Curl Centric: Curly Hair Products, Hairstyles, and Hair Growth Techniques

  • Hair Care
  • Hair Growth
  • Hairstyles
  • Locs
  • Products
  • Resources
    • Hair Calculators
    • Natural Hair Dictionary
    • Curly Hair Questions
  • Take the quiz
menu icon
go to homepage
  • Hair Care
  • Hair Growth
  • Hairstyles
  • Locs
  • Products
  • Resources
    • Hair Calculators
    • Natural Hair Dictionary
    • Curly Hair Questions
  • Take the quiz
search icon
Homepage link
  • Hair Care
  • Hair Growth
  • Hairstyles
  • Locs
  • Products
  • Resources
    • Hair Calculators
    • Natural Hair Dictionary
    • Curly Hair Questions
  • Take the quiz
×
Home » Hair Products

Where to Get a Wig: Where to Buy a Wig Locally or Online

Kenneth ByrdBy Kenneth ByrdMBA · 15+ years in hair care · Co-founder of Curl CentricUpdated Sep 13, 20267 min read · Reviewed by Kira Byrd

Evidence-basedPublishing since 2008May contain affiliate links
Woman in a cropped white shirt giving a thumbs up as she takes a selfie outdoors, hair straight to her shouldersPin

Wigs have never been as hot as they are right now! They're protective, long-lasting, and can give you any hairstyle you want in minutes. But where exactly are you supposed to buy them? If you're ready to find out, just read a little further!

In this article, we'll explain the different places you can buy a wig. We'll also look at the pros and cons of these places, so you can figure out which location is right for you. 

Where to Get a Wig

To purchase a wig, consider beauty supply stores or specialized wig stores for in-person shopping. Both provide a hands-on experience, though wig stores offer a more extensive selection. Online vendors, including Amazon, Wig.com, and eBay, offer various options from budget to high-end.

Social media platforms such as Instagram and Facebook present opportunities to buy from individuals or vendors, with caution advised. Salons offer wig customization and installation for a natural look, while costume shops are ideal for novelty or cosplay wigs. Always select a reputable retailer for quality assurance.

Low angle shot of a woman holding a phone overhead for a selfie, palm trees and sky behind herPin

Beauty Supply Stores

When it comes to buying a wig, beauty supply stores are one of the best options around. These specialty retailers specialize in hair, skin, and fashion products. Beauty supply stores are an excellent place to buy wigs because you can see them in person before your purchase.

Why Your Hair Isn’t Growing - free guide from Curl Centric

Free 50-page guide

Your hair is already growing. The problem is keeping it.

On average, hair grows a third to half an inch a month, and curlier hair tends to grow more slowly. If your length looks stuck, that’s your hair breaking off as fast as it grows in. Here are the seven causes of breakage and the weekly routine that stops them.

Free. One email a week after that. Unsubscribe anytime.

You can get a good idea of the quality of the wig cap and the hair.

You'll also be able to try the wig on in many beauty supply stores, so you can ensure that it fits well and doesn't scratch or pinch at your scalp. And if that wasn't enough, beauty supply stores carry everything you need to install, style, and care for your wig.

The one downside to buying wigs from beauty stores is that their stock is limited to what they can fit in the store. So if you're after a specific wig type or style, you may have to visit a few different locations.

And depending on the type of wig you're after, you might not be able to find it at all. 

Woman laughing with one arm raised holding a phone and the other pointing at herself, palm trees overheadPin

Wig Stores

If you're looking for a specific wig type or style, perhaps your best bet is to go to a wig store. You might have thought that wig stores and beauty stores are the same, but that's not the case.

Wig stores stock an extensive selection of synthetic and human hair wigs - much more than you'd find in a typical beauty supply store. What's more is that the staff there will likely be more knowledgeable in wig selection, installation, and care than the average beauty supply store associates.

You'll also be able to try at least a few wigs on to see which fit you best.

The only downside is that wig stores can be very hard to find; if there isn't one in your area, you will have to explore other options.

Woman holding a phone up to take a selfie with one finger raised, palm trees and clouds behind herPin

Online Vendors

In recent years, online retailers have made buying a wig easier than ever. From budget-friendly pieces to high-end custom creations, there are countless online retailers offering a wide selection of wigs.

Some online vendors sell only their own hair pieces, while others carry a selection of wigs from numerous distributors. Some of the most popular online wig retailers include sites like Amazon, Wig.com, and eBay.

