Stepping into Style: A Beginner’s Guide to Wearing Wigs

Wigs offer a fantastic way to transform your look, adding instant length, volume, or a touch of vibrant color. But if you’re new to the world of wigs, the process can seem daunting. Fear not, aspiring wig enthusiasts! This comprehensive guide walks you through everything you need to know about wearing wigs for beginners, from choosing the right one to achieving a natural and secure fit.

Understanding Wigs Types: Finding Your Perfect Match

The first step in your wig journey is understanding the different wig types available. Each type offers unique benefits and considerations:

• Synthetic Wigs: Made from synthetic fibers, these wigs are typically more affordable and come in a vast array of colors and styles. However, they may not hold heat styling tools well and can tangle more easily than human hair wigs.

• Human Hair Wigs: Crafted from real human hair, these wigs offer the most natural look and feel. They can be styled with heat tools like straighteners and curling irons, allowing for greater versatility. However, human hair wigs tend to be more expensive and require more specific care routines.

• Lace Front Wigs: These wigs feature a sheer lace frontal along the hairline, creating a realistic and seamless transition between the wig and your skin. This allows for more styling versatility, like pulling your hair back in a ponytail.

• Full Lace Wigs: Offering the ultimate in realism, full lace wigs have a lace base that covers the entire head. This allows for maximum styling freedom, including parting the hair anywhere you desire. However, full lace wigs require more expertise to apply and maintain.

Preparing Your Hair: Creating a Smooth Base

Before putting on your wig, it’s crucial to prep your natural hair. Here’s how:

• Wash and condition your hair (optional): If you plan to wear your wig for an extended period, washing your hair beforehand ensures comfort and hygiene. However, you can skip this step if your hair is clean and already styled flat.

• Detangle and smooth: Use a detangling brush or comb to remove any knots from your hair. Apply a smoothing product, like hairspray or gel, to flatten your hair and create a smooth canvas for the wig.

• Braid or twist your hair (optional): Braiding or twisting your hair flat helps to minimize bulk and create a secure base for the wig to sit on. This is especially helpful for those with thick or long hair.

• Secure your hair: Use bobby pins or a hair net to secure your hair in place. This ensures your natural hair stays smooth and hidden beneath the wig.

Wig Essentials: Must-Have Tools for Beginners

To apply your wig with ease, gather these essential tools:

• Wig cap: A wig cap is a thin, stretchy fabric cap that helps to conceal your natural hair and creates a smooth surface for the wig to sit on.

• Wig combs or brushes: Having a dedicated wig comb or brush with gentle bristles helps detangle and style your wig without damaging the fibers.

• Wig clips or bobby pins: These secure the wig to your head, ensuring a comfortable and snug fit.

• Wig stand (optional): A wig stand is a helpful tool for storing, drying, and styling your wig.

Putting it All Together: The Step-by-Step Wigs Application

Now that you have everything prepared, let’s dive into the application process:

1. Put on your wig cap: Stretch the wig cap over your head, ensuring all your hair is tucked inside.

2. Adjust the wig straps (if applicable): Most wigs have adjustable straps on the inside. Loosen or tighten these straps to achieve a comfortable fit. The wig shouldn’t feel too loose or too tight.

3. Place the wig on your head: Starting at the front hairline, gently position the wig over your head. Push the wig back until the front hairline aligns with your natural hairline.

4. Secure the wig: Use wig clips or bobby pins to secure the wig to your head. Start at the front temples and work your way around the head, ensuring a snug but comfortable fit.

5. Style the wig (optional): For synthetic wigs, use a wide-tooth comb to gently style the wig. Human hair wigs can be styled with heat tools on a low to medium setting.

6. Lace front/full lace wig customization (optional): If you’re using a lace front or full lace wig, you may want to customize the lace for a more natural look. This involves applying concealer or foundation to the lace to match your skin tone and potentially bleaching the knots for a more seamless transition.

Maintaining Your Wigs: Ensuring Long-Lasting Beauty

Just like your natural hair, wigs require proper care to maintain their beauty and lifespan. Here are some key wig maintenance tips:

• Brushing and detangling: Brush your wig gently with a dedicated wig comb or brush after each wear. Start from the ends and work your way up to the roots to avoid pulling or damaging the fibers.

• Washing: The frequency of washing depends on how often you wear your wig and your lifestyle. Synthetic wigs can typically be washed every 10-12 wears, while human hair wigs may require more frequent washing (every 4-6 wears) depending on styling products used. Use a gentle shampoo specifically formulated for wigs and follow the care instructions provided by the manufacturer.

• Conditioning: Conditioning helps to keep your wig soft and manageable. Use a conditioner specifically formulated for wigs and avoid products containing harsh chemicals or alcohols.

• Drying: Never apply heat directly to a synthetic wig. Instead, allow it to air dry on a wig stand. Human hair wigs can be blow-dried on a cool setting.

• Storing: When not in use, store your wig on a wig stand or in a breathable container to maintain its shape. Avoid storing your wig in direct sunlight or extreme temperatures.

Troubleshooting Common Wigs Issues: Achieving a Flawless Look

Even with proper care, you might encounter some minor wig woes. Here’s how to address them:

• Wig feels itchy: This can be caused by the wig cap or the wig material itself. Try using a silk or satin wig cap for added comfort. If the wig itself is itchy, consider switching to a different material or brand.

• Wig slips or feels loose: Tighten the adjustable straps or use additional wig clips to secure the wig in place.

• Wig appears unnatural: Ensure the wig cap fully conceals your natural hair. For lace front wigs, customizing the lace with foundation and potentially bleaching the knots can create a more natural hairline.

• Wig tangles easily: Use a detangling spray before brushing your wig. Synthetic wigs that tangle excessively may be a sign of lower quality fibers.