7 Tips of Wig Wearing

               I started losing my hair after my son, Ryan passed away in 2017.  I was diagnosed with Alopecia, an autoimmune disease triggered by stress.  By 2019, I was wig dependent. I didn’t know anything about wig wearing and I was petrified about the whole thing. Living in a small town, there weren’t many wig stores to turn to for help. I went to a small wig boutique and purchased my first wig, choosing it from their limited selection.  It was a short wig with lots of permatease, a structural component in wigs that give volume and lift. It’s short for permanent teasing.  My natural hair was flat and fine! So, the volume of my new hair just looked unnatural on me.  I purchased other wigs of different lengths, colors and textures trying to find one that I liked.

I finally found an online wig store called Wig Studio 1. They also have a Facebook support group. The interaction of other wig wearers was very insightful.  Just knowing that I wasn’t alone on my journey was comforting and encouraging! I highly recommend connecting with other wig wearers. There are many Facebook groups to choose from. 

I finally found a cute bob with face framing layers that looked good on me and very natural.  It was a good feeling to get compliments on my hair.  I was even asked who my hairdresser was because they liked my cut and color so much!  I usually tell people unashamedly that it’s a wig in situations like that.  I’m so happy that I have that option to wear one!  It’s taken me several years to get to that point.  There’s nothing wrong with replying with a gracious thank you when people compliment your hair!  Don’t feel like you must tell them it’s a wig. They don’t need to know unless you want to tell them.

My favorite wig was too big for my head.  It was loose and baggy on my head.  The ear tabs came down too far. I didn’t know that heads came in different sizes!  I didn’t know that wigs came in different sizes too! Petite wigs fit me the best and are the most comfortable on my head.  To find out your head size, use a fabric tape measure, start at your hairline and go around your head circumference back to the beginning. A petite head is 20”-21.5”, average is 21.5”-22.5” and large is 22.5”-24”. Wigs come in petite, average and large.  However, the selection of petite and large wigs are not as big as average.

I’ve made a list of helpful things to know about wig wearing that I wish I knew in the beginning of my wig wearing journey. Hopefully, these will help you be more confident in your new wig!

1. Make sure you get the right size for your head.  The wrong size won’t look natural and will slip on your head.
2. Use the four-finger rule to find your hairline if you don’t have hair. Open your hand with your fingers touching each other.  Start at your eyebrows and go up your forehead. The fourth finger is where your hairline should be.  This is a good rule of thumb! No punt intended! 
3. Keep your wig from slipping by using a wig cap, wig grip or an adhesive.  I use Got 2b Glued hair spray to secure my wig.  I don’t have hair along my hairline so getting it in my natural hair is not an issue.  I get hot easily and didn’t want the extra layers of the wig cap or wig grip on my head.  I found this works great for me.  Before, I started securing my wigs, I looked in the mirror one day and my wig had slipped back.  It was embarrassing.
4. Customize your wig! You can wear the wigs right out of the box but if you cut bangs, trim the cut or thin it out, it helps make it look more natural and fit your face better. I recommend asking your hair dresser if she has ever cut a wig or is comfortable with it.  Start with a little and then cut more because remember this hair won’t grow back if too much is cut off.
5. Take care of it.  Wigs aren’t cheap! So you want them to last and look good. Follow the manufacturer’s directions on care and use the right products.  Synthetic wigs require care products especially made for them.  Human hair wigs can be cared for using sulfate-free care products or products formulated for color treated hair.  This will keep it looking vibrant longer.  Use the proper combs and styling tools with low heat on heat friendly wigs.  Have a back up wig ready for wash day.  Wigs need to air dry and that takes several hours.  A good rule of thumb is to wash them after 8 to 10 wears. 
6. Avoid heat. Many wigs are not heat friendly.  Keep those wigs away from the stove or open flames such as bond fires.  I made the mistake getting too close to a fire while burning tree limbs and scorched my wig and ruined it. 
7. Be confident.  This may be easier said than done especially early on in your wig wearing journey.  I remember the fear that I had the first time I wore a wig into a store.  I felt everyone knew.  Wigs have come a long way.  They look more natural than ever.  It helps to have a thankful attitude that wigs are even an option.  A thankful attitude produces confidence.  Own it!  Be confident!  Wear it with your head up high!  You got this girl! Your not alone!

I know it’s hard losing your hair, but we do have the wonderful option of wearing wigs or toppers. Toppers is for thinning hair on top when you don’t need a full wig. It’s a great option! I suggest going to a few wig stores and try on wigs to see what fits your face. No matter if you want straight, short, long or curly there’s a wig for you. There are many brands to choose from with different price points. Don’t let it intimidate you. You’ll find what you are looking for!