FAQs

We have two salons in the north east of England located Sunderland and Newcastle. See our Salon information page for contact details.

Monday to Saturday 9am to late. Out of hours appointments are sometimes available upon request. Due to covid we cannot accept walk-ins you need to make an appointment at one of our stores.

Our salons are staffed by highly qualified hair-loss experts and stylists, offering a wide range of services and advice including hair-loss solutions such as wigs and funding options.

No matter what your hair loss concerns, we will have a solution.

Our online store and specailist hair-loss salons contain a huge range of wigs, hair pieces, headwear and accessories for every need and style.

Yes! Our incredible, friendly, knowledgeable and experienced team is just a click or call away. Our team are all experienced hairdressers as well as alternative hair experts, the perfect combination!

Our Salon information page has everything you need to know about our salons, the services available, contact details and opening hours.

Yes of course, in fact we encourage you to bring someone with you to help choose what suits you.

Yes you can try on lots of wigs at your confidence consultation.

Yes. We offer a range of private consultations in our salons which last around an hour and require prior booking. You can book a consultation online.

Yes, please mention this when you speak to our team and we will ensure you can access as easily as possible.

Yes, if you are unable to leave hospital, our consultants can visit you. Talk to our teamto arrange an appointment.

All of our Hair Boss consultants are also hairdressers and a lot of the team have also experienced hair loss and/or cancer treatment, so they understand what you are going through.

Yes, all of our staff are DBS checked.

All our wig consultants are trained to the highest levels available. There are only 8 salons in the UK that hold our level of expertise, and we are one of only 12 salons in the world to hold Gold status with The Little Princess Trust.

Yes, although we  strongly suggest leaving toddlers and babies at home where you can, so we can concentrate on you.

No, due to health and safety reasons no dogs are allowed in our salons (except service dogs).

Yes, of course!

Yes, of course.

Yes, if you are unable to leave home or are in hospital, our consultants can do home and hospital visits. Talk to our team to arrange an appointment.

Yes, we can arrange out of hours visits in special circumstances. Talk to a member of our team to learn more.

Allow an hour for a confidence consultation.

Your hair boss consultation will last an hour.

If you're an NHS client with an accepted NHS voucher, your consultaiton is included.

If you're a private client, your consultation is chargable. Learn more about available consultations.

There is a good chance you will leave with you new hair on the day, but if we think of something that will suit and fit you better than what we already have in store, we might order one or two extra options in and you might have to return a few days later. There is always something in store for emergencies, we will never let anyone be without hair if they need it.

Yes, please let us know on the telephone about your situation and we will be able to help.

All our cancer patients can receive a free confidence consultation. From help and advice to fitting and styling, our expert Hair Boss Consultants and stylists are here to help.

Yes we are .We are proud to be part of the National NHS Framework meaning we can help people across the UK.

We’re available by telephone on 0191 5283925, email: info@wonderfulwigs.co.uk, live chat, or if you’d rather Skype or FaceTime, let us know and we’ll arrange it.

Yes, we offer 10% discount to Alopecia UK VIP Cardholders.

Here at the Wonderful Wig Company we don’t just specialise in wigs. Our dedicated wellness treatments are specifically designed with you in mind. For times of anxiety, stress, trauma, illness and bereavement, and for those living with cancer and beyond. Our team of experts are fully trained to perform cancer safe treatments before, during and after treatment, taking careful consideration of any adverse factors along the way. Our team is highly trained and holds the highest level of accreditation when it comes to your wellbeing and safety throughout your cancer journey.

Yes, if you've bought your new hair with us and you’re local, you’re welcome to pop into one of our two salons located in Sunderland and Newcastle. You can have a chat with our understanding and highly-trained Hair Boss Consultants over a cup of coffee, and have your new wig or hair-piece perfectly fitted and styled.

Our beautiful private wig salons offer a bright and spacious retreat where you can make the most out of your free consultation. Sit back, relax and try on a range of high-quality wigs. Our cancer-surviving stylists are here to share their friendly advice and expertise; taking care of your personal hair needs.

You may not always need a complete wig. Many people experience partial hair-loss that requires a subtle hair piece. We offer ready to wear and custom made pieces in any size, shape or skin colour you need. We're also able to offer expert advice on hair and skin care, and other products which may help.

We are qualified in wig repairs and maintenance. We offer wig washing and styling, wig revitalisation and if your repair is more extensive we can send it off for further repair and upkeep.

We pride ourselves at being at the top of our game with human hair wig colouring. A lot of our human hair pieces are custom coloured by our team. The process involved in colouring a wig is extremely difficult, time consuming and often unpredictable, however,  we only colour hair we have provided ourselves, so that we can trace its origin.

Come armed with pics. If you still have your biological hair at your first appointment this is great and this is the best case scenario. Seeing you before the hair loss makes things easier. So, where possible you should try and have your consultation with your biological hair still there. We fully appreciate this isn't always possible for many people, so if you've already lost your biological hair try and come to your consultation with some pictures of yourself with your hair. Choose a picture where you feel really good and you like how you look, this will help us a lot.

Yes, we send your  packages via the Royal Mail International Signed For. This service will require a signature on delivery. The cost of this service is £14.95. Royal Mail states that this service can take between five and fourteen working days. Please be aware that this is not a trackable service outside the UK.

We use Royal Mail first class signed for (wigs under £200). For wigs or orders totally over £200 we use Royal Mail Guaranteed service (insured up to £2,500).

If your wig or order total is over £200 we will send your parcel via Royal Mail Guaranteed Service which is insured up to £2,500.

Yes! Each and every time you buy a wig from us we'll provide you with a code to get free delivery on your next order! Our free delivery option is available to UK customers and delivered First Class via Royal Mail.

