Even for those who have been covering their hair for years, walking into a Pesach wig sale and seeing hundreds of wigs piled up on tables can be extremely overwhelming. The following wig-buying guide provides tips that will allow the buyer to walk in with confidence, know what to look for and leave with the perfect wig.

Come Prepared

Most wigs at these wig sales are raw and need a good cut and style to look good, but it can be difficult to envision how they will look once they are cut and styled appropriately. Bring some pictures of the “perfect style” and ask if a particular wig is a good fit for that style.

Color

Finding the right color wig, one that complements your complexion, is essential. Your complexion changes almost every year, so avoid being stuck trying to match your own hair color or original hair color. What looked good at age 20 may not suit you in your 30s or 40s. A wig that is too dark for your coloring will make you look pale or discolored; one that is too light can completely wash out your natural colors and make you appear much older than you actually are. Be sure to look at yourself in the wig in different types of lighting. Ask to take the wig outside with a hand-held mirror and make sure you like how it looks on you in natural light as well.

Sizing

Wigs range in sizes from extra small to small, medium, large and extra large. Most people tend to buy wigs that are too big for them because they were never taught how to properly be fitted for a wig. A properly fitted wig will be more comfortable to wear and look more natural. The wig should not have gaps between your head and the wig. Many times the cap can be taken in, giving the wig a much more natural look.

Texture
There are generally four standard textures.

Silky straight: As the name indicates, the hair is straight and feels very soft and silky. This style is great for many modern cuts and bobs that will be sleek and smooth. They don’t frizz or knot much; however, these pieces will not hold a curl or movement for too long.

Body: These pieces tend to feel a bit rougher when running your fingers through the hair. They do tend to have what you might consider a slight frizz factor to them, which helps to give a more natural look as the hair appears more realistic and “not so perfect.” They hold a blow out with style and height well and won’t fall limp as quickly as a silky-straight piece.

Wavy: These pieces have a soft curl to them. Some can be washed and air dried for a very natural messy soft-wave look, or one can get them professionally curled so they will hold the desired curl without falling out too quickly. This texture has been very popular over the last few years and is a texture that is here to stay.

Curly: Everyone loves the beautiful bouncy curls that look incredibly natural. But don’t let looks deceive you; while this look appears to be effortless, it actually takes a lot of work to maintain. Curls get knotty and frizzy quickly, so if you are considering purchasing a piece like this, be sure you have the time for the maintenance required for such a piece.

Length and Layers

The majority of sheitals come with some layers already in place. While it’s easy to see the total length of the piece, one has to look out for the shorter layers. Ask whether the shortest layer will be long enough for the cut and style you are seeking.

Bring a Trusted Friend

Remember this is a sale with lots of people coming in and out quickly. The sales ladies just have a few minutes to help each customer pick out a few suitable pieces, but don’t have enough time to give individualized attention. Having someone there with a good eye will put you at ease.

Find out the Return
Policy and Guarantee

Most of these sales are final sales, meaning there are no returns, exchanges, refunds, credits or warranties. If there is a problem with the sheital, the company is not responsible for it regardless of what the problem is once you pay for the item. Be sure to inspect it with care and make sure you are 100% happy before purchasing.

Not only is a new sheital a financially big commitment, but this wig represents you, as it creates your whole look and style until your next wig purchase. Make sure it makes you feel pretty, is comfortable on your head and gives you the confidence to go out with a smile.

Sari Friedbauer is the owner of Sari’s Wigs. She is a licensed hairdresser and certified wig maker. She is available for consultations and can be reached at 201-694-5319.