There are several different approaches you can take to prepare your head before putting a wig on. It can be challenging to determine which approach is best for you, though. To help you decide which is best for you, we’ve broken down the top ways to put on wigs for different hair lengths in this post. We also discuss wig caps, including whether or not they are preferred when wearing a wig.
Please read our beginners’ guide to wearing a wig if you’ve never worn one before and need some extra help choosing and going over the styling procedure before you put your wig on. You’ll be wondering, “How to put a wig on as a beginner?” after reading our guide.’ – simply jump back to this post and we will talk you through it.
Step 1: Choose Your Wig Type
Johnson advises that you identify your hair goals first. Do you desire a protective look that is simple to maintain and practically effortless? Would you rather have a wig that requires a little more upkeep but lets you change up your parts and wear your hair up in a high pony? Or do you simply want something to make your hair look incredibly long? Whatever your motivation, it will determine which wig option best suits your style.
There are four different types of wigs you can pick from:
Ready-to-wear Wigs
Beginners or people who are incredibly lazy when it comes to hair maintenance should choose this option. According to Johnson, they arrive already cut, colored, and styled. They cost less than other wig options but are less individualized. Johnson estimates that the price will range from $50 to $200 depending on the wig’s length, hair type, and place of purchase.
Lace-front Wigs
According to Johnson, these wigs give you more options for your part thanks to a 4×4 inch lace closure in the front of the piece. This option gives the wig a more realistic appearance by blending in with your hairline naturally thanks to the lace closure. This is the ideal wig for beginners to start with, but depending on where you purchase yours, they can cost a little more than ready-to-wear wigs. However, the cost of lace-front wigs typically ranges from $150 on the low end to more than $400 on the high end.
360 Lace Wigs
According to Johnson, the wig cap is positioned in the middle of these babies, which has lace all the way around the perimeter of the wig. Since the lace blends in with your scalp, you can easily switch up your style by putting your hair up in a ponytail or a bun. Johnson claims that prices typically range from $150 to over $400.
Full Lace Wigs
These are essentially the Rolls Royce of wigs, or what Kylie Jenner wears before taking a photo of a thirst trap for Instagram. According to Johnson, the wig’s entire base is made of lace. Since the lace is meant to resemble your scalp, you can style the wig however you want (Johnson even suggests braiding the ends into cornrows) without worrying about any tracks showing through.
For those who have trouble choosing what Netflix movie to watch, let alone what hairstyle to commit to, full lace wigs are ideal. Johnson issues the following warning: If this is your first time wearing a wig, you might not want to choose this style because it requires more maintenance knowledge. Oh, and just so you know: They can be pricey, ranging from $200 to well over $600.
You must decide between synthetic and human hair after deciding on the style of wig you want. According to Johnson, human hair wigs are more expensive, but they look (and feel) more realistic, can be styled with heat, and, with proper care, will last you at least a year. According to Johnson, synthetic wigs cost a lot less than human hair wigs and can’t be heatedly styled, but they also require less maintenance.
Step 2: Buy the Right Size
You must definitely keep it in mind! However, some wig options come in different sizes, so it’s good to have your measurements on hand to get a nice fit, advises Johnson. Most wigs have adjustable straps attached. Use a cloth measuring tape to determine the circumference of your head after putting your natural hair up in a ponytail. The size of your cap will depend on this number.
Step 3: Bleach The Knots
You don’t have to complete this step, but doing so will make your lace-front wig appear to be emerging from your head. This step is only necessary for lace-front wigs. According to Johnson, the bleaching procedure makes the black dots on the lace closure appear lighter and more natural in color. By the way, if you want to give this a shot, YouTuber Tabitha Sparks has a thorough and approachable tutorial.
According to Johnson, you can also use your fingers to incorporate powder foundation into the lace if you don’t want to experiment with bleach. This will make it easier to match the lace’s color to your skin tone.
Step 4: Cut The Lace
You’ll need to cut and shape the excess lace on lace wigs to make them fit your head because there is so much of it. Johnson suggests putting the wig on your head and using white eyeliner to draw the outline of the hairline you want because it is visible and simple to take off. After that, cut the lace with a pair of small, sharp scissors.
Step 5: Pluck The Wig
The procedure for plucking your wig, or removing the extra hair near your hairline, is the next item on the schedule. Johnson claims that the hairline will appear extremely dense when you first get your wig. Using a tweezer to pluck your wig will reduce its bulk and make it more resemble your real hairline. Johnson advises starting by tweezing your hairline and pulling the hair away from your face before you put the wig on your head or a mannequin head.
Step 6: Braid Down Your Natural Hair
Okay, so you need to prepare your natural hair before putting the wig on. Although Johnson advises braiding your hair into cornrows to create a smooth foundation for your wig, you can also wear your hair in a low ponytail or put on a wig cap. Make sure your braided hair is flat enough; you don’t want lumps and bumps showing under your wig.
Step 7: Place And Secure The Wig
Finally, you can put your wig on. To ensure that your hairpiece stays in place, simply slip it onto your head and fasten it with bobby pins and clips. You can also apply wig gel or glue to the hairline area.
Step 8: Hit Your Wig With Dry Shampoo
Chances are it looks extremely shiny if you decided to use synthetic hair for your wig rather than a human hair. Not the shine found in hair commercials; rather, I’m referring to the sheen found in things like Halloween wigs. Fortunately, it can be fixed. In order to reduce the wig’s fake-looking luster, Johnson advises working the dry shampoo through it.
Final Words: A Complete Guide
Here is a thorough tutorial on how to put a wig on, complete with all the best practices! If you’re a novice, keep in mind that it’s important to be patient and take your time when preparing and applying your wig because doing so will prevent wig damage and help you achieve the most natural look.
We urge you to take advantage of this chance to experiment and express your uniqueness with a hot new look by styling your look with wigs, which are a fun and versatile option. Enjoy!