Wigs are a common addition to many Halloween costumes. When prepping for a costume party or handing out candy, properly preparing your wig can make all the difference. This article will cover properly putting on wigs, as well as care and maintenance for them.
Prepping Your Hair For A Wig
One of the best ways to prepare for a wig is to flatten your natural hair as much as possible. For short hair, consider using a gel or mousse to slick back your hair. You can also use bobby pins to pin your hair back. For longer hair, style it into a braid or tight ponytail. These can be easier to tuck under the wig. If needed, use bobby pins to hold the braids together after wrapping them around your head.
Using a Cap
Wig caps can help hide your hair below the wig and can shield your fake hair from the natural oils of your head. This can help extend the wig’s lifespan. When using a cap, choose one that matches your skin tone. This can help make them appear more natural. When putting on the cap, start from the back of the head and wrap it over. Then, tuck in any loose hair or flyaways.
There are 3 main types of wig caps. Cotton is breathable and soft, and is best for thin or thinning hair. Nylon or mesh caps are thin and sheer, reducing the feeling of layers on the head. This can be helpful for very big or heavy wigs. Aloe vera or bamboo caps are durable and moisture-wicking. They are great for indoor parties with lots of dancing.
Securing the Wig
There are a few methods for attaching the wig to the cap or your hair. Wig glue or tape, clips, or bobby pins are all effective options. Wig clips need to be sewn into the interior of the wig, so they are the most time-consuming/technical option. Bobby pins may be more visible than other options. Wig glue is a spray-on product like hairspray that helps the wig cling to the cap. Wig tape can be applied to the interior of the wig to stick it to the cap.
Applying Your Wig
When putting on a wig, you’ll usually start from the back. Start at the nape of the neck, pulling the wig up and over. Align it with your forehead/hairline as needed. For tape/glue, apply pressure to get it to stick. For clips or pins, start on one side and work your way around. Make sure it is secure, and bring a few bobby pins with you just in case you need to adjust throughout the night.
Different Types of Hair Materials
Wigs can vary wildly in terms of material. Cheaper wigs found in party supply stores and pop-up Halloween outlets are often synthetic. These are often stylized for a specific costume or character. They require little to no styling but have a short shelf life. Typically, they will only last you a few uses, enough to get you through the Halloween season. Human hair wigs are more expensive, but can be cut, colored, and styled professionally. They often look the most natural and last the longest. Combination wigs are those made with both human and synthetic hair. The blend can be unique to the brand you buy. They land in the middle in terms of price and longevity.
Styling Wigs
Synthetic wigs are often already pre-styled. But they can be fixed or detangled with a wide-tooth comb if needed. You shouldn’t use heat tools on synthetic wigs unless they are labeled as heat-resistant. However, most cheap Halloween costume wigs are not. Natural and combination wigs can be more effectively styled and maintained. You can even schedule an appointment with a hair stylist for adjustments and styling.
Ooh La La specializes in a variety of hairstyle techniques to help you find the right look for you. Book a time with one of our professional hairstylists today. Contact us or call 718-727-2694 today.