This browser is no longer supported.
Revised 3/15/26
Wig Buying Guide
How to Buy a Wig
You don't have to figure this out alone. We've spent 31 years helping women find a wig that feels like them, and this guide walks you through exactly how to do it.
You didn't choose this. But you get to choose this.
Whether you're going through chemotherapy, managing alopecia, dealing with thinning hair, or simply ready for a change, you've come to the right place. No woman should have to navigate this alone. You don't have to.
Hair loss from chemotherapy, alopecia, or another condition takes something from you: the way you recognize yourself in the mirror. That matters. It's okay to care about getting that back. Done right, a wig gives that back to you. Done wrong, it sits in a drawer. We're going to make sure you get it right.
Typically, the first time you wear your wig out, you will start receiving compliments on your haircut. Women tell us finding the right wig was a turning point. Not just in how they looked, but in how they felt getting through treatment. We've helped women get there for 31 years. We'll help you do the same. Walk through these five steps, and by the end you'll know exactly what to look for.
Two things worth doing before you start:
✂
Cut a hair swatch and take photos now. Your natural color is much harder to match accurately once it's gone. As soon as you know hair loss is likely, cut a small swatch from the top of your hair (not underneath, since that color can be different) and keep it somewhere safe. Take photos too, in natural light from a few angles. Both give us what we need to get your match right.
✦
Shop before you need to, not when you're already overwhelmed. The biggest wig-buying mistake we see is shopping in desperation, after hair loss has already started, when you're exhausted and just want it resolved. That's when women settle for something they don't end up wearing. When you have time and clarity, you make a better decision and you're ready when the harder days arrive.
Already know what you want? Shop wigs by cap type, fiber, or size →
1
Step 1: Find Your Head Size
Where to start
Wig caps come in five sizes. Before you order, grab a soft measuring tape and take your head circumference. It only takes a minute and it's the single most important step for a comfortable fit. Most women wear Average, but head size doesn't always correspond to body size, so measuring is the only way to know for sure.
Hat test If hats tend to be consistently too big or too small for you, you likely fall outside the Average range. Measure before ordering.
How to Measure Head Circumference
Starting at your forehead, follow your natural hairline around your head, behind both ears, down to the nape of your neck, and back to meet the tape where you started. The tape should be snug but not pulled tight. It helps to have someone assist you.
| Size | Circumference | Who it fits |
|---|---|---|
| Child / Ultra Petite | Under 20" | Very limited style selection; mainly children's wigs |
| Petite | 20" – 21.25" | Smaller head circumference; browse petite wigs → |
| Petite / Average | 21.25" – 21.75" | Fits heads on the smaller side of the average range |
| Average | 21.5" – 22.5" | Most women fall here; widest style selection |
| Average / Large | 22.5" – 23" | Fits heads on the larger side of the average range |
| Large | 23"+" | Less common; browse large wigs → |
Adjustable fit Most wigs include adjustable straps inside the cap. If a wig feels slightly loose or tight when you first put it on, adjust the straps before assuming it's the wrong size.
When in doubt, start with Average. The vast majority of women wear it, and the adjustable straps give you room to fine-tune. That said, always take the measurement first.
If your measurement falls between two sizes, measure again first. If you're still between sizes, go with the larger one. A cap that's too tight is harder to fix than one you can adjust.
The most common mistake is skipping the measurement entirely. Head size doesn't correspond to body size. It takes two minutes. Always measure.
2
Step 2: Choose Your Hair Type
Synthetic, heat-friendly, or human hair
There are three types of wig hair. Here's what each one is like to live with day to day.
Most Popular
Synthetic
Ready to wear right out of the box. Shake it, spritz it with water, and it returns to its original style. No heat tools, no daily restyling.
Cannot be used with curling irons, flat irons, or hair dryers. Heat will permanently damage the fibers. This includes everyday heat sources too: take care when putting something in the oven, barbecuing, or leaning over steam. Keep it away from any direct heat source while wearing.
For most women it means you can get up, put it on, and not think about your hair again that day.
Lifespan: 4 to 6 months with daily wear. Occasional wear extends its life considerably.
Shop Synthetic Wigs →
Versatile
Heat-Friendly Synthetic
Can be styled with heat tools, giving you the ability to switch between curly and straight. Keep tools between 270 and 300 degrees F for best results. A good middle ground if versatility matters but you're not ready for the upkeep of human hair.
