BUYING GUIDE
HOW DO I KNOW WHAT SIZE TO BUY?
HOW WILL I KNOW WHAT STYLE AND LENGTH WILL LOOK BEST FOR ME?
WILL MY WIG COME "PRE-STYLED"?
WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A HUMAN HAIR WIG AND A SYNTHETIC FIBER WIG?
WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A WEFTED CAP AND A MONOFILAMENT CAP?
WHAT IS A HEAT-RESISTANT (FRIENDLY) FIBER WIG?
WHY DID I FIND CHEAPER WIGS ELSEWHERE?
GENERAL QUESTIONS ABOUT WIGS
HOW CAN I ADJUST THE WIG SO IT FEELS MORE SECURE?
WHAT IS THE BEST WAY TO HIDE MY OWN HAIR UNDER THE WIG?
WHAT IS A WIG CAP, AND DO I HAVE TO WEAR ONE?
CAN I BLEND MY OWN HAIR WITH THE WIG SO IT LOOKS MORE NATURAL?
I AM GOING THROUGH CHEMO. HOW LONG WILL I HAVE TO WEAR A WIG?
WHY DOES MY WIG COLOR LOOKS DIFFERENT THAN YOUR WEBSITE?
DO I NEED A WIG IF I JUST HAVE THINNING HAIR OR PARTIAL HAIR LOSS?
WHAT OTHER HAIRPIECE OPTIONS ARE AVAILABLE?
CAN I SHOWER OR SWIM IN MY WIG?
CAN I SLEEP IN MY WIG?
CAN I CUT THE HAIR ON MY WIG?
CAN I WEAR A WIG IF MY HEAD SWEATS A LOT?
HOW TO CARE FOR WIGS
HOW OFTEN SHOULD I WASH MY WIG?
WHAT PRODUCTS SHOULD I USE TO WASH AND STYLE MY WIG?
MY WIG IS A MESS! ANY SUGGESTIONS ON HOW TO DE-TANGLE IT?
HOW SHOULD I STORE MY WIG?
HOW DO I KNOW WHAT SIZE TO BUY?
Please refer to our resource guide on Measuring Head Size for Wigs
HOW WILL I KNOW WHAT STYLE AND LENGTH WILL LOOK BEST FOR ME?
Please refer to our resource guide on
Hairstyles for different face shapes
WILL MY WIG COME "PRE-STYLED"?
Most synthetic wigs do NOT require a lot of styling. For most styles, the wig just needs to be shaken out before you put it on, and then brushed or combed a bit around your face, then finished up on the sides and in the back with a few more brushstrokes. If preferred, you can apply a few squirts of wig spray to keep everything in place.
WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A HUMAN HAIR WIG AND A SYNTHETIC FIBER WIG?
Since the 1960’s until recently, human hair wigs were considered superior to synthetic ones. But due to the advance in technology, a majority of the wigs sold these days are made of synthetic fiber. They are less expensive, come in a variety of blended and highlighted colors that are not achievable with human hair. Conveniently, they spring back into their original style after being washed. They are cooler and lightweight to wear, while looking natural.
However, in addition to reasons such as allergic reaction to chemical products, and preferences, human hair wigs last longer, and can be re-styled using hot appliances such as curling irons, hot rollers, blow dryers, etc.
WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A WEFTED CAP AND A MONOFILAMENT CAP?
The majority of wigs are made from synthetic fiber strands that have been sewn onto narrow fabric strips to create “wefts.” These wefts are then sewn into the shape of a cap. These wefted cap wigs are then individually cut and styled. Modern wigs seldom have actual netted caps like you might see on cheap costume wigs sold at discount stores.
On a monofilament wig, a section of tightly-woven transparent mesh is sewn in at the top area of the wig. Individual strands are then tied into the mesh, giving the overall appearance of hair growing out of a natural scalp. Monofilament wigs use a more time-consuming and costly process of cap construction, which is why a “mono-top” wig costs more than a wefted wig. Many women prefer this type of cap, as the strands may be parted anywhere, resulting in a more realistic looking part line. They also tend to be less “full” or “bulky” than most wefted cap wigs.
