Choosing your first wig as a beginner can feel overwhelming. Where should you buy a wig? How do you wear it? If you’re new to wigs and have these questions, keep reading—we’ll walk you through the best options for beginners.

1. Choosing the Type of Wig: Human Hair vs. Synthetic Hair

Human Hair Wigs

1. Asian Hair

Most wigs are made from Asian hair, mainly from women in China and India. Other sources include countries like Myanmar, Japan, Laos, Mongolia, and Indonesia, but their production is smaller. Compared to European hair, Asian hair feels thicker, which makes it great for holding more volume and styles.

Pros:

• Asian hair is soft and silky.
• It has a shiny, glossy appearance.
• Can be styled in many different ways.
• With proper care, it lasts a long time.

Cons:

• Harder to find compared to other human hair types.
• Usually more expensive than other human hair wigs.
• May not bleach well beyond a certain light color.

2. European Hair

European hair mostly comes from Russia and Ukraine. It refers to hair from European women, often in high demand due to its silky texture and natural look. European hair wigs are great if you want a wig that closely matches your real hair.

Pros:

• Looks natural.
• Durable and long-lasting.
• Can be styled in many ways.

Cons:

• Can be pricey.
• Requires regular maintenance.

Synthetic Hair Wigs

Synthetic wigs are made from plastic or acrylic fibers designed to look like hair. These fibers are heated and shaped into strands similar to human hair.

Pros:

• Easy to style. Pre-styled and returns to shape after washing.
• Weather-resistant. Holds its style in all weather, even rain.
• Low maintenance. Requires very little upkeep.
• Cost-effective. Much cheaper than human hair wigs.
• Variety: Comes in many colors and styles.

Cons:

• Cannot be dyed.
• May look shiny and unnatural.
• Less versatile, often can’t be heat-styled.
• Doesn’t last as long, usually 4-6 months with daily use.

2. Choosing the Right Wig Cap

Full Lace Wig

A full lace wig uses lace to cover the entire scalp. Each strand of hair is hand-tied, making the wig look natural and allowing for easy movement.

Lace Front Wig

Lace front wigs have a lace base at the front, creating a natural hairline. This allows you to style your hair into a ponytail or bun with a seamless look.

360 Lace Wig

360 lace wigs have lace all around the head, with hair hand-tied into the lace. The rest of the wig cap is stretchy material sewn with hair wefts.

U-Part Wig
A U-part wig has an opening at the top that allows you to blend your own hair with the wig for a natural hairline.

Clip-in Extensions
Clip-in extensions attach to your hair with clips. They’re an easy, damage-free way to add length or volume.

Silk Top Wig
A silk top wig has a silk fabric on the top of the cap, creating the illusion that the hair is growing from your scalp.

Half Wig
A half wig covers part of the head and adds volume or length to your natural hair.

Hat Wig
Hat wigs are a newer style, combining a hat with attached hair. They are comfortable and ideal for people with sensitive scalps.

3. Choosing a Wig Style Based on Your Face Shape

Oval Face
An oval face is considered the “ideal” shape, so most wig styles will suit it. Styles that frame the face, like a long bob or layered mid-length cuts, are flattering.

Square Face
A square face has a wide, angular jawline. Look for wigs that add height at the crown and narrow the sides to balance your face shape. Layers and waves can help soften sharp angles.

Round Face
A round face has a wide hairline and full cheeks. Choose wigs that add height on top to make the face look longer. Avoid blunt chin-length cuts.

Heart-Shaped Face
A heart-shaped face is wide at the forehead and narrow at the chin. Opt for longer layers or styles with bangs to balance the face.

Long Face
A long face is narrow and needs width, not height. Wigs with waves or layers that add volume on the sides are ideal.

4. How to Choose Wig Color and Texture

When choosing a wig, match the color to your skin tone. People with warm tones look best in shades like honey blonde or chocolate brown, while cool-toned individuals suit champagne blonde or ash brown.

5. Finding the Right Wig Size

To find your wig size, measure around your head, starting at your hairline and going over your ears, then down to the nape of your neck. Make sure the tape is snug but not too tight.

6. How to Choose the Right Wig Density

Wig density refers to how thick the wig is. The right density depends on your personal preference, hair length, and lifestyle. Shorter wigs often need less density, while longer wigs benefit from more thickness for a fuller look.

Recommended Wig Density by Length

• Short wigs (6-10 inches): 120%-150% density.
• Medium-length wigs (12-16 inches): 130%-180% density.
• Long wigs (18-22 inches): 150%-250% density.

What to Do if Your Wig Density Isn’t Right

If your wig density is too low, try teasing the hair or adding curls to create more volume. If it’s too high, you can thin it out with thinning scissors or straighten the wig to reduce the bulk.