You have your consultation scheduled! That’s so exciting and a very smart move in your wig-buying journey. I always say this is your opportunity to ask all the questions, but you might be wondering what the heck do I ask at a wig consultation? Here are a few to get you started:
1. Ask about the hair itself.
- Where is it from/what type of hair is it (European, Brazilian, Indian, Asian)?
- Is the cuticle intact? The cuticle is a protective layer that gives hair shine and protects it from damage. If the cuticle has been removed or damaged due to processing the hair will be dull and more susceptible to damage. Also, all the cuticles must be running in the same direction to avoid matting.
- Has the hair been dyed and/or processed? The hair on most wigs will have been through some type of processing. For example, my wigs are color processed. Keep in mind, the more processed the hair, the shorter the life of the wig.
2. Has the wig been washed yet?
How the wig looks in the shop or in pictures can be very different from how it looks when it air drys, so it’s always a good idea to know what the wig looks like after it’s washed. I’m not saying this happens often, but it’s something to be aware of… unfortunately sometimes low quality or damaged hair can be coated in silicone giving the wig a beautiful healthy appearance initially, but after washing, that silicone will wear off to reveal the true nature of the hair, which is most likely not what you thought you were getting. When you’re investing in a wig, you want to make sure you’re getting what you paid for.
3. What’s the return policy?
This is a big one and something you want to make sure you’re clear on before making your purchase.
- How long do I have to try the wig? (3 days, 5 days?)
- What voids the return policy?
- Is there a restocking fee? Some companies charge restocking fees to cover costs associated with having to wash and restyle the wig, put the wig back up for sale, and recoup shipping and credit card fees. It’s understandable as long as the fee is reasonable. Some companies charge a flat fee and some charge a percentage of the purchase price.
4. Does the wig come with a warranty?
If it does, find out exactly what’s included and be sure to get it in writing.
5. What does the price of the wig include?
You’ll want to know if that price includes a cut, color, hairline customization, etc. You’ll also want to find out if you can come back (multiple times) to have the wig tweaked. For example, I went back and had my wigs thinned and trimmed multiple times.
6. Ask to see the wig in natural lighting.
The color of a wig can look very different from indoor to outdoor lighting. If you’re doing an in-person consult, grab a mirror and head outside to check yourself out in natural sunlight. If you’re doing a virtual consultation, ask them to take pictures of the wig outdoors to send you.
I’m sure more questions will pop into your head as you do your consultation, so be sure to ask them! Yes, the appointment should be fun and you should absolutely enjoy yourself, but you want to make sure that you are getting all of the important info you need so you feel comfortable and confident with your purchase. For those of you who have had a wig consultation, what questions would you add to the ask list?
Looking for more wig lingo? Click here for more helpful videos!
Browse the Hair Loss Girl Boss Blog here!
Follow along on Instagram for more hair loss tips, wig how-tos, beauty, and fashion.
Shop my favorite products here.