If you’re a new wig wearer you probably have some questions about how to select a wig that’s perfect for you! We’ve put together a beginner’s guide to wigs to help you choose the best wigs for you and your journey to becoming a confident wig wearer.

Types of Wigs

The type of wigs or the type of wig cap construction you get will depend on your budget and your own individual needs. Keep in mind that most wigs are made from wefts of hair or synthetic fibre. A weft of hair is a collection of hair strands sewn onto a super-thin cloth strip ready for you or your stylist to work into your natural hair. These strips can be machine sewn or hand sewn.

• Standard or Wefted Cap

A standard cap is constructed by machine sewing rows of hair wefts to create a cap shape – the is no actual cap. The top of the cap often has a closed lace top/crown. Since standard cap wigs are machine-made, they tend to be the most affordable.

• Lace Front Wigs 

We find that lace front wigs are the easiest to use and help create the illusion of real hair at the crown of your head, which provides a more realistic look. They are half machine half hand-tied. The temple-to-temple part of the lace front wig is made of sheer lace which helps create the natural look and also allows you to style the hair away from your face without revealing any edge. Lace front wigs are ideal for those suffering hair loss along the front hairline and are the quickest and easiest to fix onto your head yourself.

• Full Lace Wigs

Full lace wigs are 100% hand-tied. Each hair is individually sewn onto the cap which allows for the hair to move realistically and naturally. Since there are no wefts and allow for the best ventilation, full lace wigs are perfect for those who have suffered full hair loss and those with sensitive scalps. Because of the manpower it takes to craft a full lace wigs, they are more expensive than the two previous options in our list.

• Custom Wigs

Custom wigs are created using human hair and, as the name suggests, are custom-made to fit one person. A base of lace or a stocking cap is first fitted to your head and then hair of your choice is sewn on individually. Custom wigs are a great option if you’re looking for a unique style or something that fits you perfectly. 

Natural Hair Wigs vs. Synthetic Hair Wigs

Ah, the age old debate of what’s better: Natural hair wigs or synthetic hair wigs? The answer is dependant on your budget, intended usage, and preferences. The difference between synthetic and human hair wigs is the fiber. Synthetic wig aren’t real hair and that’s no a bad thing! They can hold a style even after a wash where as human hair has to be re-styled. Let’s get into the pros and cons between synthetic hair wigs and natural hair wigs.

Synthetic Hair Wigs

Pros:

• Synthetic hair wigs can be worn out of the box with no or little styling
• Synthetic hair wigs  hold the style in any weather or after getting wet
• Synthetic hair wigs are less expensive than natural hair wigs
• The quality of Synthetic hair wigs has come a long way and it can be difficult to tell the difference between natural hair wigs unless you have them side by side

Cons:

• Synthetic hair wigs lack versatility since they are pre styled
• Synthetic hair wigs don’t last as long as natural hair wigs
• You can’t use hot tools on most synthetic hair wigs

Natural Hair Wigs

Pros:

• Human hair wigs are extremely natural in look and feel
• Human hair wigs can last longer than synthetic wigs
• You can use hot tools and change up the style of human hair wigs

Cons:

• Human hair wigs are more expensive than synthetic wigs
• Human hair wigs requires more upkeep like daily styling 
• Human hair wigs are more delicate than synthetic wigs and are more easily damaged
• Human hair typically feels heavier than synthetic wigs

Wig Maintenance 

Generally you should care for your wig as if it were your real hair! However, there are a few key factors that can help extend the life of your wig. 

• Don’t over wash your wig

Your washing schedule should be dependent on how often you’re wearing your wig. For example, if you’re wearing it daily, washing twice a month will help keep the hair style and look fresh. However, if you rotate between wigs, once a month is sufficient. We recommend no more than two washes per month to prolong the life of your wig.  

• Use sulfate-free shampoo and conditioner

When you wash your wig, sulfate-free shampoo and conditioner are the best option as wigs don’t produce oils like your scalp does. For this reason, you don’t want to strip the hairs on your wig with harsh products and risk damaging the integrity of your wig.

• Avoid heat 

Only human-hair wigs can withstand healt. If you have a synthetic wig, HEAT IS A NO GO! Heat can melt synthetic hair which will render your wig unusable. Synthetic wigs are typically pre-styled and can hold their style very well so styling shouldn’t be required. If you want to style your synthetic wig, use heatless tools only. If your wig is natural hair, you can use hot tools, however, opt for low heat settings, use heat protectant, and avoid styling it all the time to prolong the wigs life.

• Avoid heavy hair styling products

Using hair products means that you’ll have to wash it out of your wig later. Washing your wig too much can shorten it’s life. If you do need to use styling products, opt for light products and avoid oils or styling creams that can leave residue or make your wig look greasy. 

• Use a mannequin head

Storing your wig correctly can help your wig keep it’s style. Therefore requiring you to style it less and extending it’s life.

We hope this guide helps all beginner wig wearers. Keep in mind that this guide only scratches the surface of the world of wigs. There’s so much to learn so follow us and read our other blogs to learn more!