Social Media

One of the newest ways to buy wigs is through popular social media sites like Instagram and Facebook. On these sites, you'll be able to pick from individuals selling second-hand wigs and vendors who source or create the wigs themselves.

Just be careful with handing out your personal information, as social media pages are not well-regulated. As a result, you may come across scammers who steal and misuse your information.

So if possible, check for legitimate reviews and contact the vendor with any questions you may have. Ask plenty of probing questions, and only send a payment if you're sure the page is legitimate.  

Woman making a peace sign as she takes a selfie on a sunny walkway in a cropped white shirtPin

Salons

Yes, you can get a wig from a salon. This is an excellent option for anyone looking for a natural look, as your stylist can both install your wig and customize it to match your preferred texture, color, and style.

Keep in mind that many salons don't carry wigs or have a limited selection. Additionally, they're typically more expensive than typical wig retailers. So make sure you call or check their website ahead of time to verify prices, availability, and services. 

Costume Shops

Are you looking for a Halloween or cosplay wig? If you aren't concerned about your wig looking natural, consider a costume shop. Costume shops generally carry a variety of wigs in different styles, colors, and lengths.

Just remember, the quality and selection of wigs can vary wildly, and costume shops don't offer the same level of expertise and customization as online retailers or specialty stores.

Low angle photo of a woman in a cropped shirt taking a selfie, holding a peace sign near her facePin

How Much Should a Good Wig Cost?

Regardless of where you buy them, the price of a high-quality wig can vary. A high-quality human hair wig will generally cost between $200 to $600. Synthetic wigs are significantly cheaper and often cost between $50 to $300.

It's important to note that the cost of a wig is not the only factor you need to consider.

Other factors, like comfort, durability, and style, should be taken into account. In fact, investing in a higher-quality wig may save money in the long run because they last longer and require less maintenance. 

Woman standing with a hand on her hip and a phone held out at arm's length, palm trees above herPin

How Much Does It Cost to Get a Wig Made?

While most wigs are premade, you can also purchase a custom wig. Custom wigs are made to your exact specifications, giving you total control over the construction and appearance of the wig.

The cost of getting a wig made can vary depending on a variety of factors, including the type of wig, the length and density of the hair, and whether or not it's handmade. But, they range from a few hundred to several thousand dollars.

What Kind of Wig Is Best for Beginners?

Are you thinking about giving wigs a try? As you start shopping, you'll likely come across an overwhelming selection of wig types. However, certain kinds of wigs are more beginner-friendly than others. We'll break them down below. 

Woman blowing a kiss toward her phone while taking a selfie outdoors in a cropped white shirtPin

Capless Wigs

Capless wigs: Capless, or wefted, wigs are the most basic type of wig. They feature a series of hair wefts sewn together on a thin, elastic cap. The wefts are secured in place with sewn-in wig clips or elastic bands.

Capless wigs are breathable and easy to install and are typically made by machines. And although that makes them more affordable, they tend to look less natural, and they lack styling versatility.

Half Wigs

Half wigs: Half wigs are a type of partial wig which adds length and volume to the bottom half of your head. Unlike traditional wigs, they leave the top half of your hair exposed.

Half wigs are an excellent way to slowly adjust to the weight and feel of a wig without jumping right in. Remember, half-wigs are not protective since you'll still have to style and manipulate your natural hair.

Closure Wigs

Closure wigs: Closure wigs are another excellent option for beginners. They have a small patch of lace or silk at the crown, which mimics the look of a natural scalp. That makes the wig look more realistic and increases comfort.

And while some closure wigs come pre-parted, others allow you to change the direction and shape of your part. Closure wigs are much easier to install than lace fronts since the lace is limited to just your crown.

Lace Front Wigs

Lace front wigs: Although lace front wigs are more difficult to install than other wig types, they offer unparalleled realism and versatility. Lace front wigs are also breathable, lightweight, and comfortable, making them an excellent option for someone who isn't used to the weight and feel of wigs.

The one downside to lace front wigs is that they have a lengthy installation process. So make sure you take a look at a tutorial (like this one) to walk you through the steps.

Related Articles

  • Best Wig Brands
  • What Are the Different Types of Wigs
  • Price of Wigs

So, there you have it - where to find a wig. We hope that the stores, retailers, and other wig-buying options we've mentioned in this article make it easier to find your first or next wig. Good luck!