If you're sitting back on the couch or in a car seat for a few hours, the nape can start to mat slightly. Most women run a flat iron over it every few days to smooth it back out. Takes about 30 seconds.
Lifespan: approx. 3 months with daily wear. Occasional wear will extend this significantly.
Shop Heat-Friendly Wigs →
Most Natural
Human Hair
The most styling versatility. Can be cut, curled, and blown dry exactly like your own hair. Looks and feels the most natural, and lasts the longest with proper care.
Requires more upkeep. Will lose its style in rain or humidity and needs to be restyled. Without your scalp's natural oils, it can dry out without regular conditioning.
Lifespan: 1 year or more with daily wear
Shop Human Hair Wigs →
Our recommendation for women going through treatment. We do not generally recommend starting with a human hair wig for cancer patients or first-time wig wearers. When you are not feeling well, one of the real benefits of a synthetic wig is that your hair always looks good with almost no effort. With so many things already on your mind, simplifying your routine matters. Once you have been through treatment and know what works for you, human hair may be worth exploring.
Not Sure Which One to Pick? Start with Synthetic. Most first-time buyers assume human hair is the better choice. For most women going through treatment, synthetic is the smarter buy: easier to care for, lower maintenance, and with today's fiber quality, nearly impossible to tell apart. Many styles now come in heat-friendly fiber, which gives you the option to switch between curly and straight. For women with alopecia or longer-term hair loss, human hair is genuinely worth the investment. Not sure which applies to you? We'll help you figure it out.
Want a deeper comparison? See our full guide: Human Hair Wigs vs. Synthetic Wigs →
Where to Put Your Budget
The decision that matters most
Cap construction has more impact on how natural your wig looks than fiber type does. Our honest advice: invest in the best cap you can.
Why do some wigs cost so much more than others?
At first glance, a $50 wig and a $300 wig can look similar online. They are not. The real difference isn't the photo. It's everything underneath it.
Cap construction, the way the hair is attached, the quality of the fibers, and how the wig holds up after weeks of daily wear all tell a different story in person. Put them side by side and the difference is obvious. One may look shiny or stiff, almost like doll hair. The other moves naturally, parts realistically, and blends the way your own hair would.
Features like a monofilament top, lace front hairline, hand-tied construction, and higher-quality fibers all add to the cost. They also add to the realism, the comfort, and how long the wig continues to look good. A well-made wig will hold up considerably longer than a cheap one.
Many women start with a more affordable option and move up over time as they discover what matters most to them. Either way, knowing what you're paying for helps you make the right choice for where you are right now.
A note on very low-cost wigs. We could carry very low-cost wigs, but they typically do not offer the realism or comfort most women need to feel like themselves. We choose not to carry those styles because you deserve something that looks natural, feels comfortable, and is genuinely wearable. Quality makes a difference you can see in the mirror and feel throughout the day, especially after a few hours of wear. To achieve a level we feel confident recommending, most styles start around $80 for a short wig. That is still about half of what you would typically pay in a salon.
Not sure where to start? Start here.
Most first-time buyers do best with a synthetic wig, a monofilament top, and a style close to their current length. It is the easiest transition, the lowest maintenance, and the most natural-looking option for everyday wear. If you are going through treatment or buying a wig for the first time, this combination is what we recommend most often.
3
Step 3: Choose Your Cap Construction
How the wig is constructed
Cap construction determines how natural the wig looks, how comfortable it feels, and how much styling versatility you have. There are four main types, ranging from classic construction to the most realistic.
Classic Cap
The most affordable construction and the one with the widest style selection. Machine-made with open wefting that keeps things cool and comfortable. If you love a short style with lift and body, classic cap holds that shape beautifully. Worth knowing: the part area has teased fibers rather than a visible scalp.
Best for: Budget-conscious buyers, short styles with volume, anyone who wants maximum style choice. Shop Classic Cap Wigs →
Monofilament Cap
At the top of the wig, individual hairs are tied to a sheer mesh that creates the look of natural hair growth from the scalp. The part can be moved, allowing more styling versatility.
Ideal for women with complete hair loss from chemotherapy or alopecia. The scalp-like appearance is convincing even up close.
Best for: Complete hair loss, alopecia, maximum realism. Shop Monofilament Wigs →
Hand-Tied Cap
Every hair is individually hand-sewn onto a soft mesh or lace fabric, not just on top but throughout the entire cap. The result is the most natural movement and the most comfortable fit available. The cap has a stretchy construction that conforms to the shape of your head, which is part of why it feels so different from other cap types.
