Are wigs and/or hair extensions part of your female wardrobe? If not, they should be!
Even if you’ve grown out your own hair, a wig or hairpiece is a great way to transform your look and add some instant glam.
To help you get started, I created this guide to transgender / crossdressing wigs and hair extensions.
We’ll cover everything you need to know about selecting the perfect hairpiece to complete your MTF transformation or transition.
Human Hair Vs. Synthetic Hair: Which Is Best?
Wigs and hair extensions fall into two basic categories: human hair and synthetic hair. Each has its advantages and disadvantages.
Human hair
PROS: Not surprisingly, human hair is the most natural-looking option. It’s also the most versatile as it can be cut, styled, permed, or colored just like your own hair.
CONS: The biggest downside to human hair is cost – we’re talking hundreds or even thousands of dollars for a human hair wig or extensions. Human hair is also heavier than synthetic hair and requires more styling.
If you shop for a human hair wig, you are bound to run across certain “buzzwords.” Here’s what they mean:
- Virgin Hair – Virgin hair refers to hair that has never been permed, dyed, or chemically processed in any way.
- Remy Hair – Remy hair means that the hair cuticle has been kept intact as opposed to being stripped in acid. Remy hair is softer and less likely to tangle than non-Remy hair.
- Asian vs. Indian vs. European Hair – This refers to where the hair was sourced, with European hair being the most expensive.
Synthetic hair
PROS: The biggest advantage of synthetic hair is that it’s less expensive than human hair. It’s also lighter and come pre-styled, which makes it easier to use. Best of all, high quality synthetic hair can be virtually undetectable from human hair.
CONS: A major con is that you can’t heat-style most synthetic hair, so your style options are limited. Synthetic hair also has a limited lifespan of 3-6 months of daily wear.
Blended hair
Though not as common, there’s a third option: blended hair. Blended hair contains a blend of human hair and synthetic hair and offers the best of both worlds: It’s less expensive than human hair and looks more natural than synthetic hair. It can also be heat-styled.
How To Pick A Wig
The beauty of wigs is that they open up an entire world of hair options. Always wanted long, blonde hair? Or dreamed of being a sexy redhead? Wigs can make it happen in an instant.
Here are main things to consider when choosing a wig:
Color and style
Your wig should flatter your face and features, so the color and style are key. If possible, I recommend shopping for a wig in person so you can try it on before you buy.
Here are a few color and style tips to keep in mind:
- Stay within 2 shades of your natural color for the most flattering look.
- Wigs with highlights (vs. a solid color) tend to look most natural.
- Shorter wigs are easier to manage and maintain.
- Shoulder length hair is universally flattering for all ages and face types.
For more hairstyle tips, check out my blog post on MTF Transgender Hairstyles: 6 Best Transfem Haircuts & Styles.
Size
Wigs come in 3 basic sizes: petite, average, and large. If you shop for a wig online, you’ll need to know your head size so you can choose the correct size. The video below demonstrates how to find your wig size.
Wig cap construction
A final consideration is the wig cap. Here are the different wig caps that are available:
- Standard Wig – A standard cap wig has a closed lace crown with the hair machine-sewn to the cap. This is the most common and affordable wig cap style.
- Capless Wig – A capless wig is similar to the standard cap, except that the hair is attached to vertical lace strips instead of closed lace. The open design makes the wig lighter and cooler than a standard cap.
- Monofilament Wig – Monofilament wigs are made with thin nylon or polyester mesh material at the crown to create the illusion of a scalp. This looks more natural since the hair can be parted or styled in any direction.
- Lace Wig – Lace wigs are made with a fine lace mesh that is custom fitted, trimmed, and glued (or taped) to the skin around the hairline. This creates a lifelike hairline, even with the hair pulled back.
Hairpieces: What You Need to Know
Hairpieces are designed to blend in with your own natural hair. They are a great way to transform your look without the hassle of wearing a full wig. Here are the most common hairpieces:
Half wig
A half wig (also known as a fall or 3/4 hairpiece) is worn away from the hairline and covers the crown, sides, and back of the head. The half wig is either attached to the head with clips or worn with the hair pre-attached to a headband.
Wiglets
Wiglets are a great option for girls with thinning hair or receding hairlines. Wiglets have a small base that is attached to the front or top of the head, adding volume where you need it. The advantage is that they disguise hair loss, but are lighter than a full wig.
