Wig wearing has a lot of significance in both black and pop cultures. The earliest records show that wigs were first a symbol of rank in society. Although the curls on black hair’s ability to grow and defy gravity portrayed closeness to the divine, wigs were first worn by Egyptian nobility to protect their shaven scalp from the harmful sun’s rays.
Outside of black culture, pop culture has popularized wig wearing for fun, adornment, or as a solution for hair loss. Wigs have recently grown in popularity because they offer convenience while satisfying the need to change hairstyles and reflect individuality. This is why it is important to know how to choose a perfect wig. For beginners, it can be quite intimidating because there is a surprising number of things to consider.
How to choose a perfect wig tips for beginners
- Wig cap size
The first step to ensuring that you choose a perfect wig is by measuring your wig cap size because you do not want a wig that is too loose or too tight. The perfect wig should fit comfortably on your head.
Getting the perfect wig size does not take too much time. Although wig sizing varies depending on the manufacturers, there is a universal wig sizing guide that you can use to get the right fit. While most wigs are adjustable, getting the right wig size makes a significant difference in the versatility of your styles.
To measure your wig size, take a soft tape measure and place it at the front of your hairline. Wrap it around to where your occipital bone is, making sure that it is just above your ear. Then bring it back to the front where you started. There is a range of wig sizes to choose from in petite, average, and large sizes.
- Hair texture
There are numerous options to choose from when it comes to texture. The hair texture you choose doesn’t necessarily have to match your natural hair texture; it is all about preference and styling options. Different manufactures have different hair textures in their catalogue including body wave, kinky, straight, deep wave, loose wave, curly, yaki, yaki straight, etc.
These hair textures come in synthetic and human hair wigs options, especially if you are shopping for a wig on a budget.
- Lace colour
Just as there are different skin colours and tones, wigs also come in different lace colours. When you are choosing the perfect wig, you want your lace to match your skin tone so that it is easier to blend when installing. It is important to match the shade of your scalp to the colour of the lace as closely as possible, because it makes the installation process easier.
Based on your preferences, there are different types of lace to choose from, i.e. transparent lace, Swiss lace, HD lace, and clear lace. When choosing the type of lace, you need to consider its durability and its ability to blend to your skin tone.
- Wig types
When choosing the perfect wig, there are two things you want to look at to determine the wig you will pick, i.e. wig construction, and the fibers constituting the wig’s hair. There are numerous types of wigs to choose from, but the most common include:
- Lace front wigs – wigs that have lace only on the front while the rest of the cap is a little thicker. With this option, you can change the parting at the front, and it is a lot easier to maintain because the fabric used for the rest of the cap is not fragile.
- Monofilament wigs – these wigs may look similar to lace wigs, but monofilament wigs do not require an adhesive for installation. The hair on monofilament wigs is hand tied to a soft lace material and the crown appears to be more natural. This option is popular for people who prefer not to sleep with their wigs on.
- Full lace wigs – like the name suggests, these wigs have a cap made fully from lace with urethane strips to stick adhesive to. They are very versatile when styling or parting but they require extra care and maintenance.
- 360 lace wigs – these wigs have a lace frontal all around, but the middle is made out of thicker material. This type gives a lot of versatility as well, but it is more affordable compared to the full lace wig.
- Headband wigs –these wigs are the easiest to install because they have a headband-like attachment to the front. They do not demand that you use glue to install, and are the safest for your hairline.
- Installation
The most crucial part of wearing a wig is the installation. This is a delicate but unavoidable process that dictates how your wig sits on your head. When choosing the perfect wig as a beginner, you want to pick a wig that is easy to install, especially if you do not know how to install a wig yet.
If you are not willing to pay a stylist for the installation, there are wig options that make installation easier. These options include fringe wigs, pre-cut lace wigs, pre-plucked lace wigs, heat friendly wigs, etc.
- Budget
How much are you willing to spend on a wig? There are wigs for every budget, from as low as $30 with some coming with a price tag in the thousands of dollars. Mid-range wigs often sell from $200 going up. A standard full lace wig will range from $400 to $600. Basically, the higher the quality of the wig, the higher the price tag. It is important to shop around for a high quality wig and then compare the prices to pick something within your budget.
Conclusion
To be a confident wig wearer, it is important to learn how to choose the perfect wig. For beginners, wigs can be intimidating when you do not know what you are looking for. As such, you are advised to go to a professional for advice and get a wig that matches your specific and unique needs. This eliminates the need for customization after purchase. Your first wig should boost your confidence.
A good wig can last for years with good maintenance. The perfect wig will demand that you have the right styling tools as well as high quality products that will not damage your wig.
