Wigs are having a huge resurgence of popularity. They are big business, with the market expected to reach 10 billion globally by 2023. Wigs have an interesting history that’s intertwined with society and culture. A wig is more than just a fashion accessory. It’s a reflection of the individual and society as a whole.
Related: 13 Different Types of Wigs to Choose From (Your Wig Guide) | 50 of the Best Online Wig Stores | How are Human Hair Wigs Made?
FYI, thanks to AI imagery software, we’re able to create very specific fashion and hairstyle examples to illustrate the points being made. In some cases, imagery is exaggerated to hammer home the point.
The Best Bob Wigs
The bob is a short hairstyle. The standard bob is cut at the same length all the way around, with lengths ranging from chin to shoulders. There are several variations on the bob style, which makes it difficult to completely define.
1. Alexi by Noriko
- Length: Medium
- Cap design: Lace front
- Hair type: Synthetic
- Texture: Textured
This bob has a natural modern style. The face-framing bangs give it a soft feminine appearance. Alexi by Noriko holds style well, which makes it easy to wear and own.
2. Adeline by Rene of Paris
- Length: Short
- Cap design: Lace front
- Hair type: Synthetic
- Texture: Wavy
The lace front and lace part provide a natural appearance and versatility. The wavy tousled style of Adeline by Rene of Paris softens the face and creates an appearance that’s graceful and effortless. If you prefer the “I just woke up looking this great” look, this might be the wig for you.
3. Amal by Rene of Paris
- Length: Short
- Cap design: Regular
- Hair type: Synthetic
- Texture: Curly
This wig offers a mature classy style. It is a shaggy bob with a layered fringe. The soft curls frame the face. Amal by Rene of Paris is a romantic easy to care for style that’s perfect for ladies who want a modern and elegant style.
4. Carrie Petite by Jon Renau
- Length: Medium
- Cap design: Lace front/single monofilament
- Hair type: Human hair
- Texture: Straight
This shoulder-length bob offers a natural look with a lace front and human hair. Carrie by Jon Renau is 100% hand-tied, which gives you freedom when it comes to styling. You can flip the ends out for a flirty fun look, or create loose curls to look stunning for a night out.
Pixie
The pixie is a short style that usually has the front a bit longer than the back and sides with short bangs. It is 1/2 an inch to 3 inches in length. It is perfect for an edgy look and offers convenience. The style frames the face and brings out cheekbones, and looks great on nearly all face shapes.
5. Power by Raquel Welch
- Length: Short
- Cap design: Memory Cap Base
- Hair type: Kanekalon Vibralite Synthetic
- Texture: Shag
This pixie style wig comes styled and holds its style after washing. Power by Raquel Welch looks very similar to human hair. The wig has highlights and lowlights in keeping with the latest salon coloring technology.
6. Natalie by Jon Renau
- Length: Short
- Cap design: Open cap
- Hair type: Synthetic
- Texture: Straight
This modern pixie provides a flattering face-framing style. The open cap design of Natalie by Jon Renau is light and breathable, which makes it great for women going through chemotherapy. It’s 50% lighter than a standard synthetic wig.
7. Success Story by Raquel Welch
- Length: Short
- Cap design:Â Monofilament Top
- Hair type: Human hair
- Texture: Straight
This wig is made from human hair, and it is 100% hand-tied. You can style it as a pixie or a short bob. It’s easy to maintain and style. You can change the part and style as often as you want. the natural look and feel of Success Story by Raquel Welch makes this a great choice if you want a short style with versatility.
8. Gia by Rene of Paris
- Length: Short
- Cap design: Basic
- Hair type: Synthetic
- Texture: Wavy
This pixie style has lots of volume. Gia by Rene of Paris has choppy layers, but looks classy instead of edgy. It’s perfect for a mature woman who wants to look her best and stay on-trend.
