Buying a wig is one of the most personal decisions in beauty — and there are more options available today than ever before. This page brings together all of The Wig Depot's buying guides and educational resources in one place, so you can research, compare, and shop with confidence.
Use the sections below to navigate to the topic that matters most to you right now.
How to Choose a Wig
Not sure where to begin? Start with our complete overview: How to Choose a Wig. It walks you through every major decision in order.
The key decisions every wig buyer needs to make:
Human Hair vs Synthetic
The most fundamental choice. Human hair wigs offer full heat styling, natural look and feel, and a significantly longer lifespan. Synthetic wigs are more affordable, hold their style naturally, and require minimal upkeep. The right choice depends on your budget, how often you'll wear the wig, and how much styling flexibility you want.
→ Human Hair vs Synthetic Wigs: Which Is Right for You?
Wig Construction
Construction refers to how the wig cap is built — specifically, where lace is placed and how the wig is secured. The main options are lace front, closure, glueless, and wear & go. Each has different installation requirements, styling options, and levels of protection for your natural hair.
Lace Type
Lace front wigs come in 13x4 and 13x6 sizes — the numbers indicate the width and depth of the lace panel. A larger lace panel gives more parting flexibility. HD lace is an ultra-fine lace that melts into the skin more seamlessly than standard lace.
→ What Is a 13x4 Wig?
→ What Is a 13x6 Wig?
→ 13x4 vs 13x6: What's the Difference?
Cap Size
Most wigs are made in average cap size (21.5–22.5 inches head circumference). Petite and large cap sizes are also available. Measuring before you buy ensures a comfortable, secure fit.
→ How to Choose a Wig Cap Size
Density
Density describes how much hair is on the wig cap, expressed as a percentage. 150% is the most popular — full but natural-looking. 180% is recommended for wavy and curly textures.
→ What Wig Density Should I Choose?
Length
Wig length is measured along the hair from root to tip. Short wigs (8–12 inches) are the easiest to manage. Medium lengths (14–20 inches) are the most popular. Long wigs (22+ inches) create maximum impact but require more maintenance.
→ How to Choose the Right Wig Length
Texture
Wig textures range from bone straight to tightly curled. Popular options include straight, body wave, water wave, deep wave, and curly. Choose the texture you'd naturally reach for — one that matches your lifestyle and maintenance preferences.
Color
Natural shades — including those with highlights and dimension — tend to look more realistic than single flat colors. Fashion colors and ombre styles are available in both human hair and synthetic.
Maintenance
Human hair wigs require washing every 7–14 days and regular conditioning. Synthetic wigs need washing every 2–3 weeks and cannot be heat styled. Consider how much time you want to invest in wig care when choosing.
→ How to Wash and Care for a Human Hair Wig
→ How to Care for a Synthetic Wig
Budget
Synthetic wigs typically range from budget-friendly to mid-range. Human hair wigs span a wider range depending on hair quality, length, density, and construction. A shorter human hair wig at 150% density is often the best entry point for buyers investing in human hair for the first time.
Intended Use
Daily wear, special occasions, protective styling, or medical hair loss — your intended use affects which construction and material is most appropriate. Glueless and wear & go wigs are best for daily on/off wear. Lace front wigs offer more styling flexibility for special occasions.
Wig Types
Not sure which type of wig is right for you? These guides introduce each major wig type and explain who it's best suited for.
- Human Hair Wigs — Full styling flexibility, most realistic look. Shop human hair wigs.
- Synthetic Wigs — Affordable, low-maintenance, style holds itself. Shop synthetic wigs.
- Lace Front Wigs — Natural-looking hairline across the full front edge. Shop lace front wigs.
- Glueless Wigs — No adhesive needed; secured with bands and combs. Shop glueless wigs.
- Wear & Go Wigs — Pre-cut lace, pre-plucked, ready to wear immediately. Shop wear & go wigs.
- Closure Wigs — Lace closure at the crown for a natural part. Excellent for protective styling. Shop closure wigs.
- Full Lace Wigs — The entire cap is made of lace, allowing parting and styling anywhere on the head.
- 360 Lace Wigs — Lace runs around the full perimeter of the cap, allowing ponytails and updos.
- Headband Wigs — No lace at all; the wig attaches via a built-in headband. The simplest possible installation.
- U-Part Wigs — A U-shaped opening at the top allows the wearer's natural hair to blend through for a seamless look.
Construction & Specifications
Understanding wig specifications helps you read product listings accurately and compare options effectively.
- 13x4 Lace Front — The most common lace front size. 13 inches wide, 4 inches deep. Shop 13x4 wigs.
- 13x6 Lace Front — Deeper lace for more parting flexibility. Shop 13x6 wigs.
- 5x5 Closure — Standard closure size. Natural scalp illusion at the crown. Shop 5x5 closure wigs.
- 7x5 Closure — Wider closure for more parting options. Shop 7x5 closure wigs.
- HD Lace — Ultra-thin, nearly invisible lace that blends seamlessly across a wide range of skin tones.
- Pre-Plucked — The hairline has already been thinned by the manufacturer for a more natural appearance out of the box.
- Density — How much hair is on the wig, expressed as a percentage (130%, 150%, 180%, 200%).
- Cap Size — Petite, average (21.5–22.5"), or large. Most wigs include an adjustable elastic band.
Style & Appearance
Looking for a specific style? These guides and collections will help you find the right look.
- Bob Wigs — Clean, polished cuts from chin to shoulder length. Shop bob wigs.
- Short Wigs — 8–12 inches; lightweight and easy to manage. Shop short wigs.
- Long Wigs — 22+ inches; dramatic, flowing styles. Shop long wigs.
- Curly Wigs — Defined curl patterns from loose to tight.
- Wavy Wigs — Body wave, water wave, and deep wave options for natural movement and volume.
- Straight Wigs — Sleek and versatile; the most popular texture for everyday wear.
- Blonde Wigs — Available in honey blonde, platinum, and highlighted shades in human hair and synthetic.
- Colored Wigs — Fashion colors, ombre, and highlights for a bold or customized look. Shop colored wigs.
Beginner Guides
New to wigs? These articles are written specifically for first-time buyers and new wearers.
- Wigs for Beginners: Everything You Need to Know — A complete first-timer's guide covering every decision from hair type to how to put a wig on.
- What Is a Wear & Go Wig? — The easiest possible wig for beginners. No cutting, no gluing, no skills required.
- What Is a Glueless Wig? — Great for daily wear with no adhesive needed.
- How to Choose a Wig Cap Size — How to measure your head and find the right fit.
- What Wig Density Should I Choose? — Understanding 130%, 150%, 180% and what each looks like.
- How to Choose the Right Wig Length — What each length looks like and how to decide.
- How to Make a Wig Look Natural — Practical techniques for a realistic, undetectable result.
- How to Install a Lace Front Wig — Step-by-step installation guide.
- Wig Glossary: Common Wig Terms Explained — Definitions for every term you'll encounter when shopping.
Ready to Shop?
Use our complete buying guide to find your perfect wig by goal, construction, or texture. Or browse our most popular collections: