When shopping for a wig, whether it’s for style or necessity, it’s important to ensure you’re getting the quality you paid for.
Unfortunately, the market is flooded with fake wigs and it can be hard to distinguish from the real thing, especially if you’re not familiar with what to look for. Here’s how you can identify a fake wig and make sure you’re investing in a genuine product.
1. Check the Hair Texture
A key sign of a fake wig is the texture of the hair. Human hair wigs feel smooth, soft, and natural to the touch, much like your own hair.
On the other hand, synthetic or fake wigs often feel stiff, overly shiny, or plasticky. Run your fingers through the hair. if it feels unnatural or too coarse, it might be a fake wig.
2. Examine the Wig Cap
The wig cap is the foundation of the wig, and it can tell you a lot about its authenticity. High-quality wigs have a breathable, comfortable cap that fits snugly on your head.
Fake wigs often have poorly made caps with rough seams, and they may not fit well. If the cap feels scratchy or uncomfortable, it’s likely a fake wig.
3. Look at the Hairline
A natural-looking hairline is a good indicator of a real wig. Human hair wigs and high-quality synthetic wigs are designed to mimic the natural growth of hair, with a gradual transition from the forehead to the hair.
Fake wigs, however, often have a blunt or unnatural-looking hairline that can be a dead giveaway.
4. Perform a Burn Test
While this method should be used with caution, performing a burn test can help you identify a fake wig. Human hair burns slowly and smells like burning hair when exposed to flame.
Synthetic hair, however, melts and produces a chemical or plastic smell. If you have a small strand of the wig to spare, this test can help confirm whether the wig is real or fake.
5. Check the Price
If the price of a wig seems too good to be true, it is probably fake. Genuine human hair wigs are often more expensive due to the quality of materials and craftsmanship involved.
If you find a wig being sold at a significantly lower price than usual, it’s a red flag that it could be a fake wig.
6. Inspect the Wig’s Origin
Authentic wigs often come with a label or tag that indicates the brand, country of origin, and care instructions.
Fake wigs may lack this information or have labels that seem off. Check the packaging and the tags for inconsistencies or signs of poor quality.
7. Look for Customer Reviews
Before purchasing a wig, especially online, take the time to read customer reviews. Genuine wigs are often accompanied by positive reviews that mention the quality, feel, and look of the wig.
If you see numerous complaints about the wig being fake or not as described, steer clear of that seller.
8. Seek Expert Advice
If you’re unsure about the authenticity of a wig, seek advice from a professional wig stylist or a reputable wig store. They can help you identify a fake wig and guide you toward a high-quality product that meets your needs.
Spotting a fake wig can be challenging, but by paying attention to details like hair texture, wig cap quality, and the hairline, you can avoid being duped. Remember, investing in a high-quality wig will not only look better but will also last longer.
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