Chavie Russell Wigs

Chavie Russell Wigs is a wig business based in Chicago, run by founder and stylist Chavie Russell, who has been around wigs since childhood. She grew up helping with customer orders at her mother's wig shop, later completed a hairstyling course in Toronto, and then returned to work in that family salon before founding her own business.

Custom wigs are the core of the business. Clients choose length, color, texture and cap construction, and the consultation includes precise head measurements, a discussion of lifestyle, daily activities, face shape, skin tone and hair type, and strand tests to help narrow down the right wig. Wigs are made from natural human hair, cut and styled by hand, and the business offers custom lace front and lace top styles with natural-looking colors and hairlines. The site says the materials are breathable and gentle on the scalp.

The business also serves clients who cannot easily come in. In-person consultations in Chicago are free, and virtual consultations by Zoom or FaceTime are also free and booked online. It says it has served clients outside Chicago, including in Australia and Vienna.

Once a wig is in hand, the fitting service covers adjusting the cap, trimming the lace, customizing the hairline and follow-up adjustments after a client has worn the wig for a while. Clients are encouraged to wear a wig at home in everyday life before it is finalized, and to pick a look that suits their own style instead of following trends. Hours are Monday to Friday from 8:30am to 5:30pm, closed Saturday, with Sunday visits by appointment only.

Focuses on helping each client find a wig that suits their own style and daily life, using consultations, strand tests and at-home wear before the final fit.