While there is no guarantee that your insurance company will reimburse you for the cost of your wig, there are steps you can take to strengthen your claim. However, since your insurer may deny your claim or only reimburse a part of your costs, you should choose a wig within a price range that fits your budget. NAAF has created a step-by-step guide to help you advocate for the coverage you deserve as you navigate the wig reimbursement process.

While there are no wigs made specifically for swimming, many wig wearers will swim in an inexpensive or older wig—one that they do not use for everyday use for whatever reason. Salt water and chlorine can be harsh on both human hair and synthetic wigs. As soon as you’re finished swimming, be sure to rinse your wig thoroughly to remove harsh chemicals. If you plan to glue your wig, look for waterproof glue and/or waterproof double-sided tape to help keep it securely in place.

Of course! Various wigs adapt well to exercise. “Halo” or “hat fall” wigs are made with a cool top instead of hair and are meant to be covered by a hat or scarf. “Ponytail wigs” feature a cap construction designed to accommodate updo styles without revealing the wig’s foundation.  Some ponytail wigs are specifically designed to be versatile and can be worn both down and up, while others are more suited for ponytails and other updo styles. Headband wigs feature an attached headband, typically made of a soft, elastic material, instead of a lace front. Compared to some other types of wigs, headband wigs are an affordable option for convenience and easy styling. Finally, much like swimming and wigs, some wig wearers choose to wear an older or less expensive wig for exercise—one that they don’t mind getting sweaty and/or having to wash frequently.

Comfort is key. Look for lower density, shorter wigs. Some wig wearers find wigs with a basic cap (wefted and/or with a monofilament part) to allow for more airflow than fully hand-tied wigs. Caps with silicone gripping can also be hotter than without. Human hair wigs tend to be cooler and lighter than synthetic wigs. You might also look for “halo” wigs, also called a “hat fall.” These are wigs with an open top or a capped top (with bamboo or other fabric), made to be worn under a hat or scarf.

While once difficult to find, textured wigs are becoming more available to wig-wearers. Google search for “textured hair” or “wigs for African American women.” You might also search for medical hair loss boutiques affiliated with a cancer center or hospital. Facebook support groups for wig wearers are a great source for recommendations. Search on Facebook for private wig groups; there are some specifically for Black women. Ask for a few suggestions and read reviews before making a purchase.

Welcome. Start here with this guide so you can learn about types of wigs, and pros and cons. If you can find a wig shop near you, schedule a consultation to try on some wigs. A stylist can also help you customize a wig to make it feel more like “you.” Social media can be a great resource. Search for wig groups on Facebook (many are private) and ask questions there. There are so many “wig influencers” today, too. Try searching for videos on YouTube to watch reviews on certain wigs. Lastly, know that wigs rarely look like their stock photo when you first try them on, so don’t panic. Search for videos of people explaining how they “customize” store-bought (or online purchased) wigs to make them realistic.

If you’re not able to find a wig store near you, there are many online wig retailers. Look for those that offer a return policy (some will charge small restocking fees.) Watch video reviews (there are thousands on YouTube) of the wigs you like to get a real person’s perspective on the wig. Some companies offer AI tools to simulate what you’d look like with a certain wig. Lastly, don’t be afraid to seek help from other wig wearers. There are many groups (most are private) on Facebook that are willing to help with questions.

Absolutely! There are not nearly as many synthetic, or “off-the-shelf” wigs for men as there are for women, but there are several manufacturers that make wigs just for men. Although more expensive, men can also have a custom piece (sometimes referred to as a “unit”) made. Men might also consider a topper (or toupee)—be aware that those are typically bonded or glued on the scalp and might not be the best choice for someone who is in treatment and wanting to regrow hair. Men should call any retailers in advance to make sure the wig company specializes in solutions for men.

You’ll want to look for a wig with a lace top, fully hand-tied or a monofilament part. These wigs are designed so you can part them anywhere. You might need to spray the wig with water to change the part, and use a hair dryer (very, very low heat if synthetic) to “train” the wig to the new part. Another alternative is to use an electric hot comb instead of a hair dryer.

There are a few things you can try. First, if you’re gluing your wig, make sure to tack down the lace that is visible at your hairline. Second, try using some concealer or face powder to disguise the lace line. If you’re really self-conscious about the lace line, have a stylist snip wispy, full or side bangs to hide the lace line.

If you’re using tape or adhesive on the lace, make sure it is cleaned off after every wear, so the adhesive mixed with the makeup does not cake up, and that the lace remains free of debris.

Look specifically for wig glue remover, available online or at beauty supply stores. (You could also consider using an alcohol-based remover, such as rubbing alcohol. Be aware that alcohol can be irritating to a sensitive scalp.)

Dampen a sponge or cloth with the product and apply it to the glued area. Wait one to two minutes, then carefully wipe away the glue with a clean cloth or pad. If some glue remains, gently scrub it away with a soft toothbrush or a soft make-up brush, especially around the delicate lace.

Wig grips, headbands, and wig caps are worn under a wig to make it more comfortable, secure, and to protect the scalp. Grips are typically soft bands made from velvet, lace, or silicone that wrap around the head to keep the wig in place without adhesives or clips. Headbands and scarf grips can also offer additional stability and comfort. Bamboo or cotton caps are soft, breathable, and moisture-wicking.

Start by choosing a high-quality cap construction, like lace front, monofilament, or fully hand-tied, which makes for a natural hairline and part. Use a bit of concealer or powder on the lace to match your skin tone. Style it in a way that mimics natural hair—add waves (if heat-friendly), tuck a section behind your ear, or add a headband. A stylist can also trim and/or thin the wig to better suit your face shape. If your wig is synthetic and looks overly shiny, use a light dusting of dry shampoo to help tone it down for a more natural appearance.  Ensure the wig fits well, so it’s important to measure correctly before purchasing or ordering.  If purchasing from a wig boutique, always ask what customizations (trimming, styling, coloring, etc.) they offer.  Lastly, look for wig densities between 100-130%, which best mimic natural hair density.

• Always start by researching the retailer: look for reviews beyond their own website (like on Trustpilot, Reddit, Google or YouTube), and check for clear contact info and return policies.
• Avoid sites with deals that seem too good to be true, especially if they’re offering high-quality human hair wigs for suspiciously low prices.
• Stick to websites that show real photos of the wigs (not just stock images) and provide videos, detailed descriptions, and clear size and cap construction info.
• Check if the vendor offers customer support and a transparent return or exchange policy—reputable sellers usually do.  (Note that the more customized wig you get, the less likely you’ll be able to return it. Factory-made, machine-made units are more likely to be returnable. There may be restocking fees, so ask up front.)
• Check with online wig-wearer support groups (there are many private groups on Facebook and Instagram) and ask for recommendations and others’ experiences.