Print this page

Wigs Buying Guide From LightInTheBox.com

Determine Your Cap Size
If you’re considering purchasing a custom or pre-fitted wig, the first thing you’ll need to do is measure your head to determine your cap size. Before you measure, here are some useful tips:
1. Use a cloth measuring tape. The flexibility of a cloth measuring tape makes the job easier and gives you a more accurate measurement.
2. Measure holding the tape snug, but not tight against the head.
3. Keep the tape flat against your head and do not allow the tape to twist.
4. Comb your hair to smooth it out. If you have long hair, we highly suggest you style your hair as it will be while wearing your wig or try to flatten your hair as much as possible.
5. Take measurements at least 3 times to be sure. Consistent measurements are an indication that you are measuring correctly. Be sure to write down your measurements, and use them when picking your wig.
6．If you want more room, you may add a half inch to your measurement.

Watch A Video Tutorial

How to measure your head?

1. Cap Size: Cap size means the circumference of the cap. To measure your head’s circumference, take a measuring tape and start from the middle of your forehead. Go behind the ear to the nape of your neck, and then back again behind the other ear until you reach your forehead again. Make sure that you follow the hairline all the way round. An adjustable inner stretch-cap perfects the fit.
2. Front to Back: To measure the distance from front to back, you can measure from the middle of your front hairline. Go back over the top of your head, following the middle of your head until you reach the end of your hairline at the nape of your neck.
3. Side to side across forehead: To measure the distance side to side across forehead, you can place the tape just above one of your ears where the hair begins. Go across your fore head follow your hair line to the other ear.
4. Side to side over top: To measure from side to side over top, place the tape measure just above one of your ears where the hair begins. Go over the top of your head to the other ear.
5. Temple to Temple across back: To measure from temple to temple across back, you can place the measuring tape against your head at the front edge of the hairline. That’s the side burn area in front of your ear. Go around the back of your head in a straight line over the occipital bone, to the opposite side. Make sure the measuring tape ends up on the edge of your hairline on the right side.
6. Nape of Neck: To measure your nape of neck ,you can place tape at the left side of the end of your hairline at the nape, go across the width of the hair to the right side.
How to choose a hair style based on your face shape
Certain hair styles fit better for certain face shapes. A good hair style can make you look and feel more beautiful and confident. Here are just some guidelines – your own taste certainly also factors into your choice!
Oval

This face shape is longer than it is wide, slightly narrower at jaw line than at the cheekbones.

Style to Try: This face shape looks good with just about any style. Short, medium or long lengths.
Round

This face shape is characterized by a round chin and full-looking hairline.

Style to Try: This face shape looks good with chin-length or longer styles with long, wispy side areas to add height to your face and make the cheek area appear narrower.
Square

This face shape is characterized by long and slender cheekbones, and a broad forehead.

Style to Try: This face shape looks good with short to middle length hair, with a fringe or half-bang across the forehead. Soft waves or curls in the crown and nape areas will also add to the look.
Heart

This face shape is characterized by a wider forehead and narrow chin.

Style to Try: This face shape looks good with chin-length or longer hairstyles. Bangs are great to disguise the width of the forehead.
Pear

This face shape is characterized by a narrow forehead and wide jaw line.

Style to Try: This face shape looks great with bangs and long layers on the sides, making the forehead appear wider while narrowing down the chin.
How to choose the material of your hair wig
1. Human hair wigs

A human hair wig is soft and feels smooth and natural to the touch. It reflects light naturally and “breathes” better, meaning you’ll perspire less. Most human hair wigs can be worn up to 8 years, so if you plan on wearing your wig every day, a human hair wig is the best choice. Keep in mind that human hair wigs need to be styled after every wash, and are more expensive, due to their limited supply.

LightInTheBox.com offers high quality human hair wigs and hair extensions at an affordable price, which can be styled and dyed just like your own.

Human hair can be Remy hair or virgin Remy hair and can be also from Asian, Indian, Brazilian and European donors. The followings are introduction of each type.
Virgin Remy Hair
Virgin Remy hair is the highest quality of human hair. Virgin hair is natural hair that has not been dyed, colored, bleached or chemically treated in any way. It comes from a single donor and there has been no damage to the cuticles or to the true structure of the hair, so the cuticles are intact, running in the same direction.
Shop Virgin Remy hair wigs or hair extensions
Remy Hair
Remy is a term used to describe wigs or hair extensions where the hairs all point in one direction: roots at the top, ends at the bottom. It is the natural way that hairs flow on your head and, therefore, is much less likely to become matted or tangled. Remy hair can be colored or treated to achieve a certain style. Any hair type (European, Indian, Brazilian, etc.) can be Remy.
Shop remy hair wigs or remy hair extensions
Asian Hair
Asian hair is typically thick, strong, straight, black or very dark brown in color. It can withstand chemicals and heat better than other types of hair. It is ideal for straight wigs or extensions that don’t hold curls. It is also commonly used for making light colored hair wigs or extensions after repeated dying.
Indian Hair
Indian hair is the most versatile and exceptional hair. The texture is shiny and silky soft with subtle wave. It can be easily waved and curled, but it is not as strong as Asian hair.
Shop Indian hair extensions
Brazilian Hair
Brazilian hair is denser than Indian hair, and tends to be smoother, shinier, thicker and heavier. Some of the curly patterns have coarse textures. The hair tends to be less consistent in texture than Indian Remy hair.
Shop Brazilian hair extensions
European Hair
European hair is of a smaller diameter and comes in a variety of colors and textures. It is often light, shiny and silky soft, with a very natural feel to the touch. It is in the shortest supply and therefore is higher in price than Indian or Asian hair.
Shop European remy hair extensions
2.Synthetic hair wigs

A synthetic hair wig is easy to care for without requiring styling after washing. They are also less expensive. However, synthetic wigs cannot withstand high temperatures, meaning they cannot be styled with an iron, and also have a shorter lifespan if worn every day. There are several types of synthetic hair wigs available such as Top Grade Quality synthetic hair wigs, high quality Kanekalon Fiber, General Japanese Fiber and Korean Fiber wigs. Top Grade and Kanekalon Fiber wigs can be used for daily wear, while General Japanese Fiber and Korean Fiber can be used for cosplay or limited periods such as attending parties.

LightInTheBox.com’s high quality synthetic hair wigs are made to last and come in a variety of styles to suit your needs. Shop now

A. Top Grade Quality Synthetic Hair Wigs


The quality of top grade quality synthetic hair wigs is fabulous, second only to human hair. It can be treated as your own hair, except it shouldn’t be dyed. The lifespan of Top Grade Quality synthetic hair wigs ranges from 1 to 2 years depending on care.　
LightInTheBox.com offers Top Grade Quality Swiss Fiber. It feels smooth and it’s easy to comb; almost the same as human hair and suitable for daily wear. Shop now

B. High quality Kanekalon Fiber.


LightInTheBox.com offers high quality Japanese Kanekalon Fiber. It’s flexible and comfortable. The lifespan of Japanese Kanekalon hair wigs is from 1 to 1.5 years, depending on care.　
LightInTheBox.com offers Top Grade Japanese Kanekalon Fiber that feels smooth and easy to comb. It’s suitable for daily wear. Considering the cost-effectiveness and lifespan of these wigs, Kanekalon Fiber wigs could be your best option. Shop now
Different cap types
1.Capless

Capless Wigs, one of the most common wig caps, feature hair strands sewn onto lace stretch bands around the crown. It is open in the back, sides and crown, providing superior breathability. It is also the lightest cap you can purchase. The smooth closures adjust easily for a custom fit that’s right for you.
Find your favorite capless wigs
2.Lace wigs—lace front wigs& full lace wigs

With lace wigs, hair strands are attached onto mesh lace in front of the wig’s hairline. It can be temporarily glued to one’s skin around the hairline so you can't see where the lace starts or ends. The main advantage of mesh lace is natural looking partings in the hair, and you can wear it for weeks even while sleeping or playing sports. Here are two types of lace wigs: lace front wigs and full lace wigs.

