There are a lot of compelling reasons to wear a wig. It’s a great way to experiment with different looks without causing damage to your natural hair. It’s often more convenient to put on a wig than to try and deal with high-maintenance hair every day.
Fortunately, many of the stigmas around wig-wearing have fallen by the wayside. If you’re interested in purchasing your first wig, there’s no better time than the present. Here’s everything you need to know about how to buy and wear headband wigs for beginners.
Synthetic vs. Natural Wigs
The first thing to consider when purchasing your first wig is whether you want natural (human) hair or synthetic hair. As with anything, there are pros and cons to each.
Human hair looks more natural. It’s versatile and can be styled and changed up to suit your mood. These wigs tend to be higher quality and more durable than synthetic wigs. The negative is that because a natural wig is just that, it’s susceptible to the same challenges as normal human hair. Humidity, the wind, heat damage— all of these things can mess up your style.
Synthetic wigs tend to be set in one style. As a result, they’re really convenient for daily wear. They’re also built to withstand the elements. However, synthetic wigs tend to look less natural, with the low-quality ones having that synthetic sheen.
There’s no right or wrong answer here; choose a wig that works for you.
Choosing Your Wig Cap Style
The two best wig cap styles to choose from are lace front and full lace wigs. Lace front wigs tend to be the preferred style based on the fact that they’re more affordable but no less natural or fantastic looking (get more information).
The main difference is that full lace wigs allow for more styling versatility. For example, a high ponytail wouldn’t work with a lace front but looks natural with full lace. Full lace wigs tend to be more expensive and higher maintenance, as it takes longer to make them.
Choosing the Right Style Wig
When choosing the right wig style, the top priority should be your personal preference. Pick a hairstyle that gives you the versatility and comfort you need to feel confident and beautiful.
Another consideration for finding the right style is your face shape. You can determine your face shape by taking your photo in a mirror and tracing it with an editing program on your phone, or by having a friend put a piece of paper on your face and tracing with a marker.
By finding your face shape, you’ll be able to narrow down your options and find the best hairstyle for you.
Photo by Nathan Cowley from Pexels
Finding Your Wig Size
When you buy a wig online, the retailer will tell you the best way to measure based on your purchase. Generally speaking, you’ll want to measure your head’s circumference, from your hairline to the nape of your neck, from ear to ear over your head, and the back of your head from temple to temple.
Use a flexible measuring tape and the help of a friend to get this done accurately.
How to Secure Your Wig
There are plenty of ways to secure your wig, which will ultimately depend on what’s most comfortable for you. There are caps that you can use to secure your hair, adhesive bands, metal clips, and even wig glue.
It can take some time and practice to learn how to secure a wig. Try a few different methods and watch step-by-step tutorials online for guidance.
Wig Maintenance Tips
To keep your wig in tip-top shape, follow these basic wig maintenance tips:
- Always wash your wig with sulfate-free and paraben-free shampoo and conditioner.
- Always store your wig on a mannequin or neatly folded in a carrying case.
- Use a wide-tooth comb to detangle your wig; don’t pull at wet hair with a brush.
- Avoid washing and heat as much as possible.
By following this beginner wig guide, you can find the right wig style for you.