How To Put On A Wig Like an Expert (7 Steps)





Last Updated: August 7, 2021

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Whether you want to change up your look for a party or you’re beginning to add wigs into your everyday routine, there’s no reason you should have to struggle with the process. Keep reading to learn how to put on a wig like an expert.

RELATED: 10 Best Wigs on Amazon

Hair Prep

One of the most important aspects of putting on a wig is making sure that your hair underneath is prepped for the wig to lay how you want. 

If you try to simply pull your hair up into a bun, you may still have flyaways or loose pieces that will show through. You also have to think about your hair texture and length and how those factors will affect how the wig sits.

Wig caps are something that can be confusing to many as well. Oftentimes, many people think if you are going to wear a wig you have to wear a wig cap, but that is not always the case.

Ultimately, the length of your hair will be the main determining factor in whether to wear a wig cap or not. Here’s a breakdown of each hair length and whether or not you should wear a cap:

  1. Short/Minimal Hair

For those who have very short or very little hair, it is usually recommended to wear a wig cap. Wig caps are made to create a smoother base for the wig to sit on and when individuals have short hair, it can be harder to smooth down.

The wig cap will also allow it to feel more secure and comfortable and can be pinned down if necessary.

  1. Mid/Medium Length Hair

For those with mid-length hair, a wig cap is not necessary, though still can be helpful. If you do not want to use a cap, the best way to prep your hair is to brush it back away from your face and put it in a mid to low bun.

Using hairspray can keep your hair down flat; bobby pins can also help if you have any flyaways that tend to come out of place. 

  1. Long Hair

For those who have longer hair, it can sometimes be hard to know how to secure it all back. Those with long hair are generally not recommended to use caps as it can be harder to keep all of your hair underneath it.

Instead, put your hair into pin curls, which will keep everything down, but can be more time-consuming. You can also put your hair into two braids and then pin those across the nape of your neck.


How to Put on a Wig

Once you have prepared your hair and are ready to put on the wig, there are a few steps to follow that will make the application to your hair as simple and easy as possible.

Steps

  1. Start at the nape of your neck and hold the wig with both hands.
  2. Next, tilt your head forward a little and put the front of the wig on your forehead around the area of your eyebrows. Once you have it positioned on your forehead, you can begin to slip it back.
  3. Keep pushing the wig backward on your head until you have reached your natural hairline.
  4. If your wig has ear tabs, be sure to keep them pushed behind your ears. Do not cover your ears as that will mess with the stability of the wig.
  5. Once you have found a comfortable placement, style it and part it how you prefer.
  6. Secure your wig with wig tape, a head band, clips, or bobby pins to make sure the wig stays in place.
  7. Be sure to tuck in any loose hairs or other flyaways you may find.

Pro tip: If you want your wig to look extra realistic, apply face powder that matches your skin tone to your crown and hair part once the wig is on. 

For a visual on how it’s done, here’s a quick video on the process:

In Conclusion

Though wigs may seem like a foreign world to some, they can actually be very simple to put on as long as you find the right tips and tricks to keep them in place.

Whether you want a fun styled look or a simple day-to-day look, just follow these steps on how to put on a wig and you’ll have a natural look in no time.