PinterestXFacebookReddit

More Natural Hair Products

  • A woman in an orange tank top smiling at the camera, her long blue-black hair crimped and flat at the crown
    Can You Put Mousse on Synthetic Hair? Synthetic Wigs, Weaves & Braids?
  • A woman smiling in round yellow-tinted sunglasses, her full afro haloed around her face, outdoors
    Best Edge Control, Tamers, and Styling Gel for Natural Hair
  • A woman in mirrored sunglasses and a knotted white tee, long honey blonde curls, against a red wall
    Wella T15 Before and After on Orange, Beige, and Yellow Hair
  • A Black woman laughing into a selfie in front of a black and white chevron wall, afro loose, tan jacket
    How to Use Flaxseed Gel for Curly Hair: DIY Hair Gel for Curls
Kenneth Byrd

About the author

Kenneth Byrd

Co-founder and Managing Partner

Publishing on textured hair since 2008MBA, University of Alabama at BirminghamExecutive education, WhartonTop 40 Under 40, Birmingham Business Journal

Kenneth does the research behind the guides here: reading the studies and checking whether a claim holds up before it gets published, under our editorial guidelines. Outside Curl Centric he leads an operations organization of more than 1,000 people, and he serves on the board of Oasis Counseling for Women and Children. Curl Centric's hair typing system is the first listed reference in a peer-reviewed paper in the International Journal of Women's Dermatology, and it is cited by Wikipedia.

More about KennethAbout Curl Centric

Kira Byrd

Hey, I’m Kira

Curl Centric is run by me and my husband Kenneth. We’ve been publishing evidence-based hair care since 2008 to help you care for your curls with confidence.

More about us →
Why Your Hair Is Not Growing: free guide

Free guide

Your hair is growing. It’s also breaking.

If your length looks stuck, your hair is breaking off about as fast as it grows in. Here are the seven causes and the weekly routine that stops them.

Free. One email a week. Unsubscribe anytime.

Start here

What is natural hair?Find your hair typeWhat is hair porosity?Build a hair regimenHair calculators

Footer

Why Your Hair Isn't Growing - free guide from Curl Centric

Free 50-page guide

Your hair is already growing. The problem is keeping it.

Hair grows about a third to half an inch a month, and the tightest curls grow slowest. If your length looks stuck, that's your hair breaking off about as fast as it grows in. We'll send you the seven causes of breakage and the weekly routine that stops them.

Free. One email a week after that. Unsubscribe anytime.

Written and reviewed by Kenneth and Kira Byrd Independently owned, publishing since 2008 950+ guides, fact-checked before publishing Editorial and advertising teams kept separate

Curl Centric®

Evidence-based curly hair care from Kenneth and Kira Byrd, a husband-and-wife team teaching textured-hair techniques since 2008.

Start Here

Natural Hair 101 Hair Typing Guide How to Grow Natural Hair Building a Hair Regimen Deep Conditioning Natural Hair Dictionary

Free Tools

Calculators & Printables Hair Growth Calculator Shrinkage Calculator Choosing Your Products Curl Science Podcast Browse All Articles

Who We Are

Kira Byrd, Co-founder Kenneth Byrd, Co-founder About Curl Centric Editorial Guidelines Contact Us FAQs Press Kit
Natural Hair Community, LLC 1401 Doug Baker Blvd, Ste 107 604, Birmingham, Alabama 35242 1 (844) 424-2875 admin@curlcentric.com Privacy Policy Terms & Conditions Sitemap

CurlCentric.com is an independent, advertising-supported publisher. Curl Centric® services, articles, content, and products are provided for informational purposes only. Curl Centric does not provide professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Curl Centric follows a strict editorial policy that produces accurate, factual, and honest content to help you make the right hair care decisions. Curl Centric has an affiliate relationship for some of the products that we recommend. We may receive compensation if purchases are made using our links, at no extra cost to you. CurlCentric.com is a participant in the Amazon Associates Program. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. To ensure that we maintain our editorial integrity, our editorial team does not receive direct compensation from our sponsors and advertisers. The product recommendations and advertisers that appear on Curl Centric are from companies that compensate us through an exclusive, full-service ad management partner. This compensation does not influence the content we publish or the product reviews shown on our site.

Copyright © Curl Centric®. All rights reserved. Curl Centric® is a trademark of Natural Hair Community, LLC.

Back to top ↑