New to wigs? Here’s a starter guide.
With dozens of wigs and hundreds of colours, choosing a wig is great fun, but can be confusing. If you’re a first-time wig wearer, start as you mean to go on – with style! If you’re feeling overwhelmed, contact us for free advice and support.
Choosing your hairstyle
Finding your favourite style is the best way to begin your search. There are two main options:
- A similar style to your usual look
- Something new and different
We recommend starting with a familiar style, and leaving dramatic changes for when you’re used to wearing a wig. For more help, see our page on Styling tips for all face shapes.
Shop by Hair Style
How to choose your wig size
Elly-K’s wigs come in Petite, Average, and Large – but our Average size fits 95% of people and all our styles are available in Average (with selected styles available in Petite and Large). All wigs feature adjustable Velcro tabs, which can make the cap up to 2.5 cm or about ½” larger or smaller, for a comfortable, secure fit.
How to get an accurate measurement:
- To get an accurate measurement, first smooth or flatten down your hair. Using a cloth tape measure, go from your front hairline to just above your ear, around to your nape, up to above your other ear, and back up to your front hairline again.
![](https://elly-k.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/cap-size.jpg)
Measurement | Cap Size |
Up to 21 “ or 53 cm | Petite |
21–23 “ or 53–57 cm | Average |
23” and over, or 57 cm and over | Large |
Shop by Cap Size
Difference between Human Hair and Synthetic wigs
Both human hair and synthetic hair have benefits and limitations. Neither one is ‘better’ – the right choice will depend on your situation. Whichever you choose, you will look beautiful and well-groomed.
Human Hair Wigs
Benefits
- The most natural looking
- Versatile – can be styled, cut, permed or coloured
- More durable and long-lasting than synthetic wigs
- Cap constructed with hair cuticles running in same direction, reducing tangling
- Higher price, due to careful collection and processing of hair
Limitations
- More expensive than synthetic hair
- Requires more care, and must be shampooed, dried, conditioned and styled
- May frizz in humid conditions.
Synthetic Hair Wigs
Benefits
- Also very natural looking
- Pre-styled – convenient, and ready to wear
- Low maintenance
- More affordable than human hair wigs
- Can be serviced to extend life and restore condition
Limitations
- Colour and style cannot be changed, except for parting and wearing back from face
- Heat sensitive – must be kept clear of any heat source
- Less durable than human hair wigs — synthetic wigs last about a year.
Shop by Hair Type
Cap construction for the best comfort
The cap is the part of the hair replacement that the hair is attached to. They are different cap constructions. Each cap type has its own advantages.
![](https://elly-k.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/hand-tied.jpg)
100% Hand –Tied
- Each hair carefully hand-knotted onto a fine tulle base
- The most natural look available
- Hair can be styled or combed in any direction
- When parted, hair looks like it’s growing straight from the scalp
- The most lightweight and comfortable cap available
- The most gentle wig for a sensitive scalp
![](https://elly-k.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/monofilament.jpg)
![](https://elly-k.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/Hairpower_City_wig_darksand_mix_cap.jpg)
Monofilament
- Each hair on monofilament section is hand-tied to a sheer, soft base
- Available as a monofilament parting only, monofilament crown only, or as a full monofilament top for styling versatility
- The higher the monofilament area, the more expensive the wig will be
- When parted, hair looks like it’s growing straight from the scalp
- Hair on a monofilament top can be parted in any direction
- Very popular and natural-looking
![](https://elly-k.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/front-lace.jpg)
![](https://elly-k.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/Hairpower_Carol_New_Mono_wig_champagne_mix_cap.jpg)
Lace Front
- Features amazingly natural-looking front hairline
- Hair can be styled away from the forehead
- Hair is hand-tied to a sheer lace base at the front of the cap
- Lace fabric needs gentle care and handling
![](https://elly-k.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/wefted.jpg)
Wefted Cap
- Popular and affordable
- Hair is machine-sewn onto soft, stretchy fabric strips
- Light, cool and comfortable – wefting gives great ventilation
- Styles often feature volume and lift at the crown, with teasing at the roots so that wefting can’t be seen
- Durable and easy-care
Choosing your colour with confidence
![](https://elly-k.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/colour-range.jpg)
A flattering colour can make you look fabulous!
We know that choosing the right colour for your wig is vital. The right colour can change you from drab — to fab! Whether you want a dramatic look or a shade close to your natural colour, this will help you make a wonderful choice:
- Each wig style is shown with photos of its available shades.
- We’ve captured these shades as accurately as possible.
- And if in any doubt, you can always call our fabulous Colour Consultants.
See further details on our page on Choosing your colour with confidence