CHOOSING A WIG

How to choose a wig

Wig ordering & choosing a good wig for you

A woman wearing a wig and a white shirt is smiling

There are several things to consider when choosing a wig, such as fibre type, style, length, lifestyle, hair colour, face shape, base design as well as wig cap measurement. Below are all the important factors in finding that perfect wig. Below we give you some of our tips on choosing a wig, choosing a wig colour, density and everything you need to know when choosing a good wig.


Once you have considered all these features, enter the order selection area to place your order, call us to discuss if you have any questions, or make an appointment to visit our salon in person.

  • Consider fibre type: Synthetic vs. Human hair vs Remy Human hair

    ​Many women think that human hair wigs will be more natural looking. They fear that synthetic wigs will, in fact, look synthetic. This is not true! Each type of wig has its own unique benefits.


    ​Synthetic wigs are popular because they require the least amount of care. Today's synthetic wigs offer more styling choices, colours and unique comfort features. Shorter synthetic wigs are considered "shake-n-go", meaning that all you do is shake them out and they look great. Longer styles simply need to be combed or finger-styled. Synthetic styles are easy to pack and take with you, and the fibre is resistant to humidity, so your style holds in any weather. One thing that's important to remember is that you never use heat on a synthetic wig! Unless it is Heat Defiant any heat source, such as a blow dryer - or even an open oven - can damage the fibre and ruin the wig.  Our Heat Defiant range of synthetic wigs can use curling tongs up to the temperature of 175 degrees C to style.


    ​Human hair wigs are extremely versatile. The hair is real but has had the cuticle removed so hair can be processed and coloured. You can curl and style them as you would your own hair. They require slightly more effort than synthetic wigs, but overall provide a superior look and feel to synthetic hair. Human hair wigs are ideal if you enjoy, and are skilled at, styling your own hair. Or you can take them to your regular stylist to have them styled for you. 


    Remy human hair is more expensive than regular human hair and looks more natural due to the specialised process that the hair goes through to get into Remy form. It has a smoother, shinier and healthier appearance than non-Remy hair.  It is the highest quality hair you can get and the closest thing to the hair you were born with.

  • Consider style length

    As a rule, shorter "shake-n-go" styles are easiest to care for. Longer synthetic styles require a little more maintenance. A common mistake women make is choosing a style that's too long, which might not only be more work but also may overwhelm their features. ​


  • Consider your lifestyle

    What does your typical day involve? Will you be wearing your wig every day, or only occasionally? These questions, as well as others concerning your work, recreational and social activity, may affect which style you choose. Be sure to keep your typical daily or weekly activities in mind as you try different wigs. 

  • ​Choose a colour that flatters

    Many women feel most comfortable selecting a shade that matches their natural hair colour. To do so, we recommend looking at your hair and colour samples together under natural light to determine which colour most closely resembles your own.


    On the other hand, you certainly don't have to choose a colour identical to your own. Try going just a shade lighter or warmer than your natural colour to brighten your features. You can also choose styles with highlights that feature a subtle blending of shades for added depth and dimension.

    The goal is to find a shade that complements your skin tone and brings out your natural colour. A mistake many women make is choosing a colour that's too dark. When in doubt, go a shade lighter. Your stylist can help you determine which shade works best for you.  


    ​Please note all individual wigs have their selection of colours available in the wig selection area.

Face Shape

A key consideration when choosing a wig is what wig fits or complements the shape of your face.


​There are 5 basic face shape types below. You can figure out which shape you are by outlining your face on a mirror then comparing to the pictures below.


In choosing the correct wig based on you face shape, consider the following:

A diagram showing face types for wig selection.

  • Oval Face

    Normally, the length of an oval face is 2.5 times the width and the forehead is a bit wider than the jaw. Hair stylists consider oval as the perfect facial shape, as many haircuts and styles are suitable for this shape. The most suitable hair style is with layers, as this hair style can highlight the cheekbones, lips or chin. However, a short layer at the top of the head is not recommended, since it will make an oval face look longer. Other hair styles not recommended for an oval face shape are blunt cut and thick and curly hair styles.

  • ​Square Face

    This facial shape features strong, angular lines. Short hair styles are not recommended because these emphasize the angular lines. Chin-length hair styles are suitable for this facial shape due to their softness and texture. 

  • ​Heart-shaped Face

    This facial shape features a wide forehead and narrow chin. Eyes and cheekbones are dominant visible areas on the face. For women with longer hair, you can use wavy layers around your cheekbones, which makes your chin look rounder. For women with shorter hair, you can use the top layers or side-swept bangs.

  • ​Oblong Face

    Long, straight hair is not suitable for this face shape. It is recommended to choose hair styles such as a bob cut, which will widen the face a little and soften it.

Base/Cap Constructions

​The following Base Constructions are available with our Jon Renau Wigs. 


Please note each Wig has a set base design available which is advised in the Wig selection area.

Adult Base Designs

A diagram of a double monofilament / hand tied wig.
A diagram of a double monofilament wig.
A diagram of a french drawn top / hand tied wig.
A diagram of a lace front / open cap wig.
A diagram of a lace front / single monofilament / hand tied wig.
A diagram of a lace front / single monofilament wig.
A diagram of the lace front / single monofilament part of a wig.
A diagram of an open cap for a wig
A diagram of a traditional cap showing the different parts of a wig.
View more

Junior Base Designs

A diagram of the inside of a baseball cap.
A diagram of the inside of a baseball cap showing the different parts.

Wig Cap Measurement

To get your wig cap measurement, take a cm measuring tape and measure the circumference of your head as in the picture to the right.


​Measure the total circumference around your head. Start at your natural hairline in front, follow your hairline under and above your ear then around the back of the head just above the bend in your neck, then around your other ear, then come back to meet the tape where you started. Take that measurement and you will have your wig cap size.


​The chart below outlines what wig size should be chosen based on the head circumference measurement

A table showing the wig cap size for child , petite , average and large

​*For an adult the Average head measurement should be around 56cm

If you are ordering a Wig from our online shop and want us to process the Wigs and Hair Piece Subsidy claim then call or email us and we can assist you through the process.


Dispatch time on all wigs once payment has cleared is usually 10 working days, as most wigs and toppers we sell we do not hold in stock and need to source from our supplier in the US, if an order is placed and our US supplier is out of stock on that particular item we will notify you straight away and at the same time advise possible alternatives. So with all online orders of Wigs and Toppers it pays to check with us first that the style and colour you want is in stock and ready to ship.


Dispatch time on all other products is immediate unless specified otherwise in the order section. 


To order a Fashion Wig you can either order from our extensive online store or book a personal consultation at our Auckland studio, home and hospital visits available upon request.