How do you decide on a wig for your doll?

Wigs are probably the hardest things to shop for in my experience. The shape of the dolls head can change how they look considerably even if it's the right size. I usually just buy one and hope it looks good, but sometimes it doesn't work out. Like recently I had a custom wig made for one of my dolls, but when it arrived in person and put it on I decided that the style was too severe and that a softer style with bangs wispy would flatter his face shape more.

 

wig & eyes are so difficult to choose
I'm so undecided each time
I tried to have a clear vision of what I want that my doll look likes : but It's always difficult

with the years in this hobby, I have some wig home now so : I try the color first
once I decided : I look for the design

 

Since almost all my dolls are the resin avatars of my characters, I already have a good idea of what they're supposed to look like. Choosing a wig is really a matter of finding one that looks close to the image in my head in colour and style.

I'll generally start with my favourite wig makers (Monique, Spite & Malice, Dollmore, Mudoll/Glib) and branch out from there if I haven't found what I need. I've found great wigs randomly on eBay before, and a really great one that I got off a seller on Etsy.

I usually hit it on the first try, although a few of my dolls have gone through 2-3 wigs before getting the "right" one.

 

Like SapphireStargazer, my dolls are shells of my OCs, so the characters have a certain look already in my head before I get the doll. Then it's just a matter of finding a wig that fits the look. I usually get Monique wigs or BeachGirlNikita fur wigs, because they're both high quality and usually meet my needs. Sometimes I do need to go with another company, if neither of those two can meet my color or style needs. Then it becomes trial and error because I'm very picky about the thickness and smoothness of fur wigs, and I don't like how "plastic-y" a lot of synthetic hair wigs can feel. If I have to experiment, I tend to go through at least 2-3 wigs before finding something I like.

 

I search for pictures of the same doll on the web. Owners have different tastes. I don't look for only girl dolls or only boy dolls. Then I check Etsy, Monique, Facets, Jpopdolls, Formydoll etc ...and I read the comments on the doll thread on DOA in case some wigs size bigger than others. It is still hit and miss as the colour of the doll's eyes has to be taken into account as well as her personality. In two cases, I just gave the wigs a new haircut.

 

I am very new to this, but I had a character in mind when I placed my doll order, so I ordered a wig from the same company in the right color and a style that was close enough, just so I wouldn't have her have a naked head when she arrived. I think once my doll comes I'll have a better idea of what will fit with her. I think I might in the future do different wigs to coordinate with outfits.

 

Since my dolls shell my characters, I know what their wigs should look like before I buy them, or at least what they generally look like so that I can style it more correctly when it arrives. Sometimes though, if I have no idea then I'll just take a leap of faith, and if the wig doesn't work out then I'll just save it for any future dollies! Spare wigs never hurt!

 

Wigs seem to be one of the hardest things to shop for next to shoes I swear. My first doll went through a few wigs before I finally just found something simple in the color I wanted and settled. It still isn't what I want so I'm going to try to make wigs from now on. Which is an option if you're crafty, there are a lot of tutorials on the web. Good luck in your search!

 

Most of the time, I have an image of what they look like-- curly haired, pixie cut, long flowing locks, etc. The color I determine from their "color scheme." All my dolls have color schemes, signature colors that help define them in my head. Roane's autumn colors, Qwill's the color of dried grass, Mattie's a light dusty lilac, Leo's silver, and so on. I pick a color that matches or complements the scheme.

Then I hunt for that perfect wig. It can take me months, even years. I sometimes buy a wig, only to be disappointed when I see it in person. But that's okay, too. The reject wigs I like to play with, changing things up. Once in awhile you try on a wig on a whim and go, "WOW! That looks sooooo good!" I try to be open to possibilities. Just like you don't keep the same hairstyle, my characters don't either. It's easier for them-- they don't have to wait for it to grow out!

 

Trial and error, unfortunately! I start by trying on some wigs I have already, to get an idea what might look good. Then the long hunt begins.

 

See sample photos. That is how I choose wigs. It does not work every time, but most of the time they appear to be fine.

 

When I'm waiting for a doll, I plan out a look for them, starting with the outfit and then finding a wig that compliments it. Sometimes it's perfect, and other times the wig just doesn't look like how I'd pictured. In those instances, I look around for a new wig and hope that one works.

 

I have a couple favorite places to shop for wigs. These wigs are usually a safe bet because they tend to fit my dolls' heads well and are easy to style. I like Spite and Malice, Crobidoll, and Soom wigs. Sometimes it takes me a couple times, but I rarely sell a wig because it might work out for another doll in the future.

 

This may seem OCD, but I consider eyebrow color. My doll has pretty dark eyebrows, so if I'm looking at a light wig, I might tend towards one that covers her eyebrows. Not saying others can't do light wigs with dark eyebrows, or vice versa! But I'm kind of match-y in my aesthetics.

I also have to look for oddly sized wigs. My doll is a Mystic Kids, and as it turns out they have very small heads for an MSD size doll--only about 6.9". So the common 7-8" wigs fit her, but they can look a bit poofy and loose. My next purchase is going to be a Leekeworld 6-7" wig designed for Minifees.

My Clara doesn't reflect any particular character, so I go with whatever style or color fits my mood. The more options, the merrier!

 

What I do usually is imagining how it'd look like when my dolls wear it, or if you're confident with your drawing skills you could draw your doll first with the character in a piece of paper so it is easier to decided which hair style would look good (I always draw them first when I buy some wigs for them)

 

Personally, I'd already decided I wanted mid-to-long mohair, alpaca, or wool because I LOVE the look of the wild curls. I did a lot of looking at photos, and realized I just plain didn't like straight wigs, or the ones with very sculpted curls. I like the "natural" effect of natural fiber wigs.

Then it just became a matter of finding the right colors. Three of my girls have wigs from the same seller (DollsVogue on Etsy) in bright gold, grey, and turquoise. My newest little 'un is getting one in dark purple.

I have a thing for coordination, so all of the girls need to have the same...feel? And having similar wigs makes that happen for me.