Synthetic wigs are especially great for holding volume with short hair styles. Synthetic wigs are often referred to as “shake-n-go” wigs because you can simply shake them out as you pick them up and then put them on. Wigs made of human hair are more versatile in that you can style them in multiple ways (in a ponytail, bun, with curls or beachy waves). Human hair wigs generally remain in good condition longer than synthetic wigs, but they also require more maintenance. Many cancer patients prefer a synthetic wig because they’re a more affordable and temporary option. Expect to pay $50-$500 for a synthetic wig and $600-$4,000 for a human hair wig (very long wigs are the priciest). [2] X Research source You can also look for a wig with a lace front cap. Lace fronts help position the hair around your face in a natural shape (to avoid creating a harsh seam of hair on your head).
You should also think about if you need a wig that you can wear comfortable when you exercise. If you want to decide what wig length is suitable, look at your lifestyle. See what you feel comfortable with. To measure the length of a wig, you should start from the top of the wig. Hold the tape at the top and then pull it down to the longest strand.
Round faces. These generally look best with short, spiky pixie wigs, hair that graces the collarbone, or with longer layers that hit at the jawline (but not above it). [4] X Research source Heart-shaped faces. Consider a tousled short pixie cut that has some texture, a shoulder length wig with side-swept bangs, or long layers with a fringe of bangs. [5] X Research source Oval face shapes. For shorter hair, look for a shaggy bob (or lob–long bob). For long hair, look for a wig that holds layered curls or waves. Pick a wig that can hold lots of volume to make your face appear fuller. [6] X Research source Square faces. Pick a wig that’ll soften your jawline, like a longer, angled bob, a shoulder length style with soft layers, or a wig with an off-center part. [7] X Research source
Determine what skin tone you have if you don’t know already. Warm skin tones tend to have brown, hazel, or green eyes. If you tan easily, then you most likely have warm skin tones. If you burn easily and have a ruddy color to your skin, then you are cool-toned. Neutral skin tones will often not have an obvious undertone to their skin (neither yellow or pink) and will, therefore, be compatible with most hair colors. [9] X Research source Warm skin tones can generally wear colors like honey blondes, chestnut browns, ebony brown-black shades or copper colored reds. Cool skin tones can generally wear platinum blondes, ash browns, auburn reds or inky, raven blacks. [10] X Research source Talk to your hairstylist before you go to buy your wig about the ideal cut or color you should look for in a wig.
You can also buy wigs online at online wig boutiques. However, when buying a wig online, you should have a good sense of the cut, color, and style of wig you are looking for to ensure it fits your needs. Use your measurements to buy a wig that will fit your head properly. If you are a cancer patient who is buying a wig as part of the chemotherapy process, your insurance company may cover part or all of the cost of the wig. There are also certain organizations, like the Breast Cancer Society, who give wigs out for free. Research your insurance options and reach out to cancer support programs in your area to see if you qualify for a free wig or a discount on a wig. [11] X Research source
Take a cloth measuring tape and wrap it around your head. The tape should start in the middle of your forehead, go down to the base of the skull where the wig will end, and then wrap back up to meet the start of the tape on the forehead. Make sure as you wrap the tape around your head, that you keep the tape above your ears. The average size of a head’s circumference is 22 inches.
Many caps in wigs come with tabs that can be adjusted to fit the size of your scalp. Even if the wig has adjustable tabs, aim to find a wig that is the closest fit to the circumference measurement of your head. Some wigs also contain double-sided tape used to secure the wig in place. [13] X Research source If you are bald, you may want to wear a skull cap pieces inside the cap to prevent the wig from irritating your skin. [14] X Research source If you are wearing a wig over your natural hair, some wigs can be securely attached to hairpins or comb pieces. Make sure your wig comes with a good return policy, especially if you buy online. You may need to return the wig if it irritates your scalp.
You can also buy a cushion band, a gel filled headband that you put on under the wig. The cushion band will make the wig more comfortable to wear and relieve any pressure points caused by wearing the wig. You can also use a wig gripper, which is an adjustable headband made of fabric that creates friction around your hairline. This friction will help the wig stay in place. Some people also use toupee clips, which clip into your own hair and into the wig to keep the wig in place.
You should never use a hair dryer, a curling iron or other drying aids on the wig, as this can damage the wig fibers. [17] X Research source
To wash your wig, turn the wig inside out and immerse it in a bowl of cold water and a small amount of mild shampoo. Swirl the wig gently in the water and let it soak for about five minutes. Rinse the wig one to two times until all the shampoo is removed. Then, apply conditioner to the wig and let it sit for two minutes so it penetrates the hair. Use cold water to rinse the wig until all the conditioner comes off the wig. Once the conditioner is removed, wrap the wig in a dry towel and pat the wig gently. You can spray a very light coat of conditioning spray, 10-12 inches away from the wig, as an optional final step. Let the wig dry on a wig stand and then brush or comb it with a wig brush. Avoid placing the wig in direct sunlight and do not try to brush the wig while it is still wet.
Pour two capfuls of synthetic wig shampoo into a sink or basin of cold water. Then, turn the wig inside out and immerse it in the water. Swirl the wig gently in the water and soak it for about five minutes. Use cold water to rinse the wig until all the shampoo is gone. Pour one to two capfuls of wig conditioner on the wig. Let the fibers absorb the conditioner, sitting for about two minutes. Use cold water to gently remove all the conditioner from the wig. Take a dry towel and wrap the wig with it, patting out any excess water. Never rub the wig when it is wet. Spray a revitalizing conditioner over the wig to condition the wig fibers. Let the wig dry completely on a wig stand. Only brush the wig when it is dry.
