The 15 Best Wigs Online for Beginners and Experts Alike

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Chances are you’re in between hairstyles and don’t know your next move. Or, perhaps you finally took the plunge and did the big chop and need a little versatility in your look. Maybe you’re in dire need of a refresh? Before you enter panic mode, allow us to point you in the direction of wigs. Once a taboo subject only hushed to friends in your inner circle, wigs are quickly becoming a preferred protective style.

Wigs have evolved over the years with plenty of lace, style, and length options to choose from, which can make your online experience a bit intimidating. However, once you nail down what needs you’d like your unit to fulfill, you’ll become a pro in no time. “When buying a wig online, you should focus on three things: What look are you going for? Your finished look will determine what lace and hair texture you’ll need. What is your head size? This is important when choosing a wig that will fit your head comfortably. Lastly, human hair is key! Make sure the company you purchase from uses 100 percent human hair for a unit that lasts,” says Chanesia Lockett, UNice brand educator and professional hairstylist.

Also, always ask questions if you’re unsure about the quality and size of the lace. “Lace size always matters, but there are so many options to choose from; lace closures such as 4x4 and 5x5 are perfect for beginners because less work is needed to make the lace look natural,” Lockett adds.

Now that you have celebrity tips, we looked to our personal wig collections and online customer reviews to find the 15 best places to get quality wigs for non-celebrity prices.

PartingMax Glueless Loose Body Wave HD 7x6 Closure Wig

Lace size: 7x6

Texture: Loose wave

It’s all in the name: LuvMe’s PartingMax units are the in-between option for folks who enjoy the look and versatility of an ear-to-ear frontal without the hassle or strain on edges. With 7x6 parting space, you can easily flip between a middle or side part. Even better, the lace is thin and HD and melts seamlessly for an undetectable finish.

LuvMe rating: 4.97/5 stars

An ELLE Editor says: “Nothing makes me happier than finishing my wig installs and styling in under an hour. I’m able to do so, thanks to this wig from LuvMe. The 7x6 parting space allows me, a frontal novice, to replicate the versatility frontals give without having to layer glue or add too much product to my edges. I love that even though the texture is a loose wave, it straightens seamlessly and reverts to its curls with no issue. Plus, LuvMe has its own Wig Renewal collection with a shampoo and conditioner that gently revives dull hair.”—Nerisha Penrose, ELLE.com beauty commerce editor

Bye Bye Knots Glueless Body Wave 7x5 Wig

Lace size: 7x5

Texture: Loose wave

If you’re between going blonde or keeping your unit black, this wig comes pre-highlighted to avoid mishaps. Unice’s Bye Bye Knots wigs come with pre-bleached knots and the lace pre-cut to ensure the installation is seamless and quick.

Amazon rating: 3.9/5 stars

An Amazon reviewer said: “The hair was very pretty and long, but it got the job done! There was little to no shedding, and the hair was very soft.”

Vivian Blonde Transparent HD Wig

Lace size: 13x6

Texture: Wavy

Apparently, blondes have more fun—and now you can, too. HairVivi produces quality wigs with thin, undetectable lace that takes the guesswork out of wig installs, so you have more time for bombshell curls or sleek straight heat styling.

HairVivi rating: 4.9/5 stars

HairVivi reviewer said: “I found out about Hairvivi 2 years ago via a review on YouTube and couldn’t believe what I saw, so decided to save money and get it too. I have a thinning hairline due to using clip-in extensions and I want to grow my edges back:) Using a wig for some time. I have very fair skin, so I chose a blonde wig. I’m so glad I found Hairvivi!!! I will only buy from them from now on. Excellent shop, service, expedited delivery. They reply to my emails or chat queries super fast. I love the quality of the wig!! 160% density is the best for me. I got it in 16” inch, small cap size, Honey upgrade. Transparent Invisible Swiss lace is the best on the market, and it melts into my scalp, completely undetectable.”

Undetectable Skin Melt 13x6 Straight Wig

Lace size: 13x6

Texture: Straight

Known for its "clear lace and clean hairline," XRS Beauty Hair does the hard work for you, so all you need to do is cut, glue, and be on your merry way. What’s more, the brand’s offering extends past typical hair types to offer customers a variety of textures, including yaki straight, deep wave, and more.

