Deciding to wear a wig—whether for medical reasons, hair loss, or simply for a style refresh—is an empowering step. At first, it may feel overwhelming: How do I make it look natural? How do I keep it secure? Don’t worry—we’ve got you covered!
This beginner-friendly guide will walk you through how to properly put on a wig, from preparation to styling, to help you feel confident and comfortable every step of the way. Let’s get started!
Before we discuss how to put on a wig, it’s helpful to know the different types available. Choosing the right wig ensures comfort, versatility, and a natural appearance. Here’s a breakdown of some popular styles:
Full lace wigs have a lace base that covers the entire head, allowing for the most versatility in styling. You can part your hair anywhere, wear it in updos or ponytails, or let it flow naturally.
Why people love them:
Unlimited styling options: Perfect for creative hairstyles like buns or high ponytails.
Realistic appearance: The lace mimics a natural scalp, no matter where you part it.
Breathable and lightweight: Comfortable for extended wear, even in warm weather.
Considerations:
Requires careful handling to maintain the lace.
Lace front wigs have lace only along the front hairline, creating a seamless and natural-looking hairline.
Why people love them:
Natural-looking hairline: The lace blends beautifully with your skin, creating a realistic finish.
Great value: An accessible choice for achieving a natural appearance.
Flexible design: Available with silk top options for added scalp realism.
Considerations:
Styling is limited to looks that don’t expose the back or sides.
Read our tips on how to make lace front wigs look natural.
HatFall wigs are specifically designed to be worn with hats, scarves, or other head coverings. They provide coverage only where needed, making them light and practical.
Why people love them:
Lightweight and comfortable: Perfect for all-day wear.
Easy to wear: Just pair with your favorite hat or scarf.
Low maintenance: Less hair means less styling time.
Considerations:
Best suited for styles that involve hats or head coverings.
U-Part wigs have a U-shaped opening at the top, allowing you to blend your natural hair for a seamless finish.
Why people love them:
Blends beautifully: Showcases your natural hairline.
Customizable: Style your part any way you like.
Breathable and lightweight: Perfect for comfortable, partial coverage.
Considerations:
Requires matching the wig with your natural hair’s color and texture.
Skin top wigs use a layer of silk material at the crown to conceal knots, creating a natural scalp appearance. These wigs can also combine with lace fronts for added styling flexibility.
Why people love them:
Unmatched realism: The silk top mimics natural hair growth perfectly.
Durable: High-quality construction ensures longevity.
Low maintenance: No need to bleach knots or add concealer.
Considerations:
Slightly heavier due to the extra layers.
Creating a smooth, flat base is essential for a secure and natural-looking wig fit. Whether you have short hair, long hair, or no hair at all, here’s how to prep:
If your hair is short, the goal is to brush it back and keep it secure to create a flat surface.
Brush your hair back away from your face and smooth it down.
Use bobby pins to hold the hair in place, focusing on keeping it flat against your scalp.
A light spritz of hairspray can help keep everything secure and prevent stray hairs from sticking out under the wig.
With long hair, you want to minimize bulk. Here are several methods that work well:
Put your hair into a low ponytail at the nape of your neck, then pin it to the top of your head.
Braid your hair into two French braids, cross them at the nape of your neck, and pin them flat.
Try pin curls. Wrap small sections of hair into flat curls, pin them close to your scalp, and repeat until all your hair is secured.
Wearing a wig cap is a great option for keeping your wig secure if you have little to no hair.
Wig caps create a barrier between your scalp and the wig, enhancing comfort and preventing the wig from shifting during wear.
They also provide a smooth surface that helps the wig fit more securely.
Creating the perfect foundation is key to fitting a wig securely and comfortably. You have several options to secure your wig depending on your preferences and hair type:
Wig caps: These create a smooth, secure base, especially if you have hair to flatten or tuck away. Learning how to apply a wig cap correctly ensures your wig stays in place and looks natural all day.
Wig grips: If you prefer to skip the cap, these innovative tools provide excellent grip and stability. They’re a comfortable, effective option for keeping your wig secure during wear.
Each option has its own benefits, so choose what works best for you and your lifestyle!
Now that you’ve applied your wig cap, here’s a quick step-by-step of how to put a wig on your head:
Hold the wig by the nape area: Locate the label inside the wig—this is the back, or nape, of the wig. Holding it here makes it easier to position correctly.
Tilt your head slightly forward: This helps create a natural angle for the wig to sit comfortably on your head.
Place the front of the wig at your natural hairline: Align the wig’s front edge with your natural hairline for a seamless and realistic fit.
Gently pull the wig over your head from front to back: Guide the wig over your head, letting it settle into place as you go. Adjust as needed to make sure it feels secure and looks natural.
Then, with your wig in place, it’s time to make a few final adjustments to make sure it’s comfortable, secure, and blends beautifully with your natural hair.
Once your wig is on, take a moment to adjust it for the best fit and look:
If your wig has ear tabs, align them with your natural ears for even placement on both sides.
Ensure the wig rests comfortably at the nape of your neck without bunching or slipping.
Use the adjustable straps or hooks inside the wig to achieve a snug but comfortable fit.
To keep your wig in place all day, consider these methods - all which are glueless and very quick and easy to apply:
Wear a wig grip band to prevent slipping while keeping your wig secure and comfortable
A TopGrip or GripCap are also great ways to keep your wig in place all day long.
You can also consider an Adjustable wig strap which can be sewn into any wig for a more secure fit.
If your natural hair is exposed, blending it with the wig is key to a polished look:
Gently brush or comb the wig to merge it with any visible natural hair.
Use wig-friendly styling products sparingly to smooth or shape both your hair and the wig for a cohesive style.
Sometimes, a wig might need a little extra tweaking to look perfect:
Visit a professional stylist to trim or shape the wig to frame your face better or adjust the length.
Avoid cutting the wig yourself unless you have experience, as mistakes can be hard to fix.
Wearing a wig is a chance to express yourself and embrace your beauty. At Milano Wigs, we’re here to support you with high-quality, natural-looking wigs and expert guidance tailored to your needs.
Experience the confidence of natural-looking, high-quality wigs with Milano Wigs. Browse our collection of wigs online or schedule a personalized consultation today!
Have more questions about putting on a wig? We’ve got answers below!
Not necessarily—it’s entirely a matter of preference. Some people prefer wig caps for their smooth, secure base, especially if they have natural hair to tuck away. Others find wig grips or TopGrips to be more comfortable and effective for keeping their wig in place without the need for a cap. Choose the option that feels best for you and provides the most confidence in your fit.
Be sure to align the wig with your natural hairline, adjust the ear tabs, and blend any exposed hair. You can also lightly style the wig and use products like powder or concealer to match the parting to your skin tone.
For extra security, use wig grips or grip caps. Make sure your wig is properly adjusted with the built-in straps for a snug (but painless) fit.
