If you've recently lost hair, buying a wig to wear can make you feel like yourself again. Or maybe you'd like to go for an entirely new you. Whether you're shopping for a wig due to hair loss from chemotherapy or for another reason, such as alopecia, a few decisions will ensure you're choosing the right type of wig for your lifestyle and your budget. If your hair loss has begun and is expected to continue, consider shopping for a wig before you need it, so you can take a sample of your own hair for matching. But if you've always wondered what you'd look like with hair that's shorter, longer, darker, lighter or curlier, it may be a great time to find out.
What to Look for
While you can order a wig online, and even order swatches before committing to a color and style, consider doing your shopping in person. Whether you go to a department store or specialty shop, the staff should put you at ease.
Your first decision: Real or synthetic? Human hair wigs are more expensive and require more maintenance. Most must be cut and styled before wearing, and must be washed and styled as you would your own hair. But you can change your look by perming or coloring it. A synthetic wig comes already styled, so you know what it will look like. It is more durable and cheaper. You may find a good synthetic wig for as little as $50. A custom-made, human-hair wig can cost several thousand dollars.
Fit is very important. Have a professional measure your head and recommend the cap size that will fit you best. If you're looking for a different color than your natural hair, look for a shade that complements your skin tone.
If you have an oval face, you can wear most styles from short to long, but probably should avoid wearing bangs. If your face is rectangular, a short to medium style may compensate for the length of your face. Layers and parts on the side are probably OK, but a very long style will just make your face look longer. If your face is round, avoid a round style. Try a short style or one that is longer than chin-length. A round style may be ideal for a square face. Look for height at the crown or bangs, and avoid long, straight styles. Emphasize your cheekbones if you have a heart-shaped face and try a chin-length or longer style. Short, full styles may not be best for you.
Common Pitfalls
Don't buy a wig that fits too tight or you'll end up with a headache (or a wig you don't want to wear).
Pay attention to the shape of your face when shopping for a synthetic wig, or when discussing with a stylist how you want your new human-hair wig to look.
Treat your human-hair wig as you would your own. It is a good time to make a change, but remember that if you didn't look like your favorite celebrity walking into the salon, it may be hard to look like her (or him) on the way out. But that doesn't mean you have to leave the pictures at home. If you've clipped photos of good haircuts and styles to illustrate what you would like, take them. Most stylists consider that helpful information.
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