Acting in Wigs
If you know me, you probably know I love a good wig. They can change your entire persona in seconds and they are SO MUCH FUN. Not only that, unlike coloring and styling, wigs leave your hair healthy and undamaged. When you’re an actor, you put your hair through a lot. So, anything you can do to create a broader range for yourself without causing damage, is a good investment. Now, you may be saying, “I get it. Wigs are great, but where do you find a good wig.” Well, I’ve got some hot tips for ya!
Which Wig?
Now, there are TONS of varieties of wigs out there, and we’re not going to cover all of them. We’re just going over the basics to get you started.
Synthetic Wigs
When you think of the slightly shiny, often colorful, inexpensive wigs you wear for Halloween, you’re thinking of synthetic wigs. They usually range in cost anywhere from $20 to a couple hundred bucks. They’re fun and cheap, and, I’m not embarrassed to say, I own quite a few.
Real Hair Wigs
These ones tend to be more convincing. They’re made of real human hair and are usually dyed a more natural color. They can cost anywhere from a couple hundred dollars to a couple thousand. Yikes!
Before you read more, guess which wigs below are synthetic and which ones are real hair wigs! The answer is in the caption.
From the top left clockwise: Real hair, synthetic, synthetic, synthetic, synthetic, real hair. Did you guess correctly? Once you know what to look for, you’ll start seeing fake hair everywhere.
Pros and Cons
As an actor, before you invest in a wig, you’ll need to know which wigs you can use on set, and which ones you can’t. Generally speaking, hair stylists on set will want to be able to, well, style your hair! So, if you’ve come on set with your favorite synthetic wig - that might be a problem.
Synthetic wigs are made to be worn as-is. You can’t change where they part and, because they are made of materials that melt when heated. you can’t style them. Some slightly more expensive synthetic wigs can take low heat, but proceed at your own risk or you’ll need to buy another!
Real hair wigs are made of human hair so you can style them just as you would your own hair. Some more expensive versions are constructed in such a way that you can also move your part around just like real hair. It’s glorious - But it will definitely cost you.
So, if you’re looking for something fun and cheap, enjoy the majesty of luscious synthetic locks. Looking for something to use professionally? Spend the extra bucks for a real hair wig.
Where to Buy
I’m based in the San Francisco Bay Area so I’m only familiar with the shops up here - but I definitely have my favorites. And this is honest adoration - I don’t get paid to advertise for them!
The Hair Shop
This place has a huge selection and a knowledgable staff to help you find exactly what you’re looking for. They have both synthetic and real hair options to try. Keep in mind, if you are planning to try anything on, they require you to wear a wig cap - which you can bring with you or purchase from them for $5.
The Hair Shop 565 4th St. San Francisco, CA 94107
Real Hair Wig from The Hair Shop
Synthetic Wig from The Hair Shop
Magic Touch Beauty Salon
One of the benefits of this spot is that it’s a salon. So, if your wig needs any small customizations, they can do them for you right there. I have mixed reviews about their customizations, but I did love the wigs I got there! Their selection is on the smaller side, but the quality is good. My most convincing wig came from this little shop.
Magic Touch Beauty Salon 37 E 3rd Ave, San Mateo, CA 94401
Real Hair Wig from Magic Touch Salon
Real Hair Wig from Magic Touch Salon
In conclusion, go forth and find your dream hair. I’ve got a lot more tips for helping you customize, wear, and care for your new hair, but that’s for another post.
If you’ve got wig questions, post them in the comments, and I’ll cover them in my next post!
