Wig Questions & Answers

1. Will people be able to tell I’m wearing a wig?

No, not when your wig fits correctly. Modern, high-quality wigs are virtually undetectable and make it look like you have a full head of your own hair. Alternatively, a good hairpiece will cover just your bald patch, blending in seamlessly with your natural hair.

Recent advances in technology have made wigs lighter and more comfortable than ever, and the best can be worn for weeks at a time. A good wig will fit snugly and comfortably on your head, creating a natural hairline and mimicking real hair growing directly from the scalp. Find out more about how the wig bases differ here.

If you feel overwhelmed by the different options, our specialists at Banbury Postiche can help you select the perfect wig for you. They’ll use their expertise to guide you to realistic, hand-blended shades, and help you find the right cap size to ensure your hairpiece looks and feels completely natural. Learn more about our fitting options by booking a private consultation.

2. What size wig should I buy?

Most wigs are made in a standard "Average" cap size (54–57 cm circumference). They typically include built-in, adjustable hook-and-loop or hook straps that allow you to tighten or loosen the fit if needed. "Petite" and "Large" sizes are also widely available.

To check your size, use a tape measure to measure the circumference of your head. Starting from the front hairline, pass the tape above your ear, around the nape of your neck and back up to the front. If your measurement falls between sizes, call Banbury Postiche on 01295 757408 or follow the step-by-step sizing guide on Wigs UK.

3. Can I wear a wig if I still have some of my natural hair?

Yes, absolutely. you can easily wear a wig over existing natural hair. To ensure a smooth, comfortable silhouette, secure your natural hair flat against your scalp using pin curls or braids, and cover it with a breathable nylon or bamboo wig cap.

If your wig features inner toupee clips or grips, these can gently latch onto your natural hair for enhanced stability. For partial hair loss or male pattern baldness, our men’s partial hairpieces can be made to the exact dimensions of your bald patch.

4. Is a real human hair wig better than a synthetic wig?

Neither is inherently better. What’s right for you will depend on your lifestyle, styling preferences and budget. Human hair wigs offer the ultimate in realism, natural movement and styling freedom, because they can be cut, dyed and heat-styled like your own hair. They need regular washing and styling, but with proper care they can last a year or more.

Synthetic wigs have style memory, so they keep their shape and curl straight out of the box, even after washing. That makes them low-maintenance and cost-effective.

Real hair wigs are usually made to order from thousands of individually hand-tied strands, so they can take up to 12 weeks to craft.

To find out more about custom options, speak with one of our friendly consultants by calling 01295 757414 or check out our guide to handmade, real hair wigs.

5. Are wigs safe to wear while exercising, playing sports or swimming?

Yes, wigs can be worn during physical activity. For light exercise, a securely fitting cap with non-slip silicone grips or wig bands is usually sufficient. For high-impact sports, intense workouts and swimming, bear in mind that sweat can weaken standard hair tapes or adhesives, while chlorine and salt water can dry out hair fibres.

We recommend dedicated "active wear" synthetic wigs and good-quality wig tape to ensure maximum hold during exercise.

6. Are there wigs specifically designed for sensitive scalps?

Yes. If you are experiencing medical hair loss, scalp tenderness or conditions like alopecia, selecting the right type of wig cap is essential for everyday comfort. Banbury Postiche offers wigs specifically tailored for sensitive scalps. These feature ultra-soft, hand-tied monofilament caps, silk bases and breathable 100% hand-tied construction that eliminate the need for interior seams.

We also stock gentle bamboo wig liners and soft caps to protect the skin from friction. Explore our medical and sensitive scalp wig collection, or book a personalised consultation with our team to find your ideal fit. You can learn more in our guide to choosing the right wig for your scalp condition.

7. What is the best wig for chemotherapy patients?

The best wigs for chemotherapy patients are lightweight, synthetic pieces featuring soft monofilament, silk or 100% hand-tied caps. Chemotherapy can leave the scalp tender and sensitive, making seamless, breathable linings essential to avoid irritation.

Synthetic wigs are particularly popular during chemotherapy treatment because they are easy to manage when your energy levels are low. To find one that’s right for you, browse our curated selection of chemotherapy-friendly wigs.

8. Can I try on wigs before buying them?

Yes, of course. Banbury Postiche offers private, in-person fitting consultations at our Oxfordshire studio. Here you can try out various cap constructions, colours and hair fibres in a discreet and comfortable setting.

