Wigs are my favorite protective style. I’ve been wearing wigs off and on for years. I love the versatility of colors and styles while keeping my natural hair healthy. I’m testing out a new wig so I wanted to share my process with you. Wig attachment is a very personal thing. I have several ways to keep my wig intact depending on how long I choose to wear it.
Customization
When I get a new wig I always customize it. Customization is key if you want the wig to look natural. I first start out with bleaching the knots on a wig…if they are able to be bleached. For hair that is blonde (613) or synthetic they are not able to be bleached further without compromising the integrity of the hair. Next I color or tone the hair to compliment my skin tone. Sometimes this is needed if a natural hair wig does not come in a color that I need it to be in. I always suggest having a professional color a wig if you are not comfortable with color theory.
Hairline
After the wig is colored to my liking I pluck the hairline if it is too heavy. Most wigs come preplucked these days but removing hairs is a good technique to make the wig mimic your natural hairline. I thin out the area with sharp tweezers then pluck out the hairs randomly so that it mimics a natural scalp. Adding little foundation on the lace to conceal any additional knots finishes the look.
Sometimes I add baby hairs but I like a wig without baby hairs the best. Baby hairs are great to hide additional knots for wigs that can’t be bleached around the hairline.
Adhesion
A big fear of new wig wearers is that the wig will randomly fall off and you will be left with everyone seeing the catastrophic event. That has NEVER happened to me lol!
Normally, I wear my wigs during the day then remove it at night. Wearing them short term works for me. Before placing a wig on my head I normally remove all the combs from the inside and sew an elastic band inside to keep it secure. I sew the ends of the elastic near the ear tabs and make sure to cut the elastic so that it fits snug.
The front of the wig I attach it to my skin with a sticky gel like got to be glued. Once I apply the gel I tie my wig down with a scarf until it has set. If I want to wear my wig during water activities or more long term I sew down the perimeter as if it is a weave. With any application I keep my hair braided underneath to keep a nice flat surface.
Maintaining the style
To maintain the wig while wearing it overnight I tie the perimeter and place a silk bonnet on the rest of the wig.
I also brush and detangle the wig every night. The last step to maintenance is once I remove it I co wash it and allow it to fully air-dry before I style it.
That’s basically what I do for my wigs. Depending on the wig or how I plan on styling it I change things up a bit.
Thanks for hanging out!
XO Terreana