Buying wigs online can be challenging. Sometimes finding the right wig can create anxiety and disappointment, especially when what you receive isn’t quite what you get.
Wearing wigs is a very personal experience and it’s also an expression of what you want the world to know about you, just like your own hair.
We rarely think about it, but our hair is an accessory like the clothes we wear or the bags we buy. It’s an expression of who we are and, like our personal style, tells the world about us and how we feel. Our hair can tell stories by the color, style, and level of upkeep (or lack thereof).
This article will be your guide to buying the best wigs online to ensure you get a quality wig each and every time.
All Wigs Matter [To us]
We wear wigs for different reasons. Maybe you wear them due to hair loss. Or, maybe, that big chop didn’t quite come out the way you had hoped.
Perhaps you’re looking to try that new short (or long) style you’ve had your eyes on. No matter the reason, all wigs matter [to us] and you have expectations when you finally buy that new head of hair.
No one wants to spend money on a wig they can’t wear. Unlike other things that can be returned, once you wear a wig it’s yours to keep.
If you rely on wigs for daily wear, the stakes are even higher. I’m sure I’m not alone when sharing that I’ve experienced that moment of (shock, disbelief, sadness) when the wig I’ve been waiting on finally arrives and I can’t tell the difference between it and the neighbor’s cat (sorry, Skittles).
The Question: “How do I buy a high quality wig online?”
You saw that full, bouncy, and shiny wig in the photos and decided you had to have it. You placed your order but, when it finally came, you got nothing short of…a mess.
You’re not alone. This experience can leave you feeling skeptical of buying wigs online, but that seems to be the only place to buy wigs these days. Depending on your situation, going without your hair may not be an option, especially with hair loss and/or thinning hair.
The Solution: Understand that you really get what you pay for when buying wigs online
I would love to tell you that you can buy a Beyonce’ or Meg The Stallion-like unit for $9.99 on Amazon, but it’s simply not true. When buying wigs online, you have to pay for quality and high quality wigs cost more.
It’s generally expected that you want a wig to look as realistic as possible, as well as to stand the test of time. Wigs made from Remy virgin hair are better than those made with human/synthetic hair blends. The term ‘Remy’ means that the cuticles of the hair are intact and aligned from root to tip. This minimizes tangling and matting of the hair.
If the wig is made from Remy hair it is human hair. These wigs are usually good quality but will also be one of the most expensive options. Depending on the type of hair and craftsmanship (how the hair is attached to the caps, lace type, etc.), high quality human hair wigs can cost hundreds to thousands of dollars. When looking to buy a good wig online, always do your research.
You’ll want to shop with reputable companies. Check the reputations of online wig shops on the internet and social media. Facebook groups are a great resource when shopping wigs online. In these groups, seasoned wig buyers provide valuable information on their experiences with different wig companies.
Facebook groups are also a great way to post your own questions and I have personally found members of these groups to be open and generally happy to answer questions.
Instagram is also another great option. Search for “wigs” on IG and you’ll find many online wig shops. See someone wearing a unit you like? Send them a DM and ask where they got it from.
Be tactful and give them a compliment about their hair before asking. I did this myself a few times and it has worked out really well.
A word of caution, though. There are some shady characters on social media posing as online wig shops. Check their accounts to see how many followers they have. Accounts with larger followings are generally legit. Also, how long have they been on the platform?
Be wary of accounts that only have a few posts or don’t have many (or any) followers. Look at their follower lists to see if they look like fake accounts or bots. Go to their actual pages to see if there is any activity and the type. If anything looks fishy, keep scrolling!
Beauty on a [Tight] Budget
Maybe have tried less expensive options but found that the wigs didn’t last or look anything like the ads. If you’re lucky, you get a month or two’s wear out of them but then they start looking ratty and you’re back to square one.
The Question: “I want buy a wig that looks good, but don’t have a large budget. What are my options?”
You’ve been searching ‘where to buy a good wig’ and got tons of suggestions online, but most of them are out of your price range. You want a good wig but your pockets aren’t ready to cooperate with the prices you’ve seen.
The Solution: Consider quality synthetic/human hair blend wigs
There are some good quality synthetic/human hair blended wigs out there and many companies have stepped their synthetic wig game up!
Check online for magazine recommendations. Publications like Good Housekeeping, Instyle and Elle have several articles with recommendations on the best wigs to buy online.
Check out the suggested companies and see if they carry affordable or synthetic wig options.
Pay attention to where the online articles come from to ensure you’re getting information from a reputable source. Stick with suggestions from sources you recognize and trust.
Again, Facebook groups will be your friend when getting feedback from other wig wearers. Synthetic/Human hair blend wigs can be an affordable option until you’re ready to invest in a quality human hair unit.
YouTube is also a great place to get feedback on different options. There are thousands of videos spilling the tea on the best wigs for every taste. Check for review videos on the brand or unit you’re interested in.
Keep in mind, however, that some review videos are sponsored and may not be a true representation of the wig you would receive.
Stick to video reviews where the presenter has spent their own money to purchase the wig and they’re not trying to promote it by offering a link or discount code.
Not to imply that, if they do they’re being shady, but the quality of wig they received from the company may not be exactly what you get if you buy.
Newbies need [wig] love too
You’ve been secretly crushing on the latest wig styles and you’re ready to buy one of your own. Where do you start? How do you know what to look out for when buying your first wig?
The Question: “I’m new to wigs and don’t know what to look for when buying wigs online.”
You can score a great wig with a little bit of patience and some research. There are several things to look for but it all boils down to a few very important things.
The Solution: Consider your style and lifestyle
Are you looking for short or long styles? Do you want a wig that is ready to wear out of the box or do you prefer to customize the wig to your individual taste?
Online wig shops carry a variety of options that cater to your specific needs. Once you have narrowed down the style you’re looking to achieve, the next step would be to consider your lifestyle.
Are you physically active and need a wig that will hold up? How much time do you have to style the wig? Do you need a low maintenance option? These questions will help point you in the right direction on deciding which wig options are best for you.
Closure wigs are a good choice for new wig wearers. A closure wig can be very low maintenance, just wear and go. Frontal wigs require more know-how and styling to make them look natural.
You may love the look of a long hair or frontal wig, but your lifestyle and styling expertise may not support the maintenance or upkeep of it.
What’s the differences between lace wigs and lace frontals?
If you like to switch things up, buy more than one wig and change them out as the need arises. Wigs are versatile and you can have a variety of style options at your fingertips.
We All Can Win At Buying Wigs Online
There is something for everyone and finding the right wig online doesn’t have to be a lesson in futility. There are many resources to help you find the perfect wig.
Taking advantage of social media and YouTube opens you up to more great ideas and suggestions
Become a member of a Facebook group, or online forum, and you’ll gain a wealth of knowledge and maybe some new wig friends
