How to Choose the Right Wig for You (Without Overthinking It)
- Jenny Low
- Feb 10
- 5 min read
Picking a wig should feel exciting—like planning a mini glow-up—not confusing, overwhelming, and filled with a million “Wait… what does that mean?” moments.
Whether you’re brand new to wigs or you’ve owned a few and you’re ready for a better one, this guide will help you choose a wig that fits your head, your lifestyle, and your vibe. Let’s make this fun and easy.
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Step 1: Start with the real question… *What’s the wig for?
Before you click “add to cart,” get clear on what you actually need.
Ask yourself:
- Is this an everyday wig or an occasional wig?
- Do you want something low maintenance or are you okay with styling?
- Do you need extra comfort for a sensitive scalp (medical hair loss, postpartum shedding, alopecia, chemo, etc.)?
- Do you want it to look like “my hair but better” or a full transformation?
This one step makes every decision after this so much easier.
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Step 2: Know your head dimensions (because fit = comfort)
A gorgeous wig that doesn’t fit right will have you adjusting it all day… and nobody wants that.
How to measure your head for a wig (quick + easy)
Grab a soft measuring tape (the flexible kind). If you don’t have one, use a string and measure it against a ruler.
Measure these three basics:
1. Circumference
- Wrap the tape around your hairline: starting at your forehead, around behind your ears, and back to the front.
2. Front to nape
- From the center of your hairline straight back to the nape of your neck.
3. Ear to ear (across forehead)
- From the top of one ear across your hairline to the top of the other ear.
Write your numbers down in inches. If you’re between sizes, that’s not a deal-breaker—many wigs have adjustable straps, elastic, and internal combs. But knowing your measurements helps you choose confidently (and comfortably).
Pro tip: If you have thick hair underneath, measure with your hair the way you’ll actually wear it (braided down, wrapped, or under a wig cap).
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Step 3: Lace front or closure? (This is the “hairline” decision)
This is one of the biggest choices because it affects how natural the wig looks and how you can style it.
- Lace front = lace across the front hairline (great if you want a realistic hairline and the option to style off the face)
- Closure = lace only at the top/part area (often lower maintenance, very beginner-friendly)
I break it down in detail here (with examples):
Quick cheat sheet:
- Want to wear your hair pulled back or tucked behind your ears a lot? → Lace front
- Want something simple, secure, and easy? → Closure
- Want the most “scalp-like” look at the part? → Both can do it—installation/customization matters.
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Step 4: Choose your length (aka lifestyle + honesty)
Wig length is like getting bangs: gorgeous in theory, but you want to be realistic about maintenance.
Ask:
- Do you want wash-and-go vibes?
- Are you okay with detangling a bit more often?
- Do you wear a lot of scarves, jackets, or sweaters (hello friction)?
General rule: The longer the wig, the more it rubs on clothes, and the more it can tangle. Not a reason to avoid long hair—just something to know.
Easy length guide
- 10–14 inches: polished, easy, everyday friendly
- 16–20 inches: glam but still manageable
- 22+ inches: main-character energy (and requires more upkeep)
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Step 5: Pick your color (and don’t skip this part)
Color can make a wig look incredibly natural—or slightly “off” even if the wig is amazing.
A few fun, helpful tips:
- If you want the most natural look, choose a shade that complements your brows and skin undertone.
- If you’re new to wigs, consider something close to your natural color first (you can always go bolder later).
- Dimensional colors (highlights, balayage, rooted looks) often look more “real” because natural hair isn’t usually one flat shade.
Pro tip: If you’re choosing between two colors, think about your makeup and wardrobe. Are you a warm neutrals person? A cool-toned girl? Do you live in black? That matters more than people think.
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Step 6: Decide on hair type: human hair vs synthetic (and be honest about your schedule)
You’ve already read some of our wig education posts, so here’s the quick version:
- Human hair: most versatile for heat styling, can be colored (carefully), looks very natural, usually higher investment
- Synthetic: holds the style well, often lower maintenance day-to-day, typically more affordable, but has limitations with heat and longevity (depending on the fiber)
If you want more on this, you can link your readers to your human vs synthetic post (if it lives on Bigwig Bar)—it pairs perfectly with this guide. https://www.bigwigbar.com/post/synthetic-vs-human-hair-wigs-pros-cons-and-how-to-choose-what-s-right-for-you
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Step 7: Understand cap construction + comfort (especially if you’re sensitive)
This part is underrated. The cap affects:
- breathability
- security
- comfort
- how “flat” the wig sits
- how natural it looks
Things to consider:
- Sensitive scalp / medical hair loss: prioritize soft cap materials, secure-but-gentle fit, and minimal irritation points.
- You want ultra realistic: lace and customization help (hairline, knots, parting).
- You’re active: you’ll want secure fit options (adjustable straps, wig grips, proper sizing).
If you’re not sure, that’s exactly what a consultation is for.
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Step 8: Know what “customization” really means (this is where the magic happens)
A lot of wigs look “wiggy” not because they’re bad… but because they’re not customized.
Customization can include:
- trimming lace properly
- thinning/softening the hairline
- adjusting density around the front
- creating a flattering part
- cutting layers or face-framing
- styling to suit your face shape
If you’ve ever put a wig on and thought, “Why does it look like a helmet on me?”—customization is usually the fix.
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Step 9: Double-check the return policy (future you will thank you)
Before purchasing, always confirm:
- how many days you have to return
- if the wig must be unworn and unaltered
- whether lace can be cut (usually: no, if you want the option to return)
- restocking fees (if any)
Important: Cutting lace, bleaching knots, coloring, or installing often makes a wig non-returnable. So if you’re unsure, ask questions first—then customize.
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Step 10: Your “Wig Checklist” before you commit
Here’s the quick list to keep you from second-guessing:
- [ ] I know my head measurements
- [ ] I know if I want lace front or closure
- [ ] I chose a realistic length for my lifestyle
- [ ] I picked a color that works with my undertone + brows
- [ ] I know whether I want human hair or synthetic
- [ ] I understand cap comfort and security
- [ ] I read the return policy
- [ ] I have a plan for maintenance (at home or with us)
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If you’re still unsure, here’s the truth:
You don’t have to figure it out alone.
Choosing the right wig is part art, part practical decisions—and part having someone who knows wigs help you avoid expensive mistakes. If you want guidance on fit, style, color, or what will look the most natural on you, Bigwig Bar is here for that.
And if you’re deciding between lace options, don’t forget to read this next:
**Lace Frontal Wig vs Lace Closure Wigs**
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