The Start ....Why Do You Even Need A Wig?
There are several valid reasons to wear a wig, from medical to fashion/aesthetics or just simply convenience. Manufacturers have realized about these specific needs therefore they have considerably improved and adapted their products and develop new techniques, new companies have emerged over the years as well.
All these translates into the advantage of counting with a variety of brands, materials, styles, etc. to chose from and while this is great, sometimes it can be very overwhelming, especially for a first-time wig wearer trying to figure out where to start.
At Wigopolis, we know firsthand the impact of making the right choice from the start, it is important to us that you embark your wig-wearing journey with the right foot, thus we have prepared for you this comprehensive guide to assist you through out the process and make sure you get exactly what you need.
All About the Fiber
Synthetic Vs Human Hair… Which one fits my lifestyle?
The first thing to decide when it comes to buying a wig is picking the fiber that is most convenient to you and fits your budget. Both, synthetic and human hair fibers have diverse advantages and disadvantages that you will need to ponder in order to get the right fit for your lifestyle. Let’s then dive in and learn more about the materials available.
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| Human Hair | Synthetic Hair |
Synthetic Fibers
There are two kinds of synthetic fibers, traditional and Heat resistant, both with its own pros and cons.
Traditional Fibers
Traditional fibers are more budget friendly and are the easiest to care and wear; wigs made from these fibers are appropriate for busy lifestyles as these require low maintenance, these fibers keep the original factory shape and colour after every wash.
On the cons side, these cannot be styled using heat tools, as an alterative, if it is important to you to vary your hairstyle from straight to curls, or vice versa and you have decided to go with this type of fiber, you could also budget for a second wig with the same colour but a different hairstyle. This will not only allow you to interchange hairstyles for a more natural look, but it will also elongate the lifespan of your wigs.
Another downside we find with these fibers is the fact that they more easily tangle compared to human hair ones, though this is especially true on the longer hairstyles, which will require a bit more of daily brushing. Depend on the colour, synthetic fibers may look shiny, but this is easy to fix by spraying dry shampoo all over the wig.
Heat Resistant Fibers
Heat resistant fibers have a more natural texture compared with the traditional fibers and they can be styled in multiple ways using hair heat appliances. Due to their style versatility and the permanency of the colour after every wash, heat resistant fibers are a good low budget alterative to wigs made from human hair fibers.
As some of the cons, these fibers seem to tangle more than traditional or human hair fibers, they also need more maintenance than traditional synthetic fibers.
Human Hair Fibers
Wigs made from human hair fibers look the most realistic not only for the texture and movement of the hair but for the numerous ways it can be styled, colour can be customized as well allowing for a more unique look. Human hair fibers also last longer, feel cooler on the head and tangle way less than the other fibers available.
Human hair fibers are not highly recommended for busy lifestyles as per they require more maintenance than the synthetic fibers. Of course, if you have your heart set on this type of fiber and your budgets allows for it, an easy solution would be owning more than one wig, which is anyways advisable no matter the type of fibers you choose to wear.
Also, keep in mind wigs made from human hair fibers are pricier than synthetic ones and they require specially formulated hair care products. Human Hair fibers also react to the environment they are exposed to (frizz, etc.) and eventually, colour will need to be refreshed as well.
Now that you have decided on the type of fibers that best suits your needs, lifestyle and budget, it’s time to pick the cap construction that will feel more comfortable to wear and that will help you to achieve the look you are after. Let’s learn about the different elements of the cap in our next topic.
All About the Cap
Cap Construction
Cap construction terminology can be very confusing and intimidating, especially for beginner wig buyers.
It is very important to take the time to familiarize with the differences and how they affect the styles and to learn the advantages and disadvantages of each cap design in order to choose well.
Cap construction mostly refers to the methods used to attach the hair to the cap, the methods employed will dictate the materials used to make the cap itself.
Lace Front
Refers to an added feature to the front part of the cap usually going from temple to temple, or in some styles from ear to ear, and its about 3cm to the back.
Wigs with this type of construction have the most natural hairline, achieved by hand tying the hair to a lace that becomes invisible on the skin allowing for hair to be worn away from the face and give the illusion of hair growing form your own scalp.
Though this component is widely looked after, not all wig styles have this feature, if you are looking for hairstyles without bangs, consider looking for styles with lace front.
100% Hand Tied
The entirety of the cap is constructed by hand tying each hair strand to the different sections of sheer materials that forms the base of the wig. It is one of the most comfortable wig caps due to the softness of the material used for the base. It is highly recommended for sensitive skins and for those experiencing hair loss.