If you are not at home to receive your order, the postman will leave a ‘While You Were Out’ card and you can then collect your order from your local sorting office.

It usually takes up to 7 days to fulfil your order.

Yes, your package (valued under £200) will be sent via the Royal Mail International Signed For (£12.10). This service will require a signature on delivery.

Royal Mail states that this service can take between three and fourteen working days, from the date of despatch. Please be aware that this is not a trackable service outside the UK.

Royal Mail states that this service can take between five and fourteen working days. Please be aware that this is not a trackable service outside the UK.

Yes, all packages require a signature on delivery.

Any orders outside of the UK may be subject to tax and import duties. These will be charged when the delivery arrives, and you will be responsible for the payment.

Please note that our website is in UK Sterling. Please check the exchange rates relevant to your country of purchase.

Yes. Please contact us directly and we will quote you a  price to receive your package via a courier service. This service is available in the UK, Europe and the rest of the world.

We offer a 14-Day returns period. Full details can be found in our Delivery & Returns policy.

Yes, however, you must ensure that label is left attached, that the wig is not damaged, and that it hasn't come into contract with strong smells. We are unable to accept returned wigs they smell, have labels removed or show any signs or wear/damage. Our Delivery & Returns policy has full details.

We always advise that you speak to a hair loss specialist before ordering for the first time online.

You can return wigs, but must make sure that the tag is not removed and that the wigs have not been in a room with pungent smells such as cigarette smoke.

Yes, you can return wigs but we recommend that you speak to or visit a hair loss specialist, especially if you are new to wig wearing, so that we can to ensure you find the perfect one for you.

Yes, however we advise you to speak to one of our team who can help guide you to the correct product.

Unfortunately not, as soon as tags are removed the item cannot be returned.

Our standard returns period is 14 days. Please see our detailed returns policy for more information.

Yes, you can use our new click and collect (local pickup) service to order online and collect from our Sunderland salon. We'll notify you when your order is ready to collect.

Online, we accept credit and debit card payments from most major issuers including Visa, Maestro and American Express. You can also pay using Apple Pay and Google Pay.

In store, we accept most major credit and debit cards as well as cash.

You can also choose to take out a finance option both online and instore. Simply choose Klarna online or ask about your options in store.

Yes! Our finance partner, Klarna, offers a number of finance options incuding Buy Now Pay Later.

Yes! If your hair loss is due to medical reasons, you may be eligible to purchase wigs VAT-Free, saving you 20%.

To purchase a wig VAT-Free, you must complete the VAT Declaration form and use the voucher code provided at checkout.

Yes, we currently accept NHS vouchers from the following NHS trusts and hospitals: Sunderland Royal Hospital, Freeman Hospital, Newcastle RVI, Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Gateshead, Berwick Infirmary, North Tyneside General Hospital, Hexham General Hospital, Wansbeck Hospital, and Alnwick Infirmary, as well as GP referrals.

If you'd like to shop with us but your hospital or Trust isn't listed, ask them to join or request a referral from your GP.

If we don't currently serve your NHS hospital or Trust, there are ways you can still shop with us.

If you’re a patient, ask your Trust to use us. Trusts can simply get in-touch and we can sign up. Call us for more detailed advice around this.

You can also ask your GP for a referral.

If you have a medical reason for your hair loss, then you will not be required to pay VAT on your wig or hair loss solution, saving you 20% at checkout. Clients buying more than one piece can also receive further discounts – ask our team for details.

To buy a wig VAT-Free you must complete a VAT Declaration and use the voucher code provided at checkout.

Alopecia UK members can also get 10% off using the code provided by Alopecia UK.

Yes, we offer a 10% discount for all Alopecia UK members. Use the voucher code provided by Alopecia UK or get in-touch.

You will need to complete a declaration form. On submission, you’ll get a voucher code to use at checkout for 20% off all eligible products.

Yes, check out our video on how to wash a synthetic wig.

Yes! You can wash and style your human hair wig. We've create a complete how-to guide on how to wash your wig and keep it looking great for longer.

No, unfortunately synthetic wigs cannot be coloured.

Yes, but we would strongly recommend letting us do that for you in our salon. This is our specialism and we can do it safely and effectively whilst maintaining the integrity of your new piece.

Generally, no, but some of the latest synthetic wigs are heat resistant and can take a little gentle styling.

Yes, you can use a low heat on human hair wigs.

You should try not to sleep while wearing your wig, but if you feel more comfortable sleeping in it, we would suggest using an old or low-cost wig for bed. Wearing premium wigs can reduce their lifespan by 50 percent.

The first thing to consider when choosing a wig is lifestyle. You also need to consider how active you are, how good you are with styling your hair, your taste, and not forgetting your face shape, skin tone and budget.

Book a consultation to with an expert to help find the perfect wig for you.

If you are always on the go, a synthetic wig is great. Do you run out of the door each morning in a rush, will you still be doing the school run? If you need something that looks great on the go, then a synthetic wig is for you. Shorter style wigs are best in synthetic. They look realistic and are light on your head too. Synthetic styles require no maintenance at all and are really easy to look after.

Synthetic wigs are easier to maintain.

You will need a human hair wig as this can be styled and coloured easily.

You can easily style most wigs in some way. If your wig is synthetic, it's unlikely that you can use heat products, and they cannot be coloured.

Human hair wigs can be styled using a low heat and be coloured. We recommend letting an expert do it for you to ensure the longevity of your wig.

Your best option is likely to be a human hair wig which can be perfectly fitted, styled and coloured to match your biological hair.

Our experts are here to help and make recommendations based on your lifestyle and needs.

Our prices range from around £160 to £2,500. Please don't let this scare you! Just as in every other product range out there (eg. a car) there is something for everyone and we will have something to suit your budget.