9. Allure by Jon Renau
- Length: Short
- Cap design: Basic
- Hair type: Synthetic
- Texture: Straight
As the name suggests, this pixie style is flirty and eye-catching. The refined style makes Allure by Jon Renau perfect for any situation, and it looks good on all face shapes. These are a few of the reasons why it’s the best-selling classic wig.
Shag
The shag hairstyle is casual and a bit edgy. Today’s shag is a bit different than the ones popular in the 80s. It still has the same laid back cool vibe, but it is more refined. A shag is choppy with layers around the crown. This provides volume and texture.
10. Diane by Jon Renau
- Length: Short
- Cap design:Â Lace Front-Single Monofilament
- Hair type: Synthetic
- Texture: Straight
This classic short shag provides edge without going overboard. The choppy ends of Diane by Jon Renau create interest around your face. The lace front and hand-tied monofilament allow you to style the wig while providing a natural appearance.
11. Sophia by Jon Renau
- Length: Medium
- Cap design:Â Â Lace Front-Single Monofilament
- Hair type: Remy human hair
- Texture: Straight
Remy human hair is real human hair that has the cuticles intact. This shag is also 100% hand-tied, for the most natural look possible. Sophia by Jon Renau is shorter in the front and reaches collarbone length in the back. It offers styling versatility so you can change up your look quickly and easily.
12. Lexy by Noriko
- Length: Short
- Cap design: Basic
- Hair type: Synthetic
- Texture: Straight
This shag wig has choppy layers with flipped ends for a tousled style that is easy to maintain. The bangs of Lexy by Noriko frame the face, and the back adds texture and volume.
Medium Length
Medium length styles are great for those who want the convenience of a short style but prefer the length of long hair. Medium length used to be seen as a transition stage. Instead of a chosen style, it was the style you had when you were going from short to long. In recent years, this middle of the road length has gained popularity, because it offers the best of both worlds.
13. Beguile by Raquel Welch
- Length: Medium
- Cap design: Sheer Lines Front – Monofilament Top
- Hair type: Human hair
- Texture: Straight
This shoulder-length bob wig is luxurious. Beguile by Raquel Welch is 100% hand-tied for versatility when styling and a natural appearance. The memory fit base conforms to your head for a comfortable and secure fit. You can create a new look by changing the part or adding curl. Out of the box, it is a sleek straight style with plenty of body.
14. Blair by Jon Renau
- Length: Medium
- Cap design: Open cap
- Hair type: Synthetic
- Texture: Straight
This mid-length bob is classic and adorable. Blair by Jon Renau has blunt bangs. It has a youthful look, but it is a simple straight style that looks flattering on women of all ages.
15. Celebrity by Raquel Welch
- Length: Medium
- Cap design: Lace front – monofilament front
- Hair type: Synthetic
- Texture: Wavy
This medium length layered cut has romantic wavy curls and plenty of fullness. The base is 100% hand-tied, and the sheer indulgence lace front makes it very comfortable to wear. Celebrity by Raquel Welch also provides lots of styling options while still looking natural.
16. Clair by Jon Renau
- Length: Medium
- Cap design:Â Lace Front-Single Monofilament
- Hair type: Synthetic
- Texture: Curly
This medium length style features soft curls. Clair by Jon Renau is a perfect style for casual outings or elegant dinner parties. The lace front and monofilament top give you lots of styling and parting options. If you dream of having the perfect loose curl, this is the wig for you.
Long Wigs
Long hair is luxurious and sexy. It offers lots of styling options. It can balance proportions and enhance your appearance. With all the reasons to wear long hair, there are some downsides to having long natural hair. It requires more time and upkeep than shorter styles. It also requires time to grow your hair out. If you want the look of long hair with the benefits of a low maintenance style, a long hair wig is a great option.
17. Brittany by Amore
- Length: Long
- Cap design:Â Lace Front Double Monofilament Cap
- Hair type: Synthetic
- Texture: Curly
This wig features long layers and soft curls. Brittany by Amore has a glamorous look that will have you looking and feeling your best. The lace front allows you to part or style the wig. The Double monofilament cap has a second monofilament layer that cushions the scalp from the top layer. This makes it comfortable for everyday wear. Double monofilament is a great choice for those experiencing hair loss.