This method of construction gives liberty to each strand to move freely allowing for the nicest, most natural hair movement plus hair can be parted in virtually any direction giving the illusion of your own hair growing form the scalp. This construction is one of the lightest to wear.
Due to the amount of hand work required to finish one product, the price range for these wigs are understandably higher than those other construction methods. These wig caps are also more delicate, more care is needed when handling.
Single or Double Monofilament
Single or double monofilament refers to the type of construction the top, crown portion of the wig base has. On both caps the hair is attached by hand knotting each hair to a sheer fabric, allowing for multidirectional parting and realistic looking hair growth from scalp.
The difference between the two lays in the fact that on the Double Monofilament cap the knots are almost invisible giving the most natural appearance.
It is important to note the Lace Front feature is available with Single Monofilament top but not to Double Monofilament construction, the later requires a different method of finishing the front hairline called Folded Swiss Lace.
100% Hand Tied Caps will either have a Single or Double Monofilament top construction, as a lower investment alternative you could choose a wig with a Monofilament top combined with Open Wefted Back cap.
Open Wefted Back
Open Wefted Back cap refers to the type of construction applied to the sides and back of the wig base.
The wefts are comparable to a fringe of hair machine-sewn together, these wefts are then sewn by rows to the stretchy lace bands that have been vertically placed to the wig base, leaving a space of approximately 1cm in between each row. These openings allow for a lightweight construction and breathability.
Basic or Traditional Cap
A Basic or Traditional Cap construction means the base of the wig is fully wefted while enclosing the top/crown wefts with a lace material for more coverage. Some of the benefits of this type of construction are increased ventilation, durability and affordability. This type of construction is needed on styles that requires hair volume.
Note: When the description of the wig is provided either with a diagram or wording, you will find out most of the time the features of the cap will be a combination of the construction terms described above.
HOW-TO: Choose the right wig cap design - Wigs 101
By Jon Renau
How To Choose a Cap?
Now that you have learn all about cap construction terminology plus the benefits and disadvantages related to the cap design, it is time to ask yourself what features matter the most to you in order to suit your current needs.
Sometimes just one feature is essential to you, once you establish which one it is, your search for the ideal wig becomes easier.
Here there are a few questions you may ask yourself in order to identify your wig’s must haves.
Are you experiencing hair loss and or have a sensitive scalp?
Do you usually wear your hair away from your face for which a more natural hair line is desirable? Or, Are you planning on getting a style with bangs for which a lace front won’t matter.
Do you often part your hair in different directions in order to achieve certain hairstyles? Do you intend to braid your hair for which you need hair fibers move more freely?
How important is breathability to you? Are you planning to use your wig outdoor for long hours during the summer?
Have you set a specific budget and you plan to stick to it as much as possible?
Do you exercise often outdoors or at the gym for which a more durable wig cap is needed in order to withstand frequent washes.
Are you looking for a pixie hairstyle that requires hair volume?
Wig Cap Sizes
First time buyers are usually unaware some wig styles come in different cap sizes, yes, one size does not always fit all.
Even though more than 90% of wig wearers fall within the Average Size measurements, and the fact most wig cap brands have adjustable tabs to customize the fit by +/-1cm, it is very important to take the time to properly measure your head prior to ordering in order t avoid disappointment.
Wearing the wrong wig size is far from ideal. If the wig is too tight it will be uncomfortable to wear and if it too loose you will have to adjust its placement throughout the day, but those inconveniences may also damage the integrity of your wig.
How to take our own Measurements?
You will need to record three different head measurements, make sure you have pen and paper or electronic device at hand.
Head Circumference Measurement
Using a measuring tape, measure the circumference of your head by holding the tape close or on top of your front hairline and following along your hairline behind your ear to the nape and all the way up to the starting point.
Ear to Ear Measurement
To find the measurement form ear to ear, start by locating the crown point by measuring 15cms from front hairline to the back, then place the measuring tape at hairline behind ear and go across your crown point to reach the other ear.
Front to Back Measurement
Start by placing measuring tape at front hairline and while keeping the measuring tape straight go all the way across crown point and continue down to the hairline at nape.
Note: If you are not experiencing total hair loss and you will be wearing the wig over your own biological hair, it is important to take the measurements after picking it up the same way you would do for wig wearing.
This step is especially important if you have long or thick hair, which will add some volume, therefore bigger dimensions will be noted. Skip to the next section if you need to learn how to wrap your hair.
Now that you have recorded your three measurements, it’s time to find out the size that will be suitable by comparing them to the standards of the wig manufacturer/brand of your choice.
