There are hundreds of videos on my YouTube channel, many of which can serve as your personal wig coaching – teaching you how to wear wigs, tips and tricks, as well as techniques to making your wig look as natural as possible. These videos can be found in my Wigs 101 playlist and include step-by-step instructions, demos, as well as “quick coaching” videos to help you become the master of your wig game! I also have a series, Wig Tips, which explores beyond the “how-to’s” and provides more practical and even funny information about wig life, like how and where to purchase wigs, daily wig question including wearing wigs at the gym, wig secrets and realities, as well as informational topics such as the history of wigs.
During the course of my wig life, I have learned A LOT of tips and techniques to making my wigs look as natural and realistic as possible. These tips will help to shorten your wig learning curve - some of which I have rarely or never shared before!
Before you even touch your wig, the first step is mental. Wig stigma, fear, and misconceptions can play a huge role in seeing yourself in a wig and feeling convinced that it looks “realistic”. For some, putting on a wig and feeling confident comes naturally, but for others, wearing a wig comfortably may take a little time and work. But just like with anything, practice and experimentation can make all the difference!
Here’s an assignment to help you get mentally prepared: Spend some time looking at photos of real women wearing wigs and also of women who have natural hair that you love. Why? I have found that one of the biggest fears women have about wearing wigs is that they are afraid that they will look fake or “wiggy”. By spending time looking at wigs and natural hair, you will be able to understand the little tweaks that you can make to a wig to make it look more natural. I also recently did a video where I explored the hairlines and parts of wigs vs. bio hair. I wanted to see for myself if wigs were as detectable as we believe they are in our heads. What I found may surprise you as it really surprised me!
This leads me into my second tip: research! I really believe that being informed is one of the best tools that you have available. Wigs can look very realistic and like with anything else, the more you know the more you grow. That could not apply more to wearing wigs.
Whenever I make a video, I do extensive research and add what I have learned to my personal experience. Whatever questions or concerns you have about wigs – look them up. Watch YouTube videos, read blogs like this one, and visit Facebook groups dedicated to wigs. You will learn so much! That being said, keep in mind that wearing wigs is very personal and we all have different preferences. Take and incorporate what you learn that applies to you and add it to your growing knowledge.
Now that you have done some research and understand the ways that wigs can look more like natural bio hair, let’s talk lace! Not all wigs have lace fronts, but if you plan to purchase a lace front or already own one, I’ve got a few tricks to make your hairline look more realistic. Some lace front wigs come with pre-cut, ready to wear lace and others come with lace that will need to be trimmed down.
If you plan to utilize your own hair to blend the wig, then feel free to cut the lace back right up to the wig’s hairline if you desire. However, if you are not using your bio hair to blend the wig, cut the lace based on how your natural hairline is, or would be. Remember - our hairlines are not perfect and are unique to our heads – so your wig’s hairline should follow suit. I have found that embracing the natural imperfections that parts and hairlines have really contribute to wigs looking more realistic.
Wigs UKSpeaking of your natural hairline, here’s a bonus tip. One thing I have been doing lately, which has helped my wigs look more convincing, is to keep my widow’s peak, sideburns, and the patches of hair around my hairline that extend past my wig’s hairline intact. Though I shave down the sides and back of my bio hair, I leave enough in these areas that help create a “natural” illusion around the hairline.
Okay, now that we have explored the hairline, let’s move on to the rooting and part area of the wig.Have you ever noticed that wigs with some rooting (a darker color at the root of the wig that mimics bio hair) look more natural? If you’re looking to create the illusion of bio hair, choose a rooted style or create roots using a variety of products.
I have many videos on the technique of creating roots, but one of the most important elements is to be sure to root the wig along the parting space as well as along the hairline. Believe it or not, you most likely already have the products that you need to create rooting! Products that can be used to achieve roots include brow powders and matte eyeshadows of the color desired. Colored dry shampoos and root sprays are quite effective as well. These sprays allow you to blend in your bio hair along the hairline for a seamless look – especially if your hair is not quite the color of the roots. Keep in mind these products are not waterproof and can come off on your hands or be washed out. If you require a more waterproof option, then alcohol-activated face & body paint (makeup) would be best.
Now that the rooting looks more natural, let’s work on the part. Using powder in the part that matches your skin tone can help it look more like your scalp. To add further seamlessness, I place powder all along the hairline - where the lace and knots meet your skin.In the parting area, I use the same color powder as my skin tone or just slightly lighter, as our scalp can often be. Along the hairline, I use powder that is the same color as my skin tone and add a bit of bronzer where it would naturally fall on my forehead and temples near the wig.
