The ancient Egyptians are said to have invented the wig before the 17th century. It doesn’t really matter who made them first; I’m happy the wig was done! Every woman/person who knows the headache of a bad day appreciates the value of a good wig. In fact, wigs have found a new meaning in the 21st century. They are all the rage and help all kinds of people to achieve the desired look conveniently. Wigs also help people to better maintain their natural hair. Constant heat treatment and styling of natural hair are detrimental. As a wig lover and wearer, I applaud the evolution and prominence of this essential beauty item. When you are looking to buy a wig online, you do not have the privilege of touching and feeling it. To this end, knowing how to judge quality and style is crucial to making an informed decision. This comprehensive resource gives you the tools you need to order the most suitable wig to meet your needs.

What exactly is a wig?

According to an online dictionary, a wig is a covering made from real or artificial hair. The definition goes on to state that wigs are primarily worn by judges and lawyers in courts of law or by people trying to hide a bald head. Nowadays, wigs are popularly used by women as a fashion statement. With or without hair, many people will wear fancy wigs in an attempt to look updated and neat. Wigs also have cultural meanings in which celebrities build their brand and personality around certain wig-enhanced looks.

Types of wigs available in the market

Wigs are made from synthetic hair, human hair, or a mix of human and animal hair. Sheep, agora rabbits, and horses are some of the most common sources of animal hair used to make wigs.

Wigs made with synthetic hair

Synthetic wigs are made from artificial hair. Some of the more common materials used to make them include nylon and acrylic fibers. Synthetic hair technology has really improved and has created some of the most attractive wigs on the synthetic market. In fact, some artificial hair wigs are indistinguishable from human or natural hair wigs. There are many merits to choosing a synthetic wig as highlighted below;

advantages

– The good quality ones look very real and natural.

– They are more affordable compared to natural hair or human hair wigs.

– Synthetic options will not have the problem of tangling, this is common with human hair types

– These wigs will retain their style even after washing.

– You can choose a variety of styles and designs from the market as you like

– In general, they are easy to maintain.

Cons

– Synthetic wigs come pre-styled and you cannot manipulate or restyle them as you wish.

– Synthetic wigs have a shorter life of no more than 6 months; however, this will depend on the brand.

Wigs made with human hair

Human hair wigs give you peace of mind knowing that you are actually wearing real hair. As mentioned above, human hair can be mixed with hair from real animals to form a hybrid. This type of wig comes with a set of pros and cons as listed below;

advantages

– The style can be done as you like. You can dye, perm and style just like your real hair. Therefore, you need a good stylist to make your human hair wig look great.

– Due to the versatility of the texture, you can get a wig very close to the texture of your natural hair

– These wigs will often outlast their synthetic counterparts. A person who wears such a wig every day can enjoy a year’s service or more.

– These wigs look and feel natural and this can improve your overall appearance and confidence.

Cons

– They tend to be more expensive

– Maintaining them can be even more expensive just like maintaining your real hair

– Wigs and styling cannot withstand the elements and will undoubtedly react by drying out and tangling.

– They fade faster and are more brittle to heat and styling tools.

– Styling them will take work and time – plus they tend to be heavier than synthetic wigs

How do you choose the best type of wig to buy?

When it comes to wigs, there is no one size or type that fits all. You buy what suits your needs. The following factors will determine whether you purchase a human hair wig or a synthetic hair wig. Please note that there are synthetic hair wigs that are heat resistant.

1. How much are you willing to spend?

If you are a cheapskate then synthetic wigs are made for you. Not only are they more affordable, but they also come in great quality and look very natural. If you don’t mind digging deeper into your pocket, you can choose a human hair wig.

2. What are your hairstyle preferences?

If you’re the type of person who thrives on changing the look of your hair every other day, you need versatile wigs that can be styled however you like. In this look, human hair wigs are flexible and can be dyed, heat styled, and permed to achieve the look you want. If you choose heat resistant synthetic wigs, this is a good option; however, they only last no more than 4 months due to styling.

