Everything You Need to Know About Wigs – and More

Text by Lise Toftild
Photo: Darewhan Almin

Wigs with a Bad Reputation

For many women, wearing a wig is still associated with a great deal of taboo. At Toftild, we want to change that, because we know that today’s wigs are far better than their reputation. The word makes most of us think of something slightly embarrassing because it doesn’t look like what it is supposed to resemble – your own hair. Many people think a wig is an old-fashioned, outdated phenomenon meant only for elderly people. You might picture wigs blowing off in strong winds, being far too big and thick, and above all, looking unnatural. But it really doesn’t have to be that way.

Wigs That Make a Difference

Today, wigs are made to look very natural. Product development in the wig industry has progressed tremendously. Most wigs are now handmade or partly handmade, often combined with what is called a monofilament construction. Simply put, it means one hair – one knot. This creates a very natural appearance and gives the illusion of hair growing directly from the scalp. You can get your wig with highlights, lowlights, and rooted colors for a completely natural look. A natural blend of shades adds life and dimension. If you are starting to go gray, you can find wigs in various tones and percentages of gray as well. In fact, with the right wig, you can turn back time – or fast-forward it 😊

A Beloved Child Has Many Names

Many wigs today also feature a lace front, sometimes called a tulle front or film front. A beloved feature has many names… The most delicate part of a wig is the front. Ideally, it should be invisible and very lightweight. A lace front (let’s just call it that) consists of a thin lace mesh where each individual hair is knotted into the base with such low density that the wig’s front looks like a completely natural hairline. This feature is now available in the vast majority of wigs. Lace fronts are especially suitable for hairstyles without bangs, as the base is fully transparent. Keep in mind that wigs with a lace front must be handled gently to avoid damaging the front.

Finding the Right Wig Size

People have different head sizes. If you have ever had a graduation cap fitted, you may remember having your head measured. Essentially, six different measurements determine the correct wig size. The most important measurement, however, is the circumference. Today, you can choose wig sizes from XS to XL, just like clothing. A wig should fit comfortably and securely without causing irritation, so proper fit is essential. Always have your head measured correctly to ensure your new hair fits perfectly and feels comfortable. A wig should never feel tight or too loose, and it should not “sit on the ears” or have the ear tabs positioned too high on the temples.

Correct Wig Placement on the Forehead

A wig has a completely natural position on the forehead and should not sit too low. If it does, it looks unnatural. Many people make this mistake because they want to ensure the wig feels secure. A wig finds its natural balance when it is the correct size and fit and is positioned properly—especially at the forehead. You can measure the distance from the tip of your nose to the top edge of your eyebrows. This distance is usually the width of 3–4 fingers. The same distance should apply from your eyebrows to the wig’s hairline. That way, you can be sure your wig is placed correctly and that your hairline looks natural.

See a detailed guide and video on how to put on a wig.

Wig with or without a Wig Cap?

A bamboo wig cap can be beneficial if you tend to sweat a lot. It may sound counterintuitive to add an extra layer under your new hair, but a wig cap is very thin and helps transport sweat away from the scalp—something a wig unfortunately cannot do. A bamboo wig cap can also feel softer against sensitive skin. The downside is that it may interfere with some of the wig’s natural features, such as the lace front, if not positioned precisely. On the plus side, wig caps come in various shades to match your skin tone.

Wig with or without Tape?

Safety first! If that’s how you feel, using wig tape with your new hair may be a good idea. Many wigs today are equipped with adhesive areas inside for attaching tape. Wig tape is double-sided and easy to apply and replace. You should expect to change your tape daily, but you only need a small amount. If your wig does not already have adhesive areas, we can sew them in for you. We usually place them at the sides (ear tabs) and often at the nape as well. That way, you can dance all night and walk in strong winds without experiencing scenes from old movies. Your new hair will stay in place. Wig tape is, of course, skin-friendly and available in different strengths and widths.

Wig Security and Anti-Slip

While we’re on the topic of security: some wigs are also equipped with anti-slip, similar to what you find in hold-up stockings. It works best if you have no hair or very little hair left. Otherwise, it may pull slightly on your existing hair and feel uncomfortable. On the other hand, anti-slip can automatically give you a reassuring sense of security—without having to think about tape.