In this guide we will use Jon Renau Measuring Standards for educational purposes, but keep in mind these measurements may differ by brand and you should compare against the size chart from your ultimate brand choice and follow their specific guidelines before purchasing.
If all your three measurements fall under one line your cap size will be evident, but if all three measurements fall in different lines, then you should pick the cap size that accommodates your largest measurement.
Example
As an example, let’s say your measurements are as follows
Circumference 53.5CM (21 IN) - Petite
Ear to Ear 33CM (13 IN) - Petite
Front to Back 36CM (14.25 IN) - Average
In this case you should pick the cap with size Average to accommodate your largest measurement recorded. If you still need help watch the demonstration in the next video.Wigs 101: How to Measure Your Head for a Wig
By Jon Renau
How to Wrap Your Hair for Wig Wearing?
You will need
- Favorite leave-in hair conditioner.
- Bobby pins.
- Snap hair clips.
- Fish net Wig liner.
Start by moderately applying hair conditioner to your hair, this will help with manageability and keeping in it in place, especially those flyaway.
Slip wig liner through head and let it rest on our neck. To wrap your hair, start by dividing it in at least two portions and wrapping each one around the back of your head in a circular manner while keeping it as flat as possible. Secure with bobby pins and snap clips as you go. Use as many as you need, you will notice as you master the technique the less pins you will need.
Pull up your wig liner, the elastic band should stay close to the hairline, the opening goes to the back of the head. Close the opening by tying a knot.
Your wrapping is done.
HOW-TO: Wrap your own hair under a wig - Wigs 101
By Jon Renau
What about the length?
We usually advise first time wig wearers to pick a style as close as their own. If you currently wear long hair but are experiencing some sort of thinning or hair loss, you could pick a long style, and gradually have it professionally trimmed over time if you rather make a transition from long to short.
For those undergoing treatment or with very busy lifestyles our advice is the opposite, the shorter the hair style the better. Shorter hair styles are usually low maintenance and withstand more of a rough handling.
If you wish to experiment with length and style, we recommend considering the shape of your face first. Oval face shapes can wear any style and length. A Round face needs styles with volume at the crown or long hair with a parting. For a Diamond Face, bobs or medium-layered styles, either straight or wavy look best. For a Square face you could try wigs with bangs, wavy or long layered styles.
What Colour is right for me?
You have come a long way, but we are not done yet. So far you have made well informed decisions regarding the type of fiber, the cap design and its size and the length of your wig. We have reached the last stage of selecting the right wig for your needs- Its time to pick the colour. Hurray!
This decision is as important as all the previous ones but the reason to be kept last is simple: most brands offer their wig styles in almost all the colours and shades from their own Colour Chart.
Colour availability is sure to help you keep the focus on all the other features that will make your transition to alternative hair easier, you don’t have to worry about picking your style, cap, etc. based on what colour is available but instead you get to pick the wig with the features you need and the colour that best suits you will be there waiting for you.
Breaking Down the Code
Now let’s learn a bit about what those numbers on the colour codes mean. The Alternative Hair industry has developed standards based on human hair colours. Have you ever seen a colour chart from a hair colour/dye brand? Those colour charts will be fairly similar to the ones from wig manufacturers, as the same principles apply.
Standard Colour Chart
Black: 1, 2
Brown: 4, 6, 8, 10, 12
Blonde: 14, 16, 17, 18, 22, 24, 26
Red: 27, 28, 30, 31, 32, 33 and 130, 131, 132, 134
Grey: 34, 36, 38, 39, 44, 48, 51, 54, 56, 59, 60 and 92
Platinum: 101, 102, 104 and 613
For example: if your see a color code with the number 12 in it, you will know that is a brown, to be more exact the lightest shade of brown.
From this basic chart, manufacturers create their own colours by blending them and adding roots or tips to the fibers. Once the blending starts, you will find a mix of number and letters in the colour code, the position of each one of them will have a special meaning that will help you identify what’s in the colour. Please refer to each brand key colour-coding system to fully understand the composition of the colour you are considering.
Tips and advise
For first time wig wearer we suggest staying close to your current colour, whether is natural or not. This will help reduce shock the first time you put your wig on, moreover, it will make your transition to alternative hair more discrete.
When you pick a colour or style different than how you usually wear your hair, people around you most likely will approach and ask questions about your hair. Even if the thought of you wearing a wig never crosses their minds, the unsolicited questioning may make you feel self-conscious.
If you dare to experiment with colour, we recommend you consider your skin undertones, in order to pick the right hair colour temperature (cool or warm) that complements your skin tone.
As a general rule of thumbs, hair colour temperature should match the temperature of your skin undertone.