The softest option against a sensitive scalp, which makes it particularly valued by women in chemotherapy treatment. It's an investment, and most women who try it say they'd never go back.
Best for: Sensitive scalps, maximum comfort, most natural movement. Shop Hand-Tied Wigs →
Lace Front
Individual hairs tied along very fine lace at the hairline, creating the appearance of natural hair growth at the front. Can be added to classic, monofilament, or hand-tied caps.
Worth it if you plan to pull your hair back or wear it away from your forehead. Not necessary if your style has bangs, since the hairline won't be visible anyway.
Some women find the lace slightly itchy against the forehead. If comfort is a concern and you're wearing bangs, you can skip it without sacrificing anything.
Best for: Styles worn off the face, updos, pulling hair back. Shop Lace Front Wigs →
Want to go deeper? See our full guide on The Different Types of Wig Caps →
Our most-recommended combination: synthetic with a mono top.
If you want the most natural look at a reasonable price, this is the combination. It's the choice we'd steer you toward if you called us today. Easy to care for, holds its style with no effort, and looks completely natural at the part. If budget is tighter, a partial mono top gets you most of the benefit at a lower price point.
4
Step 4: Choose Your Style
Length, texture, and what works for you
This is where most first-time buyers get stuck. They start with color and it makes everything harder than it needs to be. Start with style. Color is the last decision, not the first. We carry over 1,000 colors, and each wig comes in only about 30 of them. Find the cut and length you love, then we'll find the closest color match from there.
For most first-time buyers, starting close to your own style is the easiest transition. That said, this is also a rare chance to try something you've always been curious about. For many women, that becomes one of the unexpected bright spots.
Thinking about length? If you currently wear your hair very long, consider going slightly shorter for your wig. Shorter styles are easier to manage, and there's less of a visual contrast once your hair starts growing back.
One thing most women don't know: wigs ship with longer bangs intentionally, because foreheads vary. Having the bangs trimmed to your forehead while you're wearing the wig makes a noticeable difference in how natural it looks. Be sure to go to a stylist who is experienced in cutting wigs.
Matching your current length. Measure your hair before you lose it: the longest layer from root to tip. Product descriptions include detailed length measurements so you can find the closest match.
More on choosing a flattering style: Visit our Wig Style Guide →
5
Step 5: Choose Your Color
Matching, consulting, and getting it right
For most women, matching their natural color is the best starting point: familiar, comfortable, and the easiest transition. But not everyone wants to match. Some women use this as a chance to try something completely different. Pink wigs are popular with breast cancer patients, for example. If that sounds like you, go for it →
How to Pick Your Wig Color
Send us a photo or a hair swatch. If you already have your hair, a swatch is the most accurate way to match. Cut one from the top of your head, not underneath, and send it to us. We compare it directly against our in-store swatches. If hair loss has already begun, send us photos in natural light from different angles. We do this every day. See our Color Guide for how to send either.
How to evaluate color online. Browse the site focusing only on color and ignore the style completely. Note the shades that catch your eye, then look at multiple wigs from the same brand shown in those colors. Seeing the same shade on different styles gives you a clearer sense of how it actually looks. Once you've found a color you like in any wig, we can match it to the style you've chosen. If you love a color in a Raquel Welch style, for example, we can find that same shade in the wig you've picked.
Most wigs look similar online. They do not look the same in person. Color is the hardest thing to judge from a screen, which is why we offer free color consultations. If you're unsure, add one at checkout and we'll narrow it down for you.
Choosing between two colors? Go lighter. For women in treatment, chemo can shift skin tone, sometimes giving it a grey, green, or yellow cast. A lighter hair color softens the effect and tends to be more flattering. When in doubt, lighter is the safer choice.
More on color selection: See our complete Wig Color Guide →
Ready to find your wig?
Browse our full collection, or add a consultation at checkout. Our team will walk you through it personally.
One honest thing before you shop. Most women worry someone will notice. What usually happens is the opposite, you get complimented on your new haircut. The sensation of wearing a wig is new, and you may feel self-conscious the first few times out. That's completely normal and it passes quickly. Most women find it feels natural within a week. Tips for wearing a wig for the first time →
Should I Buy More Than One Wig?
The case for a backup
Have your first wig before hair loss begins. Being prepared helps with the emotional side of the transition. If your budget allows, a second wig is worth it.
One to wash, one to wear. Wigs need to rest between wearings, and washing takes time to dry. Alternating between two extends the life of each, and means you're never without.
