Wearing Wigs for Dummies

As an avid wig wearer, no more plopping it on and going. PLEASE NO. Here is my guide to wigs, wigs, and more wigs. There are three big steps to having wigs: buying wigs, wearing wigs, and maintaining wigs.


Buying A Wig

When buying a wig, know your budget and where you can buy wigs at that range. Usually, wigs come in different colors and styles, but most of all pay attention to whether the wig is made of a synthetic material or human hair. Human hair wigs tend to run for a high price than the synthetic wigs. Also they have different care instructions for both. Human hair tends to be more fragile and sensitive compared to synthetic wigs. Another big thing to look at when considering a wig is to look at how it is structured. Certain wigs are not as versatile and stylable like others. A basic wig will be cheaper yet less stylable than lace fronts and other complex styles. When you're looking at a selection of wigs, make sure you know what you are looking for. Looking for something new and different? Try a bright colored wig or a dramatic style like asymmetrical styles. For me, going to a physical store is better than shopping online because, with a wig cap, they will let you try different styles so you can see how the style fits your face. I have seen wigs online and tried the same ones at stores, and have put them back for that reason: it doesn't fit my face. Another thing to keep a look out for is when you are looking for a natural looking wig, get a wig as close as you can to your hair color. If you are unable to find one close to your hair color, there are hair sprays and or dyes you can use to blend your real hair with the wig. 
  • Know your budget.
  • Know your hair type: synthetic, human hair, mixture.
  • Know what type of wig you want.
  • When looking at natural styles, get it close to your natural hair. If you can't, your best bet is to spray or dye your hair (that may be showing) to the closest color of the wig.

Wearing a Wig

Wearing a wig is a big skill to learn. Too many times have I seen other girls just plop it on their head. Sis, I know you know I see the edge of that wig and your hair line. DON'T DO IT. I understand if it happens in a rush, but do everything you can to blend, blend, BLEND. It's tragic to see that. Don't wear a starch blond wig when your hair is jet black if its not Halloween or you have no intention of passing it off. Blending is all based off of the type of structure the wig is. Full wigs tend to try to cover edges, but lace fronts are designed to give you new edges over your own. Many videos are online that show how to correctly cut lace fronts. Pretty much, using the structure of the wig,  research on how to properly wear it. No more plop and go. Another big tip: secure the wig. Some wigs come with built in combs, but trust me, a few more bobby pins will secure it like its a sew in. I had the embarrassment of having extensions and wigs fall off because they weren't secured in tightly. After learning that lesson, I always have a ton of bobby pins to lock that wig in. No wind and no hands will snatch it from me. Concerning styling, depending on the type of wig, know what you can and can not do to it. Some wigs are made of materials sensitive to high heat levels and products, so be careful with what you do to your wigs.
  • Blend for your damn life. I'm not rescuing any more tragedies.
  • Know what type of structure of the wig you have and properly wear it accordingly.
  • Know what you can and can not do to the wig. No high heats? No to certain chemicals?
  • Strap the wig in. No wind can touch you. 

Maintaining a Wig

Maintenance is key. Certain wigs have certain shelf lives. Depending on the hair material and style, they can range from three months to a year. Therefore maintenance can shorten or extend the lifespan of a wig. A wig that is worn more often is going to need to more upkeep. This plays into the overall theme: know your wig. Human hair wigs tend to be sensitive to hard washing and excessive heat, so be careful with what you use and do to your wigs. Also, it is good to get mannequin heads to keep the shape of wigs. 
  • Know the lifespan of the wig.
  • Know what products you can and can not use on the wig.
  • Keep a schedule for washing and maintenance for the wig,
  • Use a mannequin head to keep the wig's shape.

Have any other tips I missed? Add them in the comments below!

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