Custom vs ReadyMade Wigs: Which One Is Right for You?

Are you exploring wigs for hair loss, medical needs, or simply for personal style enhancement? Choosing the right wig, whether a Custom wig or a ReadyMade wig, can feel overwhelming, but we’re here to help you make the right choice. At Mandeville London, our wigs are handmade using the highest quality natural European human hair, and our expert consultants are ready to guide you every step of the way.

Understanding the Difference: Custom Wigs and ReadyMade Wigs

When deciding between ReadyMade and Custom (Made to Measure) wigs, it’s essential to understand what sets them apart.

Our ReadyMade wigs are pre-designed and available in a variety of sizes and colours. These wigs are perfect for those who need a high-quality solution quickly. They are expertly crafted and cut to be worn almost immediately, with final styling appointments at Mandeville to ensure they suit your preferences.

Custom wigs are entirely bespoke. From the foundation cap construction to the texture, colour blend, density, and even the precise crown position, everything is designed and handmade for you. Lace wigs are known for their versatile styling options and natural appearance, making them a popular choice for achieving realistic looks. This option is ideal for clients who have specific needs that aren’t easily met with off-the-shelf pieces, such as complex hair loss or a desire to replicate their exact natural hairline. Lace front wigs feature a lace section at the front that blends seamlessly with your natural hairline, offering a versatile and natural-looking option.

Both options use the same top-tier materials—namely, our exclusive European hair—so you don’t have to compromise on quality, no matter which path you choose.

The Benefits of Ready Made Wigs

ReadyMade wigs, also known as ready to wear or ready made wigs, are a smart choice for many first-time wig wearers or for those who need a wig without delay.

One of the biggest advantages of ReadyMade wigs is their immediacy. They are available to take home after your consultation or at a same-week fitting, depending on availability. This makes them ideal for clients undergoing sudden hair loss, such as during chemotherapy or post-surgery.

Stock hair systems or hairpieces, which are pre-styled and designed to fit most wearers, offer an affordable and convenient option for those seeking immediate solutions but you might need to compromise the quality of the wig.

Our ReadyMade collection at Mandeville London is available in three sizes that comfortably fit most head shapes. We also offer 11 carefully selected colours, all crafted from the same premium human hair we use in our custom range. During your appointment, we’ll help you try different options to find the shade and size that suits you best.

Each ReadyMade wig is crafted with 12 inches of natural European hair, and can be styled into your desired look—whether that’s a layered bob, long waves, or a sleek cut. Because they are fully hand-knotted, they can be cut short without losing their realistic movement or density.

Cost-wise, our ReadyMade wigs provide a more accessible entry point into luxury wigs, starting from £4,925, making them an excellent solution for those looking for premium quality without the wait.

While not custom-moulded to your head shape, many clients find our ReadyMade options incredibly comfortable and easy to wear—especially after they’ve been cut and styled by our expert team.

The Benefits of Human Hair Custom Wigs

Custom wigs, or Made to Measure wigs, offer the highest level of personalisation and comfort, resulting in a natural looking wig that truly feels like your own hair. If you’re looking for a wig that truly feels like your own hair—down to the exact colour blend and hairline—this is the ideal choice.

At Mandeville, your Custom wig begins with a template mould of your head, ensuring a cap that fits as comfortably and securely as possible. This makes Custom wigs especially beneficial for those with long-term or permanent hair loss.

Custom wigs can be tailored to match your exact preferences for texture, colour, and style. Throughout three dedicated appointments, you’ll be able to approve your lace foundation, preview your unique hair blend, and receive your fully finished piece styled exactly how you want it. No detail is too small—from the density and direction of hair growth, to your preferred length and texture, your custom wig is made entirely for you.

Clients with specific needs—such as longer hair lengths, particular hairline patterns, or unique colour blends—often find Custom wigs the only way to replicate their natural look. These wigs are also ideal for daily wearers, as the secure fit and breathable lace foundation provide long-term comfort.

Starting from £6,045, a Custom wig is an investment—but for many, it becomes an essential part of daily life and self-confidence.

Natural Look and Feel

A natural look and feel are essential for a confident and comfortable wig-wearing experience. Custom wigs, crafted from high-quality human hair can closely mimic the appearance, movement and texture of natural growing hair. The key to achieving a natural look is selecting a wig that matches your own hair’s texture, colour, and style. You may wonder whether synthetic or human hair will create the right wig for you. Human hair wigs, in particular, offer unparalleled realism, as they can be styled and coloured just like your own hair.

Meanwhile, though we do not create wigs using synthetic hair at Mandeville, synthetic wigs have made significant strides in quality, with heat-friendly synthetic hair technology providing a natural look. Whether you choose human hair wigs or synthetic options, the goal is to find a wig that seamlessly blends with your natural hair, enhancing your overall appearance and confidence.

