How To Make A Wig Fit Your Head

Wearing a