Best Wigs Guide: Quality Human Hair, Synthetic, and Lace Wigs

What a wig costs

Synthetic wigs usually cost about $30 to $500, and higher-quality options tend to sit near the top of that range. Human hair wigs start higher and climb quickly. A good human hair unit may cost a few hundred dollars from an online wig store or $700 to $4,000 from a wig specialist, and full-lace wigs made with hand-tied human hair can reach into the thousands.

Four things have the biggest effect on the price. The hair comes first because human hair costs more than synthetic hair. Then there’s the lace: a human hair lace front often costs about $150 to $390, while a 360 lace wig often costs about $190 to $420. Cap construction matters too, since hand-tied and monofilament caps cost more to make than machine-sewn ones. Finally, longer wigs usually cost more because they require more hair.

Whatever your budget, shop for the wig you’ll actually wear. A $90 synthetic unit you reach for twice a week is a better buy than a $500 human hair wig that stays in the box. If it’s your first wig, a quality synthetic unit can also be a lower-cost way to learn which length, texture, density, and cap construction you like.

Wherever you shop, read reviews with customer photos and check the return policy before you buy. A sale price isn’t a bargain if the unit arrives looking nothing like the listing.

5 Things to Consider When Choosing a Good Wig

If you're a wig newbie, you may be having trouble deciding which unit is right for you. That's 100% okay. In the following sections, we'll explain what you need to consider before forking over your coins.

Hair Type

If you prioritize naturalness, a human hair wig is the safest choice. A well-made synthetic wig can look natural, too, but synthetic hair is usually a little shinier than human hair, and most of it can't take the heat of a flat iron or curling iron. There are levels to human hair - virgin, Remy, and non-Remy.

• Virgin Hair: Virgin hair is the purest, highest-quality hair you can get your hands on. It doesn't go through the processing that other wig hair types go through - cuticle stripping, dyeing, texture processing, etc. It is cut from the donor's head, with all the hair cuticles facing one direction, and is minimally processed. As a result, it tangles less, holds up longer than processed hair, and hasn't been damaged by chemicals. 
• Remy Hair: The next best hair type for wigs is Remy hair. This hair has been minimally processed, similar to virgin hair, and it still has its cuticles intact. However, it may have been dyed or otherwise processed to take on a certain appearance or texture. And this could reduce its longevity, increase the risk of tangles, and reduce the hair quality overall. 
• Non-Remy Hair: Non-Remy hair is the lowest quality human hair. It doesn't have intact hair cuticles (the manufacturer strips them during processing), so excessive tangling is extremely common with this wig hair type. In addition to that, the hair may have gone through any number of chemical processes to get it looking the way you see it on the wig. 
• Synthetic Hair: If you're looking for a wig in a fun color, are short on cash, or just don't care about your unit looking natural, a synthetic wig could be just what you need. Synthetic hair fibers are cheap and easily manipulated into different textures and colors by manufacturers. The downside with this hair type is tangling, an unnatural shine, and the inability to heat-style and chemically process (in many cases).

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Lace Type

When it comes to wig lace types, there are several main options. They include Swiss lace, HD lace, clear lace, and transparent lace. None of these lace types are inherently bad, and the names overlap. One listing may call the same lace HD, transparent, and Swiss all at once. HD lace is usually sold as the thinnest of them, so it disappears best against your skin, but it also rips more easily. 

Most lace types can be finessed to blend in with your skin (or melt) and look natural.

But the thinner and more transparent the lace is, the easier it will be to make it look like your wig is growing straight from your scalp. Thin lace is delicate, though, so don't tug on it when you put your unit on or take it off. 

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Hair Shedding Rate

Wigs come with only so much hair, and since they can't grow new hair, it's important that your unit doesn't shed excessively. Once a wig has shed too much hair, the wig won't have the volume or body it used to.

So, it's imperative that you choose a wig that doesn't shed a lot. Notice that we didn't tell you to look for a wig that doesn't shed at all. All wigs shed.

