How to Find a Natural-looking Wig

"I don't want a wig that looks like a wig; I want one that could pass for a weave."
― Nicki Minaj

Made of human hair, wool, feathers, or other synthetic material, wigs have been popular since ancient times when the Egyptians, Greeks, and Romans used them for everyday fashion. We might not use wigs as often today, but they are a popular way of changing your look or disguising a hair loss problem.

There are different colors, types, and styles of wigs available in the market.

The only glitch is that selecting from this wide range of available wigs in the market, to find the perfect wig, can be a bit of a hassle. There are many people who have ended up with wigs that look a little "off" or do not complement their face at all.

While all women want to get a wig which is shiny and silky, the aim is to get a wig that has the color, style, texture, and length that look natural on you. It is not necessary that the wig resembles your current hair color or texture. Instead, it should look believable and also make you look the best.

There are short-, long-, and medium-sized wigs available in the market. Short wigs are more popular as they are easier to care for and look extremely chic. Most of the short wigs available in the market just need a good shake, and they are ready to wear.

Moreover, these wigs accommodate accessories very well. People who want long, straight, or curly hair can opt for long hair wigs. These wigs are a great option for women wanting to style their hair into buns, updos, or plaits. For mid-length hairstyles, you can choose shoulder-length wigs.

Whether you want silky, straight hair or curly, wavy hair, you can find wigs for both. Although you can always style your wig to achieve the perfect texture, it is best to choose one that has a bit of texture built into it. Look for wigs that have a believable hairline. Instead of slick and straight hair wigs, it is best to opt for ones which have a bit of waves and layers for a natural look.

You need to choose a wig that has a hairstyle that suits the shape of your face. While all hairstyles look great on oval-shaped faces, women with a square face that have a wide hairline and jaw should do well with face-framing curls and wisps of hair around the face.

Women with a heart-shaped face which are wide around the forehead and narrow around the chin work well with pixie and boycuts that keep the hair around the forehead to disguise its width. Other great hairstyles include layers, hairstyles with bangs, and short bobs.

Wigs are available in a range of colors. For natural-looking hair, choose a color that is close to your natural hair color. Ideally, women can choose any wig color that flatters your skin tone. Do not choose a wig color that is too dark or extremely light. If you are unsure about the wig color to choose, consult your stylist.

Most wigs are made to fit a majority of the customers. Some are available with adjustable straps that help you find the perfect fit. However, some wigs have caps for petite and larger sizes as well. To check the wig size, you need to measure the circumference of your head.

This can be done by measuring the head from the front hairline, behind your ear, to the nape of your neck, to your other ear, and then back to the front hairline. Here is a list to help you figure out your cap size when buying the wig

• Petite: 21''
• Average: 21.5'' - 22''
• Average to Large: 22.5'' - 23''

While looking for the most natural-looking wig, you will need to check the cap construction as well. There are a few things that you need to consider when doing so.

Based on the method of attaching hair to the cap, there are different cap constructions. These include basic caps, lace front, and 100% hand-tied monofilament caps.

100% Hand-tied Monofilament Wigs: This wig cap construction allows each hair on the entire cap to be hand-tied to the base of the cap. The monofilament mesh material gives the illusion of the natural hair growth & allows parting versatility. Since the cap allows for the natural scalp color to show through, this cap construction provides the natural look.

Lace Front Wigs: If you want to style the hair away from the face, then lace front wigs are your best bet. The fine, sheer material to which your hair is hand-tied, provides a seamless look. Since they provide a realistic hairline, these wigs are great for styling, especially for updos. These wigs are, however, expensive and difficult to care for.

Basic Wigs: The most common and affordable wigs in the market, the basic or machine-made wigs with the traditional cap constructions, allow wefts of hair to be sewn onto the cap. The hair is styled in such a way that it is not easy to see the scalp.

These caps are affordable and durable as compared to lace type and monofilament wigs. They, however, provide very little styling options.

It is important to note if the wigs are ready-made or custom-made for your requirements. While ready-made wigs are easier to find and are considerably cheaper, they may or may not provide the perfect fit. As opposed to this, wigs that are custom-made or vacuum-fit are perfect for people with total hair loss.

They may be expensive, but the vacuum seal that these wigs form on the head ensures the best fit for people who have lost all their hair.

Choosing the right and the most natural-looking wig requires time and consideration of these factors. This will help you make a comfortable decision about the right wig. The good quality wigs when applied, look so natural that people probably would not be able to differentiate it from real hair.