In today’s society, wigs are not only a demand for people with hair loss, but also a part of fashion. Whether you want to try a new hairstyle without damaging your hair, or need a wig for other reasons, choosing a suitable wig is a technical task. Especially in situations with limited budgets, how to purchase wigs that are both cheap and useful has become a concern for many people. Here is a comprehensive guide on how to choose a cost-effective wig.

Understand the types of wigs

Before purchasing a wig, it is important to first understand the basic types of wigs available in the market. Wigs are mainly divided into two categories: human hair wigs and synthetic wigs.

Human Hair Wig: As its name suggests, this type of wig is made from real human hair, and its biggest advantage is its natural and heat-resistant properties. It can be dyed, permed, and treated like real hair. But the drawbacks are also obvious, with relatively high prices.
Chemical fiber wig: Made of synthetic fibers, it is cheap, diverse in styles, and comes in a variety of colors. But in comparison, their naturalness and durability are not as good as human hair wigs.

 Determine requirements

Before purchasing a wig, it is necessary to clarify your own needs: do you want to wear it on a daily basis, or do you occasionally want to match the costume? Is it pursuing the ultimate natural effect, or just pursuing fashion and change? Clarifying your needs can help you decide which type of wig to choose more quickly.

 Budget setting

Although our goal is to find a cost-effective wig, “cheap” does not necessarily mean “low-quality”. Setting a reasonable budget range can avoid excessive thrift and the purchase of inferior products, as well as unnecessary high expenses.

Choose sales channels

There are many channels for selling wigs on the market, including professional wig shops, online shopping platforms, and even second-hand markets. Each channel has its advantages and disadvantages:

Professional wig shop: can provide professional trial and customization services, but the price may be higher.
Online shopping platform: With a wide variety of options, transparent prices, and easy to compare, but unable to try on, the quality varies.
Second hand market : The price is cheap, but quality needs to be carefully screened.

How to identify the quality of wigs

Identifying the quality of a wig is the key to ensuring that the product you purchase is both economical and practical. The following is a detailed introduction to several methods for judging the quality of wigs, which can help you make wise decisions when choosing.

Fiber examination:

For synthetic wigs, touch is the key. High quality synthetic wigs should be close to the softness of human hair and have a certain sense of weight. The fibers should be uniform, smooth, and without excessive gloss to avoid appearing too fake.
For human hair wigs, check if the fibers really come from real human hair. Human hair wigs should have a natural luster and a natural and non stiff feel. The tail end of human hair is usually thin and thin, which is also a small technique for identification.
Workmanship details:

Internal network design: A good wig is not only about the materials used, but also about the design of its internal network. A good wig should have a lightweight and breathable inner mesh, which can comfortably fit the scalp when worn without causing any tightness or discomfort. In addition, the stitching of the inner mesh should be tight and orderly, without loose threads.
The naturalness of the dividing line: For wigs that mimic the human scalp, the naturalness of the dividing line (also known as the “wig scalp”) is extremely important. High quality wigs will use transparent or scalp colored materials as the dividing line, and the hair density and arrangement at the dividing line should mimic the human scalp to achieve an indistinguishable effect.
Gloss and color:

The glossiness of a wig should be close to that of real human hair and should not be overly shiny or appear greasy. Observing under natural light, the color of high-quality wigs should be uniform without any obvious artificial feeling.
The color transition is also an aspect of inspection, especially for wigs with dyed hair. Whether the color transition is natural and whether it can mimic the effect of human hair dyeing is also an important criterion for judging their quality.
Durability testing:

A simple durability test can be performed by gently pulling on the wig fibers. High quality wigs will not easily fall off or break after slight pulling.
For wigs that can be heat treated, testing their ability to withstand heat is also important. You can inquire with the seller or refer to the manual about whether the wig can be used with a curler or straightener, and what is the maximum temperature it can withstand.

Maintenance and cleaning

Proper maintenance and cleaning are the key to extending the lifespan of wigs. Even relatively inexpensive wigs can significantly improve their appearance and texture through appropriate maintenance. Here are some basic maintenance and cleaning suggestions:

Regular cleaning: Clean the wig regularly according to the frequency of wearing. Generally speaking, wearing a wig a few times a week and cleaning it every 2-4 weeks is sufficient. When cleaning, use mild shampoo specifically designed for wigs and avoid using regular shampoo, as the latter may contain harmful ingredients to wig fibers.

Correct cleaning method: First, gently moisten the wig with cold or warm water (avoid hot water, especially for synthetic wigs). Then, take an appropriate amount of wig specific shampoo in the palm of your hand, evenly apply it to the wig, gently rub and clean, being careful not to pull too much. After cleaning, rinse with clean water to avoid residual shampoo.

Natural air drying: After cleaning, gently pat the wig to remove excess moisture, then place it on a wig stand and let it air dry naturally. Avoid using a hair dryer to dry directly (especially at high temperatures) to avoid damaging the wig fibers.

Correct combing: After the wig is completely dry, use a specialized wig comb to gently comb from the tail, avoiding using a regular comb to prevent hair breakage or damage. For curly wigs, it is recommended to use fingers or a wide toothed comb to gently straighten them to maintain the natural curvature of the curly hair.

Properly stored: When not worn, place the wig on a wig stand to maintain its shape. Avoid placing wigs under heavy objects or in direct sunlight for extended periods of time to prevent deformation or fading.