Which costume wigs are the best?
Whether you need to add the proper finishing touch to your cosplay for a comic-con or are planning your next Halloween costume, it’s important to choose the right costume wig. Luckily, you can find a huge range of styles and colors on the market, which should cover every character and look you can imagine. Many can be additionally styled at home to meet your exact needs.
This guide will teach you everything you need to know about costume wigs. It also includes product recommendations at the end. Our favorite is the Lancaini Pastel Bob Wig With Bangs, which is easy to style and comes in nearly two dozen colors.
In this article: Lancaini Pastel Bob Wig With Bangs, MapofBeauty’s Wavy Multicolor Lolita Cosplay Wig and Besuante Beautyself Silver Gray Costume Wig
What to know before you buy costume wigs
Length
You can find costume wigs in a wide range of lengths, from pixie cuts to flowing waist-length tresses. Lengths are usually listed in inches, and you can get a good idea of where the wig might fall on you by using a soft measuring tape. If you’re dressing up as an existing character, it’s important to get the hair length right. If in doubt, choose a too-long wig rather than a too-short wig — you can always trim it.
Material
While you can use a human hair wig for a costume, the vast majority of costume wigs are made from synthetic hair, due to its much lower price point. Synthetic hair is typically made from plastic fibers, such as acrylic, polyvinyl, and polyester. Kanekalon is one of the highest-quality synthetic fibers. Avoid very cheap synthetic hair, as it will look noticeably fake.
Style
Again, the style you require will depend on who or what you’re dressing up as. For some costumes, the style might not matter too much, but for cosplay, attention to detail is everything. You can cut and style wigs yourself, but beginners may have trouble achieving the right look themselves. If you’re not comfortable with your styling prowess, try to find a wig that’s as close to your character’s look as you can.
What to look for in quality costume wigs
Heat-resistance
If you choose a heat-resistant wig, you can style it with a flat iron, hair dryer, curling tongs, and other heat-styling tools without damaging it.
Color
Whether you want basic blonde, brilliant blue, or rainbow hair, there’s sure to be a wig to fit your needs. You can find colors that fit all kinds of hair trends, such as pastels and ombre.
Shine
Costume wigs, especially cheap ones, can be overly shiny, which makes them look fake. Luckily, you can temper the shine somewhat with talcum powder or dry shampoo. Just be careful not to overdo it on dark colors.
How much you can expect to spend on costume wigs
You can find some cheap costume wigs for as little as $10-$20, whereas high-end options can cost well over $100.
Costume wigs FAQ
What is a lace-front wig?
A. A lace-front wig features a lace band at the front that allows you to hand-tie your hair into it. This allows you to change the parting style or wear your wig in an up-do without making it obvious that you’re wearing a wig. You can also find full lace wigs where the whole wig consists of hair hand-tied onto lace. They look even more realistic than lace front wigs, but they generally cost more than most people want to spend on a costume.
How should I store my costume wig?
A. The best way to store a wig to avoid tangling and damaging it is on a mannequin head or wig head. However, this isn’t always practical, especially for long-term storage. Alternatively, you can store your wig in its original box, if it came with one. If not, find another box or even a large, zippered plastic bag that’s big enough to accommodate the wig without folding it.
What are the best costume wigs to buy?
Top costume wig
Lancaini Pastel Bob Wig With Bangs
Our take: Available in nearly two dozen colors, this soft, silky wig is comfortable to wear and super easy to style.
What we like: Made of heat-resistant synthetic fibers, it can be heat styled with heat up to about 350 degrees. It comes in a rainbow of colors, including pink, neon green and bright blue.
What you should consider: Some customers said the bangs were too long and needed to be trimmed.
Top costume wig for the money
MapofBeauty’s Wavy Multicolor Lolita Cosplay Wig
Our take: This is a long, eye-catching wig that’s surprisingly affordable. It’s great for cosplay and parties.
What we like: It is available in a range of other hues, including pastel shades and bold colors. It is temperature-resistant for heat styling.
What you should consider: It’s not especially thick.
Worth checking out
Besuante Beautyself Silver Gray Costume Wig
Our take: You can’t get much more on trend than these long gray locks with an ombre effect.
What we like: This is great for cosplay, as it works for a range of characters. It is long and thick. It features a breathable cap and can be heat styled.
What you should consider: The roots are very dark.
Prices listed reflect time and date of publication and are subject to change.
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