Should You Buy A Wig Online? Our Expert Answers All Your Questions

There are a plethora of reasons why someone might wear a wig, from religious and cultural traditions and protective styling to purely cosmetic motivations. If you're a total newbie to the process of buying a wig, though, it can seem daunting, especially if you're making your purchase online. But according to UNice hairstylist and wig specialist Dayonna Worrell, it's possible to get a great wig online without trying it on first. You just have to know what to look for.

"When buying wigs online, it's important to pay attention to characteristics that show the quality and authenticity of the product," Worrell explains in an exclusive conversation with Glam. "Start by reading the product description to learn about the material used; authentic human-hair wigs typically give a more natural look and last longer than synthetic alternatives even though there are good-quality synthetic options available." Worrell adds that customer reviews, ratings, and photos are also extremely helpful for gauging the quality of a wig online; meanwhile, stock images are typically a red flag. 

Aside from making sure all these boxes are ticked, it's important to know what size and type of wig you're looking for, along with whether you prefer human or synthetic hair. Even when you've done your research, it's possible to still end up with a wig that's not right for you, so Worrell recommends checking out the return policy for peace of mind. "By considering these aspects you can enhance your chances of making a [good] purchase rather than a disheartening one," she explains.

The bad news, Dayonna Worrell tells us, is that even professional wig stylists and beauty shops can sell low-quality wigs. But on the flip side, this means you don't need to ditch convenient online marketplaces like Amazon in the search for the perfect wig. "I disagree with the sentiment that Amazon wigs are notoriously worse quality because you can run into low quality anywhere," Worrell clarifies in our exclusive conversation. "The key is knowing where and who to purchase from — shopping for wigs on Amazon is equivalent to searching for a new stylist or beauty professional. You won't know until you try, and once you find the right one, you stick with them." Again, Worrell advises looking carefully at the images of the wig before purchasing, keeping an eye out for filters and stock images. It's also important to note what the description says about "longevity and appearance post-wear," according to Worrell.

As far as Amazon vendors go, Worrell suggests UNice. "The quality and longevity are outstanding; they have a Bye Bye Knots Wig that comes pre-styled and ready to wear, making it the perfect option for beginners." Speaking of beginners, Worrell recommends a 5x5 HD lace-closure wig or something similarly low maintenance. "Take note of the construction of the cap; lace fronts or full lace designs tend to provide an authentic look and comfortable feel with higher maintenance," she says.

Next, you need to consider the wig's hair type and whether it has a lace front or not. Wigs made with human hair and synthetic hair each come with their own advantages and disadvantages. Dayonna Worrell emphasizes that you should consider these in detail before choosing your wig. "Synthetic wigs are pre-styled and maintain their shape after washing, requiring less maintenance; however, they may not have the same natural feel and movement as human hair," she tells us exclusively. "Human-hair wigs, while typically more expensive, offer a more authentic look and feel and can be styled and treated like your own hair, providing greater flexibility in terms of styling options." Worrell adds that wigs made with real human hair tend to last well as time goes on, perfect for keeping up with those hair trends set to land in spring 2025. If you're interested in a human-hair wig, you can grab this 5x5 lace-front human-hair Beliana wig on Amazon for $54.99 at the time of writing. 

Once you've chosen which hair type works for you, it's time to choose between lace-front wigs and those without. "A lace-front wig features a delicate lace material at the front, creating a natural-looking hairline that blends seamlessly with your skin, offering a more realistic appearance and better style versatility," Worrell says. "On the other hand, wigs without lace fronts may not look as natural at the hairline, as they lack this delicate blending feature." Another great option for a lace-front wig is this Omswet 5x5 deep-wave wig, which retails for $79 on Amazon.

Once you've found a good wig vendor and chosen the right wig, you'll need to measure your head to make sure you get the right size. Just as there are things to do before getting hair extensions, this prep is essential before buying a wig that you can't try on first. "In my opinion, the easiest way for individuals to measure their head size for the right wig fit involves a few simple, accessible steps using common household items," Dayonna Worrell shares exclusively with Glam. "Start by taking a flexible measuring tape and wrapping it around your head. Begin at the hairline at the center of your forehead, extend the tape around just above your ears, and continue to the nape of your neck, finishing back at the starting point." 

Worrell notes that the tape shouldn't be too tight, as you could end up with a wig that digs in. Once you've recorded the circumference of your head, you can use it to find the right size based on the vendor's sizing chart. If you aren't sure, you could also email your measurements directly to the seller and ask for a little guidance. Although it does require a tiny bit of fiddling around, ensuring that your wig is the right size will help you avoid ending up with a wig that's uncomfortable to wear.