We are getting closer now! There are several things you can “do” to the wig to ensure it looks more undetectable. Other than creating rooting, adding “baby hairs” and sideburns can serve more than one purpose. They can mimic numerous natural hairlines but don’t forget your research…not all hairlines look the same. Moreover, baby hairs and sideburns can be gelled or “laid” down, which can add a bit of security without having to glue down the entire wig.
The most important tip is to avoid making the wig look too perfect. If you want your wig to look natural, remember that hair is free moving, can have a mind of its own, and is not usually keen to stay put - unless styled that way. As I say, “gruff it up a bit”! Lol! When I say gruff it up a bit, I mean shake out the wig and break up the part – separating it from any permatease that may be present.Play around with the fibers of the part until it looks … “right” to you.
Finger-pick and fluff up the wig with your hands. Sometimes playing around with combing and moving around the fibers of a wig can really do wonders! As I said before, your head and hairline are unique to you, don’t expect your wig to come already prepared for it. A synthetic wig may look like human hair, but it is in fact fibers. From the wig’s assembly to packaging and shipping, those fibers can arrive to you flattened and tight to one another. The warmth of your hands and some gruffing can make your wig come alive.
Finally, feel free to style and accessorize! Treat your wig as you would your bio hair or the dream hair you have always wanted!! Experiment: clip it up, add a headband, put it in a pony…. have fun with it! My motto is: Life is short wear wigs!!
Lace Front The lace front cap design is built for those seeking the most natural look possible. It is the most expensive of all five designs, with a very authentic hairline that allows the wearer to easily style their hair away from their face. This cap is delicate and requires more care than the other options. The wearer should use tape or adhesive to secure the piece. It’s made with a lace front, a monofilament top and hand-tied back, giving the wearer a custom fit to present the most natural hairline possible. Standard cap wigs are a great place to start if you are looking for a beginner wig or unsure which cap size to select. There’s a perfect cap style for everyone. Please give us a call at 1-800-927-0874 for assistance, and we’ll walk you through the process. Natural or Synthetic Strands: The Benefits and Drawbacks Your initial reason for buying a hairpiece should guide you in which of these two types to choose. Are you on the go all the time? You might need a convenient, pre-styled synthetic piece. Synthetic strands are very affordable. They look quite natural, but they are easily styled and relatively lightweight. However, it’s not as durable as human hair and often can’t be styled using heat, limiting your style options. This wig only lasts between three and six months, and requires the use of synthetic hair care products.
If you’ve got the time and resources to work with a natural hairpiece, it can be very rewarding. The natural strand wig (human hair) offers exceptional versatility. Your hairpiece will flow easily with its soft texture and natural movement. These strands have a lustrous shine that lasts for several years. But it has its disadvantages too. This wig is expensive and requires dedicated maintenance. This piece must be customized for you right away and requires daily styling. Cleaning and Maintenance When caring for your wig, imagine you are washing delicate garments. If it’s being worn daily, it’s recommended that it be washed at least once a week. If it’s only being worn occasionally, you needn’t wash it quite as frequently. Cleaning a Synthetic Wig Start by filling your sink with cool water Immerse your cap to drench it Gently massage the wig shampoo onto the inside of the cap. Be sure to get the hairline to remove any residue Dip the wig in the water to make it sudsy
Drain the sink Rinse thoroughly with cool water DO NOT COMB WHEN WET Lie out a towel and gently roll the wig in the towel. DO NOT WRING THE TOWEL OUT Lightly blot the water from the hair with a towel, and hang it to dry Once the wig is completely dry, brush from tips to roots and style as needed Cleaning a Natural Wig Start by filling the sink with cool water Pour in a mixture of mild shampoo and conditioner Soak the wig in the mixture Work the solution through the hair from roots to tips Rinse in warm water Gently towel the hair dry Comb wet hair from nape to crown using gentle downward strokes, one section at a time Allow wig to air dry Restyle using a blow dryer or curling iron on a low heat setting Natural wigs are an investment and must be cleaned according to the instructions. If you have any questions about cleaning your wig properly,
Styling a Natural Wig Human hair wigs can be styled just like your own hair, with curling irons, flat irons, hair dryers, etc. However, you’ll want to be sure that you don’t get too close to the base of the wig. Heat applied to the base can melt or damage the cap. Always use a wide-tooth pick or comb for curly styles, and a wire brush for straight styles. AVOID STANDARD BRUSHES Start at the tips and work your way to the roots. Style with electric rollers on a medium setting For a complete restyle, take your piece to a professional stylist For additional tips, call our professionals at 1-800-927-0874. Styling a Synthetic Wig With a synthetic piece, a little finger styling should do the trick, or maybe some light combing to control flyaway hairs. That’s the beauty of this type of wig! Some synthetics are now made to withstand heat up to a certain degree. If your wig is made from a heat-resistant fiber, you can experiment with a small strand of hair in the back to see how it reacts to the temperature of your personal styling tools.
