When it comes to purchasing a wig, you’ve got options. In fact, you have so many options it might feel overwhelming to try to pick a new style and type of wig. These different options can help you meet your very personal needs for cost, comfort, and durability.
You may be choosing a wig or hairpiece for a variety of reasons. Perhaps you are going through a medical treatment like chemotherapy, or you are genetically prone to hair loss. Or maybe you are looking for a fun, new hairstyle without the commitment.
Whatever the reason, wearing a wig should make you feel confident and chic, and choosing the right wig for you plays a major role in that. Wigs certainly do not come in a one size fits all mold; there is a vast array of wig styles, colors, materials, and caps to choose from. Before you decide which wig is right for you, it’s important to understand what you’re buying when you shop for different wig options.
Real Human Hair Wigs vs. Synthetic Hair Wigs
The biggest dictators of cost, comfort, and durability of a wig are the materials they are made with. The two main options for wig material are real human hair or synthetic hair.
Human hair is donated or purchased by wig companies. It is then processed and treated to become a wig. Human hair gives a natural look. Styling options for human hair wigs are slightly more varied as the wig can hold up to some heat styling. This versatility can extend the lifetime of the wig due to style swaps.
Human hair wigs tend to last longer on average anyway, and both their durability and style options increase the price in comparison to synthetic wigs. While it is more expensive than synthetic hair, it looks real because it is real.
Wig-wearers enjoy the natural feel of real human hair wigs, but some note they can be warm. They are a great option for everyday wear given their classic looks and durability.
In contrast, synthetic wigs offer some different benefits for wig-wearers. Synthetic hair wigs have come a long way and now look very natural, too. When it comes down to a strictly looks-oriented competition, both real human hair wigs and synthetic wigs pull their weight.
One bonus of synthetic hair: the upkeep of it is much less demanding. Unlike human hair wigs, a synthetic wig quickly bounces back to the pre-set style. It doesn’t react to rain or humidity or ever loses volume. Some short styles are so easy, they’re called shake and go!
However, the material makes it more difficult for synthetic wigs to be styled. Most heat treatments will melt the synthetics hair strands. Furthermore, they tend to show wear faster than human hair wigs. Synthetic wigs are a great option and made be a perfect choice for a low-cost, special-occasion option that can be swapped in when a human hair wig won’t do.
Though they may not have the longevity of a human hair wig, synthetic wigs do offer a cost-efficient way to build up a wig collection or find a short-term wig option.
Wig Cap Materials
Wig cap materials are just as important as the wig itself. Perhaps they are even more important than the wig as they are what is directly touching your head. Ensuring a good wig cap fit is essential, as one that puts pressure on the scalp or damaged and regrowing hair can cause deeper issues.
There are two types of wig caps. With lace front construction, hair strands are hand-tied to the front hairline, giving the seamless appearance of natural hair growth. This construction is more natural and realistic. It also allows for flexible styling options, including parting and pulling hair up or away from the face.
The second type of wig cap is a monofilament. The monofilament or mono top is made of micromesh. The individual strands of wig hair are hand-tied or woven into the mesh. The mesh is soft and breathable, allowing for the bare scalp to show through. This makes a monofilament cap a great option for chemotherapy patients or those with a sensitive scalp.
Comfort due to the construction materials of your wig is important to request. Shopping in-store at a wig boutique can help you identify which material feels better.
Start at Wig Elegance
When researching and choosing different types of wig materials, it’s important to start with determining your goal for wearing a wig in the first place. Are you replacing lost hair? Are you filling in volume with existing hair? Are you adding a ponytail or bun for special occasions?
Once you know what you want from your wig, you can start the fun process of choosing the right wig materials for you. And if you need help, call Wig Elegance at (215) 945-4900. Our stylists will introduce you to the unique, fun, and private shopping experience of choosing your new style!