XRSbeauty rating: 4.9/5 stars

An ELLE Editor says: “A lace frontal has never left me as speechless as the one on this XRS wig. It’s thin, pre-plucked, and melts down when adhered with glue so easily it’ll look like you went to a professional.”—Nerisha Penrose

Gorgeous Natural Coily Curl Glueless HD 5x5 Wig

Lace size: 5x5

Texture: Curly

Curly wigs are the get-up-and-go style every wig-wearer needs. Using just a bottle of water, a touch of conditioner, and a quality detangling brush is all you need to make your curls pop and bounce freely. This wig from LuvMe uses an HD 5x5 closure to give you ample parting space for a natural melt.

LuvMe rating: 5/5 stars

A LuvMe reviewer said: “I don’t like wigs that are too fluffy, so I was hesitant to buy this wig. Luckily, it’s all worth it! This wig looks very natural when worn and is not too fluffy. Slayyyyyyyyy!! The hair is so soft and bouncy; I’m totally in love! Girl, you should get one too!”

HD 6x6 Closure Wig

Lace size: 6x6 closure

Texture: Straight

If you’re too lazy to glue down a 13x4 or 13x6, AliPearl offers beginner-friendly closure wigs in sizes like 5x5 and 6x6. With a 6x6 closure wig, you can mimic the hairline of a frontal with less glue and less time.

AliPearl rating: 4.9/5 stars

An AliPearl reviewer said: “This hair is the absolutely best; it’s super soft and easy to work with. I’m definitely getting my hair from Alipearl from now on; I highly recommend it!”

Dominica

Lace size: 13x6 frontal

Texture: Curly

We have TikTok to thank for making this Outre wig a viral sensation. This wig takes the legwork out of customizing your lace front by providing customers with the “perfect hairline”—undetectable HD lace, a pre-plucked hairline that mimics a real one, and an under $50 price tag.

Amazon rating: 4.2/5 stars

An Amazon reviewer said: “I got this hair back in January of last year and it came in right away with beautiful curls. This wig is very full and has some length to it. I picked out the curls and cut some layers into it. Definitely big head friendly too, lol.”

THE BANG

Lace size: No lace

Texture: Wavy

As one of the few Black people in her hometown growing up, co-founder Mary Imevbore—who launched Waeve with Mary Imevbore, Susana Hawken, and Tiiso McGinty—turned to YouTube University to learn how to care for her natural hair. However, the time-consuming process led her to search for an alternative way to switch up her look without a hefty price tag. “The process for purchasing a wig is quite painful. I can’t remember how many times I watched YouTubers review a hair company and say it’s great hair, but the comments say otherwise,” Imevbore said. “Wigs are the new thing. People aren’t relaxing their hair that much anymore; wigs just offer unparalleled flexibility. That’s what we wanted Waeve to embrace, the fun side of wigs.” Waeve offers versatility in color, length, and style for those who dare to be bold or those who prefer more subtle styles.

Waeve rating: 4.6/5 stars

A Waeve reviewer said: “I absolutely love it!!!! The hair is so soft. It is very comfortable to wear and feels so natural!”

U Part Kinky Straight Wigs

Lace size: No lace

Texture: Kinky straight

Lace fronts and closures can be a bit intimidating, especially if you’re unaware of what products to use to customize them best. Amazon has a plethora of wigs to choose from, including this U-part unit, which allows for most of your head to be concealed while leaving enough space for your natural hair to cover the top and front of your hair for a seamless blend.

Amazon rating: 4/5 stars

An Amazon reviewer said: “This hair is so great! I have a hard time finding the perfect texture for my 4c hair and this is it! Thank you so much.”

Straight Side Part Lace Short Bob Wig

Lace size: No lace

Texture: Straight

Not only does Mayvenn offer a wide range of different wig styles, but the company also provides a directory of stylists who are skilled and trained to install wigs and weaves.

Mayvenn rating: 5/5 stars

An ELLE editor says: “I get countless compliments when I wear my Mayvenn chocolate brown bang wig. It didn’t shed at first, but after 3 years and only about 15 wears, I've noticed that the back is getting matted. I would still buy another Mayvenn wig, but it is something to note.” —Danielle James, ELLE.com beauty director

THESLAY Blunt Cut Bob Wig

Lace size: 13x6 frontal

Texture: Straight

RPGShow is the crème de la crème of wig companies. They offer a slew of colors and styles, including Kahh Spence’s collection of natural everyday styles, which you’ve likely seen on your favorite celebrities.

RPG Show rating: None

An ELLE editor says: “Yes, these wigs are expensive, but they are long lasting. I’ve never owned one, but my former co-worker swore by RPGShow wigs and her hair ALWAYS looked fly. Yes, this is an investment—but a good one.” —Danielle James

4C Edges Kinky Curly Wig

Lace size: 13x4

Texture: Kinky curly

Sometimes, all you want is to give your edges a break and go glueless. Here’s a wig that mimics 4c hair texture for more realistic edges that won’t require too much glue or manipulation.

