Buying your first wig can feel overwhelming. Lace front or lace top? What density? What length? What cap size?
If you're completely new to wigs, don't worry — once you understand a few basics, choosing the right wig becomes much easier.
At Lush Locks By Lee, I work with human hair wigs every day, and these are some of the most common questions I get from first-time wig wearers.
1. Start With the Right Cap Size
Getting the correct cap size is one of the most important parts of choosing a comfortable, natural-looking wig.
The main measurement you'll need is the circumference of your head. Measure around your hairline, behind your ears and around the nape of your neck.
A wig that's too large may move or slip, while one that's too small can feel uncomfortable and may not sit correctly around the hairline and ears.
Always check the individual wig's sizing before ordering rather than assuming you're a standard size.
2. Choose Your Lace Type
Two most popular options you'll see at Lush Locks are 13x6 lace front wigs and lace top wigs. There is also the option of full lace.
13x6 Lace Front
A 13x6 lace front gives you a generous lace area across the front of the wig and allows plenty of flexibility with your parting and styling.
Lace Top
A lace top provides lace through the top section of the wig while offering a very easy, secure glueless fit.
These have ear tabs. In my opinion, they are completely glueless, as the ear tabs help keep the lace laying nice and flat against your face.
These are one of my favourite options for beginners because they're simple to put on and wear.
Neither option is necessarily "better" — it comes down to the fit and styling flexibility you're looking for.
3. Decide How Much Hair You Want
Wig density describes how full or thick the wig feels.
As a general guide:
130% density – A finer, lighter and very natural amount of hair.
150% density – My standard density and a great balance between natural and full.
180% density – Best if you love thicker, fuller hair.
If you're unsure, 150% is a great place to start for most people.
4. Think About Length
Remember that my wigs are measured from the nape, except for blunt-cut bobs. Wig length is measured when the hair is straight, and where it falls on you will depend on your height and body proportions.
Shorter lengths are generally easier to maintain, while longer wigs give you more styling options but require a little more care.
If you're buying your first wig, think about the length you're already comfortable wearing rather than feeling like you need to make a dramatic change.
5. Human Hair Gives You Styling Freedom
One of the biggest advantages of choosing a quality human hair wig is the ability to style it much like biological hair.
You can straighten it, curl it and restyle the parting.
Always use a heat protectant and avoid excessive heat. Human hair wigs don't receive natural oils from the scalp, so protecting the moisture in the hair is especially important.
6. Choose a Colour You'll Feel Comfortable In
It can be tempting to choose something completely different when buying your first wig, but if you're nervous about wearing one, staying reasonably close to your usual colour can make the transition much easier.
Alternatively, wigs are an amazing way to wear colours you've always wanted without colouring or damaging your own hair.
7. Don't Expect It to Look Perfect Straight Out of the Box
This is something I tell customers all the time.
A human hair wig is still hair.
After being packaged and shipped, it may need a little styling before it looks exactly how you want it.
Changing the part, adding some face-framing, curling or straightening the hair can completely transform how a wig looks on you.
Your wig should become your hair — style it to suit your face and your personal style.
What Should a Beginner Choose?
If this is your first wig, focus on three things:
Fit. Comfort. Simplicity.
Choose the correct cap size, a density you're comfortable with and a colour and length that feel like you.
You don't need to understand everything about wigs before buying your first one.
And if you're still unsure, I'm always happy to help you work out which Lush Locks wig is going to suit you best.
Lee x
Lush Locks By Lee