How Much Does a Wig Cost?

Don’t worry! We’ve investigated everything you need to know about wigs and their prices. That way, you can make a smart purchase and don’t overpay. 

Now, are you ready to get started? Here’s an in-depth look at wig cost: 

How Much Does a Wig Cost? 

The truth is there is no standard price for wigs. You can buy a basic wig for $50 or less or find a luxurious wig for about $500 or more. Wigs are priced by their quality, meaning the higher the quality, the more expensive it will be. 

So if you purchase a wig for $50, don’t expect it to be of much quality. Usually, wigs that cost less will easily fall apart, look plastically, and be hard to style. Expect to pay at least a minimum of $200 for a long-lasting and quality wig.  

What Determines the Price of a Wig?  

As previously stated, wigs of higher quality cost more. However, what factors determine the quality and price of a wig? 

We’ve gathered five factors that influence the price, overall look, and the wig’s quality. These factors include the type of hair, its origin, how it’s made, the length, and wig cap types. We’ve broken down each factor so you can know how much a wig should cost based on its components. 

1. Type of Hair 

Four common hair types are used in wigs. Each offers a different texture, thickness, and shine. Plus, each differs in price due to construction and the amount of materials. Without further ado, let’s take a look that the types of hair used in wigs:

Synthetic Wigs 

Synthetic hair is the cheapest out of all the hair types. It’s made out of nylon or plastic, and as a result, these wigs are not durable and will fall apart in a few months, if not weeks.  

They are not made for everyday use because the hair strands often tangle and knot. Synthetic wigs are often described as “Halloween wigs” due to their artificial look and feel. Generally, they’re priced at about $20 to $100.

If you find a synthetic wig for about $100, it likely won’t be as bad as those that cost $20. Some may even resemble human hair’s shine and texture from a distance. 

However, synthetic wigs are not made to last. If you want a cheap wig to wear to a costume party or event, purchase a synthetic wig. It’ll achieve your desired look without breaking the bank.

Human Hair Blends  

A human hair blend utilizes synthetic and human hair strands. This combination ensures the wig looks more authentic than a synthetic wig.  

As a result, human hair blends are more expensive than synthetic wigs. However, since it’s not all human hair, expect to pay around $100 to $150 for one. Keep in mind the more human hair a wig has, the more it will cost. 

Human Hair Wigs   

Human hair wigs are made up of, you guessed it, human hair. A good quality wig can cost anywhere from $200 to $300. Now, just because the wig is made out of human hair doesn’t mean all wigs will be of superior quality. 

Some might have gone through the texturing, dying, and bleaching process. These processes will weaken the hair making strands fragile and prone to breakage.

When searching for a human hair wig, look at the description to see if it has been either dyed, bleached, or texturized. This will help you assess the quality and worth of the product.  

Virgin Hair   

Virgin hair is human hair that’s from one source. The hair has not been dyed, bleached, or gone through a texturizing process. 

As a result, the hair is thick, shiny, and strong. It does not tangle or become knotted easily. Most people wouldn’t even guess that it’s a wig, to begin with.  

The cost of real virgin hair is steep. Expect to pay a minimum of $500 to $1,000 for one wig. Now, that might sound like an outrageous price, but virgin hair wigs will last years to come. So if you want a wig you can wear every day, purchase a virgin hair wig. 

2. The Origin of the Hair  

Not only does the type of hair matter, but also the source. While hair sources vary, the most common are Indian, Brazilian, and Peruvian.  

These three hair types vary in texture, thickness, and shine. However, by far, Indian hair is the most expensive due to its superior shine and durability. 

Before you purchase a wig, look at the source of the hair. That way, you can tell if a company’s claims are misleading or true. 

3. The Wig Creation Process 

Another major factor in wig price is how the wig is manufactured. There are two common ways wigs are made; each has different features and an influence on cost. Let’s take a look at the different manufacturing methods:

Hand-Knotted Wigs

Hand-knotted wigs include the process of knotting small strands of hair through the wig cap one by one. This process takes a lot of time, permission, and care to do correctly. 

As such, they are more expensive than other wig types. Typically, wigs made with the hand-knotted method are around $150 to $300. 

Now, hand-knotted wigs look completely natural and allow for various parting styles. Thus, hand-knotted wigs are worth the cost.  

Sewn Wigs 

Sewn wigs are made by sewing a collection of strands onto a wig cap. The many strands can then be sewn throughout the cap or a portion of it. Unlike hand-knotted wigs, sewn wigs are not made by hand and are created using a large sewing machine.  

By using a machine, the wigs are made easily, allowing the wig to be cheaper since it takes less time to create. Not only is this process faster, but it ensures the wig is sturdy and durable. 

4. Length of Wig 

As a general rule of thumb when buying a wig, realize the length of the wig factors into the cost. This is because the longer the wig is, the more material the company has to use. 

Thus, to be profitable, companies will often mark up certain lengths, usually by 15 to 20% more. However, do not let the markup discourage you from buying the wig you want.

Some companies offer popular buy now, pay later apps like Shoppay and Affirm. That way, you can purchase what you want without dealing with the hassle of paying right away. 

5. Wig Cap Type 

There are two types of wig cap manufacturing: PU wigs and lace wigs. Polyurethane wigs, or PU wigs, come from a very thin skin-like material. The hair strands are usually taped onto the fabric to mimic a natural hairline. 

However, because the wig has a thick base, it appears unnatural and can be quite uncomfortable. As such, these wigs are on the cheaper side, often costing $100 to $150.  

Lace wigs, on the other hand, are costly simply for their construction. Lace wigs come in various styles, including 360 lace, lace front, lace silk, and HD lace. However, lace fronts where the front of the wig only has lace is the most popular style. 

You can buy lace front wigs generally from any retailer. Although, styles like 360 lace and lace silk are harder to find. 

The lace acts as a breathable scalp-like material that allows manufacturers to attach strands by hand. A lace wig provides a natural-looking hairline and is comfortable to put on and take off. A good lace wig can cost anywhere from $200 to $500 due to its intricate process and quality construction. 

Buy a Wig Today 

There are many types of wigs on the market today, but their prices differ based on hair type, hair origin, the manufacturing process, and wig cap type. To summarize, you can find a good quality wig for about $100 to $300. Simply put, the more expensive the wig, the better the quality.  

Now that we’ve answered the question of “how much does a wig cost,” you can make a smart purchase without overpaying. Thankfully, we at Wig Shop Stop have everything you need. We have a variety of quality wigs, all with different lengths, hair types, and colors. 

Check out our collections today to buy quality and long-lasting wigs.