Belher's Wig Guide: everything you need to know when choosing a wig
Are you interested in the world of wigs? Don’t worry – we’re here to help! Keep reading the tips Belher specialists to find out everything you need to know about wigs, giving you the opportunity to enter the celebrity club as a beginner…
The world of wigs seems to be an extremely exclusive place, although in reality, wigs are accessible to any woman, regardless of reason or budget – it’s just that not all women have the necessary information and are prepared enough to buy a wig.
But we are about to change that… At Belher, although on the outside we might seem like just a simple extensions and wigs store, we are actually a team of industry professionals with a whole knowledge base about hair at hand. We know that hair can make all the difference when it comes to a woman’s self-esteem and confidence – our brand is built on the idea of making women feel confident.
Still, part of this confidence comes from having the freedom to learn and make your own decisions about what is best for your hair (even if it’s not about extensions!). That’s why we write blogs like this one – so you can learn everything you need to feel confident, both inside and out.
In this article, you will find out everything you need to know about wigs, including what wigs are, why women wear them, the different types of wigs, and how to manage wearing them as a beginner. By the end, you will have all the knowledge you need to finally have the hairstyle of your dreams!
What is a wig?
Wigs are accessories that are placed on the crown of the head and completely cover the natural hair (or its absence), unlike extensions which are placed under the hair and blend with the natural hair. Wigs are made either from synthetic fibers or human hair and are designed to imitate the natural hair that grows on the head.
Why do women choose to wear wigs?
Women wear wigs for a wide variety of reasons, and there is no “wrong” reason to wear one. Some women wear wigs to protect their natural hair. This might be because they have very coarse, curly, or textured hair that is prone to damage from heat and styling. Wearing wigs is very common within the Black community for this very reason.
Other women often wear wigs to hide or mask issues they have with their natural hair. It is known that hair can have a huge impact on a woman's self-esteem, so if you are dealing with significant hair loss or damage, you might want to hide it with a wig. Another reason to wear wigs is simply for the convenience of not having to style your natural hair every day. This convenience means you can save time and money, along with the possibility to try new hairstyles and colors without compromising the integrity of your natural hair and without risking damage or discomfort.
Additionally, some women wear wigs for religious purposes. In many religions, often to promote modesty, women choose to cover their natural hair. Most commonly, women will wear a veil for this purpose, but in the Orthodox Jewish community, for example, women cover their hair with wigs as a symbol of marriage and to show that they respect their traditional values and morals.
Whatever the reason you choose to wear a wig, the most important thing is to realize that women wear wigs (along with any type of hair accessory or extension) to feel more confident.
What are the different types of wigs?
There are many different types of wigs on the market nowadays, each with different benefits for the wearer. Based on the material they are made from, wigs can be made of natural hair or synthetic fiber. Depending on the area they cover, wigs can be full, covering the entire scalp, or partial wigs, ideal for people with thinning hair, partial hair loss, or those who want extra volume. Depending on how they are made, there are also several types of wigs:
Lace base wigs
This type of wig is made on a lace mesh base, which ensures an almost invisible application on the scalp, being the closest to the natural scalp hairline. The hair in lace wigs is individually tied to the lace mesh, allowing the hair to mimic natural movement. This type of wig is the most popular choice for women and comes in two styles – front lace only and full lace bases. Front lace wigs have lace only at the hairline, while full lace wigs have lace covering the entire base. The latter are the most appreciated wigs worldwide, being fully hand-sewn, and the hair quality is the highest.
Monofilament wigs
Monofilament wigs are similar to lace wigs, where hair strands are individually tied to mimic natural movement. The difference is that monofilament wigs are hand-tied for a more natural finish, and the hair strands are tied to a more durable, thinner, and more transparent base. There are two styles of monofilament wigs – partial and full. Partial (or single) monofilament wigs are just regular wigs, but full (or double) monofilament wigs are woven on an additional silk layer on the base, which mimics the scalp's skin appearance and protects the wearer from knots in the hand-tied hair.
Combined wigs
Combined wigs are, as the name suggests, a combination of two different types of wigs. Combined wigs are a mix of hand-tied monofilament wigs and machine-sewn wigs. The machine-sewn wefts cover most of the wig base, with hand-tied sections on the top or crown to give a more natural look. There are two styles of combined wigs – monofilament crown wigs and monofilament top wigs. Crown monofilament wigs have only hand-tied hair strands covering the crown, while machine-sewn wefts cover the rest, whereas monofilament top wigs have hand-tied hair strands covering the entire top of the wig, with machine-sewn wefts only on the sides.
