There isn’t a hair problem that can’t easily be solved with a good wig. They are experts at concealing the big chop that wasn’t what you expected or the bad box color job you just KNEW you could do with that YouTube video.
But what if you know nothing of wigs? Fear not! This post is your guide to understanding wigs for beginners.
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Natural or Synthetic Wig
Wigs can completely transform your look without the stress of long-term commitments. For decades, celebrities have used wigs to switch looks, without enduring damage to their own hair.
However, without proper guidance, picking a good wig can be a daunting task. Here are the two main basic things to consider when buying a wig.
A wig can either be made from natural human hair or artificial fibers used to mimic real hair. Both have their pros and cons and the one you pick will depend on your budget and needs.
While synthetics wigs are cheaper and require less maintenance, they usually last a shorter time and offer fewer styling options.
Natural wigs, on the other hand, require more maintenance, are more expensive, and get pricier depending on the quality of hair (virgin hair or raw hair).
However, they offer more versatility when it comes to styling or coloring your wig. They also last longer.
A good beginner wig is one that is easy to style and maintain, without compromising on quality. A synthetic wig is a good option if cost is the main driver for your decision-making.
Synthetic wigs are a-plenty on sites like Amazon and Google. Be careful, though, as what may be represented in pictures may not be exactly what you get.
A good beginner wig can come already customized for you-no plucking, lace-dyeing or even styling. If your budget allows, these are a great option to introduce you to the world of wigs.
Wig types
A good beginner wig guide wouldn’t be complete without an explanation on what types of wigs are out there. Here are some of the most common ones a new wig wearer will encounter:
Ready-made Wigs
These wigs are more readily available, come pre-styled, usually synthetic, and come in one-size-fits-all sizes that can be adjusted to the wearer’s head.
Ready-made wigs are typically what you will find in local beauty supply stores. Although synthetic, you can find some really good wigs that you can also heat style.
Ready-made wigs can also be made with human hair but these will be pricier than their beauty supply cousins. The benefit to a ready-made wig is that you only have to put it on and go.
Lace Wigs
These wigs either have the full wig cap, or parts of it made with light mesh material referred to as lace, that allows the wig to seamlessly blend with skin.
The amount of lace will determine how expensive the wig is. The more lace the more expensive the wig becomes. The three main lace styles:
Lace Front Wig
As the name suggests, the lace is fitted on the front of the wig allowing it to seamlessly blend with the hairline. It’s the least expensive lace wig.
360 Lace Wig
Here the lace is placed as a perimeter around the wig cap creating a halo around it. it is more expensive than the lace front and offers more styling options while looking natural.
But, just like it’s lace sister, the full lace wig, the maintenance to keep it looking natural requires a bit of know-how. You will most certainly need some type of glue, or adhesive, to keep the lace perimeter laying flat to the skin.
Also, the more lace you have on your wig, the more delicate you have to be when handling it. It is a major pain when the lace rips, especially in areas where it would be obvious when wearing.
Full Lace Wig
This is the most expensive of all the lace wigs since the whole wig cap is made from lace. This wig offers the most styling options as you can style practically anything with this wig. I wouldn’t recommend this type of wig for beginners.
Having the lace all over the cap requires a lot of upkeep to make it look natural. Although it can be styled in many ways (think ponytails, up-do’s, etc.), it can rarely look good without the use of glues or adhesives.
There is a special art to “laying lace” without it looking crazy, so I would caution my beginner wig sisters to stay away from this one until you’ve had some experience.
Custom Wig
These wigs are created with one person in mind and are tailored to their specific styling requirements and head circumference.
Depending on its quality, type of hair, and amount of lace, prices will vary. Custom wigs can also come pre-styled and ready to wear right out of the box!
If you aren’t that great at styling, or there is a particular style you love, a custom wig may be right for you. Custom units can be good choices for wig beginners, especially if it is in your price point.
The Takeaway
We hope this information is helpful if you are considering wigs as a beginner. Wigs can be a fun (and functional) way to change hair styles and conceal hair woes.
If this is your year to enjoy the freedom and versatility of wig, check out this article for tips on buying the best wigs online.
