How to Secure a Wig: A Comprehensive Guide

Understanding How Wigs Stay On

Before diving into the methods, it's essential to understand the basic question: how do wigs stay on? Wigs are designed with various features such as adjustable straps, combs, and elastic bands to help them stay in place. However, additional steps and accessories, like wig caps, wig stoppers, adhesives, and Wig Grips, can significantly enhance their security. While Milano does not offer clips, adhesives, or combs, we included information about their use in securing wigs.

It’s important to note that if you’re wearing a transparent top wig or topper, such as a lace top or mono top, and you opt for a Wig Grip, TopGrip, or GripCap, you will want to select one that incorporates lace at the front hairline and part line. This will allow it to remain undetectable under your wig or topper.

Wig Grips

One of the most effective tools for keeping a wig in place is a Wig Grip. Wig grips are soft headbands typically made from velvet or silicone that provide a non-slip surface. They are worn underneath the wig to create friction and prevent movement. Wig Grips are a highly popular wig securement method because they do not require adhesives, tapes, or clips to keep the wig in place.  Here’s how to secure a wig using a Wig Grip:

1. Preparation: Brush your hair (if applicable). Smooth back your hair and secure it in a low ponytail or bun.
2. Place the Wig Grip: Position the Wig Grip around your head, ensuring it sits comfortably on the head and nape of your neck. Make sure that the Wig Grip is positioned slightly behind your hairline so that it remains undetectable.

3. Adjust for Comfort: Make sure the Wig Grip is snug but not too tight to avoid discomfort.

4. Position Your Wig: Place your wig over the Wig Grip, adjusting it to ensure it sits naturally along your hairline.

If you are looking for an alternative to the Wig Grip band that decreases the amount of steps in your wig-securing routine, you could instead opt for an adjustable strap that can be sewn directly into your wig.

Adhesives, Tapes, Clips & Combs

Using adhesives, tapes, clips or combs can also be used to secure your wig, but there are some drawbacks.  Adhesives and tapes can leave a residue that causes itching and irritation on the scalp, especially during long-term wear. And, clips and combs can cause irritation or even bald spots when used repeatedly over an extended period of time.  So, make sure to choose the method that works best for your lifestyle, type of wig, and desired duration of wear, and feel free to experiment if you’re not sure which method is best for you. Here’s how to secure a wig using adhesives:

1. Clean Your Scalp: Ensure your scalp is clean and dry to help the adhesive bond properly.
2. Apply Adhesive: Apply a thin layer of wig adhesive or double-sided tape along your hairline.
3. Position the Wig: Carefully place the wig on your head, pressing down along the hairline to secure it in place.

GripCaps

If you have a lot of hair and are wearing a wig, a Grip Cap might be your ideal solution as it will be the best option for containing your hair and making it look less bulky.  Conversely,  Grip Caps are also great for those with thinning or bald hair that want a complete barrier between their scalp and wig.  The Milano GripCap is an ideal solution for those that opt for a grip cap as their wig secure method. Follow these steps for a secure fit:

Step 1: Preparation

1. Brush Hair (if applicable): Smooth back your hair and secure it in a low ponytail or bun.

Step 2: Applying the GripCap

1. Position: Hold the GripCap with the wider part at the front, place the front edge above your hairline and pull it over your head.
2. Adjust Fit: Ensure the GripCap covers your scalp snugly.

Step 3: Securing the Wig

1. Align Wig: Align the wig's front edge with the GripCap's front edge.
2. Apply Wig: Pull the wig over your head, covering the GripCap completely.
3. Adjust Wig: Ensure the wig fits securely and comfortably.

Step 4: Final Adjustments

1. Check Edges: Ensure the wig edges lie flat against the GripCap.
2. Style Wig: Style your wig as desired.

Tips:

- Maintenance: Clean the GripCap regularly.

- Check for Wear: Replace if elasticity or comfort decreases.

By following these steps, you can secure your wig comfortably and securely without clips, tapes, or glue.

