Cart to Confidence: Tips for Successful Online Wig Shopping

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Featured here: Lisa by Envy by Alan Eaton in shade Lighter Red

Featured here: Lisa by Envy in shade Lighter Red

Education & Learning

Cart to Confidence: Tips for Successful Online Wig Shopping

Shopping for a wig online can be both exciting and overwhelming. With thousands of styles, cap types, and fiber options available, it’s easy to fall down a rabbit hole of endless choices. The goal? Finding a wig that suits your lifestyle, flatters your look, and arrives exactly as described.

Here’s your go-to guide for confidently buying a wig online—with tips to avoid scams, understand what you’re purchasing, and ultimately love what lands on your doorstep.

1. Start With a Reputable Retailer

The foundation of a positive online wig shopping experience begins with choosing the right website like Wigs.com. Look for retailers that:

Specialize in wigs and hairpieces (not general marketplaces)

Offer detailed product descriptions and professional photos

Have clear return/exchange policies

Feature customer service contact info

Display verified customer reviews

Trusted sites often include:

Client selfies and real-user images

Free consultations or virtual try-on tools

Support from certified wig specialists

Avoid: Sites with inconsistent photos, copied descriptions, too-good-to-be-true prices, and no customer service information. If it’s suspiciously cheap —walk away.

2. Learn About Wig Fibers: Synthetic vs. Human Hair

Before falling in love with a style, make sure the fiber suits your lifestyle.

Synthetic Wigs

Featured here: Charlotte by Envy in shade Cinnamon Raisin

Pre-styled and ready to wear

Low maintenance

More affordable

Hold their shape

Cannot be heat styled (unless with the 3-in-1 Envy Airstyler)

Heat-Friendly Synthetic

Can be curled/straightened on low heat

More prone to tangling

Require additional maintenance

Human Hair Wigs

Featured here: Hannah by Envy in shade Dark Blonde

Natural look and feel

Can be cut, heat styled

Require styling after washing

Higher investment

Need care similar to bio hair

Blended Fibers (Human Hair + Heat Friendly Synthetic)

Featured here: Zoey by Envy in shade Toasted Seasame

Combine the realism of human hair with the durability of synthetic

Often lighter and more manageable than 100% human hair

Typically, lower in cost than full human hair wigs

May retain style better and require less maintenance than human hair alone

Best for you?

Busy lifestyle: Synthetic Fiber

Maximum realism & styling freedom: Human Hair

Balanced realism and ease: Blended Fibers⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Styling flexibility and budget-conscious: Heat Friendly Synthetic Fiber

3. Understand Cap Constructions

The cap determines comfort, breathability, and realism.

Basic Cap/Wefted

Affordable

Volume at the crown

Durable and breathable

Lace Front

Hairline looks realistic

Allows off-the-face styling

Monofilament (Mono Top or Part)

An example of a monofilament top

An example of a monofilament part

Individual hair strands tied to a mesh base

Realistic scalp appearance

Allows parting flexibility

Hand-Tied

Lightweight and soft on the scalp

Each hair tied individually

Ideal for sensitive scalps

Choose a cap that suits your styling needs and comfort level. For example, if you want flexibility in parting and natural movement, monofilament or hand-tied caps are worth the investment.

4. Use Social Media as a Research Tool

Manufacturer photos look flawless—but sometimes unrealistic. Head over to platforms like:

Instagram: Search by hashtags like #wigreview or brand/style names/colors

YouTube: Watch in-depth try-ons and fiber movement in real-time

Facebook Groups: Many wig wearers share unfiltered photos and honest reviews

Blogs: Reading blog posts—whether from retailers or directly on brand websites—can provide valuable insights, education, and comparisons. Many blogs offer tutorials, color breakdowns, care tips, and even side-by-side style reviews that can help you make an informed decision.

Look for real customer selfies and content creators who wear wigs regularly. You'll get a more accurate sense of:

How the wig looks in different lighting

Cap fit and comfort

Styling potential

5. Read Reviews with a Critical Eye

Check verified buyer reviews on both retailer sites and third-party platforms (Trustpilot, Reddit, etc.). Take note of:

Sizing feedback

Color accuracy

Customer service experiences

Look for consistent patterns across reviews. One negative review may be a fluke, but several complaints are red flags.

6. Know Your Measurements

To minimize returns and improve comfort, measure your head before ordering. Most wigs are average size, but if your head is smaller or larger than typical, look for:

Petite or large sizing options

Adjustable straps

Wig grip or liner for added fit security

Zara Lite by Jon Renau in shade 22F16S8 Venice Blonde

You'll need:

Circumference (hairline around the head)

Front to nape

Ear to ear over top

Refer to the sizing chart on the retailer’s website and don’t assume one size fits all.

7. Order Color Rings or Use Virtual Color Matching

Wig colors can appear different on every screen. Many online wig retailers:

Offer color rings for rent or purchase

Provide virtual consultations

Post comparison videos and swatches under various lighting

If in doubt, stick to neutral shades or colors you've worn before. Cooler tones often look ashier in real life, while warm tones may pull more golden than expected.

8. Shop Smart to Minimize Returns

To improve your odds of loving your wig the first time:

Start with brands that offer easy exchanges

Avoid final-sale clearance items unless you’re confident in the style

Don’t remove tags or alter the wig before you're sure it's a keeper

9. Try It On with Intention

Once your wig arrives:

Put it on with a wig cap

Style it using your fingers or a wide-tooth comb (don’t brush aggressively)

Wear it around the house for a bit to assess comfort

Take selfies to see how it photographs

Give yourself time to get used to a new style—it may take a few tries to feel natural.

10. Bonus Tip: Keep a Wig Journal

Once you start your wig journey, document:

Which styles worked and which didn’t

Favorite fibers and cap constructions

Brands that fit well

Color notes under natural light

This helps build confidence and saves time when shopping for your next style.

Final Thoughts

Buying a wig online doesn’t have to be risky. With the right tools, research, and awareness, you can find a style that fits your needs, your look, and your lifestyle—without buyer’s remorse.

Take your time, explore your options, and don’t be afraid to connect with the online wig community. A little research goes a long way in turning that “add to cart” moment into a celebration.