13 Best Wigs For African American Women (2024), As Per A Hairstylist
No need to ruin your natural hair; wear these wigs and create unique hairstyles.
Jill Turnbull is an internationally acclaimed freelance hairstylist, colorist, and makeup artist with over 47 years of experience. She founded her own beauty brand and her work has been featured in editorial magazines worldwide.Jill is also a highly sought-after educator, renowned for her direct, meticulous, and modern approach to hair, makeup, and styling for fashion shoots and advertising campaigns.
Read full bio of Jill Turnbull
Experience: 5 yearsMedha Deb is a commerce editor with a master's degree in applied linguistics from the University of Hyderabad, which has allowed her to develop a deep understanding of language and its application in various contexts. She specializes in the areas of beauty, health, and wellness and is committed to ensuring that the content on the website is of the highest quality.
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Experience: 4 yearsShiboli has a master’s degree in English literature from The English and Foreign Languages University, Hyderabad, and is a certified skincare coach with four years of experience. As a commerce editor, she guides her team members on the best practices to create crisp and authentic content.
Read full bio of Shiboli Chakraborti
Experience: 8 yearsArshiya Syeda is the Co-Editor-in-Chief of StyleCraze with 8 years of experience. Prior to that, she was a content writer who combined her writing and research skills to write over 200 high-performing articles on hairstyles, hair care, and skin care.
Read full bio of Arshiya Syeda
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If you are bored with your natural hair color but don’t want to risk using chemical dyes on your hair, we have exactly what you need. Going for the best wigs for black hair helps you experiment with the most interesting looks and protective styles without worrying about ruining your natural hair. If you have naturally dark hair and don’t want to bleach your hair for colors, choosing one of these 13 top-rated wigs will make you look distinct, and no one will be able to tell the difference. So, are you ready to enter a world where you can experiment with different kinds of wigs?
In This Article
Types Of Wigs
Polyurethane Wigs
These wigs are typically thin and pigmented to match your skin tone and hence easily blend in. Given the skin-like material, it is easier to use tapes and adhesives on the wig. These wigs are suitable for those with total hair loss owing to medical conditions and treatment or natural hair loss.
How to take care of a polyurethane wig:
- Gently remove the wig from your scalp and place it in an adhesive-removing solution.
- Allow the wig to soak in the solution, depending on the amount of adhesive used to stick it.
- Remove it from the solution and lay it in a sink face up.
- Using a teaspoon, gently scrape off any excess residue on the base and place it back into a solvent.
- After thoroughly rinsing the wig, use a mild shampoo to wash the hair and to maintain the acid level.
- Lastly, wipe the wig with alcohol, and it’s ready to be re-attached.
Mesh Wigs
Mesh wigs are generally made from full lace and monofilament materials. These types of wigs, undoubtedly, offer the most versatility among all. They can be styled as you please, be it an updo, tucked behind your ears, or parting options on any spot, and provide an extremely natural look owing to the wig closure.
How to take care of a mesh wig:
- Gently remove the wig from your scalp.
- Wipe away the wig adhesive using a warm, damp cloth. Rub specifically at the glue or tape gently.
- Dip a sponge in 99% isopropyl alcohol and rub it over any wig tape or glue bonds.
- In case of any stubborn spots, use another dab of alcohol or adhesive-removal spray.
- Scrub away any residue from the wig using a soft-bristled toothbrush.
- Shampoo the entire wig with a mild shampoo.
- Do not forget to condition your lace wig.
U-Part Wigs
A U-part wig is sewn on a U-part cap with clips and adjustable straps on the back. This wig gives you a chance to blend your hair via a specific opening at the top of the wig, making for a natural-looking hairline.
How to take care of a U-part wig:
- Thoroughly comb your wig when dry with a wide-tooth comb.
- Shampoo your U-part wig and rinse it under lukewarm water.
- Do not forget to use conditioner since shampoos can dry the hair out.
- Partially dry your wig by laying it on a towel.
- Once it is close to complete drying, apply a leave-in conditioner to help it retain its moisture.
- Finish drying it by clipping it to a hanger.