To help your unit shed less, keep conditioner off the cap on wash day. HairUWear, the company that makes Raquel Welch wigs, warns that conditioner on the base can loosen the knots that hold the hair in and cause shedding. So put conditioner on the hair itself, away from the cap.

How the Hair Feels

The softer the wig's hair is, the more comfortable it will feel on your skin. Stay far away from any wig with hair that feels like sandpaper. Virgin hair is the least likely to exhibit this problem. 

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Wig Construction

Wigs may be constructed in various ways. There are closure wigs (with a 4x4, 5x5, or 6x6 inch lace piece at the front of the wig, where you part your hair), lace front wigs (with a 13x4, 13x5, or 13x6 lace portion across the front of the wig), full lace wigs (entirely lace), 360 wigs (lace around the perimeter of the wig), and more.

The best wig construction type for you will depend on the styles you plan on doing, how much money you have available for your unit, how experienced you are in installing wigs, and more.

But as a general rule, the more lace your wig has, the more styling versatility you have and the more natural your styles have the potential to be. In addition to that, you have wig extras for security, like ear tabs, adjustable straps, and combs.

You'll want all of these features for your unit if you're not planning on gluing it on. Otherwise, adjustable straps and combs will suffice in most cases. 

Note: The best wig for you is individual; there's no perfect wig. 

How to Spot a Quality Human Hair Wig

Quality human hair wigs start with good hair and a well-made cap. The price tag can't tell you either one, so here's what we'd check before you buy and again when your unit arrives.

First, read the hair label. "100% human hair" should mean every strand is human hair. A "human hair blend" mixes human hair with synthetic fibers, usually heat-friendly ones. A blend can be a nice middle ground, but it isn't 100% human hair, so make sure you know which one you're paying for.

Next, look at how the hair is attached to the cap. On basic wigs, rows of hair called wefts are sewn onto stretchy strips by machine. On better wigs, the hair is tied in by hand.

Many better wigs also have a monofilament top, a thin mesh at the crown that looks like scalp where you part your hair. A monofilament top lets you part your hair wherever you like, but it's warmer than a basic cap, which matters if you run hot. These caps cost more, and one dermatology review put monofilament wigs at about $200 to $2,000.

Before you order, measure around your head. Many brands sell wigs in petite, average, and large cap sizes, and a cap that's too tight will put tension on your edges all day.

When your unit arrives, try it on and check it before you cut the lace. Run your fingers through the hair. It should feel soft, not stiff or scratchy.

Then comb it gently with a wide-tooth comb, starting at the ends. If a few hairs come out, that's normal. But if hair keeps coming out every time you comb, or the hair tangles straight out of the box, send it back while you still can.

How Long Human Hair and Synthetic Wigs Last

With proper care and daily wear, human hair wigs usually last about nine months to a year, and synthetic ones last about three to five months, according to Breastcancer.org. Cancer Research UK gives longer ranges: six to nine months for synthetic wigs and one to three years for real hair wigs. Rotating two wigs, so neither one is worn every day, helps each one last longer.

So when you compare human hair and synthetic wigs, look at the price per month of wear, too. A $90 synthetic unit that lasts six months works out to about $15 a month. A $400 human hair unit that lasts a year and a half works out to about $22 a month. That's a much smaller gap than the price tags suggest.

Reading Reviews and Sale Prices From Wig Companies

Online stores photograph their wigs on models in studio lighting, so reviews are where you see how wigs look on real people, in real light. Read the written reviews, not just the star rating, and look for reviews with customer photos taken in daylight. Give the most weight to reviews from people whose skin tone and hair texture are close to yours. Reviews written after a few weeks of wear are the most useful, since that's when shedding and tangling start to show.

A sale price is only a deal if it's for the same unit. Before you buy on sale, check that the length, density, lace size, and cap size match the one you wanted, since a cheaper listing can be shorter, less dense, or come with a smaller lace.

Then read the return policy. Some stores only take back wigs that are unworn, with the hair and lace still uncut, so try new wigs on before you trim anything.

