Oval
An oval face is longer than it is wide, with a jaw narrower than the cheekbones. Most lengths and textures work well with this balanced shape.
Advice from wig experts
Your guide to choosing and caring for a wig
Small differences in size, style, and color can make a big difference in how a wig looks and feels. This guide answers the questions our customers ask most often.
Finding your wig size
Hairpieces do not require a cap size, but a full wig does. Most women wear an average cap. To measure, place a soft tape at your front hairline and take it around your head—behind the ears and across the nape—then return to the starting point.
| Cap size | Head circumference |
|---|---|
| Ultra-petite / child | 18–19.5" |
| Petite | 20–21" |
| Petite-average | 20.5–21.5" |
| Average | 21.5–22.5" |
| Large-average | 22–23" |
| Large | 22.5–24" |
Between sizes? Cap construction and adjustment tabs affect fit. Call us and we can help compare specific styles.
Choosing a style for your face shape
Face-shape advice is a useful starting point, not a strict rule. Stand in front of a mirror and look at the proportions of your forehead, cheekbones, jaw, and face length. Then use these ideas to narrow your choices.
Round
Try height at the crown, close-fitting sides, and wispy length around the cheeks. Geometric or linear styles can add definition.
Square
Soft waves, curls, and wisps around the face help soften a broad hairline and jaw. Height at the crown can add length.
Diamond
Look for styles with fullness near the chin and a little fringe at the forehead. Avoid too much height or width at the cheekbones.
Heart
A fringe can soften a broad forehead. Gentle fullness around the jaw and below the ears helps balance a narrower chin.
Pear
Add width from eye level through the crown while keeping the sides and nape relatively close to the head.
Oblong
A fringe and soft waves or curls at the crown and nape can add width and create the impression of a more oval shape.
If you are replacing lost hair, a style close to your natural hair often feels most comfortable. If you want a fashion change, experiment—the most important question is whether you feel good wearing it.
Putting on hairpieces
Clip-on hairpieces
Gather your hair into a secure ponytail, usually high enough to sweep up the neck hair. Attach the combs around that anchor and blend any loose wisps. If your hair is too short for one ponytail, two small pigtails can provide secure anchor points.
Three-quarter pieces and falls
Brush the hair in front of an imaginary ear-to-ear line forward. Seat the front teeth of the piece along that line, stretch it over a low anchor at the nape, then blend your front hair over the piece. A matching or slightly darker shade usually blends naturally beneath your own hair.
Choosing a color
For a fashion change, consider the relationship among hair color, eye color, and complexion. More contrast draws attention to the face; less contrast creates a softer result. Blended shades often look more natural than a single flat color.
For hair replacement, eyebrows are often the best clue to your original non-gray shade. Many customers prefer a refined version of their natural color, while others feel most themselves in gray or softly frosted shades.
Hairpieces need a closer match because your own hair remains visible. Photos taken in indirect daylight are especially helpful. You can email us a clear head-and-shoulders photo for personal guidance.
Washing and caring for your wig
Synthetic wigs
- Fill a basin with cool water and add synthetic-wig shampoo.
- Gently swish the wig for up to a minute, then let it soak for about 15 minutes.
- Rinse in cool water. Gently press out water without rubbing, wringing, or twisting.
- Lay it on a towel in a ventilated area and allow it to air-dry fully.
- Once dry, shake and style gently with your fingers or a wide-tooth pick.
Never use a blow-dryer, hot curling iron, or other high heat on ordinary synthetic fiber. Heat can permanently melt or frizz it. Follow the manufacturer’s directions for fibers specifically labeled heat-friendly.
Human-hair wigs
Follow the manufacturer’s instructions and use products made for human-hair wigs. Lukewarm water is generally appropriate. Human-hair wigs may be roller-set or styled with heat, but use a conservative temperature and protect the hair from repeated heat damage.
How often should I wash it?
Wash as little as necessary—typically after roughly 12 to 25 wearings, depending on the environment and product buildup. If you wear a wig every day, keeping a second piece lets each wig rest and gives you a backup while one is drying.
Our story
Our family wig business began as Albert’s Wigs in Atlantic City in 1969. Customers, entertainers, and visitors came to the shop for fitting, cutting, styling, and personal guidance.
WigSalon.com brought that experience online in 1997. We still believe choosing a wig should feel personal, and our experienced consultants are happy to help with cap fit, color, and style.