Styling tips: For no-muss, no-fuss styling, shake your wig out and finger style. For tight curl or ringlet styles, shake the wig vigorously, then gently lift and separate curls. For straight styles, brush in long, even strokes from crown to tips. Need that extra va-va-voom? Call one of our professionals for additional styling tips at 1-800-927-0874. Storing your wig There are several options for wig storage. They should always be kept in clean, dry areas, away from any heat source or window. Being left in direct sunlight can lift the color, making it appear artificial or uneven. Store your wig: On a wig stand A Styrofoam head form. Or fold it inside out and place it in a box; this helps preserve the fiber and retain the shape.
Welcome to Lace Frontier, a monthly column in which we dive into the dynamic, ever-changing world of wigs, its relevance in our culture, and, of course, tips on how to get all your pieces looking right. Today, we start with the basics — the vocabulary you need to, at the very least, not make a fool of yourself when you head to the beauty supply shop. Read on to find out the basics of what kind of wigs are on the market, how much they cost, and how to properly care for them. Wigs are having a major moment in the beauty industry. They’ve been a longtime staple for event-going celebrities looking to quickly change their hairstyle for the red carpet without damaging their own hair. But beyond the world of stardom (and perhaps your aunties), wigs have been gaining major steam on social media, where skilled hairstylists showcase their magic for the masses. Every other day, it seems, a stylist goes viral for flawlessly blending a unit to the point where it looks exactly like it could be the client’s own hair. And just as there are many different ways to style a wig, there are many different kinds of wigs to style. Frontals, full-lace wigs, synthetic units — you've got options, baby. Whether you’re a naturalista who wants to switch it up without putting stress on your strands, or you’re simply looking for a change without the commitment, wigs are an incredibly versatile and convenient option to consider. “People don’t like to put heat on [or color] their natural hair. With these wigs, [you can] change your hairstyle frequently without ruining the integrity of your natural hair," Kellon Deryck, hairstylist and the mastermind behind Cardi B’s half-up, half-down style at Coachella, explains. "So you get this flawless look without having to press out your edges or color your hair time after time.”
Welcome to Lace Frontier, a monthly column in which we dive into the dynamic, ever-changing world of wigs, its relevance in our culture, and, of course, tips on how to get all your pieces looking right. Today, we start with the basics — the vocabulary you need to, at the very least, not make a fool of yourself when you head to the beauty supply shop. Read on to find out the basics of what kind of wigs are on the market, how much they cost, and how to properly care for them. Wigs are having a major moment in the beauty industry. They’ve been a longtime staple for event-going celebrities looking to quickly change their hairstyle for the red carpet without damaging their own hair. But beyond the world of stardom (and perhaps your aunties), wigs have been gaining major steam on social media, where skilled hairstylists showcase their magic for the masses. Every other day, it seems, a stylist goes viral for flawlessly blending a unit to the point where it looks exactly like it could be the client’s own hair. And just as there are many different ways to style a wig, there are many different kinds of wigs to style. Frontals, full-lace wigs, synthetic units — you've got options, baby. Whether you’re a naturalista who wants to switch it up without putting stress on your strands, or you’re simply looking for a change without the commitment, wigs are an incredibly versatile and convenient option to consider. “People don’t like to put heat on [or color] their natural hair. With these wigs, [you can] change your hairstyle frequently without ruining the integrity of your natural hair," Kellon Deryck, hairstylist and the mastermind behind Cardi B’s half-up, half-down style at Coachella, explains. "So you get this flawless look without having to press out your edges or color your hair time after time.”
