How to Choose a Wig
Every one of us have been wig novices at some point in our life, and have been unsure how to choose a wig for the first time.
However, this is not a problem faced by beginners only.
Also naturals who use wigs as their go-to protective styling sometimes find themselves stuck in a wig rut. That is buying the same wig style time and time again, regardless of whether it suits them or not.
But as always, NaHaZo has got you covered.
We discuss everything from your face shape, preferred colour, lifestyle, length and other considerations to bear in mind when choosing a wig.
By the end of this article, you should be a pro, not only at choosing your desired wig, but making a choice that reflects your personality and style.
Let’s deep dive into-
*Pssst, while we are on the topic on all things wig selection, get up to speed on the different Types of Wigs in the market.
1. How to choose a wig based on your lifestyle
The number one consideration when choosing a wig is your lifestyle.
It is important that your wig choice SUPPORTS your lifestyle, and not vice versa.
What does that mean in real-life terms?
It means that you should select your wig according to main daily activities.
You should ask yourself some of these questions:-
- Am I sedentary or do I move around a lot?
- What are my working hours and how long do I need to get ready?
- Will I need to cover / hide my hair at work?
- Am I involved in contact or intensive sports?
- What season am I getting into? Will it be cold, warm or hot?
- Will I need to wear hats or other accessories on my head?
- How busy is my lifestyle and will I be able to put in the work to maintain my wig?
- How much time do I have to update/ refresh my look?
After you have had a look at your lifestyle, you can then get to terms with choosing the right wig for your face shape.
2. How to choose a wig for your face shape
Choosing the right wig for your face shape is the difference between your look accentuating and softening your features. Or failing to compliment the unique angles of your face.
It is therefore important to become a pro at knowing what wig styles best compliment you. This will make your wig buying and styling decisions that much quicker and easier.
There are 6 common face shapes and we will discuss the complimentary styles that show them off.
2.1 Round face shape
Main aim: To slim, and elongate your face.
Preferred looks: You will need to invest in wigs with:-
- Longer lengths to elongate your face;
- Asymmetrical lengths to add straight lines & lengthen the face;
- Layers to balance out your round features;
- Soft waves and curls to soften and balance out your face; and
- Textured bangs to break up the circular dimension of your face shape.
2.2 Square face shape
Main aim: To find wigs that soften the straight angles of your face.
Best wig looks: The best wig looks for this face shape are:
- Layered bobs to help balance out your features;
- Long, bouncy layers to add softness;
- Textured lobs also add softness to your features;
- Shaggy pixie can balance out your square jawline; and
- Curly bob to accentuate your bone structure.
2.3 Rectangular face shape
Main aim: You will need wigs that soften the angular shape of your face, as well as add balance.
Best wig looks: The most flattering wig styles for this face type are:
- Chin length bobs to add volume at the cheekbones;
- Wigs with waves, layers and curls at cheek / chin level; and
- Layered long wavy styles with side-swept bangs.
2.4 Heart shaped face
Main aim: Show off the delicate proportions of the face shape. This face shape looks flattering in just about any style.
Best looks: Some of the top styles to accentuate this face shape are:
- Wigs that are closely cropped to the head;
- Long, straight wigs with side or middle parting;
- Wigs with bangs to frame your heart shaped face;
- Wavy lob; and
- The classic bob
2.5 Diamond face shape
Main aim: To balance the width of the cheekbones and lengthen the face.
Best looks: The best wig looks are:
- Face framing layers with a side part;
- Wigs with curl and volume to balance out face;
- Long bobs for a feminine silhouette;
- Short pixie wig to accentuate your face shape; and
- Side-part lob with face-framing bangs.
2.6 Oval face shape
Main aim: Highlight the symmetrical features, as well as elongate the face.
Best looks: This face shape was made for:
- Wigs with middle parting. These elongate the face, as well as balance the symmetry;
- Chin bob to highlight your symmetrical features;
- Shaggy, layered shoulder bob for whimsical look;
- Pixie to accentuate the facial symmetry; and
- Wig with a full fringe to show off the balanced face shape.
With knowledge of the best styles to suit your face shape, we can tackle maintaining your wig.
3. Wig Maintenance
This is a big consideration.
