A Beginner's Guide to Finding the Best Wigs Online (2024)

Maybe you are growing out your hair but still want to experiment with a short style, or it's your birthday and you want full-on glam complete with 22 inches of beach waves and volume. Or maybe you're experiencing hair loss and want the look of a full head of hair. Or hey, maybe it's Halloween and you need a natural-looking wig to pull off your costume! Whatever your reason, the right wig has the power to transform.

Wigs are a great way to switch up your style, protect your natural hair from heat damage or hide any thinning spots on your scalp. When it comes to wigs, you'll ideally want to go to your local beauty supply store to try wigs on in person for the best fit, to see how they look with your face and feel the quality of the piece IRL. But we know that's not always an option, so shopping for wigs online is a great alternative — and there are more quality options than ever.

What to consider when shopping for a wig online

✔️ Are you shopping for something to wear every day? "One of the first things you have to think about when you are shopping for a wig, is: Is it something you are going to wear all the time that you want to be very believable? Or is it something that's for fun that you can play with for a night out with friends?" says David Lopez, a celebrity hairstylist in New York City. "That’s going to help you differentiate where you shop online for certain wigs."

✔️ Do you want synthetic or human hair? Once you decide the purpose of your wig, that will determine if you are looking for a more affordable synthetic option or one made of human hair which is more expensive, but that you can easily curl and wash, and that can last years depending on the quality and frequency of use. "Pricing can tell a lot about what type of wig you’re purchasing," explains Tiffany Mack, celebrity hairstylist and custom wig maker in Palisades Park, New Jersey. "In many cases, if the wig is under $100, depending on the length, it might not be human hair and instead be made of synthetic fibers. If the price is too good to be true, it's likely lacking something and this could range from the hair not being human to a poor quality construction or lace."

✔️ How do you feel about lace fronts? Human hair or synthetic, most people want their hair to look real and blend into their natural hairline. If you are new to wigs or don't feel comfortable applying lace fronts, "wigs with bangs and curly wigs look more natural because you don’t have to worry about perfecting a lace front or hairlines as much," Mack says.

But even with photos, what you see online is not always what arrives at your door — so make sure you're doing your research. "When you’re shopping online you want to make sure you are shopping through the actual retailer that sells the wigs," Lopez advises. "There are a lot of scam websites that sell you wigs that are not what you are actually purchasing." But no need to wig out! Experts say that there are plenty of quality wigs you can buy online. "Take time to look at the reviews," Mack suggests. "The reviews can tell you a lot about the texture, lace, longevity, shedding and tangling."

So if you're ready to shop for a new 'do online, we spoke with experts and read the reviews to find the best wigs available online, from affordable options to luxury styles:

Indique is one of the leaders in the hair game ensuring top-of-the-line quality from start to finish. While many hair brands are simply wholesale, Indique sources the human hair in India and Southeast Asia, and owns and operates their own factories overseas, which is delivered to their personal fulfillment center in the United States. Talk about owning the supply chain! This straight hair wig is steam-permed to provide you with texture for a more natural look.

Human hair wigs can be quite expensive, so their synthetic counterpart can give you a similar look at a fraction of the price. This QD-Tizer 28" long wig features 10% human hair and 90% synthetic fibers so there is minimal shedding. You can also use a curling iron up to 350º on the wig.

Reviewers rave that this Hermosa wig is the best affordable human hair wig on the market. The wig density is 150% (closest to natural hair), doesn't tangle and comes with baby hairs pre-plucked to save time. It may seem thin at first, but try washing the hair to see its true volume.

This short, sleek bob from BLY is perfect for beginners. Only 14 inches in length, the human hiar wig is more manageable than its longer counterparts. There is flexibility in where the part goes, allowing you to switch up the look from a deep side part to a middle part.

Available in 29 different colors, this U-part piece made of human hair is the best natural-looking wig for Caucasian women. Your real hair remains exposed on top, allowing you to blend it effortlessly with the wig and style in multiple ways. Coming in 16" and 18" options, the wig provides both volume and length.

Sometimes you want to rock an afro without any of the work. This affordably-priced wig from Goodly Hair is the one for you. It's 280g in weight, creating a full look, and the ombre brown is stylish and will stand out against melanated skin tones.

If you are worried about your wig looking like, well, a wig, then consider a wig with bangs like this one from Entranced Styles. Their synthetic wig is made out of heat-resistant fibers allowing you to wear it straight or with a slight curl. The wig is of great quality at an affordable price. It's durable and can be worn every day with minimal tangling, making it an especially great option for cancer and chemotherapy patients.

Those seasoned in the wig game know that most wigs can't just be taken out of the packaging and put on your head. This human hair curly wig from Mengkai can, though! You can show your hairline and edges for a more natural look. The wig is versatile and can be worn both down and in an updo or ponytail.

Though this Piaou hair is synthetic, Amazon shoppers swear it looks like human hair. However, you do need to give it some TLC before you wear it for a more natural look, like plucking the super thick hairline. But once you taken care of it, the wig is extremely durable and there is minimal shedding when you brush or comb it.

Picture this: you open your eyes slowly, look at the time, and oh crap!—you overslept. Don't let your hair make you late. This Catti human hair headband wig is a quick solution to great hair. Simply slide on over your wig cap and you are ready to go! Because of the headband, you don't have to worry about plucking the edges, blending your real hair or glueing the wig down.

Want a power look without the hefty price tag? Channel your best Kris Jenner with this Yviann human hair pixie cut wig. The hair is very soft and thick, giving you great quality at an affordable price tag. For the best results, take to your stylist to have it professionally cut.

The ombré coloring of this wig gives it a more natural look. Nevertheless, it is a synthetic wig and you may not get long-term use out of it. However, for less than $25, that's a cost we can live with!

Cherie Amor is a well-known celebrity hairstylist who is a master at custom wigs, coloring, and installing. Her Elegance of Amor human hair wigs are high quality with minimal shedding and matting. This red ombré style that is dubbed "Ms. Holiday," gives you an edgy look with the orange-red highlights framing your face while keeping it chic with the blunt lob silhouette.

This synthetic long wig from Lovestory is super soft, straight and silky. It's easy to customize to your hairline and we love it in this gray color (among 20 shades to choose from!). The wig construction is fantastic and it looks as if it's growing out of your scalp so no fears of it appearing "wig-like."

Mermaid hair is a major hair trend that describes two or more pastel or bright hair colors dyed on beach wave hair. If you aren't ready to commit to purple, blue or pink hair no worries. Temper creates high-quality, celebrity-approved, human hair wigs and this one is a dream. Like many wigs, you can choose your length, but the brand goes the extra step and allows you to choose the density of your wig.

Test out bangs with these clip-ins, which allow you to try fringe with no commitment. This Aisi Queens clip-in unit has 5-inch long bangs and 9-inch temples to help give you the super trendy curtain bang look. This product is also great for thinning hair if you are looking for some fullness at the top of your crown.