Types of Wigs 1) Ready-Made Wigs These are readily available at local beauty supply stores and hair vendors. They are prestyled, often synthetic, one-size-fits-all creations that can be adjusted to the wearer’s head, and sold at a set price. For those of us with limited disposable income, they are usually budget-friendly, ranging from $20 to $400; though, in my experience, $150 is the average. Most Popular megan thee stallion led light up manicure NAILS
Wigs UKA Moment for Megan The Stallion's Light-Up Nails, Please BY KARA NESVIG Sydney Sweeney HAIR Sydney Sweeney Chopped Her Hair Into a Lob and Said Goodbye to the Middle Part BY EMILY TANNENBAUM nail slugging NAILS Nail Slugging Has Taken Over TikTok — Here's What It Is and Why It Works BY KARA NESVIG 2) Lace-Front Wigs These are typically human-hair made, with a closure (a hairpiece that looks like your natural scalp) sewn on the unit's crown that can only be parted one or two ways in the front. Afterward, tracks are sewn on the back of the unit from ear to ear. They can cost between $100 and $500.
3) Full-Lace Wigs
Most Popular megan thee stallion led light up manicure NAILS A Moment for Megan The Stallion's Light-Up Nails, Please BY KARA NESVIG Sydney Sweeney HAIR Sydney Sweeney Chopped Her Hair Into a Lob and Said Goodbye to the Middle Part BY EMILY TANNENBAUM nail slugging NAILS Nail Slugging Has Taken Over TikTok — Here's What It Is and Why It Works BY KARA NESVIG
Usually made with human hair and constructed from a lace cap, “a full-lace wig is a ventilated unit that has versatility [and] allows you to part your hair in any direction. [Whether you want] ponytails or cornrows, you have unlimited styling options available with full-lace wigs,” Deryck explains. They are installed by first braiding one’s natural hair in cornrows, usually straight back; applying a bit of adhesive glue around the hair's perimeter (without getting it into any of your own hair); and then putting the wig on and in place by bonding it to the glue and securing with wig clips, if there are any included with the unit. A full-lace wig can set you back $200 to $5,000, depending on the quality.
4) Custom Wigs As the name suggests, these are human-hair wigs created specifically for one person, with head circumference and style preferences in mind. Custom wigs are made by a hair professional who first creates a base (usually from lace or a stocking cap with a stretchy, premeasured band attached) fitted to your head, and then sews the hair of your choice onto it. Available as a lace-front or full-lace wig, they can cost more than $200. Wig Maintenance As with hair extensions, you should care for them as you would your own hair. That said, with wigs, in particular, there are some key factors to keep in mind to extend the life of your unit. Take off custom units and store-bought wigs every night and store them on a mannequin head. If your wig is sewn along your hairline, however, wear a silk bonnet or scarf at night to protect the hair and keep it in tip-top shape (the same goes for full-lace wigs that have been applied with an adhesive). Most Popular megan thee stallion led light up manicure NAILS A Moment for Megan The Stallion's Light-Up Nails, Please BY KARA NESVIG
Sydney Sweeney HAIR Sydney Sweeney Chopped Her Hair Into a Lob and Said Goodbye to the Middle Part BY EMILY TANNENBAUM nail slugging NAILS Nail Slugging Has Taken Over TikTok — Here's What It Is and Why It Works BY KARA NESVIG 1) Wash your wig(s) with sulfate-free shampoo and conditioner Your own hair benefits from the oils produced by your scalp, but wigs don't have a natural source of moisture, so you should avoid cleansing them with products that contain harsh detergents. This is where sulfate-free shampoo and conditioners come in: They work as gentle cleansers, so you won't damage the integrity of the hair.
Nicki Minaj New York Fashion Week Purple Ombr Wig NEW YORK, NY - SEPTEMBER 06: Nicki Minaj leaves the Daily Front Row's 2018 Fashion Media Awards at Park Hyatt New York on September 6, 2018 in New York City. (Photo by James Devaney/GC Images)James Devaney 2) Don't wash them too much How often you should be washing your wigs depends on how frequently you wear them. If you wear a wig daily, washing it twice a month is sufficient to ensure hair remains bouncy and fresh-looking for as long as possible. But if you only wear a wig once in a while, a once-a-month wash will suffice. Never wash wigs more than twice in any given month, or you can risk damaging the unit and shortening its lifespan. 3) Keep all wigs on a mannequin head when not in use Unless your wig is sewn to your head, Deryck suggests getting a mannequin head where you can rest it between wears. This also works as a great way to keep your wig's hairstyle intact as you get ready to go out. Leave it on the stand, then slip it on before heading out the door.
Most Popular megan thee stallion led light up manicure NAILS A Moment for Megan The Stallion's Light-Up Nails, Please BY KARA NESVIG Sydney Sweeney HAIR Sydney Sweeney Chopped Her Hair Into a Lob and Said Goodbye to the Middle Part BY EMILY TANNENBAUM NAILS Nail Slugging Has Taken Over TikTok — Here's What It Is and Why It Works
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