Simplify your routine. If you have a heat-friendly or human hair wig, keeping one styled curly and one straight means you're not restyling every morning. Especially on the days when you want to keep things simple.
Pro tip: If you buy two wigs, have a stylist trim each to a slightly different length. Switching between them gives the impression that your hair is growing and that you have been getting haircuts. Be sure to go to a stylist who is experienced in cutting wigs.
Wait before buying your second. Give yourself a little time to make sure your first wig is the one before you buy a backup. Some women find they prefer hats and scarves instead, and that's fine. Browse Headwear →
Don't overlook hats and scarves. Many women find their own rhythm: wig for work or going out, soft cap or scarf at home on low-energy days. You don't have to wear a wig every hour of every day. Most women don't, and that's completely fine. Browse Hats & Scarves → | Browse Hats with Hair →
Will Insurance Pay for My Wig?
What to know before you file
Many insurance plans will cover all or part of the cost. How you ask matters. Here's how to give yourself the best chance of reimbursement. For a deeper look, see our full insurance coverage guide →
1
Use the right terminology.
Ask your insurance provider about coverage for a "cranial prosthesis," not a wig. Many plans will say no to a "wig" but yes to a "cranial prosthesis." The word choice matters more than you might expect.
2
Get a prescription.
Ask your doctor to write a prescription for a "cranial prosthesis" or "medical hair prosthesis." Ask them to include your ICD-10 diagnosis code on the prescription. It strengthens your claim.
3
Buy your wig first.
Insurance reimbursement in our industry works on a buy-first, submit-later basis. Purchase your wig, and we'll provide a properly formatted receipt for a "cranial prosthesis," which is exactly what your insurance company needs to process your claim.
4
Submit and follow up.
Submit your claim with your receipt and prescription. If your insurance provider follows up with us directly, we're always happy to assist. We've worked successfully with all major insurance providers for over 31 years.
Why We Do This
Specialists in hair loss since 1995
When a woman finds the right wig, something shifts. Not just how she looks, but how she feels. Women describe looking in the mirror and seeing themselves again. Not a patient, not someone going through something hard, just themselves. That moment is what this is all for.
In 1990, our founder Carol was diagnosed with breast cancer. As a professional hairstylist, she assumed she'd be able to find comfortable, attractive wigs and headwear to help her through treatment. She couldn't. She made it through with limited options and made a vow: if she survived, she would make it easier for every woman who came after her. She did. In 1995, she and her daughter Danielle started Headcovers.com together. This is personal for us. It always has been.
Real people, not a chatbot. When you call us, you reach our team in Texas, specialists who know these products firsthand and understand what you're going through.
Complimentary consultations. Free color and style consultations, one on one, until you're confident in your choice. Add it at checkout.
Always new. Never resold. Every wig ships new, in original packaging, never previously worn. Some retailers resell returns. Ours never go back on the shelf. For anyone with a compromised immune system, that peace of mind matters.
Everything in one place. Wigs, hair toppers, hats, sleep caps, scarves, hats with hair, false eyebrows, eyelashes, chemo port shirts, mastectomy products. Because we specialize in hair loss and cancer care, we can help you with all of it, not just wigs.
Women who find the right wig describe it as a turning point. Not just in how they look. In how they feel. Walking into a room. Getting dressed in the morning. Living their life on their own terms.
That's what we're here to help you find.
Let's find the one that feels like you.
Browse our full collection and find the right one for you.
Caring for Your Wig
Keep it looking its best
The right care products keep your wig looking natural and extend its life.
Keep Learning
Cap Construction Guide
Classic, monofilament, hand-tied, lace front: what each cap type looks like from the inside, how it feels on a sensitive scalp, and which ones are worth the extra cost.
Read the guide →
How to Choose a Color
Screen swatches don't tell the whole story. Learn how to send a hair swatch, use a photo, or cross-reference a color you already love, so you get it right the first time.
Read the guide →
Human Hair vs. Synthetic
Real differences in styling, care, cost, and longevity, so you can decide which fiber type is right for your lifestyle before you buy.
Read the guide →
Are Wigs Covered by Insurance?
Many insurance plans cover a cranial prosthesis. Here's how to ask your doctor for the right prescription, what to submit, and how to maximize your benefit.
Read the guide →
© 2026 Headcovers Unlimited, Inc. · All rights reserved. · Wig Buying Guide
Comments, Questions & Ratings
Add a comment. Post a rating. Leave your comments.
No reviews now.