Classic base wigs
Machine-sewn base wigs have hair strands sewn into an elastic base. Although they are not the most natural type of wig, since machine-sewn fabric does not allow realistic movement, they are the most breathable and affordable. They are very easy to apply and have an adjustable size, available in a wide range of shades, styles, and hair lengths.
Thin polyurethane base wigs
Polyurethane base wigs, the so-called "Thin Skin Wigs," are wigs with a polyurethane base similar to the scalp (transparent, skin-colored, or brown for people of color), specially designed to make the wig's hair look as if it is growing directly from the wearer's scalp. They are not very breathable and have no stretch, so a proper fit is crucial to wear this type of wig. Due to the scalp-like design, this type of wig is not recommended for people with thick hair – instead, this type of wig benefits most women who suffer from total or partial hair loss.
How much do wigs cost?
Synthetic fiber wigs are much cheaper than human hair wigs, but their quality varies. The higher quality synthetic fiber wigs you choose, the better their quality will be – meaning they will look more natural and behave more like human hair (especially when you invest in heat-resistant synthetic fiber hair). Human hair wigs, on the other hand, are higher quality but also a more expensive option, with prices varying depending on the origin and quality of the hair used. Human hair comes in different "grades" that describe the quality and origin of the hair. The highest quality, but also the most expensive type of human hair is known as Virgin Remy.
What is the best wig for "beginners"?
The easiest and most recommended wig for "beginners" is a lace base wig. This type of wig is the most realistic and easiest to confuse with natural hair because it is designed to mimic a natural hairline. It is also one of the easiest wigs to put on and take off, as it is secured with clips at the back, with the option to glue the lace at the front (although this is not necessary).
How do you make your wig look more natural?
Here are some beginner tips from Belher specialists to make a wig look more natural:
- Choose a wig with the most natural look possible
- Remove the shine from synthetic fiber hair using dry shampoo or baby powder
- Match the wig's hairline with your natural hairline or opt for a fringed or bangs hairstyle
- Keep a messy hairstyle, with strands and more rebellious hairs – perfection is way too obvious!
- Play with the strands
- Choose a wig that has multiple shades of color
What should you know before wearing a wig?
Keep reading to find our answers to the most frequently asked questions when it comes to wearing wigs:
Do I have to shave my head to wear a wig?
No, you don't have to shave your head or be bald to wear a wig. Most wig wearers actually have hair but tuck it neatly under a cap or the wig base.
Can I wear a wig all day?
Yes, all types of wigs can be worn all day, and comfortably.
Can I sleep with the wig on?
Not always. Sleeping with the wig is sometimes the only option if the wig is glued to the scalp for a period of time, but if the wig is detachable, we suggest you remove it during sleep. Sleeping with the wig can reduce its lifespan, risk damaging the hair, and irritate your scalp. If you must sleep with the wig, we suggest protecting it by wrapping it in a scarf or bonnet or sleeping on a silk pillowcase.
Can I shower with the wig on?
Technically, yes. However, if the wig is detachable, we suggest you take it off before showering. That said, if the wig is glued on, then you can shower while wearing it, but you must make sure to wear a shower cap and keep both the wig and the hairline dry at all times. We also suggest lowering the shower temperature, as steam from hot water can cause the adhesive to lift.
And now, what's next?
As a "beginner," the world of wigs can seem like a scary and quite exclusive place, but you came to this blog looking for answers to all the questions you had – and we had the key to the door! If you've read this article, you've learned some basics about wigs, including what wigs are, the different types of wigs, why women wear them, and how to make them look more natural.
At Belher, we are committed to making women feel confident, with the help of our wigs and extensions and the information we can provide. We write blog articles like this one because knowledge is the greatest confidence booster – giving you the autonomy to make informed decisions about yourself and your hair!
Want to learn more? Interested in discovering all the other synthetic and human hair options on the market? Our website offers you lots of useful information. Don't think you need a full wig to get the hair of your dreams? You could try, instead, something from the wide range of synthetic fiber and human hair extensions, including ponytails and buns. We also offer a wide range of care products and accessories, as well as expert advice, so you can easily find the perfect product for you!



