A beginner’s guide to real hair wigs

Real hair wigs – what are they all about? Entering the world of wigs can be as exciting as overwhelming. If you’re planning to wear a wig for the first time, whether for fashion, convenience or medical reasons, this comprehensive guide is just for you. Today, we’ll navigate you through the essential steps of choosing, styling, wearing, and taking care of your first wig.

Wig types

Synthetic vs real hair wigs

You’ll likely come across natural and synthetic hair choices when exploring all the wig options available. Some of the key differences between these two types include:

Styling options. Real wigs can be heat-styled, colored, customized. Synthetic wigs (unless heat-resistant) cannot handle heat tools.
Look and feel. Compared to synthetic wigs that may feel rough and look overly shiny, real hair wigs look and feel more natural, much like your natural hair.
Price and quality. Synthetic wigs may be cheaper, but a higher investment in a long-lasting human hair wig justifies over time. One of the main factors affecting the price of the human hair wig is a meticulous process while making it, as Each human hair wig is meticulously crafted, as every individual hair is carefully tied to the lace by hand. It is a slow and detailed process that reflects the level of craftsmanship behind every piece.

Our store features two high-quality types of natural hair:

Brazilian Hair: Renowned for its coarse texture, it excels at holding curls and crafting voluminous styles. When scrunched, it naturally forms a wavy pattern, enhancing its versatility.
European Hair: This represents the zenith of wig quality. European double drawn hair, known for its uniform strand lengths, offers a sleek, even appearance from root to the tips. This type of hair is soft, smooth, shiny, and typically sleek and straight, making it perfect for elegant, straight styles.

Lace front wigs vs lace top wigs

You can categorize wigs based on their construction, particularly focusing on the parting (top) area or the back area. Here’s what you need to know about both types:

1.Category by top

Silk top wigs: Feature a layer of silk at the top of the cap which hides the knots at the base of the hairs, providing an illusion of hair growing from the scalp.

Lace top wigs: Feature transparent lace at the parting, allowing for a smooth transition in density from the hairline, leading to a realistic appearance.

2. Category by back:

Lace front wigs: These wigs have lace only at the front where the hairline is visible, offering a natural look. The rest of the lace front wigs include wefts for volume and length.

Full lace wigs: entirely handmade of lace, allowing for versatile styling options, including high ponytails and updos. Full lace wigs mimic a natural scalp all around the head.

Single drawn vs double drawn

Additionally, when selecting wigs, you may encounter terms like ‘double drawn’ or ‘single drawn.’ What does that mean? Single drawn wigs feature hair strands of varying lengths, providing a tapered, natural-looking density. In contrast, double drawn wigs consist of strands uniformly cut to the same length, and shorter hair is eliminated twice – by hands and machine, delivering a full, consistent appearance from root to tip.

Types of lace

The lace material plays a significant role in lace wigs. There are several options for lace in real hair wigs, each varying in appearance, comfort, and versatility. At HAIRALICIOUS, we offer three types of lace for glueless wigs: HD, French, and Swiss. All three prioritize comfort, quality, and a natural look for most Caucasian skin tones, but each possesses unique characteristics.

HD lace is the most transparent option, which is excellent for those who want the wig to look completely seamless and natural, even from very close. The downside is that it is also the thinnest option, making the wig slightly more fragile. Frequent wearers of wigs with HD lace might need more frequent trimming of frayed edges, which impacts the overall lifespan.

French lace offers near-transparency similar to HD lace, with a slightly thicker construction. The thickness enhances durability while making it a tad more visible. Our human hair wigs with French lace are strongly recommended for those new to wigs or prioritizing longevity.

If you’re seeking a balance between the natural look of HD lace and the durability of French lace, Swiss lace is the perfect choice. It offers the best of both worlds, making it a versatile option.

Wig ear tabs

These are located on the sides of the wig, aligned with the wearer’s ears. They help to ensure that the wig fits correctly and looks natural around the face. There are two types of ear tabs: lace ear tabs with bendable strips, which offer more styling flexibility (but may require adhesive for some hairstyles like high ponytails) and firm ear tabs that are more beginner-friendly and perfectly stay in place without any glue.

