The Beginners Guide to Buying Wigs Online

2022-09-10 04:50:42 By : Mr. Bill ZenithMachinery

Every item on this page was chosen by an ELLE editor. We may earn commission on some of the items you choose to buy.

So, you're in-between hairstyles and don't know your next move? Or maybe you finally did the big chop and need a little versatility in your look? Or, could it be that you're in dire need of a refresh? Then, allow me to point you in the direction of wigs. Once a taboo subject only hushed to friends in your inner circle, wigs have become the cornerstone of celebrities' look. Beyoncé, Zendaya, Megan Thee Stallion, etc., are all wig-wearers, but their purpose extends far beyond glossy red carpets."Wigs are one of the best protective hairstyles that allow your natural hair underneath to take a breather from any excessive product or heat. In addition, it gives you a chance to explore color and style options without ruining your natural hair," celebrity stylist Kahh Spence (who counts Kehlani, Kelly Rowland, Doja Cat, and more as clients) tells ELLE.com. A general rule of thumb? "Look for lace quality and hair quality when shopping for wigs, the longevity of the hair, the density, and luster. Always opt for human hair and the thinnest, most flexible lace as possible," fellow celebrity stylist Tym Wallace (Brandy, Taraji P. Henson, MJ Rodriguez, Mary J. Blige) advises.

Also, always ask questions if you're unsure about the quality of lace. "I know how hard it can be to invest money into something that isn’t up to par. It’s not always about the amount of money spent. Ask yourself if this hair able to hold color, heat, will it revert to its natural curl pattern quickly, does it shed, etc. You want to make sure the wig checks off every box I need it to before purchasing. Ask as many questions as you need to to make sure it’s the perfect fit for you," Spence adds.

Now that you have celebrity tips, scroll down for the best places to get quality hair for non-celebrity prices.

Known for its "clear lace and clean hairline," XRS Beauty Hair does the hard work for you, so all you need to do is cut, glue, and be on your merry way. What's more, the brand's offering extends past typical hair types to offer customers a variety of textures, including yaki straight, deep wave, and more. 

If you're too lazy to glue down a 13x4 or 13x6, AliPearl offers beginner-friendly closure wigs in sizes like 5x5 and 6x6. 

We have TikTok to thank for making this Outre wig a viral sensation. This wig takes the legwork out of customizing your lace front by providing customers with "perfect hairline"—undetectable HD lace, a pre-plucked hairline that mimics a real one, and a $60 price tag. 

Waeve recently launched with its Days of the Week collection—six wigs, both synthetic and human—that can be swapped and changed to fit whatever mood, whatever day. As one of the few Black people in her hometown growing up, co-founder Mary Imevbore—who launched Waeve with Mary Imevbore, Susana Hawken, and Tiiso McGinty—turned to YouTube University to learn how to care for her natural hair. But the time-consuming process led her on a search for an alternative way to switch up her look without a hefty price tag. "The process for purchasing a wig is quite painful. I can't remember how many times I watched YouTubers review a hair company and say it's great hair, but the comments say otherwise," Imevbore said. "Wigs are the new thing. People aren't relaxing their hair that much anymore, wigs just offer unparalleled flexibility. That's what we wanted Waeve to embrace, the fun side of wigs."

Lace fronts and closures can be a bit intimidating, especially if you're unaware of what products to use to customize them best. Amazon has a plethora of wigs to choose from, including this U-part unit that allow for most of your head to be concealed, while leaving enough hair to cover the top and front of your hair for a seamless blend.

Not only does Mayvenn offer a slew of different wig styles, the company also provides a directory of stylists who are skilled and trained to install wigs and weaves.  

RPGShow is the creme de la creme of wig companies. They offer so many different colors and styles, including Kahh Spence's own collection of natural every day styles. 

If you've ever come across a Chia V hair video on Instagram, you know that it stops you in your tracks. You try to zoom in to find the lace but Chia V knows how to make a lace front disappear to look like scalp. She offers a collection of wigs that will make anyone ask, "What lace?" Don't be discouraged by the hefty price, it's well worth the investment.

Bellami Hair rose to fame once word got out that the company is a favorite of Kylie Jenner and influencers. The celeb-approved brand allows you to shop by length, color or style to get your desired look.

A favorite amongst beauty YouTubers, BeautyForever offers quality hair for a reasonable price. What's more, most times the site offers a discount code to help you buy more without breaking the bank. 

WowAfrican offers a mix of textures, but they're known for their Yaki wigs, which resemble Black hair types. Whether you want a blown-out look or something sleeker, WowAfrican has that "straight from my scalp" vibe you're looking for.

As the name suggests, HerGivenHair's collection looks exactly like your hair and the hair of Black women you pass by each day. Opt for a full curly unit that gives you twist-out curls without the hassle and multi-step routine, or a headband wig to give your edges a tension-free style.

Latced and Hooked went viral for giving women a fun alternative to lace front wigs: a wig hat. Heading to the gym but you want to preserve your hair? Need to run some quick errands but don't have the time to whip up a quick style? Throw on this wig hat and nobody will know.