When I first lost my hair and started down the path of getting a wig, I found it humorous that practically everything about a wig was foreign …. Right down to how to put it on! Something so elementary, yet so difficult.
I want to start off with the basics of the wig itself … front, back (nape), sides (ear tabs). The front of your wig can be made from a variety of different material depending on your wigs, ranging from lace front to machine made. The back of your wig, also called the nape, is typically where the tag is located. The sides are where the ear tabs are located. Each ear tab should line up with your ears.
Prepare Your Wig. When you first get your wig you want to shake it to loosen the fibers, especially if it’s been in a box. Use either your fingers, a wide tooth comb or a wig brush to gentle comb your wig. Most wigs come with a zig-zap part. You want to comb the part out to give it a more natural look. Never use a brush as this could damage the fibers. As you shake, comb and loosen up the fibers your wig should start taking on a more natural look.
Prepare Your Hair. Depending on the length of your hair will help determine if you should wear a wig cap. For people with no hair or short hair a wig cap may not be necessary. I don’t have any hair and still chose to wear a wig cap, as my head is very sensitive and the wigs feel itchy. People with longer hair will need to pin up your hair evenly over your head to avoid a bulky affect. Splitting your hair down the middle, then braiding each side has proven to be successful. Then place a wig cap over your hair to ensure your hair stays tucked up. In some cases, leaving some hair out in the front and sides can enhance the natural look.
Putting Your Wig On.
1. Using both hands, hold the wig by the outside edges of the nape where the label is. Tilt your head slightly forward. You will be putting the wig on in a front to back motion.
2. Position the front of the wig above your eyebrows, move your hands towards the back of your head, slipping the wig on like a swimming cap.
3. Push the front of the wig back until it rests slightly below your natural hairline. If you don’t have a visible hairline, place your pinky on your eyebrows and place your next four fingers on your forehead. Where your last finger rests is close to where the wig should rest.
4. Center the wig from left to right by positioning the ear tabs on both sides just above your ears. If the wig cap covers your ears, the wig may be too big.
If the wig feels tight or too loose, use the adjustable straps located in the back of the wig to fit the wig to your head. You can adjust the circumference of the wig up to ½” on each side for comfort.
Now that your wig is on, use your fingers or a wide tooth comb to style your hair. The more you “play” with your “hair”, the more it becomes “yours”. Throughout the day, use your fingers to tousle your hair, just like you would if it was your real hair.
Have fun and treat it like your own!
Information provided by Jon Renau
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