Wig density

Wig density refers to the thickness of a wig, or more precisely – the amount of hair used to construct it. It is usually measured in percentages, where 100% density is considered lightweight, and 180% or above is regarded as highly voluminous.

Wig length

Glueless wigs come in a wide range of lengths, from extremely long styles to short bobs. Moreover, all of our real hair wigs are made with straight or slightly wavy human hair, which can be styled into your desired style using heatless methods or heat tools. However, whether you’re going for a polished look with a straight human hair wig, soft texture with a wavy human hair wig, or a bold transformation with a curly human hair wig, the same length may appear differently depending on the final styling. For example, a 22-inch wig worn straight will look noticeably longer than the same wig styled into tight curls or waves. If you prefer voluminous curly looks but want to retain as much length as possible, we recommend choosing longer wigs.

Need help deciding which wig to choose?

Explore HAIRALICIOUS wig collections by taking a quick quiz! Find out which collection aligns perfectly with your preferences and needs.

Choose from:

What are glueless real hair wigs?

Glueless wigs offer a convenient and comfortable alternative, unlike traditional wigs that rely on adhesives for a secure fit. This is achieved through the construction of the wig cap, which incorporates several key elements working in harmony. The cap typically features adjustable straps, an extra elastic band, clips, and combs that provide further security. Additionally, the glueless wig cap features a stretchy material that naturally conforms to the unique shape of the head.

To ensure a seamless fit at the front hairline, glueless wigs have a specifically designed front section that lays smoothly against your forehead without the need for adhesives. Some wigs come with an extra elastic band that additionally helps laying the front lace flat. The key to a secure fit on the sides lies within the ear tabs. Wigs that have firm ear tabs lay flat without any glue, while wigs with lace ear tabs feature bendable strips that gently conform to the contours of your head and provide a comfortable and secure fit without the need for any additional adhesives.

Why you will love glueless wigs

Seamlessly adaptable: glueless wigs are made from stretchy fabric, allowing them to comfortably and securely fit various head shapes for a natural look.
Effortlessly on the go: easy to put on and remove, perfect for hectic mornings or impromptu style changes.
Perfect for beginners: glueless wigs look natural with minimal effort, making them an ideal choice even for those who have never owned a wig before.
Durability: glueless wigs are designed to last long without the need for adhesive products. Because they don’t require glue or glue solvents, there is no additional damage to the cap or the wig’s hair. Therefore, they are a secure long-term investment in your style, unlike wigs that require glue.
Comfort: crafted from luxuriously soft materials with breathable construction, glueless wigs ensure all-day comfort without irritation.
Versatile styling: whether you prefer sleek and straight, bouncy waves or elegant updos, you can achieve your desired look on a glueless wig with heat styling, heatless methods, and your favorite hair products.
Suitable for sensitive skin: as glueless wigs do not require any harsh or irritating adhesives to stay in place, they are considered some of the best wigs for people with sensitive or easily irritated skin.

Are real hair wigs Kosher?

Our glueless real hair wigs are made from European or Brazilian hair, ensuring they meet Kosher standards. Based in Europe, we carefully select our hair from sources with no religious affiliations, giving our customers confidence in our product’s Kosher status. While we do not have a Rabbi certify our wigs, we never use Indian hair in our products.

Selecting the proper cap and size

Choosing the perfect wig always starts with measurements, especially when ordering online. This ensures that your wig fits perfectly and looks natural.

Before measuring, make sure your hair is styled properly, exactly the same as you plan to wear it under the wig. This step will let you account the necessary space needed and therefore avoid choosing a wig that is too small. When measuring, use a cloth measuring tape, hold it flat and snug around your hairline.

First, measure your circumference, starting at the center of the front hairline, going just above the ear towards the back of the head, keeping the tape at the nape of your neck and go around to the opposite side of your head, just above the opposite ear and returning to the center of the front hairline.

Then, measure your front to nape measurement from your forehead to the nape. Make sure to measure three times for consistency.

