EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW TO CHOOSE THE PERFECT WIG

Picking a wig from so many options is a daunting task! Where do you even start? Take our tips on choosing and caring for your wig.

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Wigs make our lives easier and help protect our natural hair from daily damage in the name of styling. They come in many different fibres, colours, lengths and styles, making them customisable to suit individual needs. While they may seem like the perfect solution for daily wear, a lot can go wrong if you make incorrect choices.

BUY FROM A GOOD SOURCE
First things first. Do your homework and make sure you’re buying your wig from a reputable business. Ask friends and family about places they’d recommend, go online, and check reviews – especially if you’re buying from an online store. Don’t be fooled by super-cheap options. They won’t last well or look as good as better quality wigs.

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CHOOSE YOUR LENGTH & FIBRE
Choose a style and length you like. The shortest length is eight inches and the longest 36 inches. Before you part with your cash, find out what is needed to maintain the hair fibre. For example, curly hair requires leave-in conditioner to help accentuate the curls after a wash, and for straight hair you’ll most likely need a hairdryer and straightener.

To add shine and moisture, use a silicone-based serum.

CHOOSE YOUR CAP & CLOSURE
Next, decide on the type of wig cap and closure you want. A closure is the net base of the wig that helps give a more natural look. They come in the following sizes:

• 4x4 Closure: This is a piece of lace measuring 4 by 4 inches that fits from the hairline to the crown at the front of the head. It usually has three partings.
• 13x4 Lace frontal: This lace measures 13 by 4 inches and goes from ear to ear, towards the crown of the head.
• 360 Lace frontal: This one goes all the way around the head, so you can tie your hair up if you want to.

The bigger or longer the closure, the more expensive it is. The most affordable are 4x4 closures and 360s are the most expensive.



CARING FOR YOUR WIG
As with most things, the better the quality of your wig, the longer it will last, but whatever type you choose, you can prolong its life by following these guidelines on general care.

• A good shampoo and conditioner will perk up your wig – just remember to be gentle when handling it.
• When brushing your wig, work from the tips upwards, gently untangling any knots. Never start at the roots and work towards the ends as this makes tangles worse and causes breakage.
• As with human hair, your wig can be treated with a deep conditioning product if it looks a little dry.
• To add shine and moisture, use a silicone-based serum.
• Use heat-protection spray to reduce heat damage when styling with hot tools – and remember, excess heat will damage the fibres of the wig.
• Use light curl-enhancing products for wavy and curly hair.

Related article: How to maintain and groom wigs



DOS & DON’TS
For a natural look, seek the assistance of a professional, as quite a few processes take place for a wig to look as natural as possible. So, unless you’re a hair aficionado with more than a bit of know-how, leave the following to the experts:

• Colouring your wig. If you try a DIY job and it fails, it might be costly to fi x.
• Cutting or trimming your wig or lace. Hair cutting takes a lot of skill, and if you mess it up, it can’t be undone.
• Using wig glue. Before you try this yourself, be sure to get an expert to show you how. You don’t want to end up with a sticky mess.

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