Hey guys! So, I had a lot of you messaged me asking for advice on Dany wigs, so I thought I'd just make a post about it! Now, I'm no wig expert, but this is just some data I was able to gather from searching for a wig of my own.
It's worth to note that Dany's hair changes considerably between the seasons, so your wig selection will depend on which costume you'd like to cosplay. (PS: cosplay is just short for costume play, i.e. dressing up) As the seasons progress, her locks transform from tight waves, to crimped strands, then to loose curls. Really, you can use whatever wig you find cutest! But if you were looking to stay accurate, I thought I'd mention that!
W I G F I B E R S : HOW DO YOU WORK?!
So there are ton of different wig fibers out there, but you're mainly going to run into the same few. Those are Hiperlon, Kanekalon, and Modlon. What's the difference you ask? Well here's a little break down:
Hiperlon
- Heat resistant for styling at ANY heat
- Less likely to tangle
- Less shiny than other fiber
- Usually more expensive
Kanekalon
- May be heat resistant for styling at LOW heats only (Note: hot water styling can work well on these wigs, but hair dryers, straighteners, and curlers at even low heat may melt the fibers)
- More likely to tangle
- More shiny than Hiperlon
- Less expensive
Modlon
- Low quality wigs
- Usually the fiber used for party store wigs
- Not heat resistant at all
Overall, if you're really into making a great cosplay, I'd definitely recommend hiperlon or similar fibers. However, many of my wigs have been Kanekalon and they're just fine (besides the tangling... especially on straight wigs) Some people even prefer the Kanekalon wigs 'cause they tend to be shinier than Hiperlon. If you're just looking for a Dany wig for Halloween, Kanekalon is definitely a reasonable option. As for Modlon, please, for the love of the Old Gods, please do not ever buy Modlon wigs! They're such bad quality and they will always ruin a good cosplay. Buy these only if you're super desperate! ; )
T O L A C E F R O N T O R N O T T O L A C E F R O N T
That is the question!
What is a lace front wig you ask? Well, it's a wig that has the synthetic or hair strands threaded through a sheer lace front. Check out this wig from Arda-wigs.com below to see what I mean:
This creates a realistic hairline that's best for cosplaying certain characters. It also lets you part the hair in the front any way you want, and it will look totally natural. You won't see an ugly wig base at your parts! Because Daenerys' hair is pulled back into braids, a lace front wig will really lend itself well to her hair styling. However, because lace fronts are generally hand ventilated (the process of threading strands of hair into the base), these wigs tend to be a bit pricier.
So, you really need to ask yourself how much money you intend to put into your costume. If you're willing to spend the money, then I definitely recommend purchasing a lace front. If you're just looking for a quick wig for say a small costume party, then a non lace front can be perfect for you.
H O W D O I E V E N W E A R A L A C E F R O N T
Essentially, you will be fitting the wig to your head, cutting the lace, and gluing the front with an adhesive such as spirit gum. Here's a good video for how to wear a lace front wig: How to Wear a Lace Front Wig
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So there's tons of wigs out there that are probably good options for Daenerys cosplay, but these are just a few I came across during my search... Ahem! Let the wig options commence!
S E A S O N 1 - 2 W I G S
Wig Name: Lunar Dragon Fire Resist 20 by The Five Wits
Cost: $40 + shipping
Fiber: ?
If you're going to cosplay season 1 or season 2, a lot of people recommend using this wig. A lot of the great Dany cosplays you see on the internet have used this one.
Pros:
- Accurate length
- Heat resistant for styling (low heat)
- Thick so you can't see mesh cap underneath
- Many Dany cosplayers have recommended this wig
Cons:
- A touch too silver, Dany has slightly more golden undertone in my opinion
Purchase: Lunar Dragon Wig
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Wig Name: Rhapsody by Dolluxe
Cost: $64 + shipping
Fiber: ?
This is another great Dany wig that many cosplayers rant and rave about. However, it's unfortunately not a lace front wig, but it does have extra wefts sewn into it, creating good volume. This volume could help hide the wig cap at the hairline if styled properly.
Pros:
- Accurate length
- Good texture that mirrors Dany's
- Thick to cover mesh cap
- Heat resistant for styling (low heat)
- Many Dany cosplayers have recommended this wig
Cons:
- A little too poofy (maybe this can be tamed when you add your princess braids)
- No golden undertones
- A little pricey
- Not lace front
Purchase: Rhapsody Wig
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Wig Name: Crimped Wavy Long Platinum Blonde Wig
Cost: $26 + 28.15 shipping
Fiber: ?
This is a wig I found on Ebay, but I can't speak to the quality or the customer service of the seller, however.
Pros:
- Good crimped texture
- Looks to be an accurate color from photos
Cons
- A little short
- Can't speak to the quality
- Not lace front
Purchase: eBay Auction
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S E A S O N 3 W I G S
Now, here a few options if you're wanting to cosplay her Season 3 style.
Wig Name: Dany
Cost: $72 + Shipping
Fiber: Hiperlon
This wig is from Arda Wigs. It's a lace front, so it will give you a very realistic hairline as you style. It has good tones (Titanium Blonde), and a good length. The long layers will also make braiding a piece of cake. (braiding short layers and trying to manage fly aways can be a nightmare! :p) I have ordered a handful of wigs from Arda, and they always have very solid quality.
Pros:
- Perfect golden undertones
- Nice loose waves
- Lace front (realistic hairline)
- Good length
- Long layers make for easy braiding
- Heat resistant
Cons:
- More expensive than non-lace fronts
Purchase: Arda Wigs
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Wig Name: Queen Lacefront by Lockshop
Cost: 59,95 € (~$80) + Shipping
Fiber: ???