Wigs come with various cap types tailored for different needs. The design of some caps can have adhesive application, providing a secure fit, while glueless wigs offer ease of use without needing adhesives. Also, consider lace ear tabs for a more natural hairline; they’re flexible, can be cut to size, and work well under glasses without adding bulk.

For reference, here’s how different head measurements align with the cap sizes offered by HAIRALICIOUS:

Ultra Small: Circumference 20.25″–21.25″, Front to Nape 12″–12.5″
Small: Circumference 21.25″–22.25″, Front to Nape 13″–14″
Medium: Circumference 22.5″–23.5″, Front to Nape 13.75″–14.75″
Large: Circumference 23.25″, Front to Nape 15″–15.5″

Finding your true color and style

If you’re on a search of a truly perfect wig that looks like it’s made especially for you, it’s beneficial to consider options that complement your unique skin tone and face shape. This approach isn’t mandatory but can be especially helpful for first-time buyers who wish to avoid any missteps.

At HAIRALICIOUS, you can find a detailed color comparison table of every wig on the store. There, you can find all the details about the color each wig has: general color tone, level of color dimension, darker roots type and root color level. We list all the wigs from the lightest root color level to the darkest. You can find this table under the description of each wig.

What is more, you can always customize the hairstyle of a wig to complement your face shape. Whether you like wavy hair or sleek straight hair look, or maybe you’d like your wig to have a specific haircut: fringe, bangs, layers, or bob haircut – we can personalize your wig the way you like!

The right color

If you have a warm skin tone, consider shades like honey blonde and chestnut brown, which will beautifully highlight your golden undertones beautifully. For those with cool skin tones, ash blonde and cool brown can neutralize pinkish or blue undertones, creating a flattering look. Wig wearers with neutral skin tones enjoy the freedom to experiment with both warm and cool shades, as nearly all colors will look harmonious against their balanced complexion.

By the way, at HAIRALICIOUS, our colors are inspired by celebrities. You can check the names of the colors in the comparison table. Once you choose a color that you like, you can enter the celebrity’s name in the search field to find all the wigs in that color from all wig collections that we have.

The cut

The shape of your face plays a crucial role in determining the most flattering wig style. Oval faces are versatile and can carry any style gracefully because of their balanced proportions. Round faces benefit from styles that add height and layers, which help elongate the face and give it more definition. Square faces look great with curls or waves that soften the angular jawline, and lengths that extend beyond the jaw can minimize its sharpness. Heart-shaped faces are best served by styles that broaden the chin, such as chin-length bobs, or by side parts that draw attention away from the forehead.

Get inspired by HAIRALICIOUS’ wigs tailored to different face shapes:

Once you decide what haircut would suit your face shape the best, simply answer “Yes” to the question “Would you like to customize this style?” and you’ll see all the available haircut options you can choose.

Preparing and styling your new wig

How to put on a wig

When you first unbox your wig, gently shake it to let it fall into its natural shape. If your wig has excess lace at the hairline, you can either have it pre-cut by us or trim it yourself. To do it at home, lightly brush water over the hair to smooth any flyaways, then carefully cut the lace with sharp scissors along the hairline. If you aren’t planning to use adhesives, ensure the lace is cut straight to help it lay flat. Once trimmed, adjust the wig on your head, aligning the hairline.

Wondering how to put on a wig? Once your wig is styled and ready to wear, you’ll find that applying it is not as difficult as it may seem. Begin by making your biological hair as flat as possible, using a low ponytail, twist, or loose braid, and set it with a bit of hairspray to keep flyaways at bay. If your natural hair is long, braid it into two low braids and wrap them around your head. Position the wig under your natural hairline, then bring the back of the wig down to the nape of your neck and secure the elastic band if your wig has one. Where should ear tabs on a wig go? They should sit symmetrically, directly in front of your ears. If any biological hair peeks out, use your fingers or a comb to tuck it neatly underneath the wig.

How to style a wig? All about styling tools and styling products

Real hair wigs offer the same styling flexibility as biological hair, allowing you to use both heatless methods and heated tools with ease. Wondering how to style a wig without heat? Options like scrunching wet hair, braids or even a robe tie are excellent for creating natural waves as the hair dries. On the other hand, you can also use heated tools, such as flat irons or curling wands to achieve more defined curls. When choosing heated tools to style your wig, make sure to use heat protectant and set to a moderate temperature in order to avoid any damage to the hair.

