Wigs have been a long-time staple for many people who want to switch up their looks whenever they feel like it, without spending hours at the salon.
Lately, hair stylists have been showcasing their magic of flawlessly blending a wig with your hair to a point where it looks exactly like your own hair. Wigs are a big investment, so you need to know how to take care of them properly. If you are new to the wig craze, it can be confusing.
1. Synthetic vs human hair
Synthetic wigs are more affordable, but tend to wear out more quickly than do wigs made of human hair. Human hair wigs are versatile, and with their premium quality, you can style them using heat and hair colour. They can last for years with proper care, whereas synthetic wigs last only up to six months.
2. Types of ready-made wigs
These are the one-size-fits-all wigs that can be adjusted to certain sizes. They are mostly pre-styled and are easily found at retail stores or hair salons. They are affordable and available in both synthetic and human hair.
3. Lace-front wigs
Typically, these human hair wigs come with a closure that gives a natural-looking hairline. This design allows for custom fitting because of the mesh lace attached to the front part.
4. Full-lace wigs
Also made with human hair, full-lace wigs are made with a complete lace base, and thus have more flexibility. This type of wig allows you to part your hair and style it any way you want to – from cornrows to a ponytail.
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5. Glue vs glueless wigs
Unfortunately, frontal wigs don’t stick to your head by themselves – they need glue, tape or sewing. Glueing the frontal wig is the popular way of fixing it in place, but this has its pros and cons. Wig glue is a strong adhesive and can block the pores on your skin. The glue is usually applied along the forehead, and this can cause your natural hairline to recede drastically.
Got2b glue has gained popularity for wig installations and is being used all over tutorials on social media. It is a good quality product; however, if used over a prolonged period, it can cause damage to your hairline or skin. Give your hairline a break, and ensure that the process to remove the glue after using it is done properly. Wig tape and elastic are also great alternatives for installing a wig, as they’re not as damaging as glue.
6. Perfecting the edges
If you have a weak hairline, place your wig just over 1cm behind your hairline, then use a brush to blend in the hair. You can also use a root cover-up to deepen the front part of the wig and cover up lace knots at your hairline. This gives the wig a more natural look.
7. How to store your wigs
Wig stands or mannequins are best when it comes to wig storage, to maintain the style and shape of the hair. Alternatively, you can store the hair in a box that comes with it after purchasing. Always make sure your wig is brushed and clean before storing it.
8. Maintenance
It is important to care for your wig properly to make it last longer. Wash and condition your wigs using sulphate-free products.
While human hair wigs can handle hairspray, using this regularly on your wigs without washing it out afterwards can cause hair to tangle.
