How to choose a wig?
The Problem
Choosing a wig can be quite confusing because one might easily get overwhelmed by the number of options and features available in the market. This is a step-by-step guide to help you choose a wig that will suit your requirements.
Step 1: Size
You can start your wig selection by choosing the size you want your wig to have
Wigs can be generally categorised into the following sizes
- Petite
- Average
- Large
Petite wigs are for small heads with less that 21.5” circumference
Average wigs are the most common for circumference of 21.5” to 22.5”
Large wigs are for heads with circumference from 22.5” to 23.5”
How to measure?
To measure the circumference of your head for your size, simply take your cloth tape measure and measure from your front hairline to just above the ears, to where your neck bends and back around to the front hairline.
Step 2: Length
You can start your wig selection by choosing the length you want your wig to have
Wigs can be generally categorised into the following lengths
- Pixie ( short)
- Chin length ( short/medium)
- Shoulder length (medium)
- Below shoulder length (long)
Step 3: Texture
Once you have chosen the length/lengths you want to explore, decide the texture you want.
- Straight
- Wavy
- Curly
- Heat friendly (if you want the freedom to style it in any texture, go fo this option)
Step 4: Style
Now that you know the length and texture, you can choose the styles you like. We can can look at styling features like
- Bangs
- Layers
Step 5: Color
Now that you know the length, texture and style, you can choose the color you want. Wigs come in
4 base colors with different shades in each
- Grays
- Browns
- Blondes
- Reds
You also further have an option to choose colors with dark roots called rooted colors. These usually
look good on someone younger ( below 55 years ) but it’s always a personal preference.
Step 6: Wig Features
Now you know how you want your wig to look, so we will explore how the wigs are made and how to choose the right make based on your preference and budget
All wigs are not made equal. We need to explore the options available based on the following features
- Fibre
- Density
- Cap Construction
Fibre:
The quality of fibre used by different brands will differ and it determines how natural a wig looks.
Fibres can be classified as the following;
- High quality synthetic fibre ( Price Range: $150 - $650)
These are pre-styled, easy to maintain and inexpensive and made using machines.
- Heat friendly fibre ($250 - $650)
These are expensive compared to regular fibres as they can withstand heat and hence the wigs can be styled as you please for example straightened, curled etc.
- Human/Synthetic blend ($800 - $1500)
These are expensive compared to the synthetic options. They give a very natural look as they
have a proportion of human hair, the synthetic blend eases the maintenance as human hair
wigs are harder to maintain and a lot more expensive.
- Human hair ($1500 - $4000)
These are the most expensive wigs in the market as they are made from human hair and they
are hand-tied,not made using machines. They give the most natural look but are very hard to maintain, hence special care must be taken.
Choose the fibre type based on your budget and ease of care.
Density:
The density of the wig can be classified into
- Low Density
- Medium Density
- High Density
Low density wigs are thinner and look natural on older women as hair naturally gets thinner with age.
Brands like Ellen Wille and Gabor make high quality low density wigs.
Most wigs have medium density and a few styles come with high density catering to a younger audience and women who like high volume. Brands like Rene of Paris, Noriko, and Raquel Welch carry high quality medium density and high density wigs.
Cap Construction:
The wig cap is what holds all the fibres together giving it shape holding it in place on the head. The price of the wig is determined mainly by the cap fibre type followed by cap construction and length.
The wig cap can be split into the following
- Front
- Part
- Top
- Sides and Back
- Ear Tabs
- Adjustable straps
Front:
This part determines how the hairline looks. There are two types
- Hard front: Normal wig construction (Price Range: $150 - $250 )
- Lace Front: The hair at the front is hand tied to a lace to give it the appearance of a natural hair line (Price Range: $250 - $650)
Part:
This part determines if the parting looks natural.
- Regular Part: Normal wig construction (Price Range: $150 - $250 )
- Monofilament Part: The hair throughout the part is constructed using single filaments
on a lace to give it the appearance of a natural scalp (Price Range: $250 - $650)
Top:
This part determines if the top of your wig looks natural allowing multiple styling options.
- Regular top: Normal wig construction (Price Range: $150 - $250 )
- Monofilament top: The hair throughout the top is constructed using single filaments
on a lace to give it the appearance of a natural scalp allowing you to part your hair in multiple ways as well.(Price Range: $350 - $650)
Sides and Back:
- Regular: Normal wig construction (Price Range: $150 - $250 )
- Monofilament: The hair throughout the wig is constructed using single filaments
on a lace to give it the appearance of a natural scalp allowing you to part your hair in multiple ways as well.(Price Range: $400 - $650)
Ear Tabs:They secure the wig in place as they have a wire built into it. They are usually made of velvet
to make it comfortable for you.
Adjustable straps: They allow you to adjust the size of the wig to fit your head perfectly. Usually from ½” to 1” adjustment is possible depending on the brand.
Hand Tied: This is a wig construction type where each and every strand of hair or fibre is individually hand knotted into a soft, mesh cap. This allows each hair to 'pivot' freely in every direction, allowing for a completely realistic movement throughout your style. ( Price Range: $400 - $650)
By the end of these 6 steps, you should be able to shortlist the options that meet your requirements
The best and choose the wig that you think looks the best while fulfilling your needs :)