If you’re grappling with hair loss or are looking for a way to experiment with your hair without the commitment of a new cut or style, wigs can be wonderfully effective. But only when they look natural and feel comfortable.
Natural-looking custom-made wigs can make you look and feel more confident, and the following tips can help ensure that you get the most out of them:
Select the right wig:
Consider whether you want to invest in human hair or synthetic hair wigs. Typically looking and feeling more natural, human hair wigs can be styled much like your own hair, while synthetic wigs are generally cheaper and may not always look as natural.
Select the right cap construction:
Three popular types of wig cap include:
1. Lace front – creates a natural-looking hairline.
2. Monofilament – mimics the appearance of natural hair growth from the scalp.
3. Full lace – provides a natural appearance from multiple angles and offers greater styling flexibility.
The best way to know which cap construction is best for your needs and budget is to consult with a wig expert in a local boutique.
Select the right density, colour, length, and style:
Matching your wig with the density and colour of your natural hair is one of the simplest ways to make it look as if you’re not wearing a wig at all. You should also choose a length and style that suits the shape of your face for the most natural effect.
Prepare the wig properly:
Once you’ve selected the most natural-looking wig, here’s how to properly prepare it for wear:
- Get it trimmed and customized by a professional stylist.
- Have a professional carefully thin or pluck the hairline, if needed, for a look that’s less uniform and more natural.
- Have a stylist create a few short hairs along the hairline, if appropriate, to help the wig blend with your natural hairline.
- Consider having the knots on a lace wig professionally bleached, if suitable, to make them less visible and help the hair look as if it’s growing directly from your scalp.
- Wash and condition your wig with appropriate products to soften the hair (your local wig store can advise you).
Do the following for a seamless application every time:
- If needed, use a wig cap that closely matches your skin tone to give you a smooth, seamless base.
- Position the wig on your head and adjust it so that it sits naturally along your hairline.
- Secure the wig in place with wig tape, adhesive, grips, or combs, depending on the wig and your preferences.
- If necessary, use a small amount of makeup matching your skin tone to help blend the lace with your natural hairline.
Get the styling right:
To further enhance the natural look of the wig, use these styling tips:
- Part the wig in a way that resembles your own hair.
- Have a stylist create movement in your wig by adding layers.
- Use suitable heat styling tools at appropriate temperatures, along with a heat protectant, to style your human hair wig.
- Use lightweight styling products to style your wig, add volume and lift, and hold it in place.
- Maintain the shape of your wig by storing it on a wig stand away from direct sunlight.
- Get it trimmed by a professional stylist when needed; your local wig store may have some recommendations.
You deserve to look and feel great, whatever your reason for wearing a wig. With the simple tips outlined above, you can feel comfortable, confident, and stylish wearing a human hair wig that looks every bit as natural as your own hair.