Incorporating styling products like mousse or light hairspray can enhance the appearance and durability of your wig’s style. However, you should use these products sparingly to maintain a natural look and avoid product buildup. Generally, treating your real hair wigs as you would your own hair is essential for ensuring their longevity.

Are hair updos possible with glueless wigs made from human hair?

Yes! Creating updos with glueless human hair wigs is possible and relatively easy. When considering how to style a wig into an updo, choose a wig style that leverages the natural weight and distribution of the hair, such as a twisted updo, low bun, or a braided crown. This kind of wig style will help maintain the wig’s security without needing adhesives or additional securing mechanisms. For more intricate styles, such as high ponytails or sophisticated top knots, ensure the base of the wig is snug and properly adjusted to withstand the extra pull from these styles. Exploring these wig style ideas enables you to enjoy the best wigs for every occasion, adding elegance and diversity to your hairstyle choices without compromising the wig’s stability or comfort.

Haircuts and coloring options

One of the unique advantages of real hair wigs is the opportunity to customize it through cutting and coloring, much like your own natural hair. You can easily adjust features such as the parting side daily or opt for professional styling to meet your specific needs. However, when deciding to dye your wig, it’s essential to consider the following tips for optimal results:

Bleaching can reduce the longevity of your wig. It is advisable to bleach only if the wig hasn’t been dyed before or was previously treated with professional-quality dyes. Always conduct a strand test to anticipate the final result before applying bleach to the entire wig.
When darkening your wig, make sure to apply the dye cautiously to avoid staining the lace and knots. Stains on these areas can be difficult to remove and can detract from the wig’s natural appearance.

Ensuring the lace blends with your skin tone

If the lace is too light for your skin tone, one effective method is to trim the lace as close to the hairline as possible. This reduces the visible area of the lace, making it less noticeable against your skin. Another option is to use makeup to darken the lace. Applying makeup that matches your skin tone can blend the lace seamlessly with your complexion. This method is safe and non-permanent, allowing you to wash off the product and try again if necessary. Additionally, lace tint sprays can darken the lace to match your skin tone more accurately. These products are designed specifically for this purpose. They can be applied easily to ensure your wig looks as natural as possible.

If the lace is too dark, you can also trim the lace or use makeup to lighten it. Choosing a lighter foundation or powder can help match your skin tone better.

Interested in getting your wig professionally customized?

We’ve compiled a list of skilled hairstylists who specialize in working with alternative hair!

Common challenges new wig wearers may face

1. The wig doesn’t look natural

There are a few reasons your wig might not look quite natural. Let’s break them down to find the easiest fix for you:

Since there are many different skin tones, it’s possible that the lace will not ideally match the color of your scalp. Remember that tip about makeup and lace tint sprays? They can help adjust the lace color for a more natural look.
Keep in mind that certain hairstyles may not complement your face as well as others. Additionally, real hair wigs may lose some of their styling during delivery. Be ready to spend some time shaping the wig to your preference, as this is an essential part of maintaining your desired style. Even a small adjustment, such as switching the parting side, can significantly impact the appearance of your wig.
Wig placement is also a common beginner mistake. Putting your wig on too low can make the hairline look unnatural and crowd your face. The wig should sit comfortably, not super low on your forehead. Place four fingers horizontally across your forehead from your eyebrows. The spot where your last finger lands is where the wig’s hairline should start.

2. The wig doesn’t feel comfortable to wear

The most likely reason the wig doesn’t feel comfortable is its incorrect size. Getting the right size wig is key for both comfort and a natural look. For example, if the wig is too small, it will feel tight and won’t sit properly on your head. Conversely, an oversized wig can appear unnatural and disproportionate, with the lace failing to blend seamlessly with the hairline. Taking the time to measure your head accurately before buying a wig will save you trouble in the long run.

3. The wig loses its style after washing

This is totally normal with real hair wigs. Water can loosen the style, just like it would on your own hair, meaning that you will have to restyle the wig after each wash. Also, to achieve your desired parting style, whether it’s a sleek, voluminous, middle or side-parted look, it’s best to work while the hair is still wet.

