The beginner's guide to buying a wig

HERE’S WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT CHOOSING A WIG TO COPE WITH HAIR LOSS OR THINNING TRESSES

- ZOE CRIPPS

Losing our hair is something we probably won’t think about until we’re faced with the problem ourselves. Yet it’s a surprisingly common issue – every month in the UK, 8,000 people now search for “hair loss in women”, and stats show a whopping 40% of women will experience some form of hair loss in their lifetime.

Whether it’s due to Covid, age-related hair shedding, chemotherapy, or alopecia – a condition which affects 15 in every 10,000* people in the UK – hair loss can ruin your confidence. So it’s no wonder many turn to wigs and hairpieces as an instant route to luscious locks.

However, the world of faux hair is tricky to navigate if you’re new to it. With so many styles, fittings, hair types, and style choices, how do you know what will work for you? Here are the key things you should be looking out for…

Speak to an expert

Avoid buying your first hairpiece online as it’s best to talk to a specialist. “At Raoul, we offer a free consultation with an appointment, in-person or via video call,” says Caroline Shallow, owner of Raoul Wig Makers in London. “We give advice on the styles and hair colours that would suit you, the types of hairpieces you’d benefit from most, and how to care for a wig.”

You might not need to go for a full wig