BeautyForever rating: 4.7/5 stars

A BeautyForever reviewer said: “Straight out the packet and I must say, I’m impressed! The quality is top-notch and the texture is incredibly soft. It feels so natural and luxurious when I wear it.”

Italian Yaki 13X6 Lace Front Wig

Lace size: 13x4

Texture: Italian yaki

WowAfrican offers a mix of textures, but they’re known for their Yaki wigs, which resemble Black hair types. Whether you want a blown-out look or something sleeker, WowAfrican has that “straight from my scalp” vibe you’re looking for.

WowAfrican rating: 5/5 stars

A WowAfrican reviewer said: “This wig is EVERYTHING!! So natural looking and super soft! No tangles at all holds a curl very well. And flat irons bone straight! The best kinky hair hands down!”

Something About Mary

Lace size: 4x4

Texture: Kinky curly

As the name suggests, HerGivenHair’s collection looks exactly like your hair and the hair of the Black women you pass by each day. Opt for a full curly unit that gives you twist-out curls without the hassle and multi-step routine, or a headband wig to give your edges a tension-free style.

Her Given Hair rating: 5/5 stars

A Her Given Hair reviewer said: “I have nothing but good things to say about the construction of this wig. The hair is beautiful and responds just like my own when hair products are used on it. It sheds very little and the full volume gives great coverage. Everywhere I go, people assume it’s just my natural hair. I just love it.”

Turban Pineapple Wig

Lace size: No lace

Texture: Kinky curly

Latched and Hooked went viral for giving women a fun alternative to lace-front wigs: a wig hat. Are you heading to the gym but want to preserve your hair? Do you need to run some quick errands but don’t have the time to whip up a quick style? Throw on this turban wig, which mimics a “pineapple ponytail,” and nobody will know.

Latched and Hooked rating: None

A Latched and Hooked reviewer said: No reviews

What's the difference between transparent lace and HD lace?

For the uninitiated, the type of lace you purchase can drastically affect the finished look. “The most popular types of lace are HD and transparent lace. HD lace wigs are created from a soft and delicate mesh that looks almost invisible on the skin. Transparent lace is a bit thicker and more durable. Transparent lace can be tinted with a lace tint spray or makeup to give a more skin-like finish,” Lockett explains. HD lace is preferred for a more seamless look, but it will cost a bit more than transparent, which is standard for most non-HD wigs.

How do you care for your hair underneath the protective style?

Wigs are a protective style—the optimal word here being protective, which serves as a reminder to properly care for and protect your natural hair underneath. Weekly washes and deep conditioning are a great way to ensure your hair remains free of build-up. “Caring for your natural hair underneath your wigs is super important. You never want to neglect your natural hair, so ensuring the scalp is clean and the hair is moisturized before installing your wig is key. Using a clarifying shampoo and a moisturizing treatment before and in between installs is crucial, as well as a quality hair oil to moisturize your scalp,” says Lockett.

How do you apply a wig?

According to Lockett, applying a wig takes about five steps:

1. Ensure your natural hair is clean and flat. You can put it in a sleek ponytail or braid it. Make sure it’s nice and flat.

2. Apply a wig cap close to the color of your scalp for a natural look underneath your wig.

3. Before using any adhesives, ensure the hairline is clean and free of any makeup or oils. Apply the adhesive of your choice in a light, thin layer. Choosing a wig adhesive can be tricky, especially for beginners. Trial and error is the best teacher, but as a rule of thumb, ask yourself how long you would like to keep your wig installed. If you want a hold that will last at least two weeks, go for a wig adhesive. (A great wig adhesive beloved by wig lovers is the Ghostbond Glowup Revolutionary Wig Glue, which offers a superb hold and long-wear.)

4. Apply the wig by starting from the center, pressing down gently, and working your way outwards. After you ensure the adhesive is dry, press the lace firmly into the skin with a comb and trim any excess lace.

Meet the expert

Chanesia Lockett is a Brooklyn-based hairstylist and UNice brand educator.

Why Trust ELLE Beauty?

As a leading publisher of fashion, lifestyle, and beauty content, ELLE.com is committed to highlighting the best products in various categories by personally testing the latest and most innovative products, interviewing countless experts, and vetting customer-loved items. For this piece, ELLE.com editor Nerisha Penrose tested wigs and consulted a hair expert to find the best places online to buy quality wigs.

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