TopGrip

The Milano TopGrip comes in three different sizes, as well as a Lace version for transparent top toppers and wigs, and is designed for secure and comfortable wear of wigs and toppers, eliminating the need for clips, combs, or adhesives. Here's how to use it:

Step 1: Preparation

1. Brush your hair. Smooth back your hair and secure it in a low ponytail or bun.

Step 2: Applying the TopGrip

1. Position the TopGrip: Hold the TopGrip with the translucent adjustable strap at the back.
2. Secure the Front: Place the front edge of the TopGrip just above your hairline and place it over your head.
3. Adjust Fit: Adjust the translucent strap at the back for a snug fit without adding bulk.

Step 3: Securing Your Wig or Topper

1. Align the Wig/Topper: Align the front edge of your wig or topper with the front edge of the TopGrip.  
2. Apply the Wig/Topper: Pull the wig or topper over your head, making sure it covers the TopGrip completely.
3. Secure the Front and Sides (Topper Only): For toppers, secure the front and sides to the TopGrip to keep wig from slipping.

Step 4: Final Adjustments

1. Check the Edges: Ensure the edges of the wig or topper lie flat against the TopGrip.
2. Style as Desired: Style your wig or topper as you normally would.

How is the Milano TopGrip different from the GripCap?

1. 1. Design: The TopGrip is a band designed specifically for securing wigs and toppers, while the GripCap is a full cap that provides a barrier between the scalp and wig.

2.  Strap Adjustment: The TopGrip features an adjustable translucent strap at the back to avoid bulk and remain undetectable, especially when wearing a topper.

3. Securing Toppers: When using the TopGrip with a topper, it is essential to secure the topper in the front and sides, which is not necessary with the GripCap.

4. Application Process: The TopGrip is applied more like a headband, focusing on securing the edges and using the adjustable strap, while the GripCap covers the entire scalp and is worn like a cap.

Tips for Best Results:

- Maintenance: Clean the TopGrip regularly.

- Check for Wear: Replace the TopGrip if its elasticity or comfort decreases.

By following these steps, you can enjoy a secure, comfortable fit with the Milano TopGrip, ensuring your wig or topper stays in place without additional securing methods.

How to Keep Wig from Sliding Back

Adjustable straps and elastic bands inside the wig can be helpful for anyone trying to figure out how to keep a wig from slipping. By tightening these features, you can customize the fit of your wig for added security. Additionally, using bobby pins can provide extra hold.

1. Tighten Adjustable Straps: Inside most wigs, you’ll find straps that can be tightened to fit your head shape.
2. Secure with Bobby Pins: Place bobby pins at strategic points around the wig cap to anchor the wig in place.

Tips for Maintaining Your Wig’s Security

• Avoid Overstyling: While it’s tempting to style your wig frequently, overstyling can loosen the internal components and affect its fit.
• Regular Maintenance: Keep your wig clean and in good condition to ensure it maintains its shape and grip.
• Check Fit Regularly: As the elastic components of your wig wear out, it’s important to adjust and replace them as needed.
• Choose the Right Option for You: There is no one size fits all for wigs, toppers, or methods of securing them. Someone looking to add volume to their thinning hair with ease might use a hair topper secured with a TopGrip, for example, while someone looking for how to secure a wig on a bald head might instead opt for a traditional wig secured with silicone lining. There is no right or wrong- what’s important is to choose the option that best suits you and your needs.
  
  
• Seek Advice From a Wig Expert: If you are having trouble securing a wig on your own, it can be beneficial to seek assistance from a specialist that can help discover what the best Wig Grip or wig application method is for you. You can click here to schedule a free virtual consultation with a Milano Wig Specialist, or click here to book an in-person appointment at one of our showrooms.

Conclusion

Learning how to secure a wig is essential for ensuring that it stays in place and looks natural. From using Wig Grips and Grip Caps to adhesives and adjustable straps, there are multiple methods to suit different preferences and needs. Whether you’re new to wearing wigs or looking for ways to improve your current techniques, these tips will help you discover how to keep wig in place and achieve a secure and confident look.