Short Wigs vs. Long Wigs

Short wigs are the easier place to start if you're new to wigs. They use less hair, so they usually cost less, and they're lighter on your head. Many short styles only need a quick shake before you put them on, as the American Cancer Society points out. You can always start with short wigs and move to long wigs once you're comfortable putting one on and caring for it.

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Long wigs give you more ways to wear your hair, but they cost more and need more care. If you go with long wigs, pay extra attention to the hair at the nape of your neck. HairUWear tells Raquel Welch customers to comb through the nape of longer styles often with their fingers or a wide-tooth comb, and it warns that matting and frizz can build up after a lot of wear.

Not sure whether short wigs or long wigs suit your face? Our face shape guide further down this page can help you decide.

Wig Toppers for Thinning Hair

A topper is a partial hairpiece that covers just the top of your head. The American Cancer Society describes toppers as pieces that add coverage and volume to thinning hair on top. So toppers make sense when your part is getting wider or your crown is thinning, but the hair on the sides and back of your head is still full.

Most toppers clip onto your own hair, and some are bonded on instead. Like full wigs, toppers come in human hair and synthetic hair, on lace or monofilament bases. Jon Renau, for example, sells toppers in more than 10 base sizes (the base is the part that sits on your scalp), from small pieces for a thinning part to larger ones for more advanced hair loss. The Raquel Welch collection includes toppers, too.

Clips are the part to watch. A 2023 dermatology review warns that clips can break fragile hair when they're taken off again and again. So don't lift your topper off until every clip is open all the way. If the hair under the clips starts to break or thin, stop wearing the topper and see a dermatologist.

It's also worth seeing a dermatologist about the thinning itself before you buy toppers or wigs. Some kinds of hair loss can become permanent the longer they go untreated, so think of toppers as cover while you find out the cause, not as a reason to skip finding out.

What Is a Wig?

A wig is a head covering made from human hair or synthetic fibers, and less often from animal hair, such as horsehair.

The root word 'wig' is derived from the word 'periwig'. The term first showed up in documented English literature around 1675 AD.

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Lace front wigs, human hair wigs, and other hairpieces are commonly available at wig stores and beauty supply stores. You're also likely to find wigs at some major retailers that offer a diverse selection of products. If you can't find something that suits you at the wig store, a custom wig may be the best option for you.

Wigs are worn for many reasons. Some people simply want to hide their hair loss, as wearing a wig can be far less intrusive (and cheaper) than restoring hair through surgery.

Wigs for cancer patients are also very common. Some women use wigs, like apparel, as an opportunity to periodically change up their appearance.

In movies, it's common for actors and actresses to use wigs to suit the characters they portray.

A Historical Perspective on Wearing Wigs

In ancient Egypt, men and women often had their heads either shaved clean or cropped close to their scalps, and they would often use wigs.

In fact, making wigs goes back at least to ancient Egypt, where the oldest known wig was found in a woman's grave from about 3400 BC. Wigs there helped protect shaved scalps from the sun and helped keep head lice away.

Some Egyptians wore wigs on top of their own hair. One wig found on a mummy from about 3,500 years ago was made of date palm fiber and treated with juniper resin, a tree resin that fights bacteria and insects.

Wealthy Egyptians wore the most elaborate wigs, since wigs signaled high rank. Other ancient or classical cultures that used wigs included the Assyrians, Greeks, Romans, and Phoenicians.

How Are Hair Wigs Used in the 21st Century?

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Celebrities such as Tina Turner, Diana Ross and The Supremes, Lady Gaga, Katy Perry, and Dolly Parton have all made wigs part of their famous looks.

Cher is also known for wig wearing over four decades, and Cher's wigs have ranged from curly to straight and from black to blonde.

Many individuals also wear them just for fun, as an article for fancy dress apparel, such as a costume party.

These might even be made from things like tinsel and contain outrageous colors. Halloween is a time of year that sees a lot of wigs. Television, theater, and film also use wigs a lot.

Wigs are worn by many people, sometimes daily, sometimes just situationally.

