I’ve been wearing wigs for about 4 years now. I was tired of sitting in a salon all day to get my hair done. I was tired of having that itch under my weave that I couldn’t get to. I was tired of not having the freedom to switch up my style more frequently. I was over having hair. However, my transition to wigs was fairly seamless because I was already wearing full sew-in weaves with lace closures. Thanks to Youtube bloggers, I took a leap out on faith to make my own wig and have been making my own wigs ever since.
If you are considering the transition to this protective style, there are some things to consider.
- Secure the wig! There are so many videos on the internet of women losing their hair. If you’re like me, you don’t do activities. No swimming. No running. Nothing that could potentially put me in the position to lose my hair. But I do secure my wig. My #1 method is simple: Bobby pins. I always use a minimum of 4 Bobby pins. One at the right temple, one at the left temple, one at the right nape and one at the left nape. Depending on the condition of my hair underneath (explained later) determines the number of Bobby pins. Another security measure is the elastic band method. I simple sew an elastic band into the cap of the wig to ensure it’s suctioned to my head. Lastly, depending on the wig typically only frontals, I used Schwarzkopf’s Got2Be gel and hair spray. To see a video of this method, click here. Wig tape is also an option but doesn’t work particularly well for me.
- Your hair has to be FLAT! No matter the wig, you want it to sit flat on your head. In order for that to happen, your hair has to be extremely flat. I typically braid my hair down into 6/8 braids. When wearing frontals, I may do fewer or more. This is especially important if your hair is thick. The thicker the hair, the more braids you’ll need to make sure it’s flaaaaaatttttt!
- Get a wig cap sis! After my hair is braided flat, I wear a wig cap, sometimes even two! A wig cap is necessary. First, it helps to ensure your hair is flat. It protects your real hair from any friction between your hair and the cap. It also helps to prevent slippage, meaning your wig sliding back. In some cases, I utilize the wig cap when doing the Got2Be Glue method.
- Start simple! I would never suggest to a novice wig wearing to get a frontal especially if you have never worn a closure. A simple lace closure will warm you up to the idea of not having the realistic part.
- If you’re looking for a “realistic” wig, you’ll be greatly disappointed. 9/10 you can look at someone’s hair and know whether or not it is their hair or not. Wearing realistic FULL wigs is an unrealistic expectation but not an impossible one. I’ve never worn fake hair to fool people that it was actually mine. Wear that wig because you want to slay a look not to convince others.
- WIGS ARE THE BEST! While wigs can be extremely challenging, they offer limitless opportunities. I can have multiple hair styles in ONE day. As I am trying to restore my natural hair, wigs allow me to protect the hair I have without having to put it through strenuous heat damage.
I truly love wigs. My life revolves around my wigs. In these 4 years, I haven’t taken care of my own hair because I cared too much for my wigs. I am trying to change that around now. I offer my brief insight on what has worked/works for me.
If you have any questions or comments, drop them below!
