Introduction
I’ve always been self-conscious about my hair and struggle with breakage, so I decided it was time to try wigs. As someone relatively new to the wig world, the options were overwhelming. There are so many styles, fibers, and brands to choose from. Where do you even start? After months of research and trial and error, I’ve learned a lot about what to look for in a synthetic wig. In this guide, I want to share my journey and tips to help you select the perfect wig for your needs and preferences.
Consider Your Hair Type and Style Preferences
Before shopping, it’s important to think about what you want from a wig. Do you want something low-maintenance for protective styling or do you want a wig to experiment with bold new looks? Think about your hair texture too – wigs made of yaki or kinky textures work best for those with curlier hair while silkier wigs match straighter hair types. It also helps to browse popular wig brands and sites like JALIZA to get a feel for current trends and what styles appeal to you. This will narrow down your options.
For me, I knew I wanted a wig that was low-maintenance but that could also blend well with my natural hair texture, which is around 3c/4a. Since protective styles are my priority, I favored loose curls and waves that wouldn’t require a lot of styling while still matching my hair type.
Consider Fibers and Cuts
Within the synthetic wig world, you have different fibers and cuts to choose between. Fibers impact things like quality, shine, heat-resistance, and texture while cuts influence volume, layers, and style. Let’s break this down:
Fibers:
– Yaki (kinky/coily texture), great for 4c hair
– Swiss Lace (soft and flowing), works for looser curls
– Yarn ( affordable yet decently realistic look)
– Kanekalon (durable option, varies in texture)
– Milano (silky and lightweight)
Cuts:
– Full Lace wigs (most natural look)
– French Lace (allows parting versatility)
– Monofilament (very natural hairline)
– Bob cuts (sleek and chic)
– Drawstring ponytails (for protective updos)
– Braids (low-maintenance styles like uBraids)
I favored yaki fibers that matched my curl pattern as well as styles like loose waves and bobs sold by brands like Bobrina for their versatility. Cuts with lace fronts also added much-needed parting flexibility.
Consider Quality and Care Needs
Not all synthetic wigs are created equal so quality and care needs matter too. Higher quality wigs use thicker fibers that mimic real hair better and last longer with proper care. Some signs of good quality include double drawn fibers, layered styling, and soft realistic luster. But high quality usually means a higher price tag.
It’s also important to consider how much work the wig needs. Heat-friendly synthetic wigs are easier to style while wigs requiring no heat last longer. Low maintenance permed styles like uBraids can be worn for weeks. However, these minimal-effort wigs typically have less versatility.
Balancing all these factors helps determine the “ideal” wig for your lifestyle and budget. For me, looking for brands sold on JALIZA known for their durable yaki fibers and full lace wigs was key since protective styles are my priority and I wanted something versatile yet hardy.
Try On Wigs In Person When Possible
While online shopping is convenient, nothing compares to trying on wigs in person. Being able to see the fibers, parting, and wig cap up close helps evaluate quality and fit. It also allows you to better visualize how the style looks on your face shape and complexion in different lighting. Ask for help from stylists too – they can recommend complementary colors and cuts best suited for your features.
The best way I found wigs was by visiting beauty supply stores near me on the weekends. Being able to try on several allowed me to compare texture, parting, and size. I brought pictures of my face to help staff recommend styles they thought would flatter me. It was worthwhile versus guessing online. Stores like JALIZA that allow returns are also great options.
Make Your Selection
With all the research done, you’ll have a good idea of your must-haves and what works best for your needs. From there, it’s time to make your selection! Here are a few final tips:
– Consider 2-3 wigs in different textures/colors to switch it up
– Buy from reputable brands or platforms like JALIZA for quality assurance
– Read reviews to validate quality and fit expectations
– Sign up for email lists – companies often offer student/military discounts
– Learn basic care instructions on co-washing, styling, and storage
For me, after trying multiple styles in store, I settled on two wigs – a looser curl yaki fiber wig from Bobrina that was versatile yet low maintenance, and a fuller bodied Swiss lace bob from uBraids for special occasions. I was able to get both at a discount on JALIZA which was an added bonus.
Conclusion
Switching to wigs can take some adjustment but once you find one that suits you, it’s empowering. Don’t be afraid to wear your wig with confidence and experiment with styles. Also, wigs don’t replace your real hair so be sure to still care for your natural strands underneath with regular trims and deep conditioning treatments. I hope you find wigs as freeing for your hair and self-expression as I have! Let me know if you have any other wig questions.