The ultimate guide to wigs

Are wigs and/or hair extensions part of your female wardrobe? If not, they should be!

Even if you've grown out your own hair, a wig or hairpiece is a great way to transform your look and add instant glam.

To help you get started, we've created this guide to wigs and hair extensions for transgender/crossdressers. Discover everything you need to know about wigs to complete your feminine transformation perfectly!

Human hair vs synthetic hair: which is better?

Wigs and hair extensions fall into two basic categories: human hair and synthetic hair. Each has its advantages and disadvantages.

Human Hair:

ADVANTAGES : Unsurprisingly, human hair is the most natural option. It is also the most versatile as it can be cut, styled, permed or colored like your own hair.

VERSUS : The biggest drawback of human hair is the cost, we are talking hundreds of dollars for a wig or human hair extensions. Human hair is also heavier than synthetic hair and requires more styling and especially more maintenance.

If you are looking for a human hair wig, you are bound to come across some “buzzwords”. Here is what they mean:

virgin hair – Virgin hair refers to hair that has never been permed, dyed, or chemically treated in any way.
Remy Hair – Remy hair means that the cuticle of the hair has been kept intact instead of being acid stripped. Remy hair is softer and less likely to tangle than non-Remy hair.
Asian vs Indian vs European Hair – This refers to the origin of the hair, European hair being the most expensive.

Synthetic Hair:

ADVANTAGES : The biggest advantage of synthetic hair is that it is cheaper than human hair. It's also lighter and pre-styled, making it easier to use. Even better, high quality synthetic hair can be virtually undetectable from human hair.

VERSUS : A major downside is that you can't heat most synthetic hair, so your styling options are limited.

Mixed hair:

Although less common, there is a third option: mixed hair. Blended hair contains a mix of human hair and synthetic hair and offers the best of both worlds: it's cheaper than human hair and looks more natural than synthetic hair. It can also be heat styled.

How to choose a wig?

The beauty of wigs is that they open up a whole world of hair options. Ever wanted long, blonde hair? Or dreamed of being a sexy redhead? Wigs can get there in an instant.

Here are the main things to consider when choosing a wig:

Color and Style:

Your wig should flatter your face and features, so color and style are key. If possible, I recommend buying a wig in person so you can try it on before you buy.

Here are some color and styling tips to keep in mind:

Stay within 2 shades of your natural color for the most flattering look.
Wigs with highlights (versus a solid color) tend to look more natural.
Shorter wigs are easier to manage and maintain.
Shoulder-length hair is universally flattering for all ages and face types.

Size allowed:

Wigs are available in 3 basic sizes: small, medium and large. If you're buying a wig online, you need to know your head size so you can choose the right size.

What is the wig cap?

A final consideration is the wig cap. Here are the different wig caps available:

standard wig – A standard cap wig has a closed lace crown with the hair machine sewn into the cap. This is the most common and affordable style of wig cap.
Wig Capless - A capless wig is similar to the standard cap, except the hair is attached to vertical lace bands instead of closed lace. The open design makes the wig lighter and cooler than a standard cap.
Monofilament wig – Monofilament wigs are made with a thin nylon or polyester mesh material at the crown to create the illusion of a scalp. It looks more natural since the hair can be parted or styled in any direction.
lace wig – Lace wigs are made with a fine mesh of lace that is fitted, trimmed and bonded (or glued) to the skin around the hairline. This creates a realistic hairline, even with the hair pulled back.

What about hair extensions?

All those Hollywood stars with insanely long, gorgeous hair? Chances are their secret lies in hair extensions.

Hair extensions add length and fullness to your hair – but keep in mind that your hair should be thick enough to hide the base of the hair extensions. Hair extensions do not work well with thinning hair or a receding hairline. (You better have a full wig or a wig in this case.)

Here are the most common types of hair extensions:

Clip-in hair extensions:

Clip-in hair extensions are quick, fun and easy. The extensions are attached with clips and can be worn for a special event and then easily removed.

Bonded hair extensions:

If you are looking for more permanent extensions, bond in hair extensions are the most popular option. Bonded hair extensions are attached with a special type of glue and last 3-6 weeks before needing to be reattached.

In theory, bond-in hair extensions aren't supposed to damage your hair. However, I have spoken with many women who claim that bonded in extensions have damaged their hair. Bonded hair extensions are also expensive, usually ranging from $500 to $2.