Perfect Fit and Comfort

A perfect fit and comfort are crucial for a successful wig-wearing experience. Custom lace wigs are meticulously designed to fit your head perfectly, taking into account your unique head shape and size. This personalised fit can make all the difference in terms of comfort and confidence, ensuring that the wig feels secure and natural throughout the day. Ready-made wigs, while convenient, may not always offer the same level of comfort, especially if you have a unique head shape. Both custom and readymade wigs can be made from lightweight materials, such as lace or monofilament, which provide a comfortable and breathable fit. This attention to detail ensures that your custom wig not only looks great but also feels great, allowing you to wear it with ease and confidence.

How to Decide Which Human Hair Wigs Are The Perfect Fit?

Deciding between a ReadyMade and Custom wig depends largely on your timeline, budget, and personal hair needs.

In addition to full wigs, partial wigs, such as toppers and hair pieces, are available to cater to varying client needs for hair replacement.

If you need a wig quickly or want to try wig-wearing for the first time, a ReadyMade piece is often the right place to start. You’ll be able to try different looks and get a feel for what works best before committing to a fully bespoke creation.

On the other hand, if you’ve been wearing wigs for some time or have a particular style or fit requirement, a Custom wig offers unmatched personalisation. This is especially true for people with alopecia, long-term hair thinning, or medical hair loss, where daily comfort and confidence are key.

Still unsure? Our expert consultants will guide you through your options during a free, no-obligation consultation, helping you choose what’s right for you now—and in the future.

The Custom Wig Process

The custom wig process involves several steps, from consultation to final fitting, ensuring that your wig is tailored to your specific needs and preferences.

Consultation and Measurement

The first step in the custom wig process is a consultation with our professional wig stylist. During this consultation, you’ll discuss your hair loss needs, preferences, and lifestyle. The stylist will take precise measurements of your head as well as a template mould to ensure a perfect fit. This is an essential step in creating a custom wig that meets your unique needs and preferences. The consultation also allows you to explore different options for texture, colour, density, length and style, ensuring that your custom wig will look and feel just like your natural hair. This personalised approach ensures that every detail is considered, resulting in a wig that is uniquely yours.

Cost and Value

While custom wigs may come with a higher price tag compared to ready-made wigs, they often offer unparalleled value in terms of quality, comfort, and natural look and feel. A custom wig is a long-term investment in your hair replacement needs, and with proper care, it can last for many years. Ready-made wigs may need to be replaced more frequently, which can add up in cost over time, but only if they are not made from the same high quality materials as a custom alternative. At Mandeville, our ReadyMade and Made to Measure collections are made from the same superior materials and natural European hair, so there's no real reason why one may last longer than the other.

FAQs: Custom Hair Wigs vs ReadyMade Natural Hair Wigs

Are ReadyMade wigs lower quality than Custom wigs?

No—at Mandeville London, both ReadyMade and Custom wigs are handmade using the same luxurious European human hair and exclusive lace wigs foundations, though the same cannot be said for all wigmakers, so this is something to definitely check wherever you choose to shop.

Can I upgrade to a Custom wig later?

Yes, many clients begin with a ReadyMade wig and later move on to a Custom piece once they’ve learned what suits them best.

Will a Custom wig last longer?

Both types of wigs have similar lifespans—typically 12 to 18 months of daily wear—depending on care. The difference lies in fit and customisation, not durability.

Can I adjust or restyle my ReadyMade wig?

Absolutely. Each ReadyMade wig is cut and styled to your liking by our in-house stylists, and some minor colour tweaks may also be possible. We always consider styling versatility, the wearer's head, the client's skin tone, personal preferences and many other factors when recommending any kind of wig options.

How do I know which option is best for me as hair replacement?

During your consultation, we’ll consider your needs, budget, and timeline to guide you toward the best solution. There’s no pressure and no obligation—just expert support.

Can I make a natural looking wig from my own hair?

At Mandeville, we only work with premium natural European hair, carefully sourced and selected for its quality, texture, and durability. This ensures that every wig we create is not only beautiful and natural-looking, but also built to last. That said, we are always happy to discuss your wishes and explain what is and isn’t possible based on our decades of experience. If you’re holding onto a ponytail or hair from a past haircut and want advice, we’ll be more than happy to give you honest, compassionate guidance.

Why Choose Mandeville London?

For over 50 years, Mandeville London has led the way in creating natural looking, comfortable wigs for medical and cosmetic hair loss. Every piece is handmade by our expert wigmakers using the most natural European hair available.

We don’t sell mass-produced wigs or synthetic wigs—we create wearable works of art designed to restore your confidence and support your lifestyle. With free consultations, an unmatched standard of care, and ongoing aftercare support, you’re always in safe hands.

Book Your Free Consultation Today for a Custom Made or ReadyMade Wig!

Let us help you discover your perfect hair match. Whether you’re looking for a quick ReadyMade solution or a fully tailored Custom wig, our team is here to guide you every step of the way.

📞 Call us now or click below to book your free consultation online.

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