Wearing a Wig for the First Time
Wear Your First Wig with Confidence
The first time wearing a wig can fill even the most self-assured person with ‘what-ifs’. What if it looks unnatural? What if someone notices? What if it falls off? Wearing a wig for the first time may be daunting, but with the right wig and a few simple coping strategies, you will be stepping out with confidence in no time.
The first thing to remember is that nobody is looking at you as much as you might think they are. People are generally too wrapped up in their own lives to start scrutinising the appearances of others. The second is that with today’s wig manufacturing technology, many bear such a close resemblance to natural hair that you need have no worry about blending into the crowd.
These top tips for the first time wig user will guide you along every step of the way, from buying your first wig to wearing it out in public for the first time.
Buying Your First Wig
To begin with, you might find it easiest to choose a wig that is close to your hair’s natural colour and texture until you feel more confident experimenting with different styles. Ask your stylist to cut it into a style that suits your face, and it’ll instantly look and feel more ‘you’.
Here are some other key factors that you might wish to consider when buying a wig for the first time:
- If you like to wear your hair tied back, a lace-front cap will give a natural looking hairline.
- If you like to experiment with different styles, choose a hand-tied wig or monofilament cap. These are designed look natural no matter how the hair is styled or where it is parted.
- Most wigs come in a standard size of 22 inches, and many of the better ones come with adjustable straps. However, some are also available in petite and large sizes, so it’s worth measuring the circumference of your head before you buy to ensure as secure and comfortable a fit as possible.
For more detailed information, read this beginner’s guide to choosing a wig.
Putting a Wig On
1. Preparing your hair
If your hair loss is partial, you’ll need to begin by securing your remaining hair in place.
- Short hair: brush the hair back from your face and up on the sides, and pin in place. Spray well with a good hair spray, taking care not to get this on the wig.
- Long hair: tie your hair in two French plaits and twist them around your head, crossing them just above the nape and securing them in place at the top and bottom with clips.
- Long, thick hair: coil individual sections around your finger, pin them flat to your head and set with hair spray.
Expert tip: Tame any flyaways with gel to prevent them from sticking out.
Put a wig cap on if required, starting from the front hairline and stretching it over the back of your head, to create an even surface and give the wig something to grip onto. Align it with your hairline, tuck away any stray hairs and secure it in place with clips.
2. Putting it on
Hold the wig with both hands, making sure the label is at the back. Tilt your head forward and slide the wig on, starting at the front hairline. Make sure it’s fully aligned with your natural hairline and secure it firmly in place with wig clips or hypoallergenic tape.
Finally, style the wig to your liking and set with wig spray if necessary.
Wearing a Wig in Public for the First Time
Your wig might be on and preened to perfection, but unless you’re naturally very confident, that’s only the tip of the iceberg. The following tips will help you feel less nervous when wearing your wig out in public for the first time.
- Check that it’s firmly in position by bending over and shaking your head.
- Wear it around friends and family first until you feel more comfortable with your new look.
- Get someone to come with you the first time you wear it out.
- Don’t wear clothes that need to be pulled over your head. For example, wear a cardigan instead of a jumper.
- If it’s very windy, wear a hat or scarf over your wig.
Some further confidence-boosting tips for first time wig wearers can be found here.
By now you should be feeling a little happier about wearing a wig for the first time. Of course, it’s perfectly natural to be nervous but just remember that once you get used to the feeling of wearing a wig, these negative feelings will soon turn into positive ones. Just think of all the different colours and styles you’ll be able to experiment with!
If there is anything else you would like to know about buying and wearing your first wig, online supplier Simply Wigs has the specialist knowledge and insight to provide you with all the help and advice you need.
Call 01484 844557 to discuss your needs with an expert, or contact them via email or Twitter for a fast and helpful response.