A. Lace Front wigs Full Lace wigs Full Lace wigs


Lace front wigs with lace material only at the forehead are more natural and undetectable. The remainder of the wig is made out of a less fragile material which is less susceptible to ripping or tearing than the lace.
Lace Front Wigs can add to your existing hairline and create an impression of the hair growing from the scalp, thereby making it difficult to discern whether the hair on your head is artificial or natural. It won’t cause tension on the scalp by stretching across it, making this wig very light-weight. The only real downside is that you can’t pull your hair back into a ponytail while wearing it.
Find your favorite lace front wigs

B. Full Lace wigs


A full lace wig’s entire cap is hand-tied and made out of lace. When properly attached with special adhesives or tape customized for full lace wigs, the hairline can look very realistic, virtually undetectable even when touched. The lace around the perimeter is trimmed to match the hairline, so that the full lace wig looks more realistic.
Full lace wigs are very versatile and can be worn in a high ponytail style, up in hairdos, and/or parted anywhere. The versatility of this wig means it looks great all day long, and can endure daily activities such as working, sports and even swimming.
Find your favorite full lace wigs
3. Monofilament cap (Monofilament wigs)
Monofilament material is a thin gauze-like, nearly transparent material which is much more comfortable to the touch. Hair strands are attached by hand-knotting them to this material, one strand at a time, hence the term "mono-filament". The caps of monofilament wigs are great for people with sensitive scalps, cancer patients or people suffering from severe hair loss.
Monofilament wigs offer you a cap that is soft to the touch; basically see through and very hard to detect. The monofilament weaving allows each strand of hair to move freely and more naturally. These wigs are lightweight, feel natural and offer a comfort that is unlike any other. Due to the single weaving, these caps breathe well, allowing you to itch less and maintain a happy, healthy scalp.
Find your favorite monofilament wigs
Different occasions
Daily wear and changing your style
Fiber

The fiber must be natural looking so that no one will find you are wearing a wig. You can choose human hair or top quality synthetic according to your budget.

Human hair is the best fiber of wigs, human hair wig is natural look, soft touch just as your own hair, it can even be heated or dyed to become a new style. Human hair wig is also very long-lasting, the usage period can be up to 8 years under well care. However, the price of a human hair is more expensive, so you must consider your budget before purchase.

See more Natural Human Hair Wig >>

If your budget does not allow you to purchase a human hair wig, you can also choose a top grade quality synthetic wig instead. There are affordable, high quality synthetic wigs in the market. For daily wear, we highly recommended top quality or high quality synthetic wigs. A top grade quality wig is second only to human hair wig, also natural look and soft touch as your own hair, especially the price is cheaper. But it is made to style and cannot be heated or dyed, and the usage is much shorter, only 1-2 years under well care.

See more Top Grade Quality Synthetic Wig >>

Cap

Besides the fiber, the cap construction is also very important to make your wig natural look and comfortable. We recommend lace cap for you. The lace piece is as your skin color, it can be pasted to your forehead and cut to match the shape of your forehead so that no one can find it is not your own hair. The hair is hand-tied to the lace piece to be long lasting and natural look.

See more Lace Wig >>
Special occasion

Besides daily wear, some special wigs can make you a shining star in some special occasions.

Cosplay

Everyone has his/her favorite cartoon characters. If you wants to dress like them, You need not only their unique dresses but also their different colored and styled hair. A cosplay wig will help you show your creativity and brighten up without any touch of your own hair.

See more Cosplay Wigs >>
Parties

Using a wig to create that new look for the next party you attend is a great way to spice up your social life.

See more Party Wigs >>
How to take on a common wig?

Watch A Step-By-Step Video

1. Before you can put on your new wig, you need to make sure your real hair is out of the way.
If your hair is long, separate the hair into two pieces, and twist. Cross the two pieces behind your head, and clip them across the top. This is an easy way to even your hair out on your head without a huge ponytail bulge. Braiding the hair is also a good technique for women with long hair.
Shorter hair can simply be combed and clipped to the crown of the head, or placed into a bun at the base of your neck

2. Use a wig cap on any type of hair length to hold it all in and ensure a smooth fit. After getting your hair as flat as possible you’ll need to cover it. The best way to do this is with a wig cap. This will keep your hair back and allow the wig to stay on as well. Put the edge of the wig cap at the middle of your forehead hairline and hold it, then put it on. Be sure that the whole edge of the wig cap matches your hairline to get a natural look.

3. Make sure that you are putting it on the right way with the front at the front.Find the center of wig of front, put it on the center of your forehead hairline, and hold the crown to pull it on toward back. Make sure the side pieces are very flat the temples and in front of the ears.

