinum blondes, ash browns, auburn reds or inky, raven blacks.
    • Talk to your hairstylist before you go to buy your wig about the ideal cut or color you should look for in a wig.