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There’s something for every budget.
Even for the most devoted wig enthusiasts, picking the right wig can be a challenging undertaking. Think of it like buying a car: they all have a unique catalog of characteristics, and you can either purchase the one that fulfills your basic needs or the other one with all the bells and whistles. But thinking of what suits your demands, what complements your style, and what fits your budget can ultimately help you choose the best option wig for you.
Meet Our Experts: Justi Embree, celebrity hairstylist and owner of Embree Theory Hair, Melissa Mallam, hairstylist and owner of Pampered Tresses, Priscilla Davis, wig specialist and owner of Hair By Caprise
There are tons of online retailers who sell wigs, but if you want a quality product at an affordable price with a minimal amount of wait time, Amazon might be your best bet. The site has a plethora of wigs to choose from, perfect for both first-time wig wearers and pros.
We polled the pros to their top picks.
This is an ideal closure wig if you’re seeking something that’s easy to install. This wig is made entirely of virgin Remy Brazilian human hair.
Try Lemoda hair if you want a wig with a lot of density at a moderate cost. Available between lengths of 16-28 inches, this wig has a 180% density and is made of 100% virgin Remy Brazilian hair.
Quickly change your look with this fun blonde highlighted bob wig that’s both spring and summer-ready! It’s pre-plucked with baby hair and is made of 100% virgin human hair.
With a natural hairline, bleached knots, and pre-plucked baby hair, it’s a great choice for those looking for a ready-to-wear wig.
This synthetic wig features bangs and is created from heat-friendly, high-quality synthetic fiber that can be straightened and curled (at temperatures under 365 °F). You can arrange the black bangs on the wig to fit your face.
This short blonde, mixed brown wig uses top-notch heat-resistant synthetic fiber that is ideal for long-term wear.
This wig’s HD lace line seamlessly blends into the skin and is suitable for all skin tones.
This kinky curly wig is composed of virgin Brazilian curly human hair and is machine-made with a 200% density.
This is a pre-plucked unit with 180% density.
This u-part wig is flexible and can be parted anywhere, curled, and styled into a ponytail.
This is an excellent starter wig with numerous colors to choose from. To make the wig’s style more adjustable, shape it again using a hair dryer or curler (just make sure the temperature is less than 150° C or 302° F).
This swiss lace wig is undetectable, seamless, and has transparent lacing that matches all skin tones.
This wig is made of 100% unprocessed Brazilian virgin human hair and is super voluminous.
What should I know when buying a wig for the first time?
Before you go down the rabbit hole, the secret to successful wig shopping is research. For starters, don’t anticipate being able to buy it ready-to-wear—in most cases, you’ll have to do some customizing (i.e. plucking, curling, straightening, etc.) to get it to look the way you want.
“Measure the diameter of your head to ensure that your wig is the proper size for your head,” Davis says. Embree adds that it’s also important to check the specifications of the wig you want.
“Categories such as density, lace type, color, and more will be described in detail,” she says. “Doing this is the only way to ensure that what you see is what you get.”
Another important thing to consider is your capacity for maintaining a wig. According to Mallam, glueless or headband wigs are ideal for beginners and need less upkeep, while a lace front wig that needs to be glued down frequently can be worn by those who can manage it.
If all else fails, Embree suggests consulting a hairstylist or wig expert who can offer advice and arrange a fitting for you.
What should I look for in a wig?
The three most essential things to look for in a wig are quality, lace type, density, price point, and fit.
What are the different characteristics of wigs?
According to Embree, there are various wig types available, including lace front wigs, full lace wigs, closure wigs, half wigs, U-part wigs, and V-part wigs.
Which is better: synthetic hair or human hair?
Depending on how you want to wear the wig, adding a synthetic option is OK, but if it’s a lifestyle decision, most people prefer human hair.
Embree contends that wearing synthetic fibers frequently can irritate the skin because they are often prickly against it. When selecting synthetic wigs, Davis believes some factors to remember are that they’re “made from fibers, can’t be colored or bleached, and can’t take extreme heat.” On the flip side, they can withstand the weather, they typically cost less than human hair wigs, and they don’t require as much maintenance.
When treated appropriately, human hair withstands daily use better over time, and unlike synthetic hair, it’s unprocessed, can be bleached and colored, and can withstand the heat. Just be cautious if you choose to wear human hair in extreme weather, because it can react to that too.
What density should I choose?
Density in wigs is expressed as a percentage between 120 and 250. In general, the percentage you choose will determine how full or thin your wig is; the higher the percentage, the fuller the wig.
Low density wigs are appropriate for people who wish to look natural and have naturally thin hair. In this case you’d choose a wig between 120 and 130 percent, according to Embree’s experience.
Those who prefer a thicker look without going overboard can use mid-densities, which range from 150 to 170 percent. She suggests 200-250 percent if you want to add a little drama.