Beginner's Guide

Welcome, new wig wearers! You probably have some questions about selecting your perfect piece, so we’ve provided this comprehensive guide with tips for beginners to walk you through the process step by step. 

Below you will find tips and basic wig information written by our experts. 

Choosing your size

Ensuring you get the most comfort from wearing a wig we always recommend you take a few quick measurements at home.

First you’ll want to determine which size hairpiece is the best fit for you. There are four sizes:

The ultra petite is the smallest, and fits heads from 19 to 20 inches in circumference

The petite cap is slightly larger, for heads measuring 20 to 21 inches.

The average cap is considered “one size fits most,” and some wigs will be available in this size only. This cap is for heads between 21 and 22 ½ inches.

The large cap fits heads from 22 ½ inches up to 24 inches.

In order to determine your ideal size, you’ll need to measure your head. This can be easily accomplished by using a tailor’s tape measure, found at most grocery or drug stores.

1. Place the end of the tape measure at your front hairline
2. Move the tape around your head, and over your left ear
3. Go around the nape of your neck, or back hairline
4. Move the tape around the right side, over your ear, and up front again

This number will tell you your head’s circumference. However, when purchasing a custom-made piece, you’ll need to take two additional measurements

1. One from left ear to right ear, over the top of your head
2. The second from front hairline to back hairline

Whichever of these three measurements is the largest, that’s your size!

If you have any questions, feel free to contact one of our professionals at 1-800-927-0874.

 

Finding your style

Finding the right style can sometimes be the hardest part of wig shopping. Most synthetic pieces are the best choice because they’re cut to retain their style. A human hair wig is higher maintenance and must be styled often, just like natural hair. 

Synthetic wigs are available in a range of styles and lengths. If you decide you’d like to change your look, a hairstylist can easily make custom alterations to a synthetic piece.  This can make the experience feel like working with your own natural hair. If you’re thinking of restyling your synthetic, be sure to consult a stylist who works with wigs on a regular basis, and has skilled training in the field.

Human hair wigs are available in one length, which gives you the freedom to choose any style you like.

If you have any questions, feel free to contact one of our professionals at 1-800-927-0874.

 

Finding your color

This part is fun. You’ll want to find a shade that suits both your skin tone and your personality.

When choosing a color, remember:

1. With synthetic wigs, the colors might seem more vibrant or less natural
2. Human hair wigs are sometimes ash-tinted and not quite as vibrant as you might expect

Some human hair wigs can be altered by having a professional add highlights. One of our sales associates can guide you through the different colors to find one you like. Synthetic wigs can be altered by a ventilist: a professional technician that creates and repairs wigs and units by adding hair with additional synthetic strands in the colors you choose. Most synthetic wigs are available in a variety of 15-25 different colors, while human hair wigs are available in 10-15.

Wig tips!

1. Until you’re comfortable wearing a wig, you should choose a color that you’re accustomed to.
2. Once you’ve become confident in the look you can mix it up and try something bold.

For color selection advice, feel free to give us a call at 1-800-927-0874.

 

How to wear a wig for beginners

Putting your piece on properly is essential to getting comfortable with the look and feel. If you have longer hair you’ll want to be sure it’s tightly wrapped.

1. Part your hair down the middle, creating two distinct sections as if you were styling for pigtails. You’ll always want to part your hair to contain it and keep it from popping out.
2. Pull each section tightly toward the back of your neck until they cross over to opposite sides.
3. Pin the ends of each at the side hairline.
4. Place the wig cap over your head and adjust as needed.

If you have short hair:

1. Brush your hair back and smooth it down under the wig cap.
2. Place the wig cap over your head and adjust as needed.

For additional support and security some customers use double-sided tape or adhesive, which can be found on our website in the accessories section. Sometimes all you need is to adjust the tension of the straps on the back of your cap. 

 

Cap Construction

There are five types of wig caps, each with their own unique features.

Standard

The standard cap is the heaviest and most durable, with a closed flower net lace top and open wefting on the sides. The layers of hair are machine-sewn to the cap, which is made from a cotton-based material.

This piece has a set, pre-designed style and the crown is often lightly teased or crimped so you can’t see through to the cap. This gives the wearer a natural lift at the crown and creates volume.

What is a Capless Wig

The capless wig is the most common and affordable. The open wefting in the crown, back, and sides provides excellent ventilation. This cap is lighter and cooler than the standard design. While you may ask "how to wear a capless wig" rest assured they go onto your head the same way a normal topper would.. However with lighter weight and more breathability.

Monofilament

The monofilament cap is constructed using a thin, breathable nylon or polyester mesh material at the crown, giving the illusion of scalp/skin. This model assumes the wearer’s natural scalp color by partially revealing the scalp below, offering the most natural look.

With a monofilament piece, you will have a large variety of styling options because each hair is individually hand-tied at the crown, so the hair can be parted and brushed in any direction.

