We have all been there - whether we’re just starting our hair loss journey or we’ve been riding the roller coaster of hair loss for many years! Buying a wig online can be CONFUSING & STRESSFUL!
It’s even more confusing for those who are just beginning their hair loss journey and are unsure of where to start.
When I first started wearing wigs, I didn’t have the option to order one online. I’m from a small town, where everyone knows everyone - therefore someone connected my mom to a lovely lady who sold wigs out of her home.
I can’t tell you how many wigs I tried on: some just for the colour, others for style. They all felt the same, if not, only slightly different.
I didn’t know the difference between a lace top with open wefts or a closed weft cap. I didn’t know the first thing about tightening the straps and I definitely didn’t know how the wig should fit.
But WHY would I have known? HOW should
I have known these things? These aren’t the things that every 13 year old girl just knows! We aren’t taught about wearing wigs or what to do when our hair starts falling out - we’re simply taught to use our P’s and Q’s and smile politely when someone gives us a compliment.
As I grew up, I only crossed paths with two other women who wore wigs. And just like myself, they hadn’t had anyone to guide them on the roller coaster ride of hair loss.
Then, just as I thought I had grasped the concept of wearing alternative hair, I was introduced to the online world of wigs - which I’ll admit, both amazed and terrified me at the same time.
The amount of options impressed me, but also made it nearly impossible to decide.
I had so many questions running through my head:
- “What brand should I choose?”
- “Which cap style should I try?”
- “Should I do 100% Human Hair or try a Synthetic Wig?”
- “Is 130% density too thick? What if it’s not thick enough?”
- “Why am I a small cap for this company, but a large cap for another one?”
- “Do I just have a weird shaped head?”
And then, obviously the question of quality vs. cost came into play. What would happen IF I invested money into a piece that arrived the complete opposite of what I had ordered ? What IF I hated it? What IF it didn’t fit?
As someone who has lived through the scenarios mentioned above and has received wigs that are the wrong colour, wrong size, not the same quality as promised, and has ordered wigs that have just not arrived at all;
Let me share some tips that may help you make the right decision for you:
- Figure out which type of wig best suits your lifestyle: Human Hair, Synthetic or a Blend. Then, create a list of 5-10 Wig Companies that match your criteria.
- When buying wigs online, do your research. There are so many wig companies on the market, which I know can be overwhelming. However, doing research about the hair texture, density and quality of hair helps a lot! It can also help you narrow down your list, based on what each company offers.
- Connect with others in the Hair Loss community to ask for their experience and advice.
- See if the company you’re interested in offers virtual consultations or online support. This is not always the case, but it can make a world of difference - especially when you are able to ask questions.
- Keep in mind that there are NO dumb questions. When doing consults, a lot of the time, clients apologize for asking “too many” questions. However, in my opinion, the more questions, the better. Especially if that means you will feel more confident about your decision.
- Look into the companies’ return policy. Some companies have extremely strict return policies which can be off-setting and scary for first time wig-wearers. If you choose to order online, try to order from a company that allows you to return the wig if you aren’t happy with it - but also keep in mind that a restocking fee may apply.
- Make sure to accurately measure your head using the size guide provided by each company. Just because you fit a Small Cap for Company A, does not mean you’ll fit a Small Cap for Company B.
- Remember that even if you order a custom wig that looks like your bio hair - it probably won’t look EXACTLY like it.
Once you find the perfect wig for you, and it arrives, make sure to follow the care instructions.
No two wig companies are the same, and each one will provide you with slightly different instructions based on the type of hair and the process used to colour the hair!
If you are having a really hard time making a decision online, try to find a wig salon close
to you that will allow you to try on different cap constructions. Even if you don’t want to commit to one of their wigs, it will atleast provide you with the opportunity to get a feel for different textures and structures!