Wig care

How to brush a wig

Regular but careful brushing helps maintain your wig’s smooth look, prevents it from tangling and contributes to its overall longevity. So, how to brush a wig? When detangling your wig, gently brush from the bottom and work upwards. This technique helps prevent breakage. Brush your wig when it’s completely dry as brushing wet hair can lead to stretching or damage, especially with human hair wigs. If the wig is slightly tangled, take your time and be patient, avoid tugging or pulling too forcefully.

Step-by-step instructions for washing

Properly washing your wig helps maintain its quality and longevity. Start by gently brushing it from the tips to the roots to prevent tangling. Hold the wig by the cap and soak it thoroughly with lukewarm water. Apply a sulfate-free shampoo with your fingers, and if there’s an odor, soak it in a shampoo solution for five minutes. Rinse with cold water.

After shampooing, apply conditioner from mid-lengths to the tips and leave it for up to 20 minutes if the ends are dry. Rinse thoroughly, especially important for silk top wigs to remove all residues between the layers of a silk fabric. Gently squeeze out excess water, and wrap the wig in a towel briefly.

Apply leave-in conditioner and a light hair oil while damp, avoiding the wig base. Use a wide-tooth comb to detangle from the bottom up. Finally, style the parting as desired and let the wig dry naturally.

It is recommended to wash your real hair wigs every 6-8 wears, or more frequently if it accumulates product build-up. How often should you wash your wig depends on many factors, such as whether you sleep or exercise while wearing it, how often you wear it, your skin’s tendency to sweat, the climate you live in (whether it’s humid or hot), whether you live in a smoke-free environment, and whether you alternate between wigs or wear the same one daily. Just like our own bio hair – we wash it when dirt, smell and sweat accumulates. This wig care routine will keep your wig looking fresh, smelling good, and feeling soft.

Using wig care products

Using appropriate wig care products is essential for maintaining the health and appearance of your real hair wig. Start by selecting a gentle, SLS/SLES-free shampoo. Avoid any harsh deep-cleansing formulas or those designed for synthetic wigs, as they can cause permanent damage. When applying conditioners, masks, or oil-based products, ensure they are used only from the mid-lengths to the ends. Applying these near the wig’s base can make the knots slippery, leading to excessive shedding.

How to store a wig?

Proper storage is crucial to preserving your wig’s shape and quality. Always place your wig on a mannequin head or a wig stand to maintain its form. If you don’t own a mannequin head, you can gently stuff the inside of the wig with a soft tissue paper or a clean t-shirt.

Avoid storing it in direct sunlight or damp areas, as this can cause damage to the hair fibers and fade the color. Covering the wig with a light cloth will protect it from dust and other elements, ensuring it stays clean and ready for its next use.

Wig care tips

Key factors that affect durability

Several factors can affect the durability of natural hair wigs, such as improper brushing, inadequate moisturization, alcohol-based styling products, and neglecting proper care routines. To ensure your wig remains in excellent condition and lasts as long as possible, consider these essential wig care tips:

Since wigs do not receive natural oils from the scalp, keeping the hair moisturized is essential. Apply leave-in conditioner regularly, but do so carefully to avoid the wig base.
Excessive heat can damage the hair fibers of your wig just as it would your natural hair. Use a heat-protectant when styling with heated tools.
If you wear your wig while sleeping, protect it by braiding it or using a silk cap to reduce friction.
Always wash and rinse with cold water to maintain the wig’s color. Use shampoos designed for colored hair and avoid harsh, deep-cleansing shampoos that can cause color to fade quickly.

Greasy or sweat-prone scalp: extra steps for wig longevity

A few hairs falling out is normal, but excessive shedding is concerning and can be caused by skin oils and sweat loosening knots. If you have a greasy scalp or are prone to sweating, wearing a wig cap can help prevent oils and sweat from reaching the wig and reduce washing frequency, thus extending the wig’s life. Also, you should always wash your real hair wigs when they become too oily to maintain their longevity.

