Wigs have been around for a long time and can be seen being worn by everyone from pop stars to your local hairdresser, as well as TV personalities. Wigs are now more prominent than ever thanks to the fashion industry and changing trends – they seem to be popping up everywhere you look.
Of course, many women purchase wigs to cover hair loss due to chemotherapy or alopecia, but, interestingly, we live in an age where every other person is wearing a wig, and no one seems to bat an eyelid. This suggests that wearing wigs has become much more socially acceptable; thankfully, there remains a part of society that would not judge you should you reveal your secret! But for those considering wearing a wig or hairpiece, here is some advice for your first purchase.
Choosing Your First Wig Color
Lighter colors tend to drape better than darker shades, so they typically work best if you’re beginning to wear wigs. This is because the more golden color creates less of a contrast between your hair and the synthetic fiber of the wig, making it more natural-looking.
Also, dark colors can be gleaming, which makes them look less natural on some women. When choosing your first wig color, there are tried and tested rules – blonde wigs suit light skin tones while redheads should opt for brunette hairpieces (see image below).
Darker hair colors like black or brown are most suitable if you have very dark hair or are naturally brunette. These dark shades require less upkeep and work best on women with darker skin tones, so they will not create an obvious contrast between the wig color and their hair tone.
Dark blondes should also opt for a medium brown or lighter color to ensure that there’s no contrast between your natural hair color, the wig color, and the scalp beneath it. However, redheads should stay away from any colors too warm as these tend to look unnatural against fair skin.
If this is your first time wearing wigs, then try something simple like a headband style or a straight blonde style that is shoulder length which would be ideal for casual days out shopping or days you want to feel pretty without too much fuss.
How to Wear a Wig
When you’re just starting with wigs, it’s a good idea to have your first one custom-made. This will ensure that you can adjust the wig and pin it into place if needed – this helps prevent slipping and sliding without having too much hair on your face.
However, bear in mind that once you’ve mastered putting on wigs by yourself, those made-to-measure wigs are pretty expensive! For a little bit more money, then try buying a pre-styled but adjustable wig that is easier to put on at home for the first time.
If these styles still prove to be tricky, then speak with the hairdresser about having hair clips added to the inside of the wig. These will help grip your natural hair and pin it into place.
Material – Synthetic or Human Hair?
There are no complex rules when choosing between human hair and synthetic wigs, but it’s best to consider your style before opting for one over another. Many women prefer wearing synthetic wigs as they’re generally lighter, cheaper, and more affordable than human hairpieces.
On the other hand, some women like how natural human hair feels against their skin – even though the texture can be coarse at times!
Ultimately, you should bear in mind that if you wear a wig made of natural human hair, it is likely to cost more than a synthetic wig. Plus, it will also require more maintenance and care than your typical synthetic hairpiece.
How to Maintain Your Wig
Wigs need regular cleaning and maintenance, whereas human hair wigs should be washed every 4-5 weeks (or more or less depending on how often you wear them). Synthetic wigs don’t need any special care, but the less you brush them and use heated appliances like straighteners and curling tongs, then the better!
Human hair wigs can be styled as usual – avoid brushing or combing too much as this can lead to excessive shedding of hair that may end up in your eyes, mouth and even cause an allergic reaction.
Synthetic fiber wigs are much easier to maintain as they do not need any special care apart from being cleaned often. However, you will find that human hair wigs require more effort in washing and styling.