Guided by our experienced hair specialists, you’ll receive professional advice on cap security, colour matching and maintenance. To book an appointment, please call 01295 757414 or see our guide to handmade, real hair wigs.

9. Can I bring a family member or friend to my wig consultation?

Absolutely. We understand that choosing a wig, especially when you’re going through medical treatment or hair loss, can be an emotional experience. Having a loved one present offers valuable comfort and a trusted second opinion.

Our private fitting rooms at Banbury Postiche provide a quiet, welcoming environment where you and your guest can take your time trying on styles without distraction. To schedule your private appointment, please call 01295 757414.

10. Can I fit my new wig myself at home?

Yes, you can try on a wig in the comfort of your own home, provided you take a few simple steps to protect the hairpiece and ensure a comfortable fit. When trying on a wig, always wear a protective wig cap to keep your natural hair flat, avoid applying make-up or perfume beforehand and don’t remove any tags or lace from the wig until you are completely sure you want to keep it.

To help you get the most natural look and secure fit on your own, we have put together a step-by-step guide covering positioning, adjusting cap straps and securing your piece in place.

For full instructions, visit our wig fitting guide.

11. Where can I get a custom-made wig?

You can order a fully bespoke, custom-made wig directly through Banbury Postiche in Oxfordshire. Our master wigmakers create handmade, 100% human hair pieces crafted to your precise head template, hair density, length and shade.

Because every knot is inserted by hand, custom pieces take approximately 12 weeks to build. You can learn more about our artisan wigmaking process here or by calling our specialist team on 01295 757414.

12. Can I return a wig if I don’t like it?

Yes, Banbury Postiche offers a hassle-free 14-day return policy on unworn, standard items. To qualify for a full refund, the wig must be returned in its original condition with all tags still attached, with any lace uncut and no lingering perfumes or styling products.

For hygiene reasons, we request that you wear a protective wig cap when trying on one of our wigs or hairpieces. You can read our Wigs UK return policy here.

13. Can I get a wig on the NHS?

Yes. If you are experiencing medical hair loss due to cancer treatment, alopecia or certain other conditions, you may be eligible for an NHS wig prescription voucher.

Banbury Postiche is an approved NHS partner and the UK’s largest supplier of alternative hair to NHS trusts. Patients can put their NHS voucher towards the cost of any of our extensive collection of NHS-eligible wigs.

14. Can I use an NHS wig prescription or voucher at Wigs UK?

Yes. Wigs UK works closely with a wide range of NHS trust wig voucher and prescription voucher schemes. We provide natural-looking, high-quality synthetic and human hair wigs to chemotherapy patients and people experiencing medical hair loss or alopecia.

Our expert team can help you find a wig with the right fit and style that you can pay for with a valid NHS wig voucher. You can put your NHS voucher towards the cost of any of our extensive collection of NHS-eligible wigs.

15. How often should you wash a wig?

As a general rule, a wig worn daily should be washed roughly every 10 to 15 wears, or every 2 to 3 weeks. However, you may need to wash it more frequently if you wear your wig while exercising, use heavy styling products or live in a humid climate.

To preserve the moisture in the wig’s fibres, always use specially formulated, sulphate-free shampoos and conditioners rather than normal products. Wigs UK stocks a wide range of cleaning and styling products designed for both human hair and synthetic wigs.

16. How long does a wig last?

The lifespan of your wig will depend on the type of hair fibres it uses, how often you wear it and your care routine. Synthetic wigs worn every day typically last between 4 and 6 months, while wigs made with human hair can last 1 to 2 years (or longer) with proper wash cycles, conditioning and storage.

To extend the lifespan of your hairpiece, store it on a wig stand when not in use and explore our aftercare products at Wigs UK or at Banbury Postiche.

We also offer a Premium Aftercare Service to help your wig last for as long as possible and protect your investment.

17. Can I style my wig with heat?

Whether you can heat-style your wig depends on the type of hair fibre it uses. Human hair wigs can be blow-dried, straightened or curled using hot tools, provided you apply a quality thermal protectant spray.

Standard synthetic wigs should never be exposed to heat, as high temperatures will permanently melt or frizz the synthetic fibres, unless the piece is explicitly described as being crafted from heat-friendly synthetic hair.

To preserve your wig and explore safe styling options, visit our wig care products page.

18. Why have I heard of Banbury Postiche?

Banbury Postiche is a leading voice in the British wigmaking industry and the UK’s largest supplier of alternative hair to NHS trusts. We’re also a proud partner of The Little Princess Trust charity, and we regularly feature in the media.