Yes, our wig stylists can cut, colour and style all human hair wigs.

When it comes to styling wigs, they generally require less upkeep and effort than looking after your biological hair.

The length of the wig, materials used (synthetic vs human hair), and how the materials are sourced, as well as whether or not it’s bespoke or customised can all impact the price of a wig.

Estimated cost: £180 - £300. If you’re looking for a wig that will look natural, but not cost the earth, then a good-quality synthetic wig is a great choice. It is however important to note that not all synthetic wigs are created equal. Some synthetic wigs can be very poor quality - so beware of anything that’s too ‘cheap’ on the internet. If the price looks too good to be true, then it probably is.

Estimated cost: £300-350. Of course, the more materials needed, the more the wig is likely to cost. With that, you can expect to pay more if you want a longer-length synthetic wig.

A good guide to hair length of 14 inches is around £600 to £700, that's based on the best value ethically sourced  human hair wigs.

A custom made bespoke piece made from the finest human hair can cost between £1000 to £2500. This will be created especially for you. It will be hand tied, cut, styled and coloured to your exact specifications.

Don't get too engrossed in the features and concentrate on the feeling. The most perfect wig is the one that you put on and you feel confident in. It makes you feel pretty. It's comfortable. It's as important as a wedding dress.

Choosing a wig that makes you feel like you again. When you look in the mirror and when you’re out and about, or even just when you’re at home, you must feel like you. That’s the single most important thing when choosing a wig. You, your friends, family and children see you and not poorly you.

Yes, this is what our team of hair loss experts do everyday.

Yes! We can help with solutions for all types of alopecia.

The lighter the hair colour of a human hair wig, the less heat you should apply overall. This is simply because blonde and grey wigs go through more treatments during the wig-making process. So, cut down how often you use hot tools at home and opt for a lower heat setting as well. Thankfully, there’s an easy way to remember this: lighter colours need lighter heat.

One of the best tips that we can give you is: invest wisely in a polystyrene head or wig stand. This keeps the wig stable whilst you are styling it. Most of us are no strangers to the aching arms that come along with working on your own hair. So, when it comes to wigs, taking it off and styling it in front of you like your hairdresser would do, reduces that discomfort and it is much easier to see from every angle.

Adding in a little spritz of a protective spray before applying any heat might not seem like much, but it is vital to the longevity and condition of your human hair wig. Did you know that wigs tend to feel drier than the biological hair on your head due to the lack of a blood supply? That’s why we strongly recommend using wig-safe oils before turning on your hot tools at home.

Just like with synthetic wigs, it is much healthier for a human hair wig to be left to air-dry naturally overnight. This good habit helps to reduce your wig’s exposure to heat. Applying heat to style your human hair wig only once a week after washing with Ellen Wille’s Expert Care Set for Human Hair, will have it looking and feeling stronger for longer!

You don’t. That’s right, the simplest way to explain how to style a synthetic wig is by stating that you don’t really have to. Every synthetic wig in our salon has been designed with minimal maintenance in mind. Most synthetic pieces are just ready to pop on and go.

Generally speaking, applying heat to a synthetic wig for styling purposes is a mistake.  Applying  heat  basically burns the fibres . However, some new synthetic wigs and hairpieces use advanced technology to make them heat-resistant.

Synthetic wigs work wonders for customers who are after a no-hassle hairdo. For a lower price than human hair wigs, you will receive a salon-quality hairstyle that will hold its shape, wear after wear. There is no worrying about rain or humidity because weather conditions simply don’t affect synthetic fibres.

Yes! Choosing to wear a wig cap underneath your wig is a totally personal choice and it is definitely not a necessity. Think of it like wearing socks with your trainers; it's a personal choice.

Lots of people feel that the wig feels more secure when wearing a wig cap, but everyone is different. 

People may choose to wear a cap beneath their wig as a cushion of cosy comfort! Whether you have a sensitive scalp or not, many wig wearers find that slipping on their wig cap is a lot like pulling on a pair of fresh socks in the morning. Another argument in favour of wig caps is that washing your wig is recommended only once a week, whereas you can clean and change your cap every day. So, that may strike you as more hygienic.

A synthetic wig can be worn all day, every day, for about 6 to 9 months. That is, if the wearer goes by the book to take care of it properly.

Many synthetic wigs are brilliantly breathable by design. By allowing fresh air to circulate naturally, these open and lightweight caps allow the scalp to feel fresh and airy throughout the day. So, many of our wearers love the comfortable effect that this has on their skin.

Using hair dye on a synthetic wig is a recipe for disaster! If you want to wear a wig which has styling options when it comes to hair dye, we would definitely point you in the direction of human hair wigs. You see, anything that you can do to the hair that grows out of your head, you can do to a human hair wig because it is made of the same thing! With synthetic styles though, the rules are different.

Synthetic wigs are manufactured with man-made fibres (plastic) to mimic the appearance and the texture of natural human hair.

A lace front wig can be worn every day and it will stay put all day-long! Lace front human hair wigs form a seamless hairline at the front, blending your wig to your forehead with as much realism as possible!

Most synthetic wigs have something that is called ‘style retention’. This means that the man-made fibres have been cleverly created with a memory which helps them to hold their shape for a long time. So, even after wearing, washing or brushing your locks, your synthetic wig will always revert back to its original style for you to enjoy, time and time again!

Thanks to new technology and innovative designs, you can now shop for heat-resistant, synthetic wigs. With limited use of hot tools on low settings, you can temporarily restyle your wig, whether that be through a little blow-drying or creating curls to wear for a while. We recommend you are cautious with heat resistant synthetic wigs.

Never use hot tools on a standard synthetic wig! This will damage and burn the fibres.