Shorter wigs tend to have less manipulation and maintenance needs, as opposed to long, straight or way wigs. Also wigs with loose or tight curls will need to be refreshed more often to maintain the bouncy, wavy look – thus requiring more of your time.
Therefore, when choosing a wig, be honest with yourself as to whether you are up for the maintenance. This is especially true if you decide to buy a synthetic wig.
Because these wigs are made of man-made fibres, they tend to have a shorter lifespan. They are also prone to tangling and getting matted, and so you will need to be on top of its maintenance.
Catch up on our Handy Hacks on How to Care for a Synthetic Wig.
4. Choosing the Right Wig Texture
Wigs have different textures and can either be made of:-
- Human hair; or
- Synthetic hair.
Human hair wigs are self-explanatory and are wigs sourced from real human hair. Synthetic hair, on the other hand, is made of man-made fibres.
Want to look good on a budget? Get clued up on What you need to know about Synthetic Wigs.
If your lifestyle is such that you are pressed for time and maintenance of your wig will be a small part of your routine, then perhaps you can invest in a human hair wig. This requires less maintenance than a synthetic wig and is more forgiving as it does not tangle or matt as easily as a synthetic wig.
Human hair is also a good hair investment. Instead of buying numerous synthetic wigs, you can save and buy that one human hair wig that you can wear for many years down the line.
Synthetic and blended wigs also have their pros, in that they allow you to look good on a budget. And with the right maintenance and styling, you can get a decent lifespan out of these wigs.
Again, it all boils down to your preference, but you must be aware of what it is that you are buying and the implications of your purchase.
Ultimately, once you know the style that suits your face shape and your budget, you can experiment with your look and try a little colour in your wig choice.
5. How to choose a wig colour for your needs?
What kind of girl are you?
Are you a free spirit and like to try different looks? Or do you dip your toe once in a while in unchartered territory and then go back to the safety of what you know?
The great thing about wigs is that you can switch up your look and choose from a variety of colours based on your preference.
HOWEVER, the fact that there is variety does not mean that you need to wear all the colours of the rainbow. Melanin pops in many shades, from creamy brown to dark chocolate, with so many hues in-between.
When choosing a wig that will best suit your needs, you will need to bear in mind the following:-
🌺Auburn wigs looks great on skin with warmer under tones;
🌺Chestnut and dark blond highlights on a wig works well for those with cool under tones;
🌺Purple highlights (or a full purple wig if you are bold) works well with people with darker skin tones;
🌺Jet Black wigs pop against darker skin tones, giving the appearance of fuller, healthier hair;
🌺Brown ombre is perfect for all shades of brown, framing and softening the look; and
🌺Red highlights are perfect for naturals with neutral tones that are neither too warm nor too cool.
Want to know more? Check out our Ultimate Guide to Choosing Wigs for your Skin Tone.
6. Wig length
Last, but not least, you should consider what length of wig you would like to buy.
Wigs come in a variety of lengths from your short pixie cut to tail bone, grazing straight wigs. Again, your lifestyle comes into play and while certain lengths may look cute in pictures, it may not be practical for your life.
Again, do a lifestyle audit and ask yourself the following questions:-
- Are you in a cool or hot climate?
- Do you need to cover / put you hair under a hat?
- Do you work around machinery, food or with little children?
- Are you comfortable having that length for a period of time?
- Is it easy for you to make the time to maintain the style of the long wig you have chosen?
Once you are honest with yourself about your styling needs and lifestyle, you can go ahead and select the length of wig your heart desires.
Wig lengths range from 12’ inches to as long as 36’ inches and these come in a variety of styles of long and wave to curly or springy.
Want to know more? Catch up on the different lengths of wigs in the market.
7. Conclusion
When all has been said and done, choosing a wig, like your style is a very personal thing.
And also like your style, it can be updated and improved with the right knowledge.
Bearing in mind your lifestyle requirements, face shape, skin tone, work-environment and budget, choosing the right wig for you should be easier to do now.
What has your experience been choosing a wig? Do you buy on impulse or do you take your time, making sure that the wig suits your wants and needs? Share and let us know how you go about choosing this protective style.
And as always, stunning ladies, happy naturaling!
