3 Things To Consider Before Buying A Wig
You’ve made your decision to buy a wig. How exciting! But now you may have a few questions bouncing around in your head. How do I choose a wig? What cut and style do I go for? Do I choose a synthetic wig or a high quality human hair one? How do I know it will fit me? Will it fit in with my lifestyle? In this article, we will be answering a few of these questions.
Style and Texture
Just like with your regular hair style, you want to choose a wig that compliments the shape of your face. If you are feeling a bit unsure and nervous about choosing a hairstyle for your wig, stick with something that is close to your current natural hair style, this won’t change your look too much. Once you are accustomed to wearing wigs, you may then want to venture out and experiment with a different style.
The texture of a wig is dependent upon the materials used to make the wig; there are two textures to choose from, either synthetic or high quality human hair wigs. Each type has its pros and cons.
Synthetic Wigs
Pros
Synthetic wigs are cheaper than high quality human hair wigs and are therefore more affordable, especially if you are going to wear your wig occasionally. These wigs have something called “style retention”, meaning that they don’t have to be styled and they hold the style they come in. You can wash, dry, and then shake out a synthetic wig and it will revert back to its original style. This also means that they are not affected by the weather and will hold their style in rain, heat and humidity.
Cons
One unfortunate drawback of a synthetic wig is that they often have an unnatural shine to them. A synthetic wig must also stay away from heat sources because heat will cause permanent damage to the wig. This means that you cannot straighten or curl this type of wig to your preferred style, it must stay in the style you bought it in. However, there are heat resistant synthetic wigs, heat can be applied to these but it has to be below 220F. This type of synthetic wig is more expensive than a regular synthetic wig. but cheaper than high quality human hair wigs.
High Quality Human Hair Wigs
Pros
Human hair wigs resemble your natural hair in that they can be colored and styled any way you like, since heat can be applied to them. With proper maintenance, this type of wig is longer lasting than a synthetic wig and lasts up to one year if worn daily and up to three years if worn occasionally. The hair on a human hair wig is very soft and replicates the shine of natural hair, this is not easily duplicated in a synthetic wig.
Cons
If your human hair wig has been dyed a color to your liking, over time the color will fade, and the more times you dye it the more fragile it will become. They also react to the weather and will not hold their style in the rain, heat or humidity. Since human hair is heavier than the fiber used to create a synthetic wig, human hair wigs are heavier to wear.
Cap size
Making sure your wig fits your head and is comfortable to wear is one of the most important considerations when purchasing one. If the cap size is too small you will end up not wearing your wig as it will cause too much pressure to your head or pull at your natural hair. If it is too large it will slide around or lift up off of your head, or may even get blown away if it is a windy day out! The right size wig should have a snug fit, but not a tight fit, and will guarantee a natural and comfortable look.
Your first step will be to measure your scalp to determine the size of wig you are looking for. Most wigs are adjustable to a point, and come in sizes small (petite), medium (average) and large. 95% of people buying a will be medium (average) size.
Using a soft tape measure:
the circumference of your head;
from front to back going across the top of your head;
from ear to ear around forehead;
from ear to ear over top of head;
from temple to temple around back of head;
the nape of your neck.
Small (Petite)
Circumference: 21.5”
Front to Nape: 14”
Ear to Ear around forehead: 12”
Ear to ear over top of head: 12.5”
Temple to temple around back of head: 14.5”
Nape of neck: 5”
Medium (Average)
Circumference: 22.5”
Front to Nape: 14.5”
Ear to Ear around forehead: 13”
Ear to ear over top of head: 13”
Temple to temple around back of head: 15.5”
Nape of neck: 6”
Large
Circumference: 23.5”
Front to Nape: 15”
Ear to Ear around forehead: 14”
Ear to ear over top of head: 13.5”
Temple to temple around back of head: 16.5”
Nape of neck: 7”
(these measurements are for wigs available through Flawless Lengths)
Lifestyle
It is important to consider your lifestyle when choosing a wig. A few important and valid questions you may want to consider are: What is your budget? What type of wig is best suited for your job? How much time do you have to care for your wig? What is your level of activity?
As discussed above, synthetic wigs are cheaper than human hair wigs and may fit into your budget better and may be a good choice for a first wig purchase. If you are planning to wear your wig to work, consider your environment. If you work in a kitchen, keep in mind that synthetic wigs can be damaged from heat. Maybe you have a job where you meet clients daily and would like a wig that is trendy or that can be styled in different ways. If you work at a job that has safety limitations on hairstyles, keep that in mind as well. The care and maintenance of your wig is important and human hair wigs will take more of your time in this department. On the other hand, a synthetic wig will hold its shape even after it is washed, giving you more free time to allocate elsewhere. If you are a very active person and exercise is an important part of your lifestyle, take into consideration what is your main activity. Is it jogging or working out? Then maybe you would consider a human hair lace frontal wig so you can have a natural hairline even when wearing a ponytail. Or maybe you are a swimmer, then consider purchasing a synthetic wig that you use specifically for this sport, this would protect your daily wig. Yes, you can swim with a wig on!
Let’s wrap it up
Deciding to buy a wig is not a snap decision; there are quite a few considerations to be made and questions to be worked through. Also, a good hairstylist, one that is well versed in all types of wigs, can be a wonderful source of important information and answer all of your questions. She/he can be your best friend during your “wig journey”. Once you have collected all the information you need, you should feel equipped to make the important decision to buy a wig that reflects your lifestyle and personality!
Photo credit Freepik