If you feel as though there are any gaps in between your head and the cap of your wig, it is very likely that you are wearing the wrong size. Women’s wig sizes tend to split off into three categories: average, petite and large. The vast majority of wigs tend to fall under the one-size-fits-all. Saying that, many designs have the ability to adjust in size by an inch or two – be that to tighten or slacken to meet the wearer’s needs. However, there are some wigs which are specially made with petite or larger heads in mind.

The best wig materials may vary from person to person, as this topic is so subjective! You have two main choices: synthetic and human hair wigs.

If you’re looking for something which leans towards a lower price point, there are plenty of stylish, synthetic wigs to choose from. Prices start from £160 for a good quality entry level synthetic wig.

Despite the high-quality, human hair wigs can be a little hotter and slightly heavier. If you’re after something cooler, then let your scalp breathe by picking a cap construction which has open wefts! This design feature allows the air to flow through your wig naturally.

We would strongly recommend going for a human hair wig. While the best wig materials are all up for debate with the shorter cuts, human hair styles offer no shortage of realistic swish and sway for  lengthy locks. This is especially for girls who want hair that mimics natural-looking growth. 

It is very  difficult to tell online.  In order for a wig or a hairpiece to be advertised as “human hair”, it only has to contain 10% of human hair. So, if something looks too good to be true on the internet, we say steer clear of it! This is because many wigs which may be advertised online as human hair products have not been made completely with human hair. These adverts are designed to trick you into thinking that you are buying a much higher-quality wig than you truly are. All of our human hair wigs are 100 percent human hair and are ethically sourced.

When you buy a wig, it is very important that the hair has been ethically sourced. This means that it can be traced back to the donor. Of course, we always want to be confident that you are purchasing a genuine product.

We would not advise it. Buying a cheap ""human hair” wig online may look fine when you first slip it out of the box and you may not suspect that anything is wrong for a little while. However, after a few weeks of wear and washing, these false wigs will begin to fall apart. Nobody wants that!

You cannot get an authentic, fully human hair wig without paying over £500. Purchasing a cheaper “human hair” wig will always be a risk. We will strongly recommend shopping with a reputable brand, rather than a company that you have never heard of or an untrusted source online.

Lace front wigs have been specially designed to look realistic at the hairline from the moment that you put it on. So, why do some girls use glue? While glue is a hot topic in the world of wigs, gluing down your lace front can be quite a controversial choice, and we’re here today to tell you just why that is. Wig glue is not a necessity. Wearing glue with your lace front wig is way more of a personal choice than it is an essential thing to do! In fact, most lace front wigs are designed to be worn without the aid of glue.

Lace fronts add a little touch of luxury to any wig, as they make the hairline appear more natural. In fact, a wig with a lace front will always look more seamless than a wig without one.

Regularly brushing your brand-new hairstyle helps your wig hold onto its original, out-of-the-box beauty for longer. You will be glad to know that careful combing actually does more than just detangle your wig, it also helps to take away some of that tell-tale shine on a synthetic style.

For medium-length manes, first, tie back your hair as flat as you can at the nape of your neck. After stretching the wig cap over your head, simply slide off the bobble and tuck all that’s left up and under your wig cap. This quick and easy method works best for those with bob haircuts and shoulder-length styles.

If your hair is longer, start by plaiting it into two braids and try to make sure that it is as flat to the nape as you can comfortably wear it. These plaits will make long hair so much easier to tuck up and under the wig cap. We recommend pinning the plaits into place for maximum hold! For all hair underneath a wig cap, the aim of the game is to ensure that your hairstyle is as smooth and as flat as possible, as this will guarantee your wig lies in a more realistic way for you to enjoy.

Yes, for hygiene reasons. It's like wearing socks in your shoes!

Grip bands are to be worn underneath the wig. These are quite a new yet popular addition to the wig wearing experience. A lot of our older clients have never seen or even heard of this method of application! But the great news is, it is a really cheap and easy way to keep that wig in place - especially if you are shopping on a budget. Since these bands are bound to stay put all day-long, you can wear your wig safe in the knowledge that it will not budge.

Wig grip bands are ideal for sensitive skin, as they reduce irritation from rubbing and redness. Even if your scalp is not particularly sensitive to the touch, some people still find wigs to be itchy to wear and this is because many machine wefted wigs have seams to be felt. Wig grip bands, however, offer you a seamless finish by adding in another little layer between your wig and your skin.

The most popular and cheapest wig grip band that money can buy is the velvet version. Gorgeously gentle, they give you a lovely perimeter around your head, cushioning your scalp in soft velvet, ready for your wig to sit on top. Alternatively, you can also buy a silicone version. This style offers a different material running around the edge of your wig, promising a non-slip stick.

Around £10

Between £20 to £30

It goes without saying that the main selling point of a wig grip band is simply that your wig just won’t move! It’s completely normal that, over time, wigs become a little bit looser and more prone to movement on your head. This is because, after months of frequent handling and washing, the seams naturally slacken. So, especially in the latter days of wearing your wig, a grip band can offer you more non-slip security as well as the fresh feeling of new hair once more.

1. Size matters: If you wear the right sized wig, it will stay put without question. Discovering your wig size is the most important thing you can do. 2. Adjustable bands: Before you buy a thing, start by simply checking whether or not your wig has got any adjusters already. Many wefted wigs and synthetic styles, in particular, will have adjustable bands inside the cap construction. Made either with velcro or small clasps, these adjusters tend to sit at the nape of the neck, so you can easily make your wig tighter or slacken it off to suit you. 3. Get a grip band: Grip bands are to be worn underneath the wig. They offer a great perimeter around your head, cushioning your scalp with non-slip softness, all ready for your wig to sit on top. Wig grip bands offer a seamless finish with a comfy feeling by adding another layer in between your wig and your skin. 4. Toupee tape: Toupee tape can also be used to help to hold your wig in place. It is a common feature for many wigs to have small areas of medical-grade silicone inside the cap construction. You can pop a small piece of toupee tape on these patches for an extra step of security, especially those with total hair loss.