Open Wefted Wigs
One of the most common and basic wig caps, wefted wigs with machine-sewn hair on them. Having open wefts allows the scalp to breathe while the wig is worn. They are also the most affordable types of wigs.
How to take care of an Open Wefted Wig:
- Detangle the wig before washing it.
- Wash it with warm water to remove any residue.
- Use mild baby shampoo or fiber conditioner.
- Rinse it, making sure it is free from any residual adhesive, shampoo, or conditioner.
- Pat dry using a towel.
- When dry, use a wide-tooth comb to detangle from the bottom to top.
With so many options to glam up your look, it can get confusing to choose the best one. But don’t worry, we’ve got you covered! Here’s a list of 13 wigs best suited for you and multiple positive reviews, right from Afro curls to long and layered wigs. Read on to pick the ones that deserve a place in your daily lives.
Top 13 Wigs For African-American Women
1. Best For Natural Look:Glueless Wigs Deep Wave Lace Frontal Wigs Wet and Wave Wigs for Black Women
Nothing looks better than natural, virgin hair. And with human hair that is unprocessed, you can easily flaunt a natural look. Not just that, many reviewers love that, this glueless wig doesn’t require too much time to attach. With thick, beautiful curls, you’re sure to have all eyes on you. Get out there and flaunt your new hair! And one last surprise, this beautiful breathable wig comes with a free spray bottle and 3D dramatic eyelashes.
Pros
- Unprocessed virgin human hair
- Easy to style
- No shedding
- Long-lasting
- Comes with a free spray bottle and 3D dramatic eyelashes
Cons
- Huge gaps between wefts
- The hairline is not pre-plucked
"This wig comes with an elastic net that allows easy air circulation. The soft lace never irritates my scalp. The combs are sturdy, and they hold the wig in place for hours. I have bleached, permed, and even dyed this wig. I like that the strands never tangle or shed."
Quick Tip2. Best Heat-Resistant:Joedir Lace Front Wigs 30” Long Wavy Synthetic Wig
You’re never fully dressed without donning a great hairstyle. Long and wavy black hair and just the perfect makeup, that’s all you need. And don’t worry about the hairline, this Joedir wig’s lace front provides you with a natural hairline. Its high-quality, heat-resistant synthetic fiber makes this wig easy to style. Several reviewers are highly impressed that you can easily curl, perm, or straighten it without affecting its durability. Go ahead and style away!
Pros
- Soft hair
- Give you a natural and authentic look
- Lasting quality
Cons
- The wig cap can get uncomfortable
- Needs a few extra bobby pins to stay in place
"This synthetic wig looks voluminous and thick. The wavy texture of the strands looks good on me. The lace camouflages with my scalp and remains invisible. It never irritates my scalp or causes redness. I like that the wig is lightweight and easy to maintain."
Quick Tip
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
This product has garnered over 9,556 positive reviews on Amazon, and the number continues to grow.
3. Best Long-Lasting:Jessica Hair 13×6 Lace Front Human Hair Wig
If you asked us for cute wigs, we’d definitely recommend this one made with Brazilian hair. Made with 100% human hair, this wig gives you the same look that your natural hair would. Having absolutely no chemical treatments done, this wig is long-lasting and can be dyed, straightened, permed, and styled as you want! With the right amount of bounce, this wig adds that element of oomph to your look for a natural appearance.
Pros
- Natural virgin hair
- Silky, smooth texture
Cons
- Might get tangled and shed
- The wig can become dry after a few washes
"I love this wig for its tangle-free strands. The hair can be permed and colored, which is a great advantage as I like changing my hair look now and then. The hair looks sleek and smooth. The wig cap fits around my scalp nicely and stays put for hours."
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
The product has more than 6,679 reviews and is a top choice all around the world.
4. Best Comfortable To Wear:Pizazz Human Hair Lace Front Wig
If you’re looking for long wigs to suit your African-American heritage, your search ends right here! Available between 10 inches to as long as 24 inches, this wig uses 100% virgin, human hair. Reviewers rave about its beautiful, natural look as well as the invisible, Swiss lace front that makes it comfortable to wear with effortless style. With its thick and high density and realistic hairline, you’re definitely going to turn heads wherever you go.
