When I was younger, I remember hating wigs. I thought bad wigs were blatantly obvious (and common), and swore it would never be me.
Little did I know, years later wigs would turn out to be my favorite protective style. There’s something awesome about being able to install a new hair style almost instantly and also being able to take it off just as fast.
Wigs make it easier for our natural hair to breathe than weaves, because we aren’t totally stuck with it for weeks or months on end. Keep reading to learn how to get the most out of your wig, to the point where people won’t even know the difference!
Decide what kind of wig is best for you
If you’re new to using wigs as a protective style, you may get a little overwhelmed. There are many different variations of wigs* to choose from. Do you want leave out? Do you want to use lace? Three very popular wig types are the u-part wig, lace front wig*, and full lace wig.
1. U-part wigs are great for ladies that want to leave some of their own hair out. If you’re a curly girl, it would be best to get a u-part wig that matches your hair texture. Getting a straight u-part wig would be counterproductive, because you’d have to spend time straightening your leave out to blend in.
2. Lace front wigs take away the need for leave out. There is lace in the front, while the rest of the wig is normal (and maybe sewn onto a cap).
3. Full lace wigs* are a little more expensive than lace front wigs, because the entire wig is made of lace. These wigs* can look extremely realistic, and you won’t need any leave out.
Braid up your own hair
Once you decide what kind of wig you want, you need to make sure you take care of your own hair (that’s the whole point of protective styling isn’t it?).
To get your wig* to lay well, and not look bumpy or weird, make sure to braid your hair (or flat twist). There are plenty of braiding patterns and tutorials on Youtube.
How you decide to secure your own hair ultimately depends on your braiding skill and level of patience. Also make sure to wash and moisturize your hair before braiding. Use a wig cap* (similar to the color of your hair), and put it on before securing the wig to retain moisture and keep the color consistent.
Secure wig properly
The last thing you want when wearing a wig is for it to come flying off your head or shifting at the first sign of wind. Make sure to secure your wig properly so that it stays still throughout the day.
It is more than just putting the wig on. If you decide to make your own wig, invest in some wig clips to sew around the perimeter of your head. They normally come in a pack of two for about a dollar at the beauty supply store. Some wigs may also have adjustable straps in the back – adjust the strap accordingly so that it isn’t too tight.
already had that down since 14 lol.. #iLoveWigs
Thanks for sharing
Thank you for pointing out that one of the best tips in wearing wigs is to find the one that is best for you. My sister has been thinking about purchasing a hair wig. It’s good to know that there are three different kinds of wig types she can choose from.