How to Wear a Wig

Wearing a wig can easily change or enhance your look. You may want to wear a wig if you are going to a costume party, but it can also be an everyday essential when you want a different color or style. Wearing a wig can be a far cheaper and less intrusive way to deal with hair loss, too. No matter the reason for your wig, you can wear it successfully if you know the right type for you and how to put it on properly.

EditSteps

EditChoosing the Right Wig

1. Choose a wig close to your natural hair for a subtle transition. If this is your first time wearing a wig, and you want it to look natural, be sure to find a wig that resembles your natural hair in color, texture, and style.^[1]
   
   • Once you get comfortable wearing the wig, you will feel more confident and may want to experiment with new and different styles.
   • Your hairstylist is a great resource for helping you choose a wig. You can ask them for anything from recommendations of wig specialists in the area to what style and color would look good on you.
2. Measure your head to get the right fit. Use a soft tape measure to find out the circumference of your head. To do this, measure from the front hairline to just behind your ear, along the back of your neck, around to the other ear, and then back again to the front hairline. Record this measurement and use it when you shop online or in a store for your wig.^[2]
   
3. Invest in a human hair wig for the most natural look and feel. Human hair wigs can easily be styled, cut, and dyed. They also have the most natural movement and shine. They are more expensive, but they are also more durable.^[3]
   
   • To find a human hair wig, start by going to your local wig specialist. If you don’t find what you need there, or you don’t have one nearby, try searching for online wig retailers.
   • Depending on your preferences, human hair wigs can cost between $800-$3000.^[4]
   • A human hair wig also needs to be washed regularly.
4. Try a synthetic hair wig for a minimal styling option. The advantage of synthetic hair wigs is that they don’t require much styling to wear. They also retain curls, waves and volume. You can usually wear synthetic wigs in rain or snow without messing up your hairstyle. Although many synthetic wigs will not look as natural as human hair wigs, you can find high-quality synthetic hair wigs that look almost exactly like real human hair.^[5]
   
   • Synthetic hair wigs cost between $30-$500.^[6]
   • You will have limited options for changing the style of a synthetic wig because the strands are sensitive to heat styling tools. You can buy a heat-resistant synthetic wig or use more gentle straightening or curling methods.
5. Choose a lace front wig if you like to wear your hair away from your face. A lace front wig creates an undetectable hairline in the front of the wig so you won’t have to worry about sweeping your hair up and away from your face. It also allows you to part your hair wherever you would like.^[7]
   
   • For an even more natural look, get a wig that is hand-tied instead of machine-made. Each individual hair is hand-tied to the wig cap, so you won’t be able to see any machine stitching at all.
6. Ask your stylist to cut the wig in a style that complements your face. Once you have your wig, don’t be afraid to change up the style. Consult with your stylist about what would look best on you. A flattering cut will help you feel more like yourself in the wig.^[8]
   
   • Remember to tell your stylist what type of wig you have, since human hair and synthetic wigs have to be treated differently.

EditPutting on the Wig

1. Pull your hair away from your face. If you are covering your natural hair with a wig, you will need to get it out of the way before you put the wig on. Brush your hair back away from your face with your hands or a hair brush. Pin it back using 3-4 bobby pins towards the back of your head.^[9]
   
   • After you’ve pinned the hair back, you can spray it with hairspray to keep it securely in place.
2. Pin up long hair to help hide it under the wig. Split your hair into two sections. Bring the right section up along the left side of your head and pin it in place using a row of bobby pins. Space the bobby pins about apart.^[10]
   
   • Try to get your hair to lie as flat as possible. Don’t twist it as you pin it up or it will be more bulky.
   • For very long, unruly hair, braid your hair into two French braids that sit tight against the scalp. Cross them at the nape of your neck and secure them at the top and bottom with hair clips.
3. Put a wig cap on your head before the wig. To keep your hair covered and help secure the wig, place the wig cap against your natural hairline in the front. Stretch it over to fit onto your head from the front to the back. Tuck away any stray hairs into the cap.^[11]
   
   • If you have a lot of long hair clipped up or braided, it may be easier to put the cap on from the back to the front to help keep your hair in place.
   • You can also make your own wig cap if you want the perfect custom fit.
4. Secure the cap in place with snap clips. Use 6 clips spaced evenly across the front of your head and 4 at the back of your head. Make sure the bottom of the clip is under the wig cap to secure it in place.
   
5. Put on the wig. Hold the wig with both hands inside the wig, with the back of the wig facing you. Tilt your head forward and put the front of the wig against your front hairline. Slide the wig on your head and slip your hands out from under it. Adjust the edge of the wig so it lines up with your hairline.^[12]
   
6. Secure the wig with glue or tape. Once you’ve put the wig on, lift up the edge of the wig on one side. Apply glue or tape along your hairline. Release the edge of the wig and press it gently into the adhesive. Repeat along the top of your hairline and on the other side.
   
   • Find wig glue and tape at your local wig shop, costume shop, or online.
   • If you are using glue, keep the edge of the wig lifted for about 30 seconds to allow the glue to dry before you place the wig back down for an extra secure hold.
   • If you wig fits very well and has clips attached to it, you may be able to skip the glueing or taping. Simply tuck the wig clips in underneath your wig cap and press the center of the clip to snap it shut.

EditTroubleshooting Common Problems

1. Gain more confidence in your wig by wearing it around family and friends. If you are nervous about wearing your wig in public, try wearing it just around select friends or family members. This will allow you to test out whether the wig will stay in place and feel comfortable. It will also help you feel more confident.^[13]
   
2. Wear a hat or scarf over your wig when it’s windy. If you are worried your wig might come off or get blown out of place on a windy day, try accessorizing your wig to make it more secure. Be sure to use wig glue or clips for extra stability.^[14]
   
   • Try a straw hat with a cotton liner for warm, windy days.
   • Drape a colorful scarf over your head and tie the ends under your chin for an easy way to protect your wig against the wind.
   • Be careful when you are taking off your hat so you don’t inadvertently take your wig off at the same time. Fasten the wig down especially well with glue and/or clips and take your hat off very carefully to avoid this. If you are concerned your wig will come off, take your hat off in the bathroom or other private place.
   • Avoid extremely tight-fitting hats like beanies. Although it may seem like it will secure your wig better, it is difficult to take a tight hat off without taking the wig off with it.
   • You can also fasten your hat to your wig using bobby pins.
3. Use a cotton wig liner for hot days. If you find you are sweating a lot under your wig on especially hot days, try wearing a thin cotton wig liner. The material will soak up extra sweat to help you stay cool.^[15]
   
   • You can find wig liners at your local wig supplier or online.
   • For extra sweat-fighting protection, sprinkle baby powder on your scalp before you put your wig on.

EditThings You'll Need

• Bobby pins
• Snap clips
• Wig glue or tape
• Wig cap
• Cotton wig liner (optional)

EditTips

• Shampoo and condition your hair and scalp regularly to remove dirt and sebum and keep it healthy.^[16]
• Take off your wig and take out any braids or clips at night.^[17]

EditWarnings

• Don’t wear a wig on top of wet hair. This can cause bacteria to grow.^[18]
• Wearing a wig for extended periods of time can cause damage to your hair and even contribute to hair loss. Be sure to take your wig off regularly to let your scalp breathe, and don’t neglect caring for your natural hair by keeping it clean and well-moisturized.^[19]

EditSources and Citations

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