18. Grand Entrance by Raquel Welch
- Length: Long
- Cap design: Lace Front – Monofilament Top
- Hair type: Human hair
- Texture: Straight/curly
This long human hair wig is the ultimate in luxury. Grand Entrance by Raquel Welch is 100% hand-tied. Paired with the lace front and monofilament top, it looks as real as your natural hair. Styling options are endless. Wear it sleek and straight, or sport large loose curls. Tousle it for a beach look, or add texture for extra body. No matter how you style it, it will look stunning.
19. Angie by Jon Renau
- Length: Long
- Cap design: Lace front – single monofilament
- Hair type: Remy human hair
- Texture: Curly
This long layered wig has small loose curls for a romantic and feminine appearance. Colors are designed to look natural and include highlights and shades for a dimensional look. The lace front of Angie by Jon Renau provides comfort and lots of styling options.
20. Mila by Jon Renau
- Length: Long
- Cap design:Â Lace Front-Single Monofilament
- Hair type: Synthetic
- Texture: Wavy/curly
This long style has slightly tousled curls that give you a playful yet sophisticated look. The smart lace design allows you to wear off the face styles for more versatility.
21. Spotlight by Raquel Welch
- Length: Long
- Cap design: Lace front – monofilament top
- Hair type: Synthetic
- Texture: Straight
This wig has long layers that provide a feminine classy appearance. Colors are created using true to life technology for a color so natural you’ll think you were born with it. The hair is also heat defiant, so you can style it as you would natural hair. The lace front and monofilament top of Spotlight by Raquel Welch allow you to part your hair any way you wish. You can also style your hair off the face. The hairline looks completely natural.
Men’s Wigs
Wigs aren’t just for women. Men’s shorter styles require a high-quality wig for a realistic appearance. These wigs look natural and flattering. No one will know you are wearing a wig unless you reveal your secret.
22. Chiseled by HIM
- Length: Short
- Cap design: Lace front monofilament
- Hair type: Synthetic
- Texture: Straight
This wig gets its name for its roguish style. It’s longer on top, with textured sides and back. Chiseled by HIM features razor cut lengths that are piecey, which gives it an edgy style. If you want a more polished look, you can tuck the lengths behind your ears. The lace front and monofilament top, paired with hand-tied back and sides, give you lots of styling options and a natural-looking hairline.
23. Daring by Him
- Length: Short
- Cap design: Lace front monofilament
- Hair type: Synthetic
- Texture: Straight
This daring wig offers so many styling options, it’s like having several wigs in one. The length is just long enough to provide you with styling freedom. The left side part allows you to go with a polished look by slicking the hair back, a messy tousled one, or something in between. The lace front monofilament design creates a realistic hairline. Daring by Him is heat defiant, so you can use your favorite styling tools as well.
24. Grit by Him
- Length: Short
- Cap design: Lace front monofilament
- Hair type: Synthetic
- Texture: Straight
This short style can be worn to the side or off the face with no worries thanks to the lace front hairline. The layers are perfect for a sculpted look with volume or a casual tousled style. Grit by Him has heat defiant synthetic hair, providing plenty of styling options.
25. Distinguished by HIM
- Length: Short
- Cap design: Lace front – monofilament
- Hair type: Human hair/synthetic
- Texture: Straight
If you want a classic mature style, this is the wig for you. The 60% human hair 40% synthetic hair blend gives you the best of both worlds. Distinguished by HIM is completely hand-tied for the ultimate natural appearance. Cut it and style it to suit your personality.
The History of Wigs
Wigs have been around almost as long as people. Ancient Egyptians donned wigs to protect their scalp from the sun, but they were far from simply utilitarian. They were used to identify social standing, rank, and religion. In Europe, the aristocracy began wearing wigs in the 1500s. In the 17th and 18th centuries, they grew in popularity, becoming a fashion staple for anyone with the means to purchase one.
