When I began my wig-making business back in 2016 there were barely any other stylists offering tips and content like they do now! I made alot of mistakes that cost me time, money, and energy. Looking back, I've learned valuable lessons that helped me scale smarter. Here are mistakes I'd NEVER repeat - so you don't have to make them either.
Buying Hair in Bulk without Testing Vendor First
The Mistake:
I trusted "reputable" vendors and bought large amounts of hair, assuming it was high quality hair. Some of it matted, shed or lost its luster after being colored or washed.
The Lesson:
Always order sample bundles first and test them before making a large purchase.
Wash, bleach, tone, and style the hair to see how it holds up.
Build a relationship with vendors and ask detailed questions about sourcing.
How to Avoid It: Never assue hair is high quality or raw just because its epensive. Vendors lie - testing is the only way to know for sure.
Underpricing My Wigs Out of Fear of Losing Customers
The Mistake:
In the beginning, I thought affordable pricing would attract more customers. Instead, I ended up with clients who:
Expected luxury for cheap prices.
Complained the most and wanted endless customization for free.
Didn't respect my time or expertise.
The Lesson:
People value what they pay for - low prices attract bargain hunters, not loyal clients.
High-end clients expect to pay premium prices for premium quality.
When I raised my prices, my business actually grew - and my wigs still sold out.
How to Avoid It: Charge what your work is worth, not what you think people can afford.
Not requiring a Deposit for Custom Wigs
The Mistake:
Early on, i accepted customers without upfront payments and trusted that clients would return to pay the balance.
Some ghosted me after I spent time and money sourcing their hair and making their wig.
Others took weeks to pay, leaving me stuck with a wig i didn't plan to sell.
The Lesson:
If someone is serious, they'll pay upfront.
A non-refundable deposit secures their commitment and protects my time.
Custom orders should be paid in full before starting.
How to Avoid It: Always require a deposit - at least 50% deposit - no exceptions.
Accepting Every Client Instead of My Ideal Client
The Mistake:
At first I tried to please everyone - even difficult clients who:
Wanted realistic expectations (a 613 bob from raw black hair)
Didn't respect my boundaries (texting at midnight for updates)
Wanted deep discounts but expected celebrity - level service.
The Lesson:
Not every client is a good client - some aren't worth the stress.
My ideal clients are those who value quality, trust my expertise, and pay without hesitation.
Saying "no" to the wrong clients makes room for the right ones.
How to Avoid It: Be clear about who your wigs are for and who they aren't for.
Not Protecting Myself with a Clear Policy
The Mistake:
I didn't have clear terms, so I ran into issues like:
People demanding refunds on custom wigs.
Clients trying to return a used wig because they changed their mind.
Chargebacks from scammers claiming they never receive their order.
The Lesson:
A strong policy protects your business from entitled customers and scammers.
Every wig order should have terms & conditions that customers must agree to before purchasing.
No refunds on custom wigs - period.
How to Avoid It: Display a no-refund, no exchange policy on your website, invoices, and order confirmations.
Not Investing in Branding Early Enough
The Mistake:
I focused so much on making wigs that I ignores branding, thinking my work speak for itself.
My packaging was basic.
My instagram had no consistent theme.
I wasn't telling a story about my brand.
The Lesson:
People buy into a brand, not just a product.
Luxury customers want an experience - from the website to the packaging.
A polished, professional brand makes your wigs look more valuable.
How to Avoid It: Invest in high-quality branding, packaging, and visuals from the start.
7.Overworking Myself Instead of Creating Systems
The Mistake:
At first, I did everything myself - wig making, marketing, packaging, customer service - and burned out.
The Lesson:
Systems and automation save time and money.
Hiring help (even if just for constructing wigs, packaging, or admin tasks) lets you focus on growth.
How to Avoid It: Set up automated processes and start delegating as soon as possible.
These mistakes cost me time, money and energy, but they also taught me how to run a profitable, stress-free wig business. If you're just starting out, learn from my lessons so you can avoid the same pitfalls. As a wigmaker, which one of these mistakes do you relate to the most?
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