What should I know when buying a wig for the first time?

Before you go down the rabbit hole, the secret to successful wig shopping is research. For starters, don’t anticipate being able to buy it ready-to-wear—in most cases, you’ll have to do some customizing (i.e. plucking, curling, straightening, etc.) to get it to look the way you want.

“Measure the diameter of your head to ensure that your wig is the proper size for your head,” Davis says. Embree adds that it’s also important to check the specifications of the wig you want.

“Categories such as density, lace type, color, and more will be described in detail,” she says. “Doing this is the only way to ensure that what you see is what you get.”

Another important thing to consider is your capacity for maintaining a wig. According to Mallam, glueless or headband wigs are ideal for beginners and need less upkeep, while a lace front wig that needs to be glued down frequently can be worn by those who can manage it.

If all else fails, Embree suggests consulting a hairstylist or wig expert who can offer advice and arrange a fitting for you.

What should I look for in a wig?

The three most essential things to look for in a wig are quality, lace type, density, price point, and fit.

What are the different characteristics of wigs?

According to Embree, there are various wig types available, including lace front wigs, full lace wigs, closure wigs, half wigs, U-part wigs, and V-part wigs.

• Lace fronts: These feature human or synthetic hair that’s tied to lace, usually by hand, only at the front of the head. Lace fronts provide a completely ventilated hairline from ear to ear, enabling the widest possible range of partings. If you have one of these, you can typically part your hair wherever the lace is—the point is for the lace to blend into your scalp and give the wig a more natural look.
• Full lace: These feature hair that’s attached to lace all over the head. With a full lace wig, you’ll have a fully ventilated hairline, and unlimited parting options. You should purchase one of these if you want versatility and to wear your hair in other styles like ponytails, pigtail braids, and others that require scalp exposure.
• Closure wigs: A closure wig doesn’t have a complete hairline. Instead, it features a smaller region created to resemble a natural hairline, usually 4″ inches wide and deep. Closure wigs are the easiest to install at home and don’t require expert wig installation skills, making them the perfect choice for beginners. Additionally, adhesive is typically unnecessary.
• Half, U-Part, & V-Part Wigs: Half wigs are just that: half. You typically attach these with clips in the middle of your scalp so that the wig is concealed by the front half of your natural hair. U-Parts and V-Parts are similar to half wigs, but instead of the half-moon form, they have a U or V shape to create a hole in the wig, leave out natural hair, and expose the actual scalp for a real part. U- and V-parts are excellent transitions into traditional wigs for those who do not enjoy the look of a parted wig.

Which is better: synthetic hair or human hair?

Depending on how you want to wear the wig, adding a synthetic option is OK, but if it’s a lifestyle decision, most people prefer human hair.

Embree contends that wearing synthetic fibers frequently can irritate the skin because they are often prickly against it. When selecting synthetic wigs, Davis believes some factors to remember are that they’re “made from fibers, can’t be colored or bleached, and can’t take extreme heat.” On the flip side, they can withstand the weather, they typically cost less than human hair wigs, and they don’t require as much maintenance.

When treated appropriately, human hair withstands daily use better over time, and unlike synthetic hair, it’s unprocessed, can be bleached and colored, and can withstand the heat. Just be cautious if you choose to wear human hair in extreme weather, because it can react to that too.

What density should I choose?

Density in wigs is expressed as a percentage between 120 and 250. In general, the percentage you choose will determine how full or thin your wig is; the higher the percentage, the fuller the wig.

Low density wigs are appropriate for people who wish to look natural and have naturally thin hair. In this case you’d choose a wig between 120 and 130 percent, according to Embree’s experience.

Those who prefer a thicker look without going overboard can use mid-densities, which range from 150 to 170 percent. She suggests 200-250 percent if you want to add a little drama.