4. Now that your wig is on, ask yourself how it looks. Are you happy with how it sits on your head? Is it comfortable? Is it staying in place? Once your wig is perfectly situated on your head you’re ready to head out the door and take on the world with your new look! Find your favorite wigs and accessories
How to take on a natural look lace wig？
1. Clean your forehead area around hairline using soft cloth and cleaning liquid 2. Put double-sided tapes special for lace wig on forehead starting mid-forehead as a guide. Put more strips until they cover most of hairline.
3. Peel off skin to reveal sticky surface of tape 4. Place front lace wig on head making sure hairline of wig is aligned with your own. Make sure to check near ears to inspect alignment.
5. Cut of lace one inch section at a time. Wig’s hairline should blend in with original hairline 6. Style the wig as you wish. And finally, remember to smile, because you look beautiful!
Latest Extensions
Tape Hair Extension

Tape hair extensions have double-sided tape attached to the base, which allow them to be taped to the scalp or your natural hair. The tape, imported from Italy, is transparent, flexible and safe. Shop now>>

Tape hair extensions can be easily applied in the salon or at home. Simply section off an area of hair and tape the human hair extensions above or below. You can also try “sandwiching” your natural hair between two wefts of hair extensions as the picture below shows.

Silicon Skin Weft Extension
Silicon skin weft extension has silicon skin at base to avoid damage to the scalp.

You can tape your silicon skin extension to your natural hairs by a double-side tape as tape extension.
You can also sew micro ring with silicon-glue inside to the silicon skin weft of your extension, and hook your natural hairs through the rings with special hook, then pull the micro ring up to about 0.8cm to 1cm from scalp and grip the micro ring by pliers. Now, the hair extensions is firmly applied on.
See the steps as pictures below:

Stick-tip Pre-bonded Hair Extension
Stick-tip Pre-bonded Hair Extension is pre-boned at tip, and the tip looks like a stick.

You can fallow the steps below to take on Stick-tip Pre-bonded Hair Extension:

1. Dispart the hair into two parts
2. Insert a template to protect your hair and fixup
3. Twist the hair as a hank/strand
4. Encase the hair bank/strand with pre tipped hair
5. Put the hair connector under hair
6. Smoothly moved for 3 seconds
7. Roll with fingers,and sticky tightly
8. Do not make any washing or pull within 24 hour
See the steps as pictures below:

Micro Loop Ring Hair Extension
Micro loop ring hair Extension has a piece of micro loop ring at base to help you easily hook your natural hairs through the micro rings with no need of special hook

You can fallow the steps below to take on Micro Loop Ring Hair Extension:

1. Partition your hair across the back to make a clean line. Clip your remaining hair up so you can easily put the hair extensions on.
2. Twist a small piece of your own hair for attaching the hair extensions.
3. Let this small piece of your own hair go through the plastic loop.
4. Hold the micro ring and pull the big end of the plastic loop until your own piece of hair can go through the micro ring. At this moment, the plastic loop should be completely free from the micro ring and hair extensions. Please keep this plastic loop for re-apply purpose if necessary.
5. Pull the micro ring up to about 0.8cm to 1cm from scalp.
See the steps as pictures below:

The following tools and accessories are useful for you, buy together and save upto $10!
Double-sided Tape Hair Extension 20 Pieces Each Paper Electric Pull Straight Board Micro Ring With Silicon Tape 4 Colors To Choose Bearded Needle
Pointed Mouth Pliers Professional Hair Styler Hair Extension Iron Clips In Hair Extensions With 6 Tooth 30 Clips Each Set Clips In Hair Extensions With 9 Tooth 30 Clips Each Set
How to care for your wig
How often should wigs be washed?

Generally speaking, a wig should be washed once every 6-8 uses, though this number can vary depending on your own personal preferences. You should consider washing the wig if the style begins to lose its luster, becomes more difficult to style, or simply doesn’t feel as fresh as before. If you are particularly active, then we would recommend that you clean the wig at least once a week to remove dirt and perspiration.

Cleaning the wig
First, comb through the wig gently to remove any tangles, then turn the wig inside out. Use specially formulated wig shampoo to clean the wig, following the instructions carefully. Generally, most wig shampoos will instruct you to add a capful of specifically formulated wig shampoo to cold water, and soak the wig for five minutes. After the appropriate amount of time has passed, swirl the wig gently for a few moments in the shampoo water, being careful not to rub the wig. Once done, rinse the wig thoroughly using a basin of clean water and lay it out on a towel, blotting softly to remove excess water.
While the wig is still damp
Do not rub, wring, twist, brush or comb the wig while it is wet. When the wig is dry enough not to drip, turn it right side out and place the wig directly on the drying stand. Avoid using a Styrofoam styling head while the wig is wet to prevent stretching. Spritz thoroughly with specifically formulated wig conditioner and simply let it the wig air-dry at room temperature, out of direct sunlight. Never use heat on a synthetic wig in an attempt to dry the wig faster!
When the wig is dry
Simply shake the wig out to “awaken” the style, letting the strands fall back into place. Then, simply brush or comb the wig into the desired look. Do not brush a curly synthetic wig – finger style, or use a pick comb instead.

