Your First Wig: A Simple Guide to Getting Started
What's In This Article
If you’ve never worn a wig before, knowing where to begin can feel a little overwhelming.
There are different fibres, cap constructions, colours, sizes and styles. Suddenly you’re faced with terminology you’ve probably never needed to understand before. So, first things first: you don’t need to become a wig expert to find the right wig. That’s our job and we are here to help.
At Simply Wigs, we’ve been helping people choose wigs for many years, including thousands of customers who were buying a wig for the very first time. Some are choosing a wig because of hair loss, chemotherapy or alopecia. Others simply want to change their hairstyle. Whatever has brought you here, we’ll help you take things one step at a time. There isn’t one ‘perfect wig’ that suits everybody. The right wig is simply the one that feels right for you.
How do I choose my first wig?
Start by measuring your head and setting a budget you feel comfortable with. Choose a fibre that suits your routine: synthetic wigs generally need less styling, while human hair offers more flexibility but needs more care. Look for a comfortable, secure fit and a style you feel happy wearing. If you’re unsure, our friendly team can help you narrow down the options.
Step 1: Think about what you want from your wig
Before looking at colours, brands or cap constructions, ask yourself a much simpler question: What would I like my wig to do for me?
Perhaps you’d like something very similar to your own hair. You might want a completely different style. Maybe comfort is your biggest priority, or perhaps you’re looking for something that’s incredibly easy to look after. There is no right or wrong answer. It can help to think about:
- how often you expect to wear your wig
- whether you want something similar to your usual hairstyle
- how much styling you’d like to do
- whether weight and coolness are particularly important
- your approximate budget
- whether you would prefer synthetic or human hair
You will not have all the answers yet. But they simply give us somewhere to start.
Step 2: Find your wig size
Getting the size right is one of the most important parts of choosing a comfortable wig. Our video shows you how to measure your head, and you can follow these simple instructions:
- Use a soft tape measure, starting at your front hairline.
- Take it around your head, just above your ears and around the nape of your neck, then back to your starting point.
- Keep the tape snug without pulling it tight. If you have hair, flatten it as you would underneath your wig.
- Compare your measurement with the size guide for the wig or brand you’re considering.
Most wigs come in Average size, with Petite and Large options also available, but sizing and fit can vary between brands and styles. Your wig should feel secure without feeling uncomfortably tight. If you’re between sizes or unsure, our friendly team will be happy to help.
Step 3: Synthetic or human hair?
This is one of the questions we’re asked most frequently by new wig wearers. And neither is automatically “better”.
- Synthetic wigs – Modern synthetic wigs can look remarkably natural. They arrive pre-styled and normally return to their original shape after washing, making them particularly easy to look after. They can be an excellent choice for everyday wear and are available across a wide range of prices.
- Human hair wigs – Human hair offers wonderful movement and styling flexibility and can provide an incredibly natural appearance. However, human hair wigs usually require more styling and maintenance and tend to cost considerably more than synthetic styles.
- Heat-friendly synthetic wigs – These fibres allow you to change your style using suitable heated tools, within the manufacturer’s recommended temperature limits. However, more styling flexibility doesn’t always mean easier care. Some heat-friendly fibres need regular, careful detangling and occasional heat maintenance to keep them smooth. Care instructions vary between brands and fibres, so always follow the guidance for your particular wig. If you’re unsure, our friendly team can help you understand what’s involved before you choose.
Our answer? Choose the fibre that works best for your lifestyle rather than assuming the most expensive option must be the best one. You can always read our guide to Syntheic vs Human Hair
Step 4: What wig construction should I get?
Lace fronts. Monofilament tops. Hand-tied caps. Wefts.
It can sound complicated. But the construction simply affects things such as how the wig looks, moves and feels.
If you’d like a little more help understanding the differences, our guide to wig cap construction explains the features and what they could mean for your comfort and styling choices.
| Wig feature | What does it mean? | Why might you choose it? |
|---|---|---|
| Wefted | Hair is attached to strips of material with small spaces between them. | Lightweight, breathable and usually more affordable. A very good choice for many everyday wig wearers. |
| Lace Front | A fine, sheer lace section sits along the front hairline, with hairs individually attached. | Creates a very natural-looking hairline and can allow you to wear the hair away from your face. |
| Monofilament Parting | A fine mesh section is used along the parting, with hairs individually attached. | Gives the appearance of hair growing naturally from the scalp where the wig is parted. |
| Monofilament Top | A larger mesh area covers most or all of the top of the wig. | Provides a very natural scalp appearance and often gives you more flexibility when choosing where to part the hair. |
| Hand-Tied | Individual hairs are tied by hand into a soft cap rather than being attached in traditional wefts. | Allows the hair to move more naturally and can feel beautifully soft and comfortable against the scalp. |
| Double Monofilament | Similar to a monofilament top, but with an additional soft layer underneath. | Particularly soft against sensitive scalps and can be a lovely option for people experiencing complete hair loss. |
Don’t feel that you need every feature listed above. A beautifully made wefted wig may be absolutely perfect for you, while someone else may particularly value a lace front or a softer hand-tied cap. Think about what matters most to you – comfort, appearance, flexibility or budget – and if you’re unsure, just ask us.
