Beginner Basics

1. Identify the coverage needed.

Step one is to determine what product type is best for you. At Name Brand Wigs, we offer an array of options.

If you are not ready or not looking for a full wig, then we also carry:

• Top Pieces or Toppers - A top piece (or topper) adds more hair, more volume, or more color to your hair. They range in different base sizes to fit the needs of each customer. Top pieces are usually attached with either small clips or combs.
• Shop Extensions, braids, ponytails, and more! Extensions instantly add length and fullness, making it easy to achieve longer, thicker hair in minutes. They let you experiment with endless hairstyles—braids, ponytails, updos, you name it. With customizable options, extensions can be tailored to suit your ever-changing lifestyle. 
• Hair Additions and Wraps - Hair wraps are quick and easy to put on, making them perfect for busy days, travel, or achieving a polished look in minutes. Stylish and versatile, hair wraps let you express your personal style and effortlessly switch up your look.
• All Hair Loss Additions - Our hair loss solutions are specially designed to address either total or partial coverage. We have soft and flexible hair pieces that come in various forms so that you can find the right amount of coverage to meet your needs, regardless of what stage of hair loss you are experiencing.

2. Find your fit!

How to measure your head: 

3. Identify your cap needs:

The cap is the base of the wig onto which hair is attached. Wigs are available with several different types of caps, and each cap type has its own distinct advantages. The four cap designs are Capless, Standard, 100% Hand Tied, and Monofilament.

Capless or Open Cap

Instead of a closed material on top, the crown is constructed by vertical lace strips with open spaces between wefts.

Pros of an Open Cap:

1. Superior Ventilation
2. Lightweight
3. Very durable; you don't have to be as careful when washing

Things to consider with an Open Cap:

1. Not as versatile for styling

Traditional or Standard Cap

The traditional or standard cap has a closed material top, with a wefted construction back. A "weft" is a narrow strip of material that has hair, all going in the same direction, sewn into it. These strips are interconnected in horizontal planes going back and forth over the entire cap. This provides overlapping layers of hair and simulates natural hair growth. With a standard cap, the direction of the hair is more set in place.

Pros of a Standard Cap:

1. Affordable
2. Lots of built-in volume and fullness
3. Large selection
4. Very durable; you don't have to be as careful when washing

Things to consider with a Standard Cap:

1. Harder to change the part due to how the wig may be sewn
2. Not everyone likes the look of permatease (Permatease is the hair teased or crimped right at the base where it is attached to the cap. This permatease gives instant lift the same way back-combing would, and prevents your front from seeing the wefting underneath)

Monofilament

Often abbreviated as mono, it is a fine mesh material that each hair strand is individually pulled through. This gives the appearance of a real scalp, and the hand-tied fibers allow you to move the part in any direction. 

Pros of a Mono Top:

1. Comfortable
2. Lightweight
3. Realistic-looking
4. The ability to change the part
5. Eliminates much of the permatease found in the standard cap

Things to consider with a Mono Top:

1. Cost is more than a standard cap
2. Needs to be handled with care, especially when brushing or washing the lace
   - Lays flatter on top

Double Monofilament

This cap offers you not only the mono top feature, but also an extra smooth layer on the inside of the cap. This ensures the softest, most comfortable fit.

4. Find the right fiber!

Alternative hair fibers can be categorized into the following: Synthetic, Heat Defiant or Heat Friendly, Human Hair, Remy Human Hair, or Human Hair Blend. See the charts below for descriptions of each fiber type.

Synthetic Fiber:
Wigs made primarily of modacrylic fibers that have the look and feel of real hair. This fiber is very low-maintenance and convenient. The fibers have built-in memory, which allows the original style to be restored after washing.

Heat Friendly or Heat Defiant:
 A synthetic fiber that can withstand a low amount of heat. A heat friendly wig is pre-styled, but you have the flexibility to curl or flat iron to change the look. Once the style has been altered with heat, it will hold, even after washing, and a heat source must be used again to change it. The fiber also tends to have a coarser, moldable texture than standard synthetic.

Human Hair:
Wigs made of human hair are primarily cut in India and China. Wigs made with Human Hair are very durable, and can withstand heat and products just like bio hair. However, they require more upkeep than synthetic wigs and must be styled regularly. Generally speaking, Human Hair wigs are much heavier than their Synthetic counterpart, and will typically hold up longer.

Remy Human Hair:
Human hair that has not been weakened by stripping. Unlike most human hair used in wigs and hairpieces, Remy hair is created by careful processing, which leaves the cuticle in place. The result is stronger, superior hair. To avoid tangling, Remy hair strands must all be aligned so the cuticle runs in the same direction. Remy hair is more expensive than cuticle-free human hair.

Human Hair Blend:
A blend of human hair and heat friendly fibers. These wigs should be cared for as a heat friendly item, as they are typically composed of a much higher percentage of heat friendly fibers.

Pro Tip: The key to finding the right fiber is to consider your lifestyle and how much time you have to put into styling and maintaining your alternative hair. Each fiber has pros and cons. Consider the pros and cons to find the hair fiber that best fits who YOU are!

5. Determine what Style and Length you are looking for:

We have a huge selection, equaling thousands of options. This can be overwhelming to a new wig wearer. Take advantage of the filtering on our website to narrow down our styles by length, hair texture, or cap features. A great place to start is our customers' favorite page. You can trust these are tried-and-true favorites, as they are the wigs getting the best reviews from other wig wearers like you!

6. Find your color!

Once you have a style narrowed down, you will need to know your color options, as each brand has its own colors. We have online color charts as guides for all colors. TIP: If this will be your first wig, sticking with a color close to your bio hair is a safe bet.

7. Get the proper care products