Buying a wig is a tricky business. It can take an age to find something you like and even longer to find something that will suit you. But what if you can’t find something you like?
Well, the best thing to do is buy the wig that matches your preferences the most. And then give it a bit of a trim.
Finding something perfect can sometimes seem next to impossible. So cutting your wig isn’t such a drastic idea. Your hair is one of your most notable features, so it’s important to make sure it’s exactly how you want it.
Cutting a synthetic wig is different from cutting a wig of real hair and it is very different from cutting the hair on someone’s head. The tools and techniques you use can make or break the style. And you don’t want to risk ruining that $200 wig you only just bought.
So, what is the process of cutting a synthetic wig? Read on for a simple step by step guide.
But first, let’s talk tools. You will, of course, need scissors. But if you have just pulled out your old blunt kitchen scissors then you need to put them away immediately.
Here is the list of tools you’re going to need in order to properly and professionally cut a straight synthetic wig.
- Your wig
- A wig stand
- T-pins
- Hairdressing scissors
- A brush and/or comb
How to Trim Your Wig
Cutting your wig isn’t going to be the same for every style. But, if you’re a beginner, here are the simple steps for cutting an inch or two off the overall length.
- Place your wig on its stand.
This is an important step. If you want your wig to sit properly on your head then you’re going to need to cut it on a wig stand. If you balance it on something else, the cut won’t be even.
To make sure it is properly balanced and won’t fall or move around, secure it to the stand with some t-pins. As you pin the wig, make sure it’s straight and even. If you’re cutting a lace-front wig, place the pins in the lace line.
- Brush our or comb the wig.
You probably already guessed this step but it’s worth including. Brush out the wig so that there are no knots or tangles. This will give you a cleaner and sharper cut. It will also allow you to see if you have pinned the wig to the stand properly.
Brush the wig out and see how it falls. If it looks a little lopsided, unpin it and rearrange it. Repeat until it is evenly balanced.
- Cut
Now it’s time to get cutting. Using clean and sharp hairdressing scissors, begin cutting from right to left if you are right-handed. Or left to right if you are left-handed.
Cut in small sections, at a 45-degree angle, and go slowly. This isn’t something you want to rush as you can’t reverse what you do.
Unlike when cutting the hair on someone’s head, you can’t maneuver the neck or ask them to move around. So you are in complete control. This can either be a good thing or a bad thing. Depending on how careful you are.
You will probably do this automatically as you have likely seen your hairdresser do it countless times. But hold the sections of hair between your middle and forefinger. This will allow you to see what you’re doing better. It will hold the hair still and allow you to focus.
- Trim
Once you have cut the bulk of the hair, go back around and snip any strays that you might have missed. Then, voila, you’re done! It sounds pretty easy but you still need to be very careful.
How to Cut Bangs
Cutting bangs is a bold move. But, luckily, when you cut them on a wig you have the choice of whether to wear them or not. You won’t run the risk of cutting your own bangs, immediately regretting it, and then having to awkwardly style them or pin them back until they grow out.
But, even so, it’s a good idea to try your wig on and mark out exactly where you want your bangs to fall first. Then, you can get cutting. Here are the basic steps for cutting bangs on your synthetic wig.
- Place your wig on the stand
Whenever you’re altering your wig, you should pin it to the stand. But when cutting bangs, you need to be a little more careful when it comes to placement.
Arrange your wig on the stand and then, holding it in place with your hand, arrange for the hair that will be cut to fall over the front. Then pin the wig.
This will stop you from having to work against the pins to brush out the hair for the bangs. Make sure to pin the wig around the bangs. This will stop it from moving when you brush out the front and cut the hair.
- Brush
Now you can brush the wig. Make sure to brush the hair at the front so it is completely flat and free of knots and tangles. Then, if there is too much hair, you can pin some of it back. Or, if there isn’t enough, carefully unpin or pull a few pieces forward.
- Mark out the length
This step is optional and depends on how confident you’re feeling. If you think you have a good eye and will know where to cut, then skip this step. Otherwise, take some bobby pins and mark out where you want to cut the bangs.
- Cut
Now it’s time to cut the bangs! Make sure to cut a little below where you want the bangs to actually sit. It’s difficult to be specific and clean with your cuts when handling a large amount of hair.
So it’s a good idea to cut off the bulk first. Then you can get closer to the ends of the bangs and tidy them up.