This wig was shared with me by one of my readers. I've never ordered from Lockshopwigs.com, so I can't personally comment on their quality and service. However, the color tones are gorgeous and the lace front will really give you a realistic hairline for your Dany cosplay. However, the info on the site states the fibers are lot more course and consequently will take much care to get it styled just right, and brushing will be more difficult. Remember, you will need to glue or tape down the lace front of this wig, so it will take more time wear. "These are not wigs that you can simply put on out of the bag."
Pros:
- Perfect golden undertones
- Nice loose waves
- Lace front (realistic hairline)
- Good length
- Long layers make for easy braiding
- Heat resistant at low temps
Cons:
- Expensive
- Course wig fibers that are harder to brush and style
Purchase: Queen Lacefront
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Wig Name: 24" Long Pale Blonde Curly Lace Front Synthetic Wig by Wigfashion
Cost: $65.89 + Free Shipping
Fiber: ???
This wig is available from Wigfashion.com and through their ebay storefront. I can't be sure of the quality, but based on the photos and ebay feedback, it could serve as a perfect Dany wig. Reminder: this is a lace front wig, so you will need to either glue or tape the front to your forehead; it'll take some time to put on. (Thank you Laurams07 for the link!)
Pros:
- Perfect golden undertones
- Nice loose waves
- Lace front (realistic hairline)
- Good length
- Heat resistant at low temps
Cons:
- Pricier than non-lace front wigs
- Sold on eBay, so can't be sure of quality
Purchase: wigisfashion.com and eBay Auction
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Wig Name: Long Platinum Blond Cosplay Wig
Cost: $29.55 + Free Shipping
Fiber: Kanekelon
This is actually the wig I purchased for my own Dany Cosplay. While it's a decent wig, I may consider another wig in the future. It's Kanekelon fibers, which look pretty good in person (A lot of cosplay wigs are made of this fiber). However, the shortened bangs were tricky when braiding, and the wig wasn't the thickest.
Pros:
- Perfect golden undertones
- Nice loose waves
- Inexpensive
- Easy transaction with seller
- Good length
- May be heat resistant at low temps
Cons:
- Not very thick (this was tricky when adding princess braids so that you wouldn't see mesh cap)
- Not all one length (bangs made it tricky to braid)
- Not lace front, so wig cap was hard to cover
Purchase: http://goo.gl/OaUxaV
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Wig Name: Arwen (in Titanium Blonde) by Arda Wigs
Cost: $70 + Shipping
Fiber: Hiperlon
This wig has great texture despite its length. It will need some cutting to get it to the appropriate length, but it has a lace front, so I think it's worth the extra trouble. Remember, a lace front will require gluing or taping of the front to your forehead, so it'll take more time to put this wig on, but it will look much more natural.
Pros:
- Nice textured waves
- Titantium Blonde has perfect golden undertones
- Lace Front (natural hairline)
- May be heat resistant at low-high temps
Cons:
- Will need cutting
- More expensive than non lace front wigs
Purchase: Arwen Wig
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Wig Name: Esther by Amphigory
Cost: $28.90 + shipping
Fiber: Blended Toyokalon/Kanekalon fiber
I would order this wig in 613 (the swatch to the right of the wig) I can personally speak to the quality of this company's wigs having ordered several from them in the past. I'm always super happy with my wigs from Amphigory. However, this is not a lace front, so again, styling to cover the unsightly wig cap at the hairline may be tricky.
Pros:
- Long loose waves that mirror Dany's
- Personally know this company has good quality
- Thick fibers
- Can order in several blond shades
- May be heat resistant at low temps
- A bit too long
- Not lace front
Purchase: Esther Wig
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Wig Name: Platinum Blonde Wavy Lolita Princess Cosplay Wig
Cost: $25.34 + Free Shipping
Fiber: ?
Pros:
- Good shade of blonde
- Nice loose curls
- Inexpensive
- Good length
Cons:
- Can't speak to the quality
- Not lace front so no natural hairline
Purchase: eBay Auction
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Wig Name: Luthien (in Titanium Blonde) by Arda Wigs
Cost: $40 + Shipping
Fiber: Hiperlon
While I can't speak personally for Arda wigs, there are a lot of cosplayers that rant and rave about their quality. Titanium blonde seems to be the most agreed upon color when cosplayers purchase a Dany wig from Arda.
Pros:
- Heat resistant for styling (any heat)
- Available in multiple shades of blonde
- Nice loose curls
- Good length
- Less likely to tangle
- Many cosplayers recommend Arda wigs
Cons:
- A tad too long
- Not lace front so no natural hairline
Purchase: Luthien
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Wig Name: Matilda (in Titanium Blonde) by Arda Wigs
Cost: $65 + Shipping
Fiber: Hiperlon
So this is a common wig cosplayers have been purchasing for their Dany costume. I do love its lace front (so you'll have a natural hairline), and its length and color (ordered in titanium blonde) are perfect. However, I do find the waves to be a bit messier than Dany's. Perhaps reshaping the curls into more tamed waves with your curling iron could make this a perfect wig.
Pros:
- Heat resistant for styling (any heat)
- Available in perfect shade of blonde
- Good length
- Many cosplayers recommend Arda wigs
- Lace front, so natural hairline
Cons:
- More expensive than non lace front
- Messier curls than what Dany has
Purchase: Matilda Wig
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Okay, so I hope this quick guide is able to help some of you on your wig selection! If you guys have found other wigs for Dany, leave me a comment below and I'll add them to this guide!
Shoot me a comment or an e-mail if you guys have any questions : )
