Why Are Human Hair Wigs So Expensive?

The ultimate in luxurious texture, movement, and shine, human hair wigs make you look like a million bucks. And often, feel like they cost that much, too! But the price tag makes more sense when you know what goes into making a wig. (And when you see the lengthy journey the fibers travel, the cost might seem more than reasonable.). Understanding these reasons explains their cost, so let’s read about them in detail below. 

Type of Hair Used in Human Hair Wigs

Human hair wigs are crafted from various natural hair types, with each offering unique characteristics. The four main types include European, Chinese, Indian, and Indonesian hair. European hair is prized for its fine texture, softness, and strength, making it a durable choice, though it tends to be more expensive due to limited availability. Chinese hair is thicker and straighter, offering strong durability but less flexibility for styling, making it better suited for those looking for longevity over versatility. Indian hair, with its finer denier, offers a range of textures and waves, making it a popular choice for styling but less resistant to heat treatments. Indonesian hair is valued for its natural movement and durability, with a balance of affordability and ease of styling. Other notable options include Brazilian, Peruvian, Malaysian, and Cambodian hair, each with distinct qualities suited to different styling needs. Choosing the right hair type depends on factors like texture preference, budget, and desired styling versatility.

Cap Materials Used in Wigs

A wig cap is a key part of a wig’s comfort level. Wigs whose caps are made from materials such as lace or silk are more expensive than caps that are made from cheaper materials such as nylon. Nylon caps have a very distinct hairline that may not align or comfortably mold with your natural hairline. The material can also be scratchy, stiff, and uncomfortable. By contrast, wigs made from soft lace are more comfortable, less prone to irritation, and are more likely to align with your natural hairline.

Length and Color of the Wig

High-quality human hair wigs require specialized attention during every step of production. Meticulous training and practice produce wig-making experts who are dedicated to creating only the finest wigs within their craft – similar to haute couture in fashion. In contrast to mass-produced hairpieces, wigs that are made by skilled, talented artists can take up to a month to make. This careful construction leads to a higher quality, longer-lasting, more natural-looking wig as compared to a machine-made wig.

How a Human Hair Wig is Made

High-quality human hair wigs require specialized attention during every step of production. Meticulous training and practice produce wig-making experts who are dedicated to creating only the finest wigs within their craft – similar to haute couture in fashion. In contrast to mass-produced hairpieces, wigs that are made by skilled, talented artists can take up to a month to make. This careful construction leads to a higher quality, longer-lasting, more natural-looking wig as compared to a machine-made wig.

How Do Labor Practices Impact Cost?

Factories that engage in mass production often have lower working conditions for their workers. Poor ventilation for workers who work with toxic chemicals such as bleach will offer cheaper wigs, at the expense of their employees and the quality of wigs. Offering fair wages, better working conditions, and hiring skilled artists will inevitably make a wig more expensive. In addition to labor conditions, attention to detail and true craftsmanship play a big factor in the price of a wig.

Wig Cap Ventilation and Hair Density

The ventilation of a wig is defined by the way the hair is tied onto the cap. The way a cap is ventilated will impact the cost and lifespan of a wig. Hand-tying a wig leads to a higher-quality and more natural appearance of a wig. But not all forms of hand-tying are the same. To ventilate a wig, hair is tied in knots through minuscule holes to secure it on the cap. Some companies have four or five hairs per hole, which speeds up the process. By contrast, some companies will only have one hair per knot. This takes 4-5 x as long to ventilate the cap. The single knot method results in a tighter knot and more natural movement whereas multiple hairs in a knot can be looser, look less natural, and shed at a faster rate. This decreases the lifespan and integrity of the wig versus a wig that has single knot ventilation.

Does a more expensive wig mean it will last longer?

Yes and no. Generally, a more expensive wig will last longer because of the higher production quality and the attention to detail in making the wig. However, the biggest factor in the longevity of a wig depends on how well it is cared for. Various factors such as how your wig is washed, styling methods, and your lifestyle will impact the wig’s lifespan. That being said, a higher-quality wig, which tends to come with a higher price tag, will last longer with proper care and maintenance.

Where does Quality Human Hair fall on the cost spectrum?

Quality Human Hair offers the highest-quality 100% human hair wigs and has the world’s largest collection of 100% Peruvian and Brazillian, hand-crafted human hairpieces. Skilled artisans craft each piece by hand over a labor-intensive 30-day process—including sorting the ponytail hair, blending, dyeing, hand constructing the cap, ventilating, and meticulously inspecting each piece. The high-quality materials and attention to detail impact the price point but also make for an extremely natural-looking wig that can last 3-4 years with proper care.

Cost Is Only One Part of Finding Your Dream Wig

After learning about how materials and labor impact the price point of a wig, you now have information to help you discern a quality wig from a cheaper one. Understanding what separates one type of wig from another will help you make a more informed decision in choosing the wig that will best meet your needs. Even if you’re operating on a budget, you’ll be able to ask questions that will help you feel comfortable and confident in making a purchase. Here at Quality Human Hair , we know that choosing a wig can be overwhelming. There are so many options to choose from, it can be hard to know where to start. If you’re looking for a resource to learn more and to help you make an educated deci