WHAT IS A HEAT-RESISTANT (FRIENDLY) FIBER WIG?
Since the availability of high quality human hair for wig making has become scarce, the wig manufacturers have developed a new “heat resistant (friendly)” synthetic fiber that better resembles human hair in that it is possible to use moderately hot styling appliances to alter the appearance of the style. Blow dryers at low settings, and hot rollers, curling or straightening irons may be used at settings up to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. This “heat resistant” synthetic fiber has less “shine” than some synthetic fiber wigs.
WHY DID I FIND CHEAPER WIGS ELSEWHERE?
While we make every effort to offer lower cost products, we hesitate to offer products that we would not be happy wearing ourselves. With wigs, unfortunately the old saying is true - "You get what you pay for." With a budget product, the feel of the wig, the construction of the wig, the longevity of the wig, and the comfort of the wig are all compromised. To achieve a quality that we would consider wearing, you can expect to pay a minimum of $85 for a short wig.
To put things into perspective, consider a costume clown wig that you can purchase in any discount store around Halloween. Now imagine that you could purchase a wig of this quality, but in your everyday hairstyle and in your own hair color. Would you want to wear a wig of that caliber for anything besides Halloween? We don't think so... which is why we do not offer them.
HOW CAN I ADJUST THE WIG SO IT FEELS MORE SECURE?
Most wigs come with adjustment straps in the nape (back neck) area of the wig. Some straps are made from Velcro and other straps have a small hook on the end that is placed in the appropriate “pocket” so the wig will fit more securely and comfortably. A wig can be adjusted to about an inch smaller in circumference using these straps.
For customers who have lost hair due to medical conditions, you may feel like your wig is not being held securely in place. Your wig can be further secured by using double-sided tape. Most monofilament-top wigs come with “tape tabs” around the perimeter of the wig. These are small plastic strips that are used to secure the double-sided tape.
WHAT IS THE BEST WAY TO HIDE MY OWN HAIR UNDER THE WIG?
If you have long hair, this can be a challenge. What works well is putting your hair into one or two low ponytails at the base of your neck, twisting it, and then wrapping the twisted ponytail around your head. It can then be pinned in place using bobby pins. If you have relatively short hair, just pin up any sections that might “pop out” from under the wig. No matter what length of hair you have, you might find wearing a wig cap helpful to hold in any loose strands.
WHAT IS A WIG CAP, AND DO I HAVE TO WEAR ONE?
There are three kinds of wig caps: solid nylon (the type of material used for pantyhose), nylon mesh, and cloth. The idea is to use the wig cap to help hold in any stray strands of your own hair so they don’t make a sudden appearance on the outside of your wig.
The wig caps are very useful in holding long hair in place, they help to keep your wig cleaner because they act as a barrier between your natural scalp oils and the wig, and if you are just starting to re-grow hair after chemo, they may prevent hair breakage caused by the wig rubbing against your scalp. However, some customers find them to be very constricting (sometimes to the point of causing headaches), they tend to make the wig feel less secure and more likely to slip off, and if you’re not careful to pull the cap back far enough, it can show at the hairline.
CAN I BLEND MY OWN HAIR WITH THE WIG SO IT LOOKS MORE NATURAL?
Yes! If you leave out some strands of your own hair at your forehead and above your ears, these can be blended into the front of the wig to create a natural-looking hairline. If the wig you are wearing is not the exact color as your own hair, this can work to your benefit by creating the effect of highlighting in the front.
I AM GOING THROUGH CHEMO. HOW LONG WILL I HAVE TO WEAR A WIG?
Generally it will take about two to three months after the last treatment before you see any significant hair re-growth. Even then, if you have always worn your hair long, you may feel uncomfortable going “wigless” in public until your hair is at least several inches long. Hair usually grows at the rate of one-half inch per month. You can use this as a guide for determining how long it will take for your hair to reach the desired length where you will no longer feel the need for continuing to wear a wig.