Hand Tied

The hand-tied cap was specifically designed for people experiencing hair loss. It maximizes comfort, especially for the sensitive scalp. Each hair is hand-tied to the cap, which is made from a mesh-based material. This cap is the most ventilated and lightest weight model. 

Lace Front

The lace front cap design is built for those seeking the most natural look possible. It is the most expensive of all five designs, with a very authentic hairline that allows the wearer to easily style their hair away from their face. This cap is delicate and requires more care than the other options. The wearer should use tape or adhesive to secure the piece.

It’s made with a lace front, a monofilament top and hand-tied back, giving the wearer a custom fit to present the most natural hairline possible.

Standard cap wigs are a great place to start if you are looking for a beginner wig or unsure which cap size to select.

There’s a perfect cap style for everyone. Please give us a call at 1-800-927-0874 for assistance, and we’ll walk you through the process.

 

Natural or Synthetic Strands: The Benefits and Drawbacks

Your initial reason for buying a hairpiece should guide you in which of these two types to choose. Are you on the go all the time? You might need a convenient, pre-styled synthetic piece. Synthetic strands are very affordable. They look quite natural, but they are easily styled and relatively lightweight. However, it’s not as durable as human hair and often can’t be styled using heat, limiting your style options. This wig only lasts between three and six months, and requires the use of synthetic hair care products.

If you’ve got the time and resources to work with a natural hairpiece, it can be very rewarding. The natural strand wig (human hair) offers exceptional versatility. Your hairpiece will flow easily with its soft texture and natural movement.  These strands have a lustrous shine that lasts for several years. But it has its disadvantages too. This wig is expensive and requires dedicated maintenance. This piece must be customized for you right away and requires daily styling.

 

Cleaning and Maintenance

When caring for your wig, imagine you are washing delicate garments. If it’s being worn daily, it’s recommended that it be washed at least once a week. If it’s only being worn occasionally, you needn’t wash it quite as frequently.

Cleaning a Synthetic Wig

1. Start by filling your sink with cool water
2. Immerse your cap to drench it
3. Gently massage the wig shampoo onto the inside of the cap. Be sure to get the hairline to remove any residue
4. Dip the wig in the water to make it sudsy
5. Drain the sink
6. Rinse thoroughly with cool water
7. DO NOT COMB WHEN WET
8. Lie out a towel and gently roll the wig in the towel. DO NOT WRING THE TOWEL OUT
9. Lightly blot the water from the hair with a towel, and hang it to dry
10. Once the wig is completely dry, brush from tips to roots and style as needed

Cleaning a Natural Wig

1. Start by filling the sink with cool water
2. Pour in a mixture of mild shampoo and conditioner
3. Soak the wig in the mixture
4. Work the solution through the hair from roots to tips
5. Rinse in warm water
6. Gently towel the hair dry
7. Comb wet hair from nape to crown using gentle downward strokes, one section at a time
8. Allow wig to air dry
9. Restyle using a blow dryer or curling iron on a low heat setting

Natural wigs are an investment and must be cleaned according to the instructions. If you have any questions about cleaning your wig properly, call our professionals at 1-800-927-0874.

 

Styling a Natural Wig

Human hair wigs can be styled just like your own hair, with curling irons, flat irons, hair dryers, etc. However, you’ll want to be sure that you don’t get too close to the base of the wig. Heat applied to the base can melt or damage the cap.

1. Always use a wide-tooth pick or comb for curly styles, and a wire brush for straight styles. AVOID STANDARD BRUSHES
2. Start at the tips and work your way to the roots.
3. Style with electric rollers on a medium setting
4. For a complete restyle, take your piece to a professional stylist

For additional tips, call our professionals at 1-800-927-0874.

 

Styling a Synthetic Wig

With a synthetic piece, a little finger styling should do the trick, or maybe some light combing to control flyaway hairs. That’s the beauty of this type of wig! Some synthetics are now made to withstand heat up to a certain degree. If your wig is made from a heat-resistant fiber, you can experiment with a small strand of hair in the back to see how it reacts to the temperature of your personal styling tools.

Styling tips:

1. For no-muss, no-fuss styling, shake your wig out and finger style.
2. For tight curl or ringlet styles, shake the wig vigorously, then gently lift and separate curls.
3. For straight styles, brush in long, even strokes from crown to tips.

Need that extra va-va-voom? Call one of our professionals for additional styling tips at 1-800-927-0874.

 

Storing your wig

There are several options for wig storage. They should always be kept in clean, dry areas, away from any heat source or window. Being left in direct sunlight can lift the color, making it appear artificial or uneven. Store your wig:

1. On a wig stand
2. A Styrofoam head form.
3. Or fold it inside out and place it in a box; this helps preserve the fiber and retain the shape.

You can purchase a wig stand or Styrofoam head in the Accessories section of our website.

As a first-time buyer, you probably have many questions, which is why we’re here to assist you anytime, at 1-800-927-0874.