Your First Wig? Here's What I Wish I'd Known
Real advice, a little trial and error, and the wig that changed everything for me. ❤️
Buying your first wig can be exciting, overwhelming and, if I'm being completely honest, a little nerve-racking!
Whether you're experiencing hair loss, looking for a confidence boost or simply fancy a change, finding the right wig isn't always as straightforward as choosing one that looks beautiful in a photograph.
Trust me, I've been there!
And if there's one thing I've learned, it's that a wig can look absolutely gorgeous on someone else and look completely different when you put it on yourself.
So, before you buy your first wig, let me share a little of my own journey, including a few funny moments, plenty of mistakes and some genuinely useful things I've learned along the way.
My First Wig Experience (And All Those Returns!) 😂
When I first started wearing wigs, I had absolutely no idea what suited me.
After experiencing hair loss, I was desperate to find something that would help me feel confident and comfortable with my appearance again.
I began ordering wigs from Amazon, hoping I'd find something that looked and felt natural.
One after another, they went straight back!
Then I discovered another wig retailer and ordered around six or seven different styles.
Guess what? I returned every single one! 🙈
I actually received an email asking why I kept returning their wigs. Looking back now, I can laugh about it!
But at the time, I was just desperate to find something that felt right.
The wigs weren't necessarily poor quality or unattractive. In fact, some were absolutely beautiful.
The problem was that I wasn't used to seeing myself wearing a wig.
My family even laughed when they first saw me wearing some of them. Not because the wigs were horrible, but because I looked so different from the person they were used to seeing!
And honestly, I felt the same way.
I'd stand in front of the mirror, look at myself and think, "Oh goodness, that's just not me!"
I hadn't yet discovered which colours, lengths or styles suited my face and complexion.
And I certainly hadn't realised how much of a difference those little details could make.
Then Along Came Farryn... ❤️
My beautiful Farryn in Brosegold — the first wig I truly fell in love with. ❤️
And everything changed.
I discovered a wig called Farryn in Brosegold, a beautiful, softly blended rose-gold shade.
I remember putting her on for the very first time and absolutely loving her.
There was no hesitation. No standing in front of the mirror wondering whether she suited me.
I just knew.
For the first time, I'd found a wig that made me feel beautiful, comfortable and confident.
And the best part?
I still have Farryn today! ❤️
That was the beginning of my love for wigs.
Over time, I began experimenting with different colours, lengths and styles. I learned what flattered my face, which shades complemented my complexion and which wigs simply weren't for me.
And believe me, I've still made a few questionable purchases along the way! 😂
But finding Farryn taught me something important.
The right wig can do so much more than change your hairstyle. It can completely change how you feel about yourself.
That experience eventually became one of the reasons I created Her Halo Hair Co.
I wanted to make beautiful wigs more affordable and accessible, while sharing the knowledge I'd gained through my own experiences.
So, here are a few things I really wish someone had told me at the beginning.
1. A Beautiful Wig Won't Necessarily Suit Everyone
This is probably the biggest lesson I've learned.
We've all seen a gorgeous hairstyle on someone else and thought, "Oh my goodness, I need that hair!"
But what looks stunning on one person might not have quite the same effect on another.
Your face shape, features, complexion and personal style all play a part.
For example, a chin-length bob might look beautiful on someone with a longer face, while on a rounder face, that same length could emphasise fullness around the cheeks.
Longer layers or soft, face-framing waves might give a completely different effect.
But remember, these aren't strict rules. What matters most is what makes you feel beautiful.
My advice: Think about the hairstyles you've loved wearing in the past. Did you prefer longer hair? Did you suit a fringe? Did you feel more comfortable with soft waves or a sleek, straight style?
Your previous favourites are often a wonderful starting point.
2. Colour Can Make All the Difference
Oh, this is something I've learned through plenty of expensive mistakes! 😂
I've lost count of the number of times I've seen a gorgeous wig on someone else and thought, "Oh my goodness, I HAVE to have that!"
I'd fall completely in love with the colour, imagine how fabulous I was going to look, and eagerly wait for my new wig to arrive.
Then came the moment of truth.
I'd put it on, look in the mirror and think, "Oh dear Lord, what have I done?!" 🤣
The colour would completely drain my complexion. Instead of looking glamorous, I looked like something from The Walking Dead! 😂
And here's the thing. There was absolutely nothing wrong with the wig. It was beautiful! Just not on me!
So what happened to these gorgeous wigs that did absolutely nothing for my complexion?