How Do I Find My Undertones?
If you are wondering how to find out your skin undertones, or skin tone temperature, you are in luck, the answer is: very easy. There are a few methods, and the best results are achieved by combining them.
Let’s start with the easiest one: the “wrist test. While looking at the back of your wrists. What colours do you see? If your skin has pink tones and the colour of your veins looks blue or purple, then you likely have cool-toned skin.
If instead your skin has yellow tones and the colour of your veins appears green, then you likely have a warm-toned skin. What about neutral undertones? If your skin tone is more like a mix, like an olive colour, then you likely have neutral undertones.
Have you noticed whether silver or golden jewelry suits you best? This is another method, and if you have noticed, then you may know the answer to your skin tone temperature.
If you favour silver jewelry, chances are your skin has cool undertones but if golden jewelry is what looks best on you then you may have warm undertones. if both suit you then you are likely to have neutral undertones.
You can take the silver/golden test to the next level by placing a piece of golden fabric/clothing over one shoulder and a piece of silver fabric/clothing on the other shoulder, the colour that seems to compliment your features will indicate your skin colour temperature. As mentioned before if both look good on you, then you may have neutral skin undertones.
If the findings by applying all these methods agree with each other, then you may feel confident to have the answer to what hair colour temperature you should be after.
Cool hair colour will have violet or ashy tones predominance, while warm hair colour will have red, and golden predominance. We advise you to check the colour composition in the respective brand Colour Chart. For instance, when checking Jon Renau colour code 22F16S8 Venice Blond we find the description to be “Light Ash Blond & Light Natural Blonde Blend Shaded with Medium Brown” we then know this blend is a cool shade suitable for someone with cool skin undertones.
Congratulations! You have gained valuable information that will help you choose your dream hair. But if you still need help or have questions, please don’t hesitate to reach us here.
Extra items I need along my first purchase
Don’t forget those wig accessories, especially if you are aiming for free shipping by reaching the threshold.
Wig Stand
Most customers don’t realize they need a wig stand after they remove the wig have it worn the for the first time.
A wig stand not only helps with keeping the shape but also will allow for respiration after a day long wear. Some first-time wig wearers think it is a good idea to store the wigs in the box the came in, this practice not only is unsanitary but also ruin the fibers and other materials use for the cap construction therefore shorten the life span of your wig.
Remember not to place your wigs close to a heat source or ventilated area…
You will need a stand per wig owned. If you travel often, we advise o to get a foldable stand.
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| Plastic Stand |
Care products
Customers easily forget to get the care products along with their first purchase. You will need a wide tooth comb from the start, detangler solution, heat protectant styling products (For Heat Resistant & Human Hair fibers only), shampooing and conditioning. Make sure to get the products according to the type of fibers you have selected.
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| Human Hair Care System |
Wig liner
There a two kinds of wig liners, the Soft Nylon and the Fish Net type. You will pick between them depending on your current situation. For very short hair and those with advanced hair loss it is recommended to wear the Soft Nylon liners under the wig, this helps with comfort and prevent your skin getting irritated.
If on the contrary your hair is long and you need to tuck it under the wig, we advise you to pick the Fish Net liner, as this with help with keeping your biological hair in place and with breathability.
Our Favourite Nice-to-Have Products
The following products aren’t essential to start your wig wearing journey, though some of our costumers have express they can’t live without them.
Lace Front Tape
The lace front tape is a double-sided adhesive that usually comes in a roll, you can cut in small pieces as needed and stick them to the lace front portion of our wig.
When you are ready to apply your wig just peel off the backing paper, put your wig on and press down with your fingers on the areas where the tape was placed. If you are using this tape, make sure to get the adhesive remover as well, you will need it to remove the wig from head.
It Stays Body Adhesive
It Stays is a water based multipurpose glue used by wig wearers to secure the lace front to forehead. It Stays is applied by rolling it on the skin very close to your hairline; the glue is very sticky allowing you to reposition the wig until you feel is in the right place and securing it by pressing down with our fingers for a few seconds.
Wig Grip Band
Another way to feel more secure about your wig staying in place is by wearing a Wig Grip band.
A Wig Grip is a headband made from two layers of a thin velvety material that due to nature of its construction, the surface creates a friction when trying to slide a finger over it in one direction, but in the opposite direction it will slide smoothly. That is exactly the trick when trying to put it on, make sure to wear it in the direction that creates the friction against your hair/scalp and your wig will stay in place.
Pro tip: pick the Wig Grip band colour that matches your biological hair and if you don’t have then in the colour of your skin tone.
If you still need help, please don’t hesitate to contact us following this link We're Here.
