I previously created a post for beginning wig wearers, but with time, I now have some updates. Wigs have been my savior, particularly now that we are in a pandemic. They offer the flexibility of switching up your look regularly, no longer having to sit in a salon for hours, and just pure freedom. If you are considering the transition to this protective style, here are some things to consider.
Making a wig vs. Buying a wig
Wig making can be daunting, especially if you don’t have the experience of doing hair on yourself or others. I grew up in a hair salon so I had great foundational knowledge. For beginning wig wearers, I will always recommend buying a wig before you get into making them. I suggest this because it is important to understand your style preferences.
Human hair vs. Synthetic hair
When I mention style preferences, the key one to distinguish is between human hair vs. synthetic hair. Synthetic wigs have definitely come a long way but they are still susceptible to low heat and have a higher chance of tangling and being no good. They are good for short-term wear but not long-term. Now, I do have a theory that the human hair on the market is not 100% human because there’s no possible way the amount of hair in production equates to human production.
Closures vs. Frontals
I will never recommend for a beginning wig wearer to start with frontals. Frontals are absolutely beautiful but take a lot of work. Additionally, frontals are made for short-term wear, about two to three days before it begins to lift. I am the strongest advocate for a lace closure because you get more wear but, opposed to a frontal, it also doesn’t require additional products for security, like Got2Be gel and hair spray or lace glue.
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. I also use wig grips, which are another great alternative. Another security measure is the elastic band method. Sew an elastic band into the cap of the wig to ensure it’s suctioned to your 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 six to eight 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!
As of lately, I have started to flat twist my hair. This method has proven to be less stressful and creating less tension on my natural hair. In order for flat twist to lay extremely flat, you have to find a pattern that works best for the wig that you are wearing and you will have to do more twist compared to the six to eight braids.
Get a wig cap sis!
Once you hair is flat, apply 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 wig. It also helps to prevent slippage when your wig may be sliding back. I typically wear black wig caps but may also wear nude ones depending on the wig.
If you’re looking for a “realistic” wig, you’ll be disappointed.
In most cases, you can look at someone’s hair and know whether or not it is their hair or not. Wearing realistic wigs is an unrealistic expectation but not an impossible one. You can modify any wig to make it look as natural as possible. However, you have to keep in mind, wigs were designed for on-camera aesthetics. While it may look good in photos, it may not look as good in person. 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.
Ways to make wigs look realistic
Plucking the hairline is one of the best ways to make any wig look realistic. Take a pair of tweezers and remove excess hair from the frontal or closure to emulate either your natural hairline or a hairline that your like. Applying your shade of concealer or powder is another way to make your wig look more realistic. Apply the concealer or powder across the frontal or in the part of the closure.
WIGS ARE THE BEST!
While wigs can be extremely challenging, they offer limitless opportunities. I can have multiple hair styles in ONE day. I truly love wigs. My life revolves around my wigs. I have made more of an effort to now take better care of my natural hair. It’s cool to wear the wigs, but it’s also cool to have a good head of hair underneath.
If you have any questions or comments, drop them below!
