Over time wigs have improved in not only quality, but popularity as well. In the past, most women wore a wig because of an illness or for costume. Today’s women are discovering the fun in wearing wigs to create a new look for themselves. No matter what reason you may have for wearing a wig, making the right choice in selecting a wig to fit your personal needs isn’t always easy.

Synthetic Vs. Human

Synthetic wigs are reasonably priced and easy to maintain. A good quality synthetic wig will cost around $75. They will hold a set longer and they dry much faster than human hair does after washing. The only downfall to this type of wig is that heated styling tools cannot be used on them or the wig will melt.

Human Hair wigs are far more expensive with their price starting at about $350. Human wigs have a natural feel and are very versatile. They can be reset as often as needed and can be touched –up using heated styling tools. The wig can also be dyed or premed. The only downfall is that they require a lot of maintenance since they are made from human hair.

The Perfect Fit

When choosing a wig finding one that fits is the most important step. You will need to measure your head to get the correct size for your wig. To Do This: Using a flexible seamstress tape measure, start at your forehead, just above your eyebrows and measure from one side of your head to the other going all the way around the head. This measurement is your head circumference and will determine what size of wig you will need.

·    If your measurement falls under 20 inches or less then you are an ultra petite or children’s size.

·    If measures 21 inches or less, you’re a petite.

·    For measurements that are 21 ½ to 22 ½ inches, you’re an average size.

·    If you find that you’re 22 ½ inches or larger, you will need to look for a large size wig.

Choosing a Style

When looking for a style of wig, you will want to look for a wig that will flatter your features. To get the best style, your stylist can further assist you in selecting a style and cutting your wig to suit your needs.

·    If you have a full figure, look for a rounded hairstyle unless you’re petite or have a round facial shape.  

·    For petite women look for a wig that is smaller at the crown and fuller at the bottom.

·    If you tend to be on the taller side, a longer style wig would be more flattering. Look for one that falls anywhere from the shoulders to the middle of your back.

·    For a round-shaped face, look for a wig that is smooth at the sides with height at the crown. Avoid a center part.

·    For a heart-shaped face, try a style that is away from the chin line. However if your chin tends to be very pointed, look for a wig that is smooth on top with fullness just below the ears.

·    If you have a square-shaped face, find a wig that is shorter in length with some height at the crown to soften sharp angles.

·    For longer faces, look for a wig that offers width at the sides and some fullness at the crown.

·    For an oval-shaped face, you’re lucky enough that you can wear almost any hairstyle you choose.

The Right Color

The last step in choosing a wig is the color. The wrong color can make you look pale and washed out. The first thing you should do is to avoid colors that are extreme. Stick with a color that is within two shades of your own natural hair color. You should also determine your skin tone when choosing a color. You will fall under: Spring, summer, fall or winter season when determining your skin tone.

·    If you’re a spring, you will have warm golden undertones with creamy white or peach skin. Your hair maybe a strawberry shade and you could have freckles with blue or green eyes. If this is you, opt for any warm blonde color and lighten it instead of toning it down.

·    If you’re a summer, your skin will have pale or pink undertones and blonde to brown hair with pale colored eyes. If this is you, look for cool hair colors such as platinum or ash blonde. Look for cool ash browns or reds with a bluish-red tone in it.

·    If you’re a fall, you’ll have golden undertones and you’re probably a redhead or brunette with golden brown eyes. If this is you, try a color that has gold or copper in it.

·    If you’re a winter, your skin will have blue or pink undertones. You will have pale white, olive or dark skin and be a brunette with dark color eyes. If this is you, look for colors with dark natural tones. Burgundy and rich dark auburns are also wonderful colors.

Now that you know what to look for in a wig, you may want to bring a friend along to help you decide which wig is right for you. Once you think you have the perfect wig, don’t be shy to ask the retailer any questions or concerns you may have. After all, it’s your money and your beautiful self we are talking about here.

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