3. Do you wear the wig daily?

Wearing a wig on a daily basis will expose it to the elements no matter the type. Therefore, you need a wig that lasts longer and is more durable. To this end, a human hair wig can really help you. You can use one for up to a year. You can also choose synthetic wigs that are more pocket friendly. Investing in two or three can help extend the life of each wig. This can also give you styling options to break up the monotony.

A guide to buying a wig that fits you perfectly

Once you have a general idea of ​​the type of wig you want, now is the time to go into the details. Factors such as head size, cap type, color, and style will all come into play.

– How to determine your head size for the perfect wig fit

Wigs need to fit perfectly, and just like clothing and shoes, you need to know your size. In general there are three wig sizes which are; small, medium and large. Most women fall under the average head limit. To that end, the market is overflowing with more styling options in this regard. The next popular category of wig sizes is petite, where women wear smaller cap wigs. Few women wear the large cap size. Using a tape measure, get the circumference of your head from the forehead and around the hairline. You can also use a flexible cloth to determine the measurement. If your head circumference results in 20.5 to 21.5 inches, you have a cap size small. 21.5 to 22.5 inches will indicate an average cap or head size. The large cap drops between 22.5 and 23.5 inches. Many wigs come with adjustment straps to help you optimize the fit accordingly.

– Consider the type of cap for the ideal wig

Cap types play a role in enhancing the overall appearance of the wig. There are four basic types as listed below;

1. Classic Capless Wigs: They are capless and allow hair to breathe better. They feature rows of hair weft sewn together.

2. Monofilament Cap Wigs: Hairs are individually placed in a transparent mesh cap. This gives it a superior natural look. They are more expensive than classic wigs.

3. Hand Tied Cap Wigs: This is an upgrade of monofilament cap wig. It features a hand tied construction where the hair is gained in a lace fabric for an even better natural look.

4. Lace Front Wigs: With lace front, all of the above wig types can be upgraded. The hair is sewn in a very fine lace around the hairline. This way, your wig can be pulled back for a very natural look.

– Choose your preferred wig style

Short, chin-length, mid-length and long hairstyles, there are all kinds of wig styles to choose from. Be creative and choose what you like best. After choosing your desired style, consider the colors available for the particular piece. Again, this is an opportunity to do what works for you. Some styling experts may recommend certain wig colors and styles for your head, but really, you should use your personal taste to get what you want most. If you prefer an expert opinion on head shapes and styling best practices, the following guide is for you.

How to choose the ideal wig for your face shape

There are seven main facial shapes. Everyone will have unique shapes, but these are the general shapes that will help you choose the most flattering wig.

1. Oval face shape.

This is a longer looking face with a narrow jaw compared to cheekbones. Most of the elements of the form are proportional. To this end, this shape can be adapted to all kinds of wigs and hairstyles.

2. Round face shape

Features of this face include a round hairline and a round chin. The widest part of the face will tend to be the cheeks and ears. The best styles for this face shape include short slicked-back wigs or those that are slightly longer than your chin. Adding fullness and height at the crown of the head is the key to achieving a great look.

3. Square face shape

This face features a very strong square jaw and a square hairline. Wavy wigs that add softness and roundness look great with this face shape. Layers are great as they add height at the crown. Curls and waves will add symmetry and enhance your overall look.

4. Rectangular or oblong face shape

This is a longer face without much width. You may have a very high forehead and a narrow chin. Short and medium length wigs will shorten the length of the face. Side parts and layers are great for enhancing your look. With fuller sides, the width of your face will be added.

5. Heart Face Shape

This shape will feature broad cheekbones and a forehead with a narrow jawline. The chin will often be small and soft. Some of the most suitable wig styles include side parted, chin length, and other longer styles. The idea is to smooth and refine your chin while striking balance with your high cheekbones.

6. Diamond face shape

This face is considered the cross between an oval and a heart shape. It has a narrow forehead and jaw line. The good thing about this shape is that it can be used with most wig styles. Experiment with what works best for you.

7. Pear Face Shape

This face features a round chin, a narrow right hand, and a wide jaw. Styles that minimize the jaw line will work great. Having the hair close to the forehead and temples can create an oval shape. Very long, full styles will add width to the jawline and you may want to avoid these wig styles.