Our team and products have been highlighted in national and international media including BBC News, The Telegraph, The Times, Yahoo News and Hairdressers Journal. We are also cited regularly by key partners like The Little Princess Trust and the Hairdressing & Beauty Suppliers Association (HBSA).

To read our latest media coverage and industry updates, visit our news page.

19. How long has Banbury Postiche been making wigs?

Founded in Oxfordshire in 1921, Banbury Postiche is one of Britain’s last remaining wigmakers. Every year we supply thousands of wigs to NHS patients who’ve lost their hair, either as a result of cancer treatment or alopecia.

Over the decades we have grown into one of the UK’s most trusted providers of high-quality wigs, professional hair loss solutions and trade education. We also have a team of highly skilled craftspeople in our atelier who make bespoke wigs by hand, using real hair that is painstakingly knotted into place strand by strand.

You can read more about our century-long heritage, craft traditions and proud NHS partnership on our About Us page.

20. Who are Banbury Postiche wigs best for?

Our wigs and hairpieces are for everyone. Banbury Postiche is the UK’s largest supplier of medical wigs to the NHS, supporting patients undergoing chemotherapy or radiotherapy, or experiencing alopecia.

As well as providing medical hair loss solutions, we supply fashion clients, hair integration salons, training colleges and professional theatre, TV and film WHAM (wigs, hair and make-up) teams.

21. Do you make custom, bespoke wigs?

Yes. Banbury Postiche operates a dedicated custom-made department specialising in bespoke, handcrafted hairpieces made with real human hair and tailored to your exact scalp measurements, base specification and colour preference.

Because each custom wig is meticulously hand-knotted strand by strand, production typically takes approximately 12 weeks. To start your bespoke journey, contact our custom team directly on 01295 757414.

22. Do you offer a repair or refurbishment service if my wig gets damaged?

Yes. Banbury Postiche provides comprehensive repair, restyling and refurbishment services for both human hair and synthetic wigs. Our expert technicians can repair damaged lace, re-knot hair in thin areas, replace worn elastics, perform deep-conditioning treatments or restyle your piece to restore its original vitality.

To find out more, visit our Customer Support page.

23. What is the difference between Banbury Postiche and Wigs UK?

Banbury Postiche is our parent company and heritage brand. Established in 1921, it is a specialist wig manufacturer. We handcraft bespoke wigs in our Oxfordshire atelier, drawing on more than a century of wigmaking experience. We also develop and supply hair integration systems, professional salon trade supplies and hair extension systems, such as our Rapture range and the CombLine system for hair professionals. We also offer accredited wigmaking training courses for hairdressing colleges and theatrical WHAM (wigs, hair and make-up) teams.

Wigs UK is our official online store designed for individual customers. It offers a curated selection of off-the-peg synthetic and human hair wigs, top pieces, headwear and aftercare accessories from leading global brands as well as our own collections.

Whether you order through Wigs UK or deal directly with Banbury Postiche, you benefit from over a century of UK wigmaking craftsmanship and specialist expertise.

24. What hair loss training and education kits does Banbury Postiche supply to colleges and academies?

Banbury Postiche partners with UK hairdressing colleges and trichology training providers to provide specialised training heads, postiche toolkits and educational resources for hairdressing and wigmaking students.

We’ve been recognised as a champion for industry education by the hairdressing trade media and our student kits are designed to support NVQ modules and advanced postiche mastery.

For more details, visit our hairdressing student kit page.

25. Where can hair professionals get certified in CombLine hair integration?

Banbury Postiche is the official UK provider for CombLine training and hair integration systems.

CombLine is an advanced, ultra-lightweight application technique that allows stylists to provide a discreet, non-surgical solution for clients experiencing thinning hair. Unlike traditional hair extensions, CombLine uses lightweight, virtually invisible bonds to attach individual enhancement strands to the client’s existing hair, creating natural-looking fullness exactly where it’s needed most.

We offer certified training courses for professional stylists, salon teams and hair loss practitioners. You can view and book upcoming workshop dates here.

26. Where can I get wigs for a theatre or film production?

Banbury Postiche supplies wigmaking kits and materials to WHAM (wigs, hair and make-up) teams on film and theatre productions across the UK.

Our products have been worn by the cast of some of the West End’s biggest stage shows, including The Greatest Showman and Paddington, and we can provide everything you need to create hairpieces for a wide range of characters, periods and designs. To find out how we can help you bring your production to life, contact our team on 01295 757406.