Shake It! – Give Your Wig a Shake

To achieve the most natural look, it’s a good idea to gently shake your wig before putting it on. This applies whether you’ve chosen a short or long style. You might think a wig should be handled very carefully to avoid damage—and that’s true when washing it—but giving it a small shake while dry before placing it on your head allows the fibers to fall naturally and can make a big difference in how lifelike the hairstyle appears. A gentle shake is far better than brushing it repeatedly.

Power Princesses, Pirates, and Wigs – Are There Cool Wigs for Children?

Children’s wigs are a world of their own. They do exist, of course, but it is rare to find ones that are light and natural enough. We believe children’s wigs should be made from untreated human hair with very low density to reflect the natural lightness of most children’s own hair. They should come in natural shades, without highlights or streaks, to avoid looking too mature. At Toftild, we have created children’s wigs from donated hair through our project “Toftild – Love is in the Hair.” You can read much more about it here.

Synthetic Hair or Human Hair – The Wig’s Raw Material

Should you choose synthetic hair or human hair for your wig? First of all, synthetic hair is not the same as artificial or nylon hair. The synthetic fibers used in wigs today are patented, technologically advanced fibers designed to resemble real hair as closely as possible. They do not melt but cannot tolerate heat. If you choose a synthetic wig, be aware that it cannot withstand blow dryers, curling irons, or straighteners. On the upside, you’ll never have a bad hair day—once dry after washing in cold water, the wig will return to its original style. This is a huge advantage and easy to manage in daily life. A human hair wig can be a major advantage if you wear medium or long styles. It avoids the visible mechanical wear that occurs when the hair rubs against shoulders, collars, or your back—something you would notice more quickly with synthetic hair. Human hair can be curled, straightened, and colored (though preferably not lightened), and washed like your own hair. Human hair wigs often last slightly longer—sometimes 4–6 months more than synthetic wigs.

We offer a wide range of care products for human hair wigs and synthetic wigs.

Every Wig Has Its Price

What does a wig cost? It’s a bit like asking what a car costs—it depends on whether you want a Fiat or a Volvo 😉 In short, wig prices start at approximately $500 and can go up to around $3,600, representing opposite ends of the spectrum. Long, human hair is expensive, so much of the price depends on hair quality and length, as well as the wig cap construction—whether it is handmade or machine-made, for example. Generally, synthetic wigs range from about $500 to $900. Human hair wigs range from $1,150 up to $3,600. The most expensive are often custom-made from untreated European hair.

Pimp Your Wig

Whether you wear a synthetic or human hair wig, you can always style it. Many wig wearers are used to thinking in terms of limitations rather than possibilities—and that’s a shame, because it isn’t necessary. With synthetic hair, avoid heat, but you can still use hair clips, barrettes, headbands, and hairbands. Braids, buns, and low ponytails are also options if you have long hair. Heat-friendly synthetic fibers are available and can tolerate temperatures up to 320°F, allowing you to use hot tools for curls or straight styles. With human hair, you have even more possibilities, including hair wax and hairspray, as these can be washed out with warm water. Always be careful not to use too many strong products, as they may damage the wig cap construction.

Wig Care, Washing, and Powder Tips

The care of your new hair always depends on the hair quality of your wig. You will always receive thorough guidance on how to wash it properly. You can find Toftild’s care guides here. The basic rule for synthetic hair is washing in cold water, air drying, no hairspray, and only minimal products—though a bit of fiber oil daily is beneficial. A great tip if your synthetic wig looks slightly too shiny is to spray a small amount of hair powder or dry shampoo onto it—no shine in no time. The basic rule for human hair is washing in warm water, occasional blow-drying, flat ironing if desired, and plenty of conditioner, leave-in conditioner, and a weekly hair mask. A semi-permanent color treatment is possible. If you use a blend of synthetic and human hair, you can treat it mostly like a 100% human hair wig but only use heat up to 320°F—and no coloring.

A Wig – or Simply New Hair?

Many people feel that the word “wig” carries too many prejudices and myths, so we suggest calling it your new hair. After all, that’s really what it is.

Do you need our help or just a good wig tip? Contact us at support@toftild.com