Step 5: Choose a style you feel comfortable wearing
When buying your first wig, it can sometimes be tempting to choose something completely different and there is nothing wrong with that. But if you’re feeling nervous about wearing a wig for the first time, starting with a style reasonably close to your usual hair can make the transition feel easier.Think about:
- your usual hair length
- whether you normally have a fringe
- straight, wavy or curly styles
- how much volume you like
- whether you prefer hair around or away from your face
If you’d like some inspiration, explore our wigs for beginners guide. It brings together styles worth considering and explains their features, helping you find a starting point that feels right for you.
Most importantly, choose something that feels like you
Our stunning Customers
Step 6: Finding your colour
Colour is often the part first-time wig wearers worry about most and online colour charts can also look intimidating when you see names, numbers, roots, highlights and blends. Our advice is not to get too caught up in colour codes initially. Start by thinking broadly:
Blonde, brunette, red, grey or something completely different?
Then consider whether you’d like your colour to be warm, cool, highlighted or rooted. If you’re trying to match your existing hair, our team can also help guide you. And remember that wig colours often contain several shades rather than one solid colour. This variation is one of the things that helps modern wigs look natural.
If you still can not decide then Email us at [email protected] or call our friendly team on 01484 844557.
Step 7: Decide on a comfortable budget
There are lovely wigs available across a surprisingly wide price range. Your budget may influence the fibre, construction and brand you choose, but spending more doesn’t automatically mean a particular wig will be better for you. For your first wig, decide roughly what you’re comfortable spending and use that as one of your filters.
Our team will never deliberately steer you towards a more expensive wig simply because it costs more. Our aim is to help you find the right wig, not the most expensive one.
| Wig type | Typical price guide | What you’re mainly paying for | Good for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Synthetic Fibre | Around £90-£350+ | Style, brand and cap construction. Lace fronts and monofilament areas can increase the price. | Easy everyday wear, lower maintenance and a wide choice of styles. |
| Heat-Friendly Synthetic | Around £150-£500+ | A special fibre that can usually be heat styled within the manufacturer’s guidelines, plus cap features and construction. | Anyone wanting more styling flexibility while keeping the convenience of synthetic hair. |
| Human Hair | Around £350-£2,500+ | Human hair quality, length, density and more complex cap constructions. | Maximum styling flexibility and a very natural look and movement. |
A more expensive wig isn’t automatically the right wig for you. Some of our customers are happiest in a straightforward synthetic style, while others value the extra construction or styling flexibility of a premium synthetic or human hair wig. Decide what matters most to you and set a budget that feels comfortable, we will always help you find the best option within it.
Step 8: When your wig arrives
Important! Your first reaction to a new wig isn’t always your final reaction. the wig you receive may have been carefully packaged for some time, so it can need a little shake, gentle finger styling or adjustment before you see how it really looks. Try it on calmly and give yourself a little time. Then check:
- how the cap feels
- whether the size feels secure
- where the ear tabs are sitting
- the position of the hairline
- how the hair naturally falls
Putting on your wig can take a little practice, so don’t worry if it feels unfamiliar at first. Our step-by-step guide to putting on a wig will help you position it and make adjustments for a comfortable, secure fit.
And importantly, don’t cut, alter or permanently style your wig until you’re sure you’re keeping it. Take a look at our returns information before making any alterations.
What if I still don't know which wig to choose?
Then please ask us.
You are not expected to work all of this out by yourself. You can contact the Simply Wigs team and tell us as much or as little as you know.
You might simply say: “I’ve never worn a wig before and I don’t know where to start.” and that is absolutely fine. We can then help narrow things down by talking about your size, preferred style, colour, lifestyle and budget.
If you still can not decide then Email us at [email protected] or call our friendly team on 01484 844557.
We’re from Yorkshire, and if we don’t think something is suitable for you, we’ll tell you.
Ready to have a look?
Now that you know the basics, the easiest place to begin is usually with size and style. You can explore our wig collection at your own pace, filter the results and save anything that catches your eye. If you find two or three styles you like but can’t decide between them, get in touch with us. We’ll happily help you compare them.
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