Pros
- Unprocessed human hair
- Can be styled as desired
- Pre-plucked natural hairline
- Durable
- Easily blends with your skin tone
- Comfortable wear
Cons
- Uneven density
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
The extensive 5,009 rave reviews on Amazon prove why we are vouching for this product.
5. Best High-Quality:ELIM Short Curly Kinky Wig
Are you struggling to get the perfect wig? We have one right here! You can wear it to parties or wear it for everyday use, and fall in love with how you look each time you look in the mirror. No matter your skin tone, this wig is sure to blend with your complexion without making it seem #extra. Made with high-quality South Korean synthetic fiber, this wig will last you many seasons and many more hairstyles, always ensuring a realistic appearance. Ladies, don’t think twice before adding this to your shopping cart!
Pros
- Bouncy curls
- Soft hair
- Holds firmly around the head
- Ideal for everyday wear
Cons
- Uneven curls
- Needs quite a bit of styling before use
"This kinky, curly hair wig looks fabulous. The hair looks voluminous and thick. It has two adjustable straps that allow me to customize its tightness on my head. The strands feel soft to the touch and look shiny."
6. Best For Daily Use:Jaja Hair Short Bob Wigs
Your quest for short bob wigs ends here! Not only is it perfect for your daily beauty needs if you’re not big on hair styling, but it is also made of natural human hair that protects your scalp. You can dye it, perm it, curl it, or even bleach it all you like as nothing’s going to stop you from looking anything short of amazing.
Pros
- Glueless wig with elastic straps
- Soft hair
- Curls nicely with an iron
Cons
- Thin hair and unevenly cut
- Sheds a bit
"I love the sleek look of the wig. It shapes my face and looks great on me. I like that I can style the wig easily without damaging the strands. The hair never emits any foul scent. The pre-plucked middle hairline looks natural."
7. Best Top-Quality Wig:Giannay Hair Curly Wig
Ladies, we love playing dress-up, don’t we? And with a wig like this, we can’t blame any of you for doing so. This top-quality wig uses high-density hair which allows it to be full and avoid any wefts from showing. Its adjustable straps make it easy to wear and adjust, while it holds firmly on the head. Want to style your everyday look or just amp up your hairdo for a party, you can do it all with this wig!
Pros
- Heat resistant fiber
- Lace is soft and pliable
- No shedding
- High density
Cons
- Tangles easily
- Parting the hair is not easy
"I love that this wig has a pre-plucked hairline and baby hair. I love how voluminous and fuller the hair looks. The lace accommodates my thick strands without tearing them. The lace is breathable, so it never makes me sweat."
8. Best Tangle-Free:CYNOSURE Lace Front Human Hair Wig
Who doesn’t love a girl with curls? With just the right curls and bounce, this wig can make you feel super confident and beautiful. Always sport a full hairdo with this wig as it is shedding-free and tangle-free. Go ahead, style and restyle this wig in loose curls, protective braids, or any way you like without being disappointed even once. Don’t hold back, get yourself these beautiful tresses!
Pros
- No shedding
- Beautiful, full curls
- Adjustable straps are strong and sturdy
Cons
- Thin hair
- Difficult to detangle
"This wig looks good on me. It has baby hair in the front, which gives it a natural look. The strands do not shed easily. I can create different hairstyles with this wig. The lace features six adjustable straps, so I can adjust its tightness according to my needs."
9. Best Adjustable:Andrai Hair Short Bob Lace Front Wigs For Black Women
If you’re looking for a short, wavy-haired wig, this one’s for you! A glueless wig, its adjustable straps make it easy to wear and reduce post-use care. Made from heat-resistant fiber, this wig can be styled using a curling or straightening iron. Not only does it give you a natural look, but its high-quality Swiss lace ensures comfort.
