Wigs are a key offering in any beauty supply store. Whether your customers are looking for a quick change, a protective style, or simply want to boost their confidence, wigs are the go-to solution. As a beauty supply store owner, it’s important to not only stock a variety of wigs but also provide education on how to care for them. Proper care ensures that customers get the most out of their purchase and remain loyal to your store for future needs.
Here’s your complete guide to selling, merchandising, and caring for wigs—helping your customers maintain their styles while boosting your sales and store reputation.
Understanding Different Types of Wigs
Before you can educate your customers on how to care for wigs, it’s essential to understand the different types. This knowledge will also help you make the right sales recommendations.
Types of Wigs:
- Human Hair Wigs: These are made from real human hair and can be styled, cut, and treated just like natural hair. Customers can apply heat, color, and wash these wigs, which makes them a popular choice for those looking for a long-term, versatile option.
- Synthetic Wigs: Made from synthetic fibers, these wigs are more affordable but require specific care. They cannot withstand heat styling or dyeing, but they hold their shape well, making them an excellent choice for a low-maintenance style.
- Blended Wigs: A combination of human and synthetic fibers, these wigs offer the best of both worlds—natural styling options with the durability of synthetic materials.
Common Wig Features to Know:
- Cap Construction: Wigs come in different cap constructions, such as lace front, full lace, and wefted caps. Lace front wigs allow for a natural hairline, while full lace wigs offer more styling versatility.
- Length and Texture: Offer a variety of lengths (short, medium, long) and textures (straight, curly, wavy) to cater to different tastes and preferences.
Selling Wigs: Key Tips
Selling wigs involves more than just placing them on a shelf. To ensure your customers are happy with their purchases, consider the following selling strategies:
Offer a Range of Choices:
- Variety Is Key: Stock different wig styles, lengths, colors, and cap types to meet the needs of a diverse customer base.
- Customization Services: Offer to trim, cut, or style wigs in-store for customers. This gives a personal touch and ensures they leave with a product they love.
Customer Consultation:
- Understand Their Needs: Take the time to understand why the customer is purchasing a wig. Are they looking for a temporary look, or is this a long-term purchase? Are they concerned about comfort or needing to wear the wig daily?
- Fit is Important: Ensure the wig fits properly and comfortably. Many wigs come with adjustable straps or lace fronts, but a good consultation on sizing is crucial for satisfaction.
Recommend Complementary Products:
- Wig Caps: Suggest breathable, comfortable wig caps that can protect natural hair and keep wigs in place.
- Wig Stands & Mannequin Heads: Recommend wig stands to customers for proper wig storage. A good stand prevents wigs from becoming misshapen and tangling.
- Wig Care Products: Include wig shampoos, conditioners, detanglers, and sprays in your product line. Make sure they’re clearly displayed and easy to recommend.
Educating Your Customers on Wig Care
Once customers leave your store with their new wig, it’s important they know how to care for it properly to ensure its longevity. As a beauty supply store owner, you can provide valuable tips to keep wigs looking their best for longer.
General Wig Care Tips:
- Washing Wigs:
- For human hair wigs, suggest washing them every 10-14 days with a gentle, sulfate-free shampoo. Avoid scrubbing; instead, gently work the shampoo into the fibers and rinse with cool water.
- For synthetic wigs, advise customers to use dry shampoo to keep them fresh. Washing synthetic wigs too often can damage the fibers.
- Conditioning:
- For human hair wigs, use a conditioner designed specifically for wigs to keep the hair soft and manageable.
- Synthetic wigs don’t require conditioning, but a special detangling spray can help keep them smooth.
- Drying: Always recommend air drying wigs on a wig stand. Never wring out a wig or dry it with a blow dryer as this can damage both human and synthetic hair.
Storage:
- Store Properly: Encourage customers to store wigs on wig stands or mannequin heads to maintain their shape. For long-term storage, a wig cap can help protect the wig from dust and tangling.
Styling and Maintenance:
- Human Hair Wigs: Remind customers they can treat human hair wigs like their natural hair, meaning they can use heat tools to curl or straighten them (but always use a heat protectant).
- Synthetic Wigs: Warn customers not to apply heat to synthetic wigs, as they can melt or lose their shape. Instead, recommend using wig-safe styling products to keep them in place.
Upselling Opportunities for Wig Care
By offering additional products that complement wig care, you can increase sales while providing value to your customers. Here are some upselling ideas:
- Wig Detangling Brushes: Offer brushes designed specifically for wigs, which help keep fibers from becoming frizzy or tangled.
- Wig Shampoo & Conditioners: Stock wig-specific shampoos, conditioners, and sprays that will help maintain the wig’s texture and longevity.
- Storage Solutions: Wig bags, stands, and cases help customers protect their investments and keep their wigs looking new for longer.
- Hair Accessories: Offer wig caps, combs, pins, and other accessories that can enhance the styling and comfort of wigs.