WHY DOES MY WIG COLOR LOOKS DIFFERENT THAN YOUR WEBSITE?
While we go to every length to ensure that our online swatches are as accurate as possible, individual monitor settings make it impossible to provide a color swatch on your screen that looks exactly like the true color. Our color scans will give you an impression of the overall color but the written descriptions are a more accurate indicator of what the actual color will look like in real life.
DO I NEED A WIG IF I JUST HAVE THINNING HAIR OR PARTIAL HAIR LOSS?
In many cases, a hair topper can conceal thinning hair or areas of hair loss at the crown, hairline or top of the head. These toppers are a great option for women who do not have complete hair loss, as they can be blended seamlessly into your existing hair. Toppers are available in synthetic, heat friendly synthetic and human hair. We offer a wide variety of hairpieces that attach in different ways to disguise hair loss or thinning areas. See our Topper Buying Guide for more detailed information about the types of hair toppers, attachment methods and step-by-step instructions for selecting the right topper for your needs.
Pro Tip: You can also use toppers to add volume to existing hair or cover up new hair growth between colorings.
WHAT OTHER HAIRPIECE OPTIONS ARE AVAILABLE?
We offer several unique hairpiece choices with various attachment methods to create different looks.
Bangs: Clip-in bangs are often worn by women who want to try wearing a hairstyle with bangs without committing to cutting their own hair. We offer several clip-in bang options in differing styles and lengths including Human Hair Bangs by Raquel Welch and Full Sweeping Side Fringe by Christie Brinkley Wigs.
Extensions: Add length and volume to existing hair by adding hair extensions. These extensions clip into your existing hair and are available in several different lengths, a multitude of colors and different textures. We offer a selection of synthetic extensions, as well as heat friendly synthetic and human hair extensions that can be heat styled to match your existing hair's texture.Some extensions come in a set with multiple pieces that are various widths, allowing you to place as many or as few extensions as you need to create the perfect look. Other types of extensions consist of one long strip of hair that is meant to be placed underneath the hair to add length and volume. If you'd like to try this type of extension, we recommend Primaflex by Revlon Wigs.
Hair Wraps: Hair wraps are small hairpiece attachments that you can wrap around a ponytail or bun to add instant elegance and a unique look. We love the look of the Natural Tone Hair Wrap by Christie Brinkley Wigs.
Buns: Even if you have short or thin hair, you can create the look of a classic and polished bun with a bun hairpiece. Hairpieces like the Ballerina Bun by Revlon Wigs attach with combs over your existing hair to give you a full bun look that is so in style right now.
Headbands: Wearing a headband with hair can give you an elegant and intricate look without all of the time and energy that creating this look with your own hair would take. Simply slip on a headband hairpiece and go! With headbands like the Corinthian Headband Hairpiece by Christie Brinkley Wigs, creating a polished look is so easy.
Ponytails: Try adding a ponytail hairpiece like the Wrap-N-Wear Ponytail by Revlon over your existing ponytail or bun for an alluring look that adds a lengthy and luxurious ponytail look. We also love the look of The Pony Hairpiece by Christie Brinkley Wigs for clipping into your hair to create a ponytail look that can be heat styled to your liking thanks to its heat friendly synthetic hair fibers.
CAN I SHOWER OR SWIM IN MY WIG?
We do not recommend wearing your wig during showering or swimming. Your wig can become very tangled and matted when worn in the shower or pool and attempting to remove the matting can cause damage or breakage. Pool chemicals and saltwater can damage wig fibers and cause them to break down quickly, lessening the lifespan of your wig. Chemical reactions can also cause your wig to change colors.
CAN I SLEEP IN MY WIG?
We do not recommend sleeping in your wig. The friction against your pillow can cause the wig to tangle and mat and the lifespan of your wig will be lessened significantly. We recommend wearing a soft sleep cap to keep your head warm and comfortable while sleeping.