Pros
- Easy to style
- Gives a natural look
- Good density of hair
Cons
- Shiny texture can look unnatural
- Curls get tangled and frizzy
"I have used various wigs but no one gives me a natural look like this one. This wig features baby hair at the front. It has a pre-plucked hairline as well. The wavy hair looks stunning and is ideal for daily wear. The best part is that the strands are heat-resistant so I can heat style the wig."
Pro Tip10. Best Easy To Wear:BeiSD Short Mixed Blue Black Hair Wig
Have you always wanted to rock the pixie cut? Then this one’s just the right wig for you. A mix of fun and wild, this blue-black wig will easily transform your entire look. This stylish wig is made from high-quality synthetic fiber that looks very close to natural human hair. It’s durable, easy to wear and style, stylish, and it looks natural. Go crazy with your beautiful hair and while you’re at it, grab one too many eyeballs!
Pros
- Inexpensive
- Easy to wear and style
Cons
- Thin hair
- Excessive shedding
"This blue-black wig looks vibrant. It has a pixie-cut style that looks stunning for a modern-day look. The wig cap is highly stretchable and it can accommodate my hair. I like the I can adjust the tightness of the wig cap for a comfortable experience."
11. Best Silky Option:Ucrown Hair Lace Front Wig
This wig is what your lush hair dreams are made of! A shedding and tangle-free unit, get the most natural-looking hair with this wig. The lace front construction makes sure that the wig naturally blends in with your skin tone. Made using 100% unprocessed human hair, strut around with your new smooth and silky long hair, styling the hair like you would your own!
Pros
- Good quality lace front wig
- Easy to style
- Minimal shedding
Cons
- Poor density hair
- Does not work well with color
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
This product has received 2,503 reviews from customers on Amazon, indicating its popularity and reliability.
12. Best Long Lasting:AISI QUEENS Kinky Curly Wig
Why stick to just one hairstyle when you can add a new dimension to your hairdo with this amazing Afro-textured wig? Made from high-quality Japanese heat-resistant synthetic fiber, this wig can be used repeatedly over a long period of time. Despite not being made from natural hair, the wig looks natural. Experiment with your hair and amplify your style with a few quick fixes here and there.
Pros
- Sits perfectly without clips
- Has great bounce and volume
- Soft curls
Cons
- Itchy base for sensitive scalp
- Hair turns frizzy
"This curly hair wig has a pr-plucked hairline for a natural look. The hair is soft and bouncy. The curls are well-defined. I love how lightweight it feels on my scalp. I put it on every day but I have not noticed any fallouts or color fading."
13. Best For Added Volume:Style Icon 6′ Short Dreadlock Wig
What if you could get dreadlocks without having to go through all of that hard work? With its fluffy layers, get the volume that you desire each time you move with a faster installation. A perfect wig for African-American women, your hair can now be pulled back in a ponytail or styled with bobby pins. Much like natural hair, this synthetic fiber has a natural shine and bounce to it. This easy-to-wear wig sure does not tangle and is a long-lasting unit.
Pros
- It blends well with any skin tone
- Gives a natural look
- It is soft and lightweight
Cons
- Small wig cap
- Bulky wig, difficult to part
"This dreadlock wig looks natural. I can both middle-part and side-part the hair. Each dread ends with curly ends. I love that the strands are soft and tangle-resistant. The wig cap has a rose net design, which allows easy air passage."
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
The overwhelming 3,348 positive reviews on Amazon show how popular this product is with happy users.
The market is filled with a plethora of options when it comes to wigs for African-American women. But the world of wigs can be confusing if you have never bought or worn one. There are a few factors to consider while picking the best wigs for African-American women that complement your personal style. Check them out below!
How To Select The Best Wigs For African American Women
- Wig Hair Type
Consider the hair type, human hair or synthetic hair, when choosing a wig. Human hair wigs appear most natural, have soft texture, and shine as they come from real human donors, and can last up to 2 years. They can be heat-styled and chemically treated too. However, they are slightly more expensive than synthetic.
