What’s the deal with wigs?

Remember the days when wigs were just the cheap, itchy synthetic sort that you wore solely at Halloween parties? Maybe you still only associate wigs with Halloween? You’d be surprised to know, if that’s the case, just how common they are nowadays.

In fact, many of your favourite celebrities are wig-wearers, with Keira Knightley, Rihanna, Kylie Jenner, Zendaya, Lady Gaga and Katy Perry all sharing their love for the wig in interviews and on social media posts of the past. Wigs have certainly come on leaps and bounds from their itchy fancy-dress days, and if you’re wondering why on earth they’re so popular all of a sudden, we’ll attempt to explain why.

Why do people wear wigs?

There are many reasons why people wear wigs (and, in fact, there doesn’t have to be a reason at all). Somebody might wear a wig if they suffer from alopecia, a hair loss disorder, or if they have lost their hair from chemotherapy treatment. Wigs don’t have to be worn for cover-up purposes, though. They are a form of self-expression, and, when of a high enough quality, they can look just as realistic as your own hair.

If you’re the sort that likes to constantly switch up your image, but you don’t necessarily want to ruin your hair by constant bleaching and dying, a wig collection might just be your answer. Wigs offer a versatility of colours, lengths and styles, allowing you to channel a completely different persona from one week to the next – and all without the expensive cost of hair dying sessions and regular upkeep at the salon.  

How much do wigs cost?

Unsurprisingly, the best, most realistic wigs aren’t cheap – but it’s worth bearing in mind that once you’ve bought one, that’s that. You won’t have to shell out on hair appointments, or spend countless hours in the salon to achieve your desired looks. Wigs are certainly a cost and time-friendly alternative to hair maintenance, even if you may be surprised by the cost of a wig initially.

You can expect a good quality real hair wig to cost anywhere between £800 - £2,500. Synthetic wigs are slightly cheaper, coming in at around £50 - £500. It’s safe to say that all wigs are investments, no matter whether they’re real or synthetic, so it’s worth being certain of your choice before you make a purchase.

How do you wear a wig?

Wigs can be uncomfortable to wear, and may lead to rashes if you don’t wear them properly. If you’re planning to wear a wig on a regular basis, you need to purchase a wig cap underneath. This protects your scalp from chaffing and pulling.

You want your wig to look natural, and you also – gulp – don’t want it to slip down, or worse, fall off in public. Go for a wig that’s similar in colour to your own hair colour if you’re worried about not feeling comfortable to begin with. If you have long hair to conceal, tie it tightly against your head and pin it in place, then pull the wig cap over your hairline and stretch it towards the back of your scalp. Once your stray hairs are tucked into your cap, put on your wig and firmly secure it with tape or clips.

How do you look after a wig?

Wigs, quite like hair, need to be looked after in order to maintain their style, texture and quality. You need to handle your wig with extreme care if you want it to stay looking good for as long as possible, which includes brushing and cleaning it on a regular basis. If your wig is made out of real human hair, there’s no reason why you can’t use your own shampoos and conditioners on it. If it’s synthetic, however, you’ll need to purchase special products and brushes made especially for treating the fibres that make up the wig.

Wigs: yay or nay?

Ultimately, if you love to experiment with your hair, there’s no reason why you shouldn’t go for a wig. However, you should remember that wearing wigs frequently can lead to your natural hair to suffocate, leading to hair loss and damage. They are also not very comfortable to wear on a full-time basis, making them not a very practical solution for somebody looking to wear wigs in place of showcasing their natural hair.

If you’re more interested in wearing a wig on nights out, at fancy evening events or any other situations where you might enjoy switching up your hairstyle, then we say go for it. If you want a long-term solution, though, and you’re not using them for cover-up purposes we would generally advise against wigs. You would be much better off having your hair professionally styled every few months or so.