They continued in popularity until the 1920s. With the emergence of the bob trend, wigs fell out of favor. In the 1950s, wigs were used to create fantasy hairstyles for special occasions, but they weren’t used for daily wear, with the exception of African American women. Wigs allowed them to have fashionable hairstyles without time-consuming straightening.
The first modern synthetic wigs were created in the 50s. These wigs were made by machine, so they were much cheaper to produce than the hand made natural hair wigs. The price tag coupled with the culture’s obsession for synthetic space-age materials led to them becoming very popular for women in the 60s. They continued to be a popular choice for African American women, but in general, wigs lost their luster for awhile. By the mid-70s, the trend was out and natural hair was in.
Wigs have had a social stigma for centuries. In the late 20th century were seen as a way to cover alopecia or thinning hair, and not a fashion choice, outside the African American community. Wearing a wig simply to change your hairstyle or color was seen as taboo. It simply wasn’t done. They began to rise in popularity again in 2016, when celebrities began wearing wigs that were obviously wigs. Suddenly they weren’t taboo. You no longer had to choose a wig that looked natural to hide the fact it was a wig.
The popularity of wigs is often tied to cultural shifts. Today’s wigs give women the freedom to choose how they look. They can be conservative one day and eccentric the next. Hair has always been a defining feature for women. The saying “Blondes have more fun” and “Bad hair day” show just how significant this feature is.
Wigs for men are also gaining popularity. When a man began going bald, he had three options. Attempt to make the most of his natural hair with a comb-over, shave the head, or wear a wig. The problem was, it was easy to tell when a man was wearing a wig. Today, men’s wigs look totally natural, and can be nearly undetectable.
FAQs
Have questions about the best wigs? You’ll find the answers here!
What kind of wig is best for beginners?
A lace wig with a pre plucked hairline is the perfect wig for beginners. You should also choose one that is glueless and is held in place with an elastic band. This type of wig allows you to put it on easily, and doesn’t require a lot of prep work out of the box.
What kind of wig looks the most natural?
The Remy human hair wig is the most natural looking wig, but it’s not the only good choice. A monofilament wig with a lace front creates a natural hairline. Choosing a hand tied wig gives you more styling options and allows the hair to move like real hair.
What is the best density for a wig?
The most common density for a wig is 120. This density is closest to the average natural hair density. If you want a fuller look, you can choose a higher density. If you want a lighter look, choose a lower density. You may want to choose a density closest to your own natural hair density for the most natural look.
What is the most comfortable wig to wear?
Hand tied wigs are considered the most comfortable type. Double monofilament wigs are also a great choice, because they give you cushioning between the tie and your scalp. If you want the coolest and lightest option, an open cap is your best bet.
Does wearing a wig damage your natural hair?
There’s a common misconception that wearing a wig will damage your real hair. This is not true. A wig doesn’t damage your hair, nor does it inhibit new hair growth. In fact, it can actually be better for your hair. Instead of coloring, straightening, or relaxing your natural hair, you can change your style with a wig, saving your hair from damage.
What is the best human hair wig to buy?
Remy human hair wigs by Jon Reneau are the best wigs made with human hair. They have the root of the hair in tact, and all hairs go in the same direction. This creates the most natural look and they move just like your real hair.
Are synthetic or human hair wigs better?
Synthetic wigs are less expensive and require less maintenance. Human hair wigs are the most natural looking wig, and allow you to style, cut, or color the wig to your preferences. Many synthetic wigs are designed to hold their hairstyle, so they require little time styling. Heat defiant or resistant synthetic wigs can be styled with heating tools, just like your real hair.
What is a Topper?
A topper is often used by someone with hair loss. They are designed to cover a specific area, and used in addition to your real hair. They can be used to cover thinning or bald spots, or simply to give your hair more height and body.