On the other hand, synthetic wigs are pre-styled and hold the style for 4 to 6 months with proper care. They are available in broader options with color, texture, and style; moreover, they are preferred for their affordability but do not withstand any type of heat styling. Synthetic wigs look cheaper and are much less durable when compared to human hair. If budget is your main concern, then go for a synthetic hair wig, else human hair wig is a great choice for a natural-looking and durable option that enhances your natural beauty.
- Texture
There are four common textures of wigs that you can pick from:
- Straight & Smooth: For a sleek and silky look
- Wavy: For loose curls.and beach waves
- Curly: Ranges between loose curls to tight ringlets.
- Afro Kinky: Tightly coiled or kinky with the tightest Z- or O-shaped kink patterns
- Colors And Length
There are a wide range of colors like black, browns, auburn, copper, honey blondes, and more. When it comes to length, you can wear any length, it is important to choose one that accentuates your facial features. For beginners, it is best to start with a long length of 12 inches as it will allow you to understand how to manage a wig and make the installation process easy. Once habituated, switch to any length of short and sleek, bob, or shoulder-length.
- Capsize
Pick a wig after ensuring the capsize so that it fits better and is not too loose/tight. Most capsizes come in ultra-petite, petite, average/petite, average, average/large, and large sizes. Measure the area around your head following the hairline; this is the circumference of the wig. Here is a quick size chart to pick the right one, but beware, this may vary slightly from brand to brand.
- Ultra petite: 19 inches
- Petite: 21 inches
- Petite/average: 21.5 inches
- Average: 22 inches
- Average large: 22.5 inches
- Large: 23 inches
Infographic: Dos And Don’ts Of Wearing A Wig For Black Hair
Thanks to wigs, people with black hair can now experiment with different hairstyles and colors. However, putting them on correctly is important to get that flawless look. In the infographic below, we have listed a few basic dos and don’ts of wearing a wig for black hair. Have a look and follow the tips to avoid making major mistakes.
Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team
The Bottom Line
Don’t stress when it comes to your tresses! Your hair is one of the most important accessories to complete your look; you can sport a cool pixie cut, a quirky bob cut, strut around with bouncy curls, or just show off your long hair. Your hair is a part of who you are and your personality. For easy maintenance and a glamorous look, the Joedir Lace Front Wigs 30” Long Wavy Synthetic Wig is a suitable option. The Jessica Hair 13×6 Lace Front Human Hair Wig and Pizazz Human Hair Lace Front Wig are great choices for those who want the natural feel of human hair for an elevated appearance. With all these wigs, and customization options, experiment with your looks and make each of your appearances memorable. Get out there, girl, and make every hair flip count! Did you find this post on best wigs for African American women helpful in your quest for beautiful wigs? Do let us know in the comments below.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it bad to wear a wig every day?
No. It is not bad to wear a wig every day as long as you take proper care of your scalp. Wash your hair at regular intervals; moisturize and nourish the scalp with oil. Avoid wearing wigs on damp hair as it can cause fungal infections resulting in hair fall.
Why do black women wear wigs instead of growing long hair?
Black hair is coily. It curls up as it growths and doesn’t show much length. Plus, since black hair is dry and is washed only once in 10-14 days, black women wear wigs to protect their natural hair from the elements.
What kind of wig is the best for beginners?
Closure wigs are the best for beginners as they are easier to wear.
Is wearing a wig good for hair growth?
No, wearing a wig will not promote or hinder hair growth.
How often should I wash my wig?
How often you wash your wig depends on how often you wear it, what styling products you use, and your lifestyle. Generally speaking, wash your wigs once in three weeks or a maximum of once in six to eight weeks with proper wig care products. This will prevent the accumulation of sweat and dirt caused due styling. It improves the longevity of the wig.
Why Trust StyleCraze?
The author of this article, Medha Deb, is a hair care enthusiast who loves to share her knowledge about hair products with her readers. After sifting through multiple product reviews and user experiences, she listed the best wigs for black hair. She selected these products after considering factors like quality, styling, and maintenance. These wigs for black hair will make you look distinct, and no one will be able to tell the difference.
Read full bio of Jill Turnbull
Read full bio of Medha Deb
Read full bio of Shiboli Chakraborti
Read full bio of Arshiya Syeda
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