This is a very common problem that affects so many women with total hair loss. After experiencing that free feeling which goes hand-in-hand with losing your hair, your scalp soon readjusts and it becomes used to being liberated from anything that touches it. So, as soon as something covers your head and sits on top of your skin again, it can cause irritation and sensitivity in general.

A lace front is a luxurious feature that is constructed into the caps of some human hair wigs and synthetic styles alike. By using a transparent lace, it ensures an invisible hairline at the front, as the lace blends in seamlessly with the skin of your forehead. This allows women who wear wigs with a fringe and feathering at the front to feel confident about slicking it all back for styling purposes.

For wig wearers, this can cause unwanted rubbing and redness. Grip bands really do work wonders underneath your wig. For only £20 to £30, a silicone wig grip band promises to stretch over your head, offering a soft, non-slip perimeter that is all ready for your wig to sit on top of. With a comfy feeling and a seamless finish, wig grip bands add another layer in between your wig and your skin.

There is a medical second skin which can be worn as well. This microfilm is medical-grade which means that it will not irritate your skin but, rather, it shields your scalp with a protective coating for your wig to lie over the top. We can honestly say, hand-on-heart, that this is the best product we have ever seen for tackling an itchy lace front!

There are no adjustmenters. Unlike most other wigs, the edges of full lace wigs are freer by design. This is because 360° lace wigs provide their wearers with a very realistic appearance from every angle. So, no, you cannot tighten it typically.

Full lace wigs have been designed differently to lace front wigs, and they are generally worn for fashion purposes. The difference between a more traditional lace front and a 360° lace wig is that the latter style runs around the entire perimeter of the wig, leaving no edge without lace. On the other hand, most of us already know that a regular lace front focuses only on creating a natural-looking hairline around the forehead. There are no adjustments. Unlike with most other wigs, the edges of full lace wigs are freer by design. This is because 360° lace wigs provide their wearers with a very realistic appearance from every angle.

Discovering your correct wig size is imperative if you want your wig to be a successful purchase. Ill fitting wigs can create lumps and density in all the wrong places, causing it to look fake. Ask our team for help or book a fitting consultation.

We strongly recommend, especially when buying your first wig, that you receive an in-person experience with an expert. This way, you can get measured professionally and take away any unnecessary stress or uncertainty at home.

Women’s wig sizes tend to split off into three categories: average, petite and large. The vast majority of wigs tend to fall under the one-size-fits-most average. Many wigs have the ability to adjust in size by an inch or two - tightening or slackening to meet the wearer’s needs.

As you will notice when looking for a petite or a large-sized wig, your choices are dramatically narrowed. In fact, your style options reduce by about 80% because most wigs are created with the  standardised cap circumference of 54cm.

Once you have found your dream wig, always make sure to check the cap size first and see if it matches with your head measurements. If you are shopping online, you can filter your search options beforehand and save yourself the trouble of going through each one individually. In the salon, we can also help you to decide on your new hairdo by using your wig size.

If your wig keeps sliding back, the chances are that you’re not wearing the correct size. The most likely explanation is that your wig is too small. When trying on a wig for the first time, we like to do a simple exercise which tells us whether or not the wig fits correctly and if the slide is going to cause any issues. Start off by slowly rolling your head forward, then carefully rolling your head back. By taking your time to do these easy movements in any new wig, you will know there and then if you feel a sliding sensation in any direction. If it slips, move on quickly.

You could try out a wig grip band and see if that helps to make your wig feel more secure. If the difference in size is only minor, then this extra, non-slip layer might make up that small difference between your head circumference and the cap size.

Sometimes, if your weight is fluctuating up and down, then you may notice small changes in your head measurements and how well your cap size fits you. A temporary solution may include a wig grip band. As soon as your weight settles again, you will not experience any changes in your head circumference. With our younger wig wearers, any changes like this could be due to growth.

We would not advise trying out a DIY trim at home, especially on a whim, our recommendation would be to always have your wigs cut professionally.

No. 100% human hair wigs can be cut and coloured, just like biological hair. However, if your human hair wig has been blended with synthetic fibres, we’re sorry to say that the short answer is: no, you cannot dye it.

Dying any wig is difficult. While it is true that anything that you can do to your own hair, you can do to a human hair wig. The colouring process in practice is tricky. Human hair wigs tend to be constructed by using up to seven different hair donations – that means seven lots of head hair which all react differently to hair dye.

By using a wig-safe conditioner that has been specially created for synthetic hair it will keep the fibres looking sumptuous and feeling super soft for longer.

All wigs have a life expectancy. The lifespan of a synthetic wig all boils down to a handful of factors. 1. How has it been made? 2. Has it been worn daily? 3. How long is the hair length? For a short-haired, synthetic style that has been worn daily, that wig should last 6 to 9 months with the proper care. On the other hand, longer wigs will not last as long as that. This is because, as the long fibres fall freely, they are more prone to general wear and tear. So, a longer synthetic wig should survive about 3 or 4 months before we would advise that you start seeking out a new replacement.

By using a wig-safe conditioner that has been specially created for synthetic hair, like Ellen Wille’s Synthetic Conditioner, this will keep the fibres looking sumptuous and feeling soft for longer.

After a long day of wearing your wig, we recommend spritzing your synthetic strands with a fibre oil to keep it fresh.

Concentrate the product at the ends of the hair, and by the nape of the neck, because this is where friction frizz tends to take its toll. Simply spray and brush the fibre oil through your hair, then leave it to settle in overnight.