Well, more often than not, they ended up on Vinted at a bargain price, ready for another lucky wig sister to snap up! 🙈
And honestly, I was always happy knowing they were going to a better home, where someone else could love and enjoy them.
Because let's face it, if I hadn't sold them on, they'd probably have been flung to the back of my wardrobe, never to see the light of day again! 😂
And that's when I really started to understand just how important colour is when choosing a wig.
Warm blondes, cool ash tones, rich brunettes, copper shades and rooted blends can all look completely different depending on your complexion.
I've learned that certain shades brighten my face and make me feel amazing, while others make me look tired or completely washed out.
Sometimes it's not the style that's wrong.
It's simply the colour!
And remember, just because a wig looks stunning on the model doesn't mean that exact shade will have the same effect on you.
My advice: If you're buying your first wig, consider starting with colours you've previously felt comfortable wearing.
Think about whether warmer or cooler shades generally flatter your complexion, and pay close attention to product photographs in different lighting.
And please remember, a beautiful wig that doesn't suit you is still a beautiful wig. It might simply be another woman's perfect match!
3. Seeing Yourself in a Wig Can Feel Strange at First
Now, this is something I really want first-time wig wearers to understand.
You might put on a beautiful wig and feel completely strange looking at yourself.
And it doesn't necessarily mean the wig doesn't suit you!
Think about it.
You've spent years seeing yourself with a particular hairstyle, colour or length.
Suddenly, you're looking in the mirror at a completely different version of yourself.
Your hairline might look different. You might have more volume. Your hair might be longer, shorter, lighter or darker than you're used to.
It's a big visual change!
I experienced this so many times when I first started wearing wigs.
I'd put one on, stand in front of the mirror for five minutes, decide I looked ridiculous and take it straight back off.
But I've learned something since then.
Sometimes it's not that the wig looks wrong.
It's simply that you're not used to seeing yourself looking different.
And this brings me to one of my absolute favourite pieces of advice!
4. Get Clicking! It's All About Tricking Your Brain! 📸
Honestly, I cannot stress this enough.
TAKE PHOTOGRAPHS! LOTS OF THEM!
I'm not even joking when I say I have what can only be described as an entire catalogue of myself wearing different wigs! 🤣
Different colours, different lengths, different styles — you name it, I've probably got a photograph of myself wearing it!
And do you know why?
Because I've discovered that photographs are one of the best ways to get used to seeing yourself with a completely different hairstyle.
It's almost like tricking your brain!
Let me explain.
You put on a wig, stand in front of the mirror for five minutes, decide you look strange and take it straight off.
That brief impression is what you're left remembering.
But take a photograph, and suddenly you have something you can revisit whenever you like.
Look at it that evening.
Look again the next morning.
Look at it a few days later.
Give your brain a chance to become familiar with seeing you wearing that hairstyle.
And here's where the magic happens!
The more you look at those photographs, the more familiar that hairstyle becomes.
Instead of thinking, "Oh goodness, I look strange!", you might find yourself looking at the very same photograph a day or two later and thinking...
"Hang on a minute... I look pretty damn good in that wig!" 🤣
TICK! ✅
Another colour, length or style you can confidently add to your list of favourites!
And honestly, that's exactly how I've learned what suits me.
I've looked back through my endless catalogue of wig selfies and surprised myself more times than I can count!
It's almost like tricking your brain into seeing what your initial reaction in the mirror might have missed.
What looked unfamiliar at first can sometimes start looking absolutely lovely once you've had time to get used to seeing yourself differently.
And another thing I've discovered?
Photographs help you compare different wigs much more easily.
You can see which colours brighten your complexion, which lengths flatter your face and which styles make you feel most confident.
It's like having your own personal wig lookbook!
My advice? GET CLICKING! 📸
Take photographs from the front, from the side, in natural daylight and with the hair styled in different ways.
Then put your phone down and come back to them later.
You might be surprised how differently you see yourself once that initial unfamiliar feeling has worn off.
Of course, some wigs genuinely won't suit you, and that's absolutely fine too.
Believe me, I've had plenty that were never going to work! 😂
But don't always judge a completely new look by those first five minutes in front of the mirror.
Trust me, this little trick has helped me enormously throughout my own wig journey, and it might just help you too! ❤️
5. Understanding Wig Fit & Choosing the Right Cap
One thing first-time wig wearers sometimes overlook is the cap itself.
A wig might be the perfect colour and style, but if it doesn't sit comfortably on your head, you're unlikely to feel confident wearing it.
And believe me, understanding the different cap constructions can make your wig journey a whole lot easier!