Ponytail hairpiece
Looking for an easy updo? Try a ponytail hairpiece. Ponytail hairpieces are attached via a jaw clip, interlocking combs, or an elastic string. (Note: To wear a ponytail hairpiece, your hair has to be long enough to pull back.)
Clip-in bangs
Clip-on bangs are a fast way to add some sass to your style. Just clip them onto the front of your hair and voila! Instant bangs.
What About Hair Extensions?
All those Hollywood stars with impossibly long, gorgeous hair? Chances are, their secret is hair extensions.
Hair extensions add length and fullness to your hair – but keep in mind that your hair has to be thick enough to hide the base of the hair extensions. Hair extensions don’t work well with thinning hair or a receding hairline. (You’re better off with a full wig or a wiglet in that case.)
Here are the most common types of hair extensions:
Clip-in hair extensions
Clip-in hair extensions are fast, fun, and easy. The extensions are attached with clips and can be worn for a special event and then easily removed.
Bonded hair extensions
If you are looking for more permanent extensions, bonded hair extensions are the most popular option. Bonded hair extensions are attached with a special type of glue and last 3-6 weeks before needing to be reattached.
In theory, bonded hair extensions are not supposed to damage your hair. However, I’ve spoken with lots of women who claim that bonded extensions DID damage their hair. Bonded hair extensions are also expensive, typically ranging from $500-$2000.
Sewn-in hair extensions
With sewn-in extensions, your hair is first braided in tracks around your head and then the extensions are sewn to the braided tracks.
Sewn-in extensions also range from around $500-$2,000, but they last longer than bonded hair extensions. The disadvantage is that they can feel very tight and painful when first applied and can also damage the hair.
Where to Buy a Wig, Hairpiece, or Hair Extensions?
Now that you know what your options are, where can you buy a fabulous new wig, hairpiece or extensions?
In person
Buying a wig or hairpiece in person has several advantages:
- You can try before you buy to see how it looks.
- You can receive professional advice and guidance.
- You can inspect the quality before purchasing.
If you have access to a beauty supply store or wig shop, I definitely recommend stopping in – even just to browse and become more familiar with these items.
Online
Prefer the privacy and convenience of buying online? Here are a few trusted resources for wigs, hairpieces, and hair extensions:
- Wigs.com – The largest online wig store
- PaulaYoung.com – Wigs for older women
- Wigs Boutique – The UK’s favourite wigs and hairpieces retailer
- Luxy Hair – Clip in hair extensions
- Ebay – A good source for low cost wigs (Just be sure to check the seller’s return policy!)
Now Let’s Hear from You!
As you can see, the options for achieving full, feminine hair are almost endless!
Now I’d like to hear from you! Please take my poll and share your experience with wigs, hairpieces, and/or hair extensions. What worked for you and what didn’t? I’d also love to hear any extra tips you might have – as well as specific product recommendations.
Love,
Lucille
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P.S. After you’ve mastered your hair, the next step is makeup! Get started now with my FREE Male to Female Makeup Mini Course.
Thanks for the very useful article! I’m always looking for more information on front lace wigs, since I’m rather curious about them. Their prices also dropped considerably, and these days, you can even get lace wigs using synthetic hair. Since I’m a “casual” crossdresser (meaning that I don’t dress more often than once or twice per week) I was interested in seeing lots of DYI instructions for lace wigs, and even some models that don’t require glue (or use double-sided tape), which seems more appropriate for short-term wear. A few sites allow full personalization for prices as low as US$100. So I’d love if you could cover lace wigs more deeply, showing the variety of choices and what is more appropriate for each case.
As for the issue abut human hair being heavier than synthetic hair… well, I don’t own many wigs, but I have a 15-year-old human hair wig (Indian hair, I believe, died ginger 🙂 ), which has not only a lot more volume than any other wig I have ever bought, but it’s definitely much heavier than the synthetic hair wigs I have. Among those, I have some high-quality ones including a pseudo-lace front wig (it’s not really quite lace, but comes close to it) in synthetic hair, and the higher the quality, the thinner the hair seems to be, although it comes quite close to the look, feel, texture, and weight of my real, natural hair. By contrast, the human hair wig I have — possibly because it’s very old and used older processes — has much thicker hair (thus the extra weight) although it “feels right” in the way it moves.
I also own one or two old, low-quality wigs, which I haven’t worn in a long while. They’re sometimes fun for a change of style, but when contrasting them with the newer, high-quality ones I have, they just look too artificial for me these days.
