Should I Buy a Wig in My Natural Hair Colour?

Your natural or previous hair colour is a useful starting point, but it is not a rule.

Start with the overall effect you want Think about the colours you enjoy wearing and how you want your wig to fit into your everyday life. You might prefer a shade that feels familiar and understated. Or you may be drawn to a warmer brunette, a softer blonde or a more noticeable blend of tones.

There is no need to choose a colour simply because it is closest to the hair you used to have. Look beyond the colour name Wig colour names and numbering systems vary between brands. A shade described as medium brown by one manufacturer may look quite different from a similarly named colour elsewhere.

It is helpful to look at the actual colour rather than relying on the label. Notice whether the shade is warm, cool or neutral. Look at the depth of the base colour and whether it includes highlights, lowlights or darker roots.

These variations can make a considerable difference to the overall appearance. Understand colour dimension Some wigs use several blended shades to create depth and variation. Rooted colours, for example, have a darker area at the roots that gradually blends into lighter lengths.

Other styles use a more uniform colour. Neither approach is automatically better. The effect depends on the style you prefer and the overall finish of the wig.

Be cautious with online photographs Colours can look different depending on lighting, camera settings and the screen you are using. A warm indoor light may make a shade appear more golden or coppery. Cool daylight may make it look ashier.

Product photographs can also be affected by editing and screen brightness. If colour is especially important to your decision, look for photographs from different angles and lighting conditions. A colour swatch or an opportunity to compare the wig beside your face can be helpful.

You are allowed to choose something different It is easy to feel that a wig should match your previous appearance. But your choice can be guided by what you enjoy now. You may find that a slightly different shade feels more like you than an exact match ever did.

You may also decide that familiarity is what you want. Both are valid.