Seasonal adjustments: should you adapt your wig care according to the season?

If you aim to maintain your wig’s quality and longevity, adjusting your wig care habits according to the season might be a recommendation. How to do it?

Increase deep conditioning treatments in winter to counteract the drying effects of cold weather and indoor heating. During the summer, protect your wig from the harsh sun with UV protection sprays to prevent color fading and damage. Additionally, consider using lighter products in the summer to avoid weighing down the wig in humid conditions.

How to extend your wig’s lifespan?

A well-maintained wig can serve longer than you might think. If you notice your wig is starting to show signs of wear, you can refresh it’s look. If with time you notice dry or split ends, a simple trim will do the trick. Trimming hair ends regularly will give you some extra months of wear. When you notice fraying lace, you can trim it from time to time. You don’t need to cut much, trimming just one millimeter or just a few frayed spots are plenty to make it look like new again. Another thing you can notice with time is color fading. It is especially common for hand-dyed wigs. In case this happens, you can tone your wig to bring back its original color tone. By addressing these issues as they arise, you can extend your wig’s lifespan significantly, ensuring you get the most out of your investment.

Wig terminology

In searching for real hair wigs, you will encounter a lot of terminology that may not sound familiar. To make this process and your decision easier, we’ve compiled a list of the most commonly used terms to define certain parts of human hair wigs:

Wig base

The foundation of a wig, resembling a cap that contours the shape of a head, providing the structure on which the hair is attached.

Parting

The area at the top of the wig where the hair is divided to mimic a natural hair parting crucial for the wig’s styling versatility.

Wefts

Strips of hair that are sewn onto the wig cap, typically at the back. They add volume and length and are less visible, making them ideal for areas covered by other hair.

Return hair (or Flyaway Hairs)

Shorter hairs resulting from the knotting process. They are inevitable on lace top wigs and require styling to blend them into the rest of the hair.

Lace

A fine mesh fabric used at the front and top of many human hair wigs, where hair is individually tied to the material. The lace is designed to mimic a natural scalp, offering a seamless transition if matched correctly with skin tone.

Extra elastic band

Additional feature that can be used to secure the wig more comfortably. It helps to keep the lace front flat against the head and is particularly beneficial for individuals with complete hair loss, as it does not require adhesive.

Knots

The method of attaching hair strands to the wig base by tying them. Smaller, less visible knots can make the wig look more natural, whereas larger knots provide stronger hold but are more noticeable.

Comb

A gentle attachment option embedded within the wig to secure it to the wearer’s biological hair without causing tension or damage.

Clips

These provide a firmer hold than combs, ensuring the wig remains securely in place. However, clips can be more damaging to natural hair, so they should be used sparingly.

Key takeaways: 4 things you MUST know when purchasing your first real hair wig

Real hair wigs are categorized by construction: top types include silk top wigs for a realistic scalp and lace top wigs for a smooth hairline; back types include lace front wigs for a natural look and full lace wigs for versatile styling. Hair and lace types vary within these categories.
When selecting a wig, start with accurate head measurements. Match wig colors and styles to your skin tone and face shape, with options for customization to achieve a natural and flattering look.
To prepare your wig for wearing, trim any excess lace at the hairline. Adjust the wig on your head for a proper fit and style using heatless or heated tools, applying products sparingly for a natural look.
Wig maintenance involves washing it with a sulfate-free shampoo, conditioning it from mid-lengths to tips, and letting it dry naturally every 6-8 wears. Proper storage, regular trimming, and seasonal care adjustments can significantly extend your wig’s lifespan.

Want to make the most out of your wig experience?

More than 10 years ago I started my first journey with alternative hair. Back then, finding a quality realistic wig from a trustworthy source was quite a challenge, to say the least. Not to mention – I didn’t understand half of what I was reading about wigs when doing my research.

Now, more than a decade after, I’m eager to share what I’ve learned over the years, and hopefully help to make the hair loss experience and journey to wigs less distressing.

Me and my team have created Wig Academy Program, where you’ll find everything there is to know about wigs: from wig 101 to professional secrets and tricks accommodating your specific needs. You can start your journey with free STARTER course here:

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