Buying Your First Wig A blog post from Joseph's Wigs Buying your first wig can often feel a little daunting. From wefted and monofilament wig cap constructions to the difference between human hair and synthetic wigs, you may feel a little lost in wig terminology and the range of different choices. However, it’s nothing to worry about. Buying your first wig should be an enjoyable experience. In this blog we’ll take a look at everything you need to know when looking for your first wig, to ensure you find the wig that feels best for you. Things to Consider When Buying Your First Wig Deciding Between a Synthetic Wig or a Human Hair Wig One of the best ways to narrow down your options when searching for your first wig is deciding between a synthetic or human hair wig. Both have their pros and cons, but the decision entirely depends on the individual, whether or not you have the budget, how you want the wig to feel and whether you require the styling flexibility. With increasingly advanced wig technology nowadays, the difference between the two wig types can be undetectable. Both wig types continue to offer high quality, comfort and versatility no matter what wig you go for. Human Hair Wigs Benefits Extremely natural looking (Obviously!). Styling versatility with the ability to cut and style the wig to however you desire. Heated styling tools can also be used. We recommend using experienced stylists’ help with this to avoid ruining your wig. Different texture choices available to resemble your natural hair. Longevity: expect the wig to last a year or more even when worn daily. Synthetic Wigs Benefits Easy to maintain and care for, synthetic wigs hold their shape well. Available in a broad range of colours and styles to achieve the look you want. Less expensive than human hair wigs. Natural looking, made from leading wig technology which perfectly replicates a natural looking head of hair. Weather-proof which means no unwanted frizz! Cap Size: How to Measure Your Head for a Wig The wig cap is the foundation of a wig to which the hair is attached. They come in a range of sizes, from ultra-petite to large, and it’s important you choose the correct cap size to ensure you feel most comfortable – the wig should feel secure without feeling too tight. It’s therefore really important to measure your head circumference accurately. To do so, grab a flexible measuring tape to wrap around your head easily and then follow these steps: Push back the hairline and place the end of the tape measure in the middle of your natural hairline. Begin running the tape measure, either side, passing behind the ear all the way down to the nape of the neck. Follow the tape measure back towards the starting point, again going behind the ear. Repeat steps 1 – 3 to ensure you get the same measurement both times. There you have it, the circumference measurement of your head. The average cap size is between 54cm- 57cm, anything over is considered a large size and anything under is considered petite. If your head circumference measures between different sizes, it’s not something to worry about as there are adjustment tabs at the back of each wig to ensure a perfect fit. Different Types of Wig Cap Construction for Alopecia For those with hair loss you’ll want to look for a wig cap that is lightweight and focuses on breathability and comfort. The different types of wig cap constructions are as follows: Wefted Wig Caps Wefted wigs are known for their breathability and are lightweight allowing for extra air circulation and comfort, perfect for those with a sensitive scalp. Their affordability doesn’t compromise their high-quality design which makes them the most popular wig cap to buy. Lace Front Cap Construction Lace front wigs offer the most realistic look of all allowing you to style the wig away from your face without having to worry about the wig edge being visible. This wig cap construction offers total styling versatility, naturalness, size adjustability and comfort all in one shot. Monofilament Wigs Monofilament wigs offer all the styling versatility you’d get from a natural head of hair along with the softness, comfort and security needed. They’re totally breathable which makes them ideal for those with hair loss and sensitive scalps. Hand-tied Cap Construction Hand-tied wigs sit at the higher end of the spectrum in terms of quality: each and every hair strand is individually hand-knotted and locked into the soft material. This allows for the wig to have natural movement and an unnoticeable hairline. For those with alopecia, this would be an excellent wig cap to go for as they’re known to be the most comfortable, lightweight wig cap available. Wig Styles & Colours: What Suits You Best? Choosing the right wig style and colour should be something that takes careful consideration as it is ultimately what will accentuate your confidence and help you to feel most like you. From short pixie cut wigs to elegant long wigs to curly wigs and straight wigs, you can either decide to go for your natural look or try something new. Since most styles are available in a wide selection of colours, the choice is entirely yours. It is important to choose a wig that feels most flattering and suitable to you. Factor in your eye colour, skin complexion and face shape to help find the best wig colour and style that highlights your best natural features. Expert Wig Advice from Joseph’s Wigs If you’re in need of professional advice, speak to friendly wig experts from Joseph's Wigs who are more than happy to be a helping hand to those buying a wig for the first time offering a private, personal and compassionate wig fitting service. Visit the Joseph's Wigs website to find out more. Or contact us on:Telephone: 020 8648 5541 Email: [email protected] To find businesses who supply products and services for those with alopecia please visit the Service Directory here. This is a paid advertisement. This payment covers the costs of maintaining the Alopecia UK website (including our Service Directory) and supports the further work of the charity. Whilst Alopecia UK takes care to ensure the accuracy of the information we can not accept liability for any inaccuracies. Further, Alopecia UK provides this information as a resource only and does not in any way endorse the products or services being offered.