Wearing a wig for the first time can be a scary experience and fill even the most confident person with dread. Our wigs for beginners guide answers some of the common questions we get asked on a daily basis and with the right advice, wig wisdom and style know-how, you’ll be stepping out in your fabulous new wig in no time. Sit back, relax and read through our top tips for first time wig wearers so you can achieve your very own effortless style and wear it with show-stopping confidence.
Wigs for everyday use
If you are wearing a wig for the first time, you may want a subtle transition from your natural colour and style. Choosing a wig that is close to your natural colour and cut initially can help you feel more comfortable in your new wig until you feel more confident experimenting with new and different styles.
Size
When it comes to wigs, you really need to make sure that it fits your head, otherwise it can end up moving throughout the day, which is a total giveaway. Although the average size wig will tend to fit most head sizes, it’s important to note that there are petite and large sizes too. Most wigs will actually come with adjustable straps so you can secure it to your head and get a comfortable fit. To work out what size wig is right for you, measure the circumference of your head (from the front hairline, behind your ear to the nape of your neck).
Hair
Although human hair wigs may be more expensive, we think it’s definitely worth the money as you can style them more easily, whereas synthetic wigs will remain in the style that you bought them. Plus, human hair obviously looks a lot more realistic, although it does require more TLC, just like your natural hair. If you do decide to go the natural hair route, you should only use products on your wig that are catered for dry, damaged hair, as the wig hair is not being naturally conditioned by the oils of your scalp.
Cap feature
There are usually three styles of wigs that you can buy; 100% hand-tied, monofilament, and lace fronts. We find that lace fronts are the easiest to use and help create the illusion of real hair at the crown of your head, making it look more realistic. These are also the quickest and easiest to fix onto your head yourself.
We like to get ours from our website as they’re really good quality, look natural, and they usually cost around $100. Although when you’re purchasing your lace cap wig, make sure the lace matches your natural skin tone. If you need to darken or lighten the lace material, you can use your foundation or a powder similar to your skin tone to get the right color. You can also use a tea bag – the longer you hold the tea to the lace, the darker it will get. We know this sounds kinda odd, but women have been using this hack for years!
Where To Find The Best Wig For Beginners?
Where you buy your wig can affect the price and whether or not you can return it if it doesn’t seem to be right for you. Look for a retailer with a generous return policy, a good reputation and responsive customer service.
Brick-and-mortar wig shops
Many people choose to purchase their wig from a physical store specializing in wigs. Wig sellers are experienced in finding the right wig or hairpiece for clients with different needs and desires and can often help you find one that fits right and looks good with your face shape and coloring.
A small wig shop is unlikely to have a very large selection, but can often order other styles that you might like. A boutique shop is likely to charge higher prices than online stores or mass merchandisers since they have higher overhead expenses.
Online wig shops
Wig stores on the Internet usually have the largest selection, but because you cannot handle or try on the wig prior to purchasing, it can be hard to find one that works best for you. Check the store’s return policy before purchasing; you’ll want to be sure you can return a wig that doesn’t fit or doesn’t look right.
If you’ve never purchased a wig before, visit a retail wig store before buying online to get an idea of which brands, materials and styles you like best. When you buy online, keep in mind the colors might not be the same on your screen as they are in person.
Beauty supply stores
Many large beauty supply stores offer a selection of wigs, but because these stores do not specialize in wigs they are unlikely to have a very broad selection. They may only carry synthetic wigs in a few standard styles, although they may have a catalog from which you can order other styles.
A beauty supply store is a good place to buy a wig if you need it immediately and do not have any wig shops in your area, or if you want a wig for a costume or very temporary use, as they tend to be more affordable at these large stores.
How To Fit Your Wig Like A Pro
Secure your natural hair
Firstly, you need to braid your hair as tightly to your head as possible, so that your hair isn’t bulky underneath the wig. We find doing two French braids is quick, easy, and comfortable. Once your hair is braided, you should clips the hanging plait in a circular motion, mimicking the natural shape of your head. Try to tame any baby hairs, combing them backward – this will help you conceal your natural hair. We like to use a toothbrush and hairspray to comb the hairs in place, as it picks up even the tiniest of hairs.
Top hack
The main goal when it comes to fitting your wig is to conceal your natural hair color as much as possible. You can try shaving your baby hairs – we know it sounds extreme, but it’s actually super easy. You only need to shave a couple of millimeters and it will make a big difference.
Fit the cap
Start by adjusting the wig at the crown of your head, and then pull it round to the nape of your neck. Then secure the clip at the back of your neck.
A Step-by-Step Beginner’s Guide to Putting On a Wig
Start with your hair prepped and flattened under a wig cap
Wig caps are essential because they protect your natural hair from potential damage while wearing a wig (i.e. breakage from friction). Your hair needs to be as flat as possible so the wig can sit naturally and not like a hump on the top of your head. I wear my hair in flat twists (like cornrows, but twists instead of braids) because they’re easy to create and remove. However, you can also braid your hair or slick it back with gel or mousse (the latter if you have short hair). The better the foundation under your wig, the better it will look when it’s on.
The wig cap that you decide to use is also up to your discretion. I prefer a nude cap or one close to my skin tone to help the parting of the wig look more natural. I recommend grabbing various colors to see which you like most.
Apply a powder that matches your skin tone to the wig cap
This is another crucial step to help you part look natural when you’re wearing a wig with a lace front parting. If you choose a wig cap that isn’t your skin tone, this step helps tweak the cap to make the part look like your scalp.
Place the wig on your head, starting in the front
I find this the easiest way to put on your wig, especially if your hair is braided, twisted, or molded. This will ensure that you’re moving the wig in the direction of the foundation that you created without disrupting it.
Determine what kind of part you want and adjust the wig accordingly
Secure your wig (lace front or lace closure wigs)
Depending on the kind of wig that you have, this step may look different. If you have a wig with a lace closure or lace frontal, you may want to consider laying it down with heavy-duty hairspray. Wig glue works as well. However, I prefer spray because it’s easier to work with, much more forgiving and removes easily without causing damage to the hairline.
Apply powder to the parting space
Yes, yet another step to make the part look official, but you’ll be glad you did it. You can take the powder in the shade Tan and applying directly on the part. This helps to make the knots that you see on the closure invisible, but also slightly widens the part to once again, make it look more realistic.
Slay queen!
And just like that, your wig is installed and looks fabulous—but most of all, natural-looking. Remember, your wig doesn’t have to look like one. Now that you’re on your way to being a wig master, I recommend investing in any of these top-rated units for your new signature look.
Wigs for beginners
