Buying a wig is a worthy investment for many people. Whether you enjoy the variety of hair lengths a wig can offer or if you suffer from hair loss due to chemotherapy, alopecia or genetics, wearing a wig can be an important part of your self-image. If you have decided to indulge in this confidence booster, make sure you spend your money wisely.

Research the Seller

Take the time to ask for references and check them personally. Read all the information carefully and beware of 24 hour delivery with a custom-made wig. Shipping and handling should not cost more than about 15 U.S. dollars because a wig only weighs a few ounces. If the shipping totals $30.00 you are most likely paying for it twice which is definitely a cause for suspicion. Look for pictures of real people wearing the wig; a mannequin is not usually indicative of a quality product.

Know Your Product

Understand that a custom made wig requires a mould of your whole head, not just the measurements. Lace front wigs have lace mesh across the crown of the wig and down the nape; these can be top quality, give the illusion of real hair and can be purchased at a reasonable price. Full lace wigs are more expensive and require more maintenance than lace front wigs, but can be styled into pony tails and are virtually undetectable. Almost all wigs are made from either Indian hair or Asian hair with Indian hair being a little more luxurious. Remy hair is collected from a single source and placed carefully in the same direction as it was on the original source. Non-remy hair comes from a variety of sources and synthetic hair is made from acrylic fibers.

Measure Accurately

With a soft tape, measure your head circumference. Measure the distance between the top of one ear to the top of the other ear crossing the top of the head. Take the measurement from the front of the hairline to the nape of the neck. Have the hair up when you measure because that is where the hair will be when you install the wig. If you have a standard-sized head, you can get away with ordering from the shelf, but this should not be priced as 'custom'-made. Make sure you use the same unit of measure (inches, centimetres or millimetres) as the wig manufacturer.

Match Colour

Check the color of the scalp tone and the skin tone; these can be two different colors. Make sure you determine the amount of grey to add to match the sides of the hair. Taking time to add color details with give you a more authentic-looking wig.

Choose a Practical Style

Make sure that you can style it by yourself whether you are in a hurry or if you have extra time. Assess the style to make sure it fits in with your own lifestyle. Does it match your look, your clothes and your activities?

Check the Warranty

Make sure there is a warranty for quality and a timeframe for returns. Verify the warranty; trace the contact number and ask questions.

Professional Installation

An amateur installation can ruin an expensive wig. Use a reputable professional to adhere the piece. The wig should be just as secure as real hair. In most cases, you can swim with it on and the wind should not be able to dislodge it!

Care Instructions

Most wigs will last a whole year under the proper care. If you wig does not come with care guidelines, it is not likely a good investment. Before you purchase, ask if it comes with accessories, an adhesive care kit, styling suggestions, and washing instructions. Quality adhesives come in liquid form, not as a tape.

Beware of Scams

There are currently no U.S. manufacturers of lace front wigs. You can't buy an Indian Remy hair wig that is made in China and custom-made wigs cannot possibly be 'in-stock'. Ask for references and determine if your product is authentic by asking good questions.

Make Sure the Payment Options are Traceable

You need to determine if the product you are buying is authentic and be able to return it if you are not satisfied. Make sure you can use Paypal or a major credit to pay for your purchase as these methods are traceable and provide assistance to track your purchase.

There are a great many on-line wig distributors. Many people are too embarrassed or too ill to try on wigs or order in person. Careful research and practical knowledge will be your best method of ensuring your wig is worth the money you spend on it.