CAN I CUT THE HAIR ON MY WIG?
Synthetic wigs come pre-cut and pre-styled. However, many of our customers choose to personalize their wig by having it trimmed or thinned by a professional hair stylist who has experience working with wigs. If your personal hair stylist is comfortable working with wigs, she will be your best option because he or she already knows how your hair is normally worn. Thinning the wig to frame your face shape perfectly or cutting in bangs are options that will customize your look so that your wig fits your individual features. It can add that finishing touch that makes your hairpiece feel just like your own hair. This being said, we don't recommend cutting the wig to drastically change the style as results may not be as expected.
CAN I WEAR A WIG IF MY HEAD SWEATS A LOT?
Absolutely! Because sweat can cause build up on the interior of a wig cap, we recommend wearing a wig cap or a disposable wig liner called Headline It! underneath your wig to wick away moisture and reduce irritation from sweat. The microfiber material of the Headline It! liner works to keep moisture away from your head to keep you cool and dry. It's a great way to allow any wig to be comfortably worn if you perspire heavily. A bamboo wig cap is also a wonderful choice for wig wearers with sweaty scalps because of its natural moisture wicking properties. Wear one underneath your wig to not only protect your wig cap from sweat, but to also help your wig feel more comfortable.
HOW OFTEN SHOULD I WASH MY WIG?
Generally, it is recommended that a wig be washed after wearing 12-15 times in spring and summer, and after 6-8 times in fall or winter. Factors such as air quality and humidity contribute to the frequency of washing, as it does with your own hair. Always keep your own hair clean when wearing your wig to reduce washing frequency. Also, wearing a wig cap underneath your wig will help to absorb the scalp oils.
WHAT PRODUCTS SHOULD I USE TO WASH AND STYLE MY WIG? This is very important! If your wig is made of synthetic fiber or if it is a human hair/synthetic fiber blend, you MUST use products that were developed for synthetic fiber wigs! Even the mildest baby shampoo will dull and damage a synthetic fiber wig in no time! This goes for shampoo, conditioner, mousse, glossers, lusterizers, volumizers, refreshers, and holding sprays! Some products that have been formulated for human hair will actually deteriorate the strands of synthetic fiber wigs.
For a human hair wig, any good shampoo and conditioner sold in a hair salon should be fine.
MY WIG IS A MESS! ANY SUGGESTIONS ON HOW TO DE-TANGLE IT?
The method used to de-tangle a wig will vary depending upon the texture or curl pattern. Some extremely curly wigs will be ruined if you take a comb or brush to them, so the tangles need to be gently worked through with your fingers. Straight and wavy styles can usually be de-tangled using a wide-toothed comb or a pick comb. If the wig has large spiral curls, you will need to be careful to keep the curls in place as you work.
A super long wig will be challenging. We’ve found it best to start at the bottom of the wig where most tangles occur, and then work upwards. Some tangles just don’t seem to ever come out, and it may be necessary to snip them out of the wig, but this is a last resort if the tangle is in a noticeable place! Do not use a de-tangling product or crème rinse on your synthetic fiber wig if the product was designed for use on human hair. This could deteriorate the synthetic fibers and ruin your wig.
HOW SHOULD I STORE MY WIG?
For times when you aren't wearing your wig, you will want to use a wig stand or hard surfaced mannequin for storing your wig. Do not store your wig on a Styrofoam form, as it can permanently stretch out the wig cap and cause your wig to become ill-fitting. Wearing your wig in the shower, pool or while sleeping is not recommended, so you will need a place to put your wig during these times. When you wash your wig, you’ll also need to place your wig on a wig stand for it to dry in order for your wig to maintain its shape. If you don't have a wig stand, you can place your wig on a tall, slender object (such as a can of hairspray) covered with a hand towel. We recommend storing your wig in a cool, dry area away from direct sunlight to help keep your wig in the best condition possible. Avoid keeping your wig in a steamy bathroom or in window sill, as the moisture and heat can damage the wig fibers.