Keeping the wig in top conditionnly use professional hair products designed for wigs, such as shampoos and conditioners that have been specifically formulated for wig cleaning and care. Avoid using standard hair brushes, which can overstretch and damage the wig.

LightInTheBox.com accessories have been designed specifically for use on wigs, and can be used to create added volume and body. When brushing the wig, start at the ends and work gradually toward the root. To maintain luster and manageability, spritz the wig with spray-on wig conditioner after each use, and brush carefully to remove any tangles. Do not simply leave the wig lying around – when not in use, place the wig on a Styrofoam styling head to help preserve its shape and styling.
FAQ

1. Can I use low heat to style my wig?

2. What type of fiber is used for your synthetic wigs/hairpieces?

3. Can I color or straighten the hair in this wig?

4. How long can I expect this wig to last, and can I wear it to swim or play sports?

5. What is the difference between human hair and synthetic hair?

6. What are the different types of wig caps?

7. How do I adjust the wigs to fit my head?

1. Can I use low heat to style my wig?^Top

A: Unfortunately, any heat styling runs the risk of damaging synthetic wigs. Wigs with synthetic hair can be purchased pre-curled or in any style you desire. Alternatively, you could curl the wig with a styling method that does not involve heat. Wigs with human hair will not be damaged by heat styling.

2. What type of fiber is used for your synthetic wigs/hairpieces?^Top

A: The fiber is made from the raw material Kanekalon, which is imported from Japan. It's commonly used for hair extensions, weaves, wigs and doll hair. Kanekalon is flame-retardant and comes in a variety of styles and textures, plus more than 120 colors.

3.Can I color or straighten the hair in this wig?^Top

A: Wigs made with human hair can be colored or styled as you would your own hair. Synthetic wigs can be colored, but heat styling of any kind could be damaging to the fibers.

4. How long can I expect this wig to last, and can I wear it to swim or play sports?^Top

A: Typically, hair wigs can last up to a year or longer. Lace wigs should last up to six months, depending on how often they are worn and how they are cared for. Yes, it is okay to wear them while swimming or playing sports.

5. What is the difference between human hair and synthetic hair?^Top

A: A human hair wig is longer lasting, soft and feels natural to the touch. It can be styled and dyed just like your own hair and "breathes" so your scalp won't perspire as much underneath. But human hair wigs need to be styled after every wash, and are more expensive because of its limited supply.
A synthetic hair wig is easy to care for without requiring styling after washing, and is less expensive than human hair. However, it cannot take high temperatures, meaning it cannot be styled with an iron, and has a shorter lifespan if you wear it every day.
6. What are the different types of wig caps? ^Top

A: Capless is one of the most common types of wigs. On our capless wigs, each section of hair is machine-sewn onto a lace inset at the crown.
Monofilament caps use a gauze-like,, nearly transparent material that each hair section is hand-knotted onto. This kind of wig can be styled more easily and can ventilate your scalp to avoid heat and moisture buildup. The thin cap material is difficult to detect and therefore very natural-looking. Monofilament wigs are specially designed for those with thinner hair or sensitive skin.

Lace wigs use a piece of mesh lace just beyond the front hairline of the wig, which each hair section is attached to. These can be temporarily glued to the skin around the hairline to make the lace cap nearly invisible. Mesh lace allows for natural-looking partings in the hair, as well as weeks of wear at a time, even during swimming or sports. All lace wigs need periodic maintenance and can last for six months or longer.
There are two types of lace wigs: front lace and full lace:

Full lace wigs have lace material all around and can be parted anywhere on the scalp for greater breathability and comfort.

Front lace wigs have lace material at the forehead only and are more natural and undetectable. Unfortunately, these wigs cannot be pulled back into a ponytail.

7. How do I adjust the wigs to fit my head? ^Top

A: The adjustable elastic band inside the wig can help you get a secure, comfortable and close fit.