In terms of maintenance and care, although I adore wavy hair, I find that the straight styles are much, much easier to take care of, and they last much longer. The more complex the styling, the more quickly the whole wig loses its style after washing and brushing when dry 🙁
Hi Lucille,
I loved your blog on wigs. I have had about six or seven different styles. Currently, I have one very light long blonde wig that I usually wear up in either a structured or messy bun. My “go-tos” however, are 3 medium length wigs in various shades including a light honey-blonde w/ strawberry highlights, a really cute light auburn (pictured) and a dark auburn. I will try to insert pictures. I do not get to ‘present’ very often so most the time my wigs stay in storage. I will definitely try the eggs, mayonnaise and olive oil treatment the next time I wash them.
sbc Stephanie– your sooo right steff you conditioner works wonders –was so used ta dry shaves. dee.
Nice article and so much information on and between the various hair issues for us Girls…it was worth every minute and i seem to be more of a newbie with respect to this area since only recently i got my synthetic wig. I used to love my natural hair short and i ve posted a pic of me while in a Thailand photo shoot a fav of mine but of late a warm older Sister of mine got me to try some bangs the pic you see of me is at a public mall trying it out for public feedback and i dont regret it at all…had people shopkeepers and the auto driver really nice to me and very flirty ;)but there is much scope for improvement i felt some people took me to be a Indian shemale rather that the simple yet sofiscicated elegant Girl i aspire to be.
with love and kisses,
kavita
Back when I was richer I used to wear human hair “systems” which cost about a thousand dollars apiece, with monthly appointments for reattaching costing about $75. Since the dawn of the horrendous economy here in Southern CA, I have had to make do with synthetic falls and front filler pieces.
Last fall I was wearing a lush, curly fall piece and would curl my hair in front to match it. My best friend said it looked really good. In January I fell and broke my wrist though, and could not even wash my hair since my left arm was in a huge cast. I had no other choice but to go to work with my natural hair and would go to my hairdresser once a week for a wash/style. Quite a few people asked “Why did you cut and straighten your hair?” so the fall piece must have looked really natural.
My wrist is better now, so I can wear my filler piece which gives me the nice “bump” at the crown. I agree that good synthetics look as good as real hair. After quite a few washings, they get fuzzy and fluffy, however. Human hair wigs don’t do that, however and can last a year or longer if they are well-cared for.
I wear a human hair full lace wig. It is very comfortable and people think it is my own natural hair. I have worn it for up to five full days when I go on trips.
The adhesives they have now have amazing holding power.
It feels like my own real head of full lucious hair.
Hi Sandra,
I purchased the wig from mslola.com, and she also has a selection of adhesives and solvents.
Lately I have been using the adhesive tapes, I find them easier to use than the liquid adhesives..but they are great for touch-ups. There are many sources online, and many hair, wig and theatrical supply shops carry the adhesives and solvents now.
Can you recommend the place where you bought it? I’m rather curious about the current technology for applying full lace wigs, it seems so much easier than the traditional method of gluing them…
tks stephanie, if ya would like, u can email me at
hot.panties@yahoo.com
Anyone else may email me as well, with love to all the cd’s.
Jodie
Hi Lucille,
I have worn fairly good quality synthetic wigs for years and as I don’t get the opportunity to dress fully en-femme very often, they suit me very well. I used to wear my hair quite long but as I’m getting older I choose shorter, shoulder length styles with a subtle blend of colour rather than a plain, solid colour – I find this looks more natural.
I’m really interested to discover that you’re a performing belly-dancer as it’s always been a dream of mine to learn how to do it. I think it’s the absolute epitome of feminine movement and feel it would be a fantastic boost to my feminine self-image if I could do even the basic steps. Is it possible to learn at home do you think, or essential to have personal tuition?
Love your blog, as usual
Carole.
Hi Lucille,
I appreciate your reply and will certainly look up the WDNY website. I’m relieved that you advocate my learning to belly dance – I wasn’t sure if it might be regarded as odd for someone like me.
I live in the UK so unfortunately I don’t attend any of your TG conferences. We do have similar events over here but I think they concentrate on the issues of rights, legislation and the medical minefield!
Love,
Carole.
Hi Carole!
It would be wonderful if you learned to belly dance! I completely agree that it is the epitome of feminine movement. World Dance New York has some great videos for beginners: http://worlddancenewyork.com/ Do you ever attend TG conferences? I am planning to start presenting movement workshops based on my dance experience in upcoming conferences. (I’ll be making an announcement about this soon!)
Much love,
Lucille