Convenience is often a reason behind their use, as wigs can get styled in advance.

Wigs are also used by those suffering hair loss, be it genetic pattern baldness in middle age or someone going through chemotherapy while undergoing cancer treatment.

Do Hair Wigs Cause Hair Loss?

Wearing wigs for extended periods of time, especially when you neglect to properly care for your hair, can lead to all sorts of hair-related issues, including hair loss.

The hair loss usually comes from pulling and rubbing on your own hair, not from the wig itself. Steady pulling can cause traction alopecia (hair loss from constant tension on the hair roots). Under your unit, that pulling can come from braids that are too tight, a cap or band that grips too hard, clips that get tugged out again and again, or glue that rips out the fine hairs along your edges as it's peeled off.

The good news is that wigs worn with care can protect your hair. A hair loss table in a UK hospital leaflet rates wigs worn over a satin cap as low risk and wigs over a cotton or nylon cap as moderate risk, since those fabrics rub and soak up moisture. So wear a satin cap, keep any braids underneath loose, and give your edges a break from glued wigs when you can.

Check your hairline once a month. Broken hairs around your forehead, a hairline that's moving back, or thin patches where your unit grips are early signs of traction alopecia. Pain, stinging, crusts on your scalp, or skin that looks pulled up like a tent mean your unit is too tight, so take it off. If your edges are thinning, don't wait to see a dermatologist, because traction alopecia can become permanent when the pulling keeps going.

Just to be clear, hair loss isn't exclusively attributed to wearing wigs. It's simply that wigs can contribute to hair loss. Actually, anyone can suffer from hair loss.

Hair loss isn't only a men's problem, either. Hereditary hair loss alone affects an estimated 30 million women in the United States.

It is not easy to understand the emotional toll that hair loss can have on you if you haven't previously experienced it first-hand.

It can be absolutely devastating.

Hair, especially for women, is a vital part of who you are and also a sense of femininity for women.

It's normal to shed 50 to 100 hairs a day. Hair loss becomes noticeable when you shed more than your scalp regrows, or when the hair that grows back is thinner than before.

Excessive hair loss is known medically as alopecia. The condition may be triggered by a wide range of factors, like chemotherapy and radiation treatment, stress, genetics, age, autoimmune disorders, and poor nutrition, among other things.

Androgenetic alopecia runs in families and is the most common cause of hair loss. In men, it usually shows up as pattern balding. In women, the hair thins over the top of the head and the part gets wider.

Alopecia areata is an autoimmune disease, which means the body's immune system attacks the hair follicles (the tiny pockets in the skin that each hair grows from). It can cause anything from tiny patches to total hair loss. In most cases, the hair grows back, but it can fall out again later.

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How to Choose a Wig for Your Face Shape

While you consider and compare different wigs that interest you, take some time to think about the styles that might be flattering based on the shape of your face. Below are a few guidelines you might find helpful.

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• Oval (or Oblong): An oval-shaped face is longer rather than wide, while the jaw is narrower than the cheekbones. Since an oval-shaped face doesn't have any dominant areas and is largely proportional, the face will look good with almost any hairstyle, length as well as texture.
• Round: A round-shaped face has a wide hairline and fullness beneath the cheekbones. Your neck may also look shorter than it is. Round-shaped faces look pretty good with a linear or geometric style. Add height, if you can, and long, thin side areas for the cheeks to appear narrow. Then comb the hair close to the head both on the side and at the back of your neck.
• Square: A squared-shaped face has a wide hairline and jaw. Such a face needs height on top, while the sides should be narrow. To add height to the face, comb the hair off your forehead. Curly texture and wisps of hair close to the face break the wide, straight lines commonly found on square faces.
• Heart (or Diamond): Heart-shaped faces have wide foreheads and narrower chins. To hide its width, bring some hair onto your forehead. You should also keep the hair close to the head, in the area close to your eyes, but make it somewhat full around the jaw as well as beneath and at the fore of the earlobes.

So, there you have it - what to look for in your next unit! We hope you found everything you were looking for, and we wish you the best!