Start off by slowly rolling your head forwards, then carefully rolling your head back. By taking your time to do these movements in any new wig, you will know there and then if you start to feel a sliding sensation in any direction.

Get measured correctly at the start. Similar to feeling your wig slide around at the top of your head, the chances are that you are not wearing your correct cap size. If your wig keeps riding up at the back, that likely means the cap is too small for you.

If the back of your head is flat, this can also cause your wig to ride up at the nape of your neck. So, even if your head circumference matches up perfectly to your cap size on paper, there are certain cases where individuality comes into play. In those circumstances, we would recommend searching for a wig cap which has non-slip silicone inside the cap construction. Also, wearing a wig grip band may also help to hold your hairstyle in place, so why not try that out? In certain cases where the back of the head is very flat, you can purchase a curved prosthetic to insert inside your wig – it works just like an insole in your shoe!

Makeup can be magical. Just type your troubles into the YouTube search bar and you will find video tutorials demonstrating some very clever makeup tricks! Not your regular beauty gurus, these influencers who have alopecia will show you how to apply a darker contour to your skin just below your hairline. This technique actually helps to blend the harsh hairline a little. The contour creates a soft shadow effect and gives off the illusion of growing roots and baby hair. It’s cool stuff!

Many of the synthetic styles that we stock have been constructed completely by machines. We call these types of wigs ‘wefted’. With a high variety of hairstyles combined with a low price-point, these wigs prove, time and time again, to be very popular on the market. However, as a result of how they have been made, the edges are harsher to see and stiffer to touch.

A quick-fix to this problem is to just find a hairstyle which has fringe. It sounds simple enough because it is! If you know that a harsh hairline is going to cause you complications, you can factor that into your search from the start. Just look for a style which has some texture at the front. After all, a fringe offers you the best of both worlds: a flattering frame around your face and a stylish way to hide your hairline. Out of sight, out of mind!

Absolutely! Simply pop your cap into your washing machine on a 30º spin. This quick wash will be ready to dry out naturally overnight, refreshed and ready for another wear.

For hygiene reasons, we would never recommend that you swap or share your wig caps with somebody else. This is because caps act as a protective barrier between your scalp and your wig. They help to soak up the sweat and other oils from your scalp, benefiting those in hot climates and with athletic lifestyles.

We can all agree that toupee tape, or wig tape as it is commonly known, is amazing stuff! How long it lasts for all depends on the type of tape that you have bought. What we love about it is that wig tape allows women to forget about their hair for a while and simply get on with their lives. Some strengths of tape will last for weeks, whereas others will last for days.

Some wig tapes can actually last up to six weeks. This is especially handy for those experiencing pattern baldness.

When the time comes to remove your wig tape, we would strongly advise that you always remove it with a professional glue remover.

Yes. As much as we love that free feeling of letting our hair down, an updo can truly transform your hairstyle into so many different looks.

A big surprise to many! Plenty of us assume that one or two donations would be enough to make one wig – when, in fact, it usually takes seven. The fact that it takes seven donations is often where the costs come in. This is why human hair wigs tend to be more expensive to buy when compared to synthetic styles.

We would only attempt to lighten the best wigs. We must start off by stressing that highlighting a wig cannot be done unless it is an extremely high- quality, human hair wig.

It's not recommended. 

As a rule of thumb, we say that we can generally darken wigs much easier than we can lighten them.

1. Brush it after wear.

2. Sit it on a stand.

3. Don’t sleep in it. 

4. Wash it well.

5. Hold off on heat.

Most often, synthetic styles will already come pre-parted for you.

Yes. Whether your wig has been made with synthetic fibres or human hair, those which have been created with a monofilament cap can be parted wherever you like.

Thinning should be tackled by professionals.

The density of hair, more commonly known as the thickness of the piece.

Yes

Yes, of course. Here at The Wonderful Wig Company, we are proud to offer custom-made wigs.

The beauty of bespoke wigs is that they are incredibly individual. Rather than picking something off our shelves, you get a personal design which is bound to fit your hair goals perfectly!

If your wig has a monofilament top or a hand-tied cap, then you’re in luck!

Stick to old-school curling. By leaving sleep-in or velcro rollers in your wig overnight, you will wake up to a salon-style blowout ready for the very next day. We love this hair hack, especially because it is heat-free. This will help to keep your hair healthy and achieve a stunning style on a straight-haired wig!

Of course, we would always advise that you wait until after you have washed your wig before you apply any heat to it.

As long as your wig has been secured first, you can style it up into a bun. When we do any kind of updo on a wig, we must make sure that the perimeter of that wig has been safely set into place before taking the time to arrange the hair into any kind of updo. A bun is the best kind of updo you can choose to wear in your wig. This is because it distributes the weight of the hair evenly. Especially when it comes to long wigs, putting it all up into a ponytail may look pretty but, by pulling all the strands up high on your head, it could cause a few issues.

Yes, but we advise speaking to a specialist. Initially, the best thing to do is to get in touch with a salon which provides a professional wig service for your hair goals. After one consultation with us, you can return to online shopping if that is more comfortable or convenient for you. We know that a lot of transgender people do want to buy their wigs over the internet. We understand that some people seek more discretion than others. That is why, as well as inviting you in for a face-to-face consultation, we also offer a virtual version of our five-star service over video links. This saves you the journey into our salon. Instead, you can chat in- depth to our wig specialists online, straight from the comfort and privacy of your own home!

Start by taking it off. Make sure your wig is dry. Try finger-combing first. Whenever we try to work through tangles, it is always best to start at the bottom of the strands. By carefully combing through the hair, concentrating on the ends at first, you should be able to slowly bring your brush up – if the tats aren’t too bad.