At Her Halo Hair Co, we have two collections designed to offer different wearing experiences.
✨ Halo Essentials — Effortless, Everyday Wigs
Our Halo Essentials collection features traditional hard-cap wigs, making them a lovely starting point for anyone new to wearing wigs.
These styles are designed with simplicity and convenience in mind. There's no front lace to cut, no complicated preparation and no need to spend ages trying to perfect your hairline.
Simply adjust the wig for a comfortable fit, pop her on, give her a little brush or style as needed, and you're ready to go!
Think easy, everyday glamour without the fuss! ❤️
If you're trying wigs for the first time and feeling a little nervous, Halo Essentials could be a wonderful place to begin.
✨ Halo Luxe — For That Extra Touch of Realism
Our Halo Luxe collection features lace-front wigs, designed to create a beautifully natural-looking hairline.
Lace fronts can look incredibly realistic, but they do require a little more preparation and patience.
For example, the excess lace at the front needs to be carefully trimmed before wearing, and you may need to spend a little extra time adjusting and styling the hairline to achieve your desired look.
And let me tell you, if you've never cut lace before, the thought of taking scissors to your beautiful new wig can feel a little daunting! 😂
But don't worry, it's something you can learn with a little patience and practice.
Although lace fronts can certainly be worn by beginners, Halo Luxe may be particularly appealing to more experienced wig wearers, or anyone who's happy to spend a little extra time getting that beautifully realistic finish.
It's all about what you're comfortable with and how much preparation you want to do.
✨ And Don't Forget About Fit!
Whichever collection you choose, there's something important to remember.
Head circumference is only one part of finding a comfortable fit.
Your head shape, the position of the ear tabs, the cap construction and the coverage around your hairline can all make a difference.
All Her Halo Hair Co wigs are standard-sized rather than custom-fitted, with adjustable features depending on the individual design.
Adjustable straps can help achieve a more secure fit, but they cannot completely change the shape of a wig cap or the position of its ear tabs.
My advice: If you're completely new to wigs and want something easy to wear, I'd suggest starting with our Halo Essentials collection.
But if you're comfortable with a little preparation and love the idea of a beautifully realistic lace-front hairline, Halo Luxe could be just what you're looking for.
Neither collection is better than the other. It's simply about finding the right wig for you!
And if you're unsure about sizing, cap construction or hairline coverage, please contact us before ordering. I'll always do my best to offer honest advice.
6. Don't Be Afraid to Experiment — But Choose Carefully
Once I discovered what suited me, I became so much more confident wearing wigs.
I started experimenting with different styles and colours, and over time I developed a much better understanding of what worked for me.
These days, I can look at a wig and usually have a pretty good idea of whether I'll enjoy wearing it.
Although, let's be honest, I still occasionally get carried away when I see a gorgeous wig! 😂
But that's part of the fun of wearing wigs.
You can completely change your look without making a permanent change to your own hair.
One day you might fancy a sleek bob, the next soft blonde waves, or perhaps something a little more glamorous for a special occasion.
The possibilities are endless.
My advice: Before purchasing, take a moment to consider the colour, length, density, fringe and cap design.
Look closely at the product photographs and descriptions, and think about whether the style is something you'd genuinely feel comfortable wearing.
A little research beforehand can save an awful lot of disappointment.
And remember, you don't need to follow every trend.
The best wig is the one that makes you feel amazing.
A Little Advice From Me to You ❤️
If you're just beginning your wig journey, please don't feel discouraged if the first wig you try isn't the one.
I remember that feeling of disappointment all too well.
The excitement of ordering something beautiful, waiting for it to arrive, then putting it on and feeling completely unsure.
I've been there.
More times than I'd care to admit! 😂
But I also remember the incredible feeling of finally finding Farryn.
That moment when I looked in the mirror and thought, "Yes! This is me!"
And that feeling is exactly what I want other women to experience.
Whether you're wearing a wig because of hair loss, convenience, or simply because you love changing your look, you deserve to feel beautiful, comfortable and confident.
And please remember, there's no perfect face shape, no perfect hairstyle and certainly no single wig that will suit absolutely everyone.
We're all different.
And that's what makes finding your own perfect style so special.
The right wig isn't just about how beautiful the hair looks. It's about how beautiful and confident you feel wearing it.
If you're unsure which style might be right for you, please feel free to contact us before purchasing.
I'll always do my best to offer honest, friendly advice.
With love,
Linda
Founder, Her Halo Hair Co
Your hair. Your confidence. Your Halo. ✨