There are so many types of surgery. The truth is, most of them will not ask you to remove your wig unless you are about to have head surgery. With any other surgery that focuses from the neck down, it isn’t very likely.

Yes they are essential and make styling your wig so much easier. They are also perfect to store your wig when you sleep.

If your hair can handle heat, you can plug in your hot tools at home and curl your hair at your dressing table. Although, we would always advise that you wait until just after you have washed your wig before you apply any heat to it.

Yes

No. Never comb any wet wig.

Never comb any wig from wet. Separate it off into sections. This is very important to do. If your wig has loose curls or waves, then you can keep the sections larger.

Density differs from person to person. Due to the individual nature of hair density, we would advise that you talk to a professional about it before buying any wig. Try to get close to your biological hair. If you have low density hair, we would urge you to consider wigs with about 100% hair density. For those with thicker hair your best wig density would likely be the region of 150, all the way up to 280!

Yes we stock a great range for men and boys too.

Our  services all  allow you to bring a support person with you. Your friends and family are those people who really know you. They will be honest with you and tell you if they like the wig. They will help you choose the perfect wig.

In our salon we offer a support buddy for anyone on their own.  An independent member of our team will come up to the wig studio and give you honest advice.  They will say  honestly which wig they like best on you. Always ask if this is available, should you find yourself alone with the choice.

Yes but we recommend that you ask us for some tailored advice around this. Some wigs are better than others for this.

You can but it will shorten the lifespan of your new hair by 50 percent.Lots  of our clients sleep in one of their old wigs, so as to keep their current wig pristine.

Knowledge is power and at a time when your life is utterly out of control, being told the truth about what will happen to your body and hair loss beforehand will give you some control back. Book an appointment with a hair loss specialist.

You can’t prevent it from falling. Lots of women will stop brushing their hair in the hopes that it will stay put. Not only is this untrue but it will actually cause lots of tangling issues. It is important to brush your hair more often from Day 14 onwards, as this will help release the hairs which are due to fall. Also, plaiting long hair before you go to bed is another great way to avoid tangling overnight.

So, what is it? Well, the cold cap is a treatment which aims to reduce the hair loss on your scalp; it is also known as scalp cooling. Why is it controversial? Its effects are extremely varied. Some oncologists will not recommend or even allow their patients to use it. Some hospitals don’t offer it. Some people cannot tolerate it.

I cannot and would never push for you to try the cold cap treatment, or tell you to stay away from it. I have no medical experience to offer - only my life experience and a personal journey with cancer. My advice to everyone is to always read the medical facts and then decide for yourself. The results for cold capping may vary from hospital to hospital, so be sure to ask your chemo team about their own results with the cold cap. In my local area of the North East in England, I know one hospital here which has good results, so, if you are curious, it is worth asking at your own hospital. Ask your oncologist about what he or she thinks of you cold capping? Ask them, if the roles were reversed, would he or she go ahead with that treatment?

On average, I would say around 10% of the women who come to us at The Wonderful Wig Company have tried the cold cap out for themselves. Of that 10%, around half of them choose to continue with it at every session, while the other half don't continue with it after one or two tries.

Some say that they stop wearing the cold cap because they find it uncomfortable to wear or because it can add more hours onto your chemo session, and certain women can’t cope with that. Others give up because they still experience enough hair loss during their sessions to want to wear a wig. So, these women fail to see the point of putting themselves through more than what’s needed.

As a generalisation, those with naturally thicker hair tend to get the best results. Even with thick hair and the cold cap treatment, these women still find that their hair becomes thinner as a result of chemotherapy. However, those with very fine or fragile hair to begin with are more prone to a poor result from the cold cap. Try the cold cap treatment if you’d like and if it is available to you, but don't pin all of your hope on it, it’s always best to have a back-up plan!

Some may think that their medium-to-long-length hair prevents them from wearing wigs when, in fact, plenty of people play around with hairpieces for non-hair-loss reasons. Just look at Hollywood. The stars like to stay on top of the trends and we see actresses have a new hairstyle for every event. However, most of them don’t cut or colour their own hair every single time! Wigs make for wonderful costume changes and they can work for you too.

It depends on a number of factors but we can offer you more precise information via a call or at a consultation based upon your specific treatment plan.

The side effect of losing your hair is not life-threatening, nor even harmful to your physical health in any way, but it has a big effect on body image, self -confidence and mental wellbeing. We understand this and are here to support you.

If your oncology team tells you that your treatment plan for chemotherapy will lead to hair-loss then you should be prepared to lose most or all of your hair.

The best thing that you can do for your mental health is come to terms with the process and the reality of your hair loss. Take control by calling one of our Hair Boss consultants on 0330 299 0925 or email info@wonderfulwigs.co.uk. We are here to support you throughout your journey every step of the way.

No. You can't prevent your hair from falling out, but you can be prepared and feel in control of your journey. Our confidence consultations are specifically designed to help you to understand the process, feel in control and help you to worry less.Speaking with us as soon as you know you will have Chemo is the best course of action.

It is important to brush your hair more often from day 14 onwards, as this will help release the hairs which are due to fall and avoid tangling issues. We also advise from around day ten that you are very careful as you wash your hair; wash it gently in a downwards motion and only let the water run down the hair using no circular motions.There is more information on our website and in our mini book if you would like to read more around this.

Plaiting long hair before you go to bed is a great way to avoid tangling overnight. Long hair should be brushed gently through a few times a day to release loose hairs, as long hair will tangle more than short hair.

Sadly, it’s a few weeks at most between finding out you have cancer and losing your hair.

You might see a little bit more hair than usual in week one and two. However, the main hair-loss will come in week three and around your second cycle of chemotherapy.

Hair loss usually covers the whole head rather than concentrating in certain spots. You won't wake up one day and  find it's all gone. It doesn't usually fall out in clumps. It is a diffuse hair loss, a shedding that does not stop. You might also experience periods of regrowth throughout your treatment.

Tell your family or the people close to you what is happening. This is likely to be a distressing time for your family and close friends too. Tell them about your hair loss, so they know what to expect and can help and support you. Come and see or speak with us as soon as you know you will lose your hair.

We don’t recommend cutting off all of your hair as soon as you receive your diagnosis. Speaking to an expert will really help you prepare for this. Some people have a shorter hair cut before theirs falls, others want to shave it. It's a very personal choice and only you can decide what's right for you but we will try and help you every step of the way.

You might want to consider around day 14 having your hair cut shorter or, if you feel it's right, shaving your hair at this stage. Make sure whatever is right for you, be it a wig, a scarf or a haircut is in place before the hair loss comes. We can't stress enough; if you are not prepared, it will be a harder experience for you. Luckily we are hairdressers and hair loss experts so we can see what's right from both angles.

We recommend that you let your family, partner and kids see you in your new hair or headwear, ideally before you need to wear it. It then wont feel like a big reveal, that's harder for them and you. To reduce the stress and anxiety we advise you to get used to wearing it around the house. Wearing it at home with friends and family will make it feel less daunting. You will get used to it in time.

By going out in your new hair you will realise no one is looking at you (this is a worry we all have), you will also feel confident in the fit.

Another worry a lot of people have is that the wig might blow off, this will not happen if it's fitted properly. The sizing and fitting is crucial. We urge everyone to have professional advice and not to buy blind from the internet. This is your crowning glory, make sure that you buy the one perfect for you.

Yes. How quickly or slowly, how much or how little of your hair you will lose will depend on many treatment factors including strength and amount of cycles. It's good to ask your lead nurse this question, they will definitely have a clearer idea of what is the right answer for you and your treatment plan.

Some women experience a strange feeling on their scalp once they have had some chemotherapy and before they are due to lose their hair. You may feel a weird discomfort and tingle that's quite uncomfortable. This feeling is quite normal. This tingle tends to go once the hair has fallen out. However, some women do not feel anything at all.

Most people will have a shadow of hair everywhere. They no longer look bald and will start to feel much more comfortable.

Most people will have enough hair so that it can be trimmed around the ears and look a little tidier. Most annoyingly, it tends to be the very front of the hair which grows back the slowest - but all progress is good progress remember. 

Most people will have a decent pixie cut.  Some will have longer. You will be able to have some permanent colour added at this point, possibly even highlight a bit of blonde if your hair is strong enough.

Most people will have a good few inches of hair. They will be able to play around with hair extensions and enhancers, so getting your hands on a long-length style becomes a possibility! 

Most people will have a decent bob of their own hair and will be very comfortable with it. By now the hair is strong and healthy and really normal hairdressing services of your choice are no problem.

It's important to also note that some women sadly never fully regain their hair, or they might suffer long term hair loss or hair thinning as a result of treatment or after treatment especially those in long-term treatment or maintenance treatment. Please don't worry we have solutions should this happen to you.

It has to do with nutrient depletion in the body. Chemo depletes your body and hair of nutrients, including protein. Protein is what holds your hair colour and gives your hair strength and vitality. Lots of people get post chemo curls or feel their hair is coarse. I promise you this relaxes over time.

After the chemo curls, the thing that bothers most of our clients is that the hair is not the colour they were expecting it to be. In all honesty, this is mainly because most women have coloured their hair for most of their adult lives. They get a bit of a shock at their natural colour.

It is very important to have proper tests on your hair before you colour it, at home or in the salon. There are specific tests to check the protein levels in your hair. Before you have any colouring you should see a hair loss specialist to have these tests undertaken. The minimum time for this test is 12 weeks from your last Chemotherapy.

For most people the answer is yes. At least partially, although they will likely fall out after your head loses its hair.  However, unlike your head hair, this doesn’t tend to happen right away.

Pencil/shadows to fill them in. Fake eyebrows, as in actual eyebrows made of hair that can be stuck on.  Eyebrow transfers (a bit like a willy wafer tattoo, really cheap, simple and temporary). Permanent fix, micro blading, semi permanent tattoo or make ups. We can offer you personalised advice at your confidence consultation.

Less is definitely more, don’t rush into an expensive permanent option for something that might be a problem only for a few months. Some of the more permanent options have risks including infection and they  are only as good as the practitioner doing the service.

Around 8 million women in the UK suffer from some form of hair loss.

The Little Princess Trust provides free real hair wigs to children and young people, up to 24 years, who have lost their own hair through cancer treatment or other conditions.

You can request a free human hair wig via the Little Princess Trust website.

Yes, all LPT wigs are European human hair, the best on the market. You can style, colour and straighten your wig like your own human hair.

A wig cap is the part of the wig which all of the hairs are attached to. Getting the wig cap just right helps to ensure your wig stays firmly in place and looks as natural as possible. To learn more, take a look at our video in which Nicola explains the different parts which make up the cap.

Take a look at our tutorial video in which Nicola shows you how to put a wig on correctly.

Washing your wig correctly is vital to ensuring it lasts as long as possible. Our founder, Nicola, has created a video in which she demonstrates how to wash your human hair wig.

Trichotillomania is a disorder which causes someone (mainly teenagers and young adults) to be unable to resist the urge to pull out their hair. To learn more, take a look at our video in which Nicola, our founder, explains more about “trich”.

As wigs provided by the Little Princess Trust are made from real, human hair, styling it is usually as simple as styling your own natural hair. To ensure your wig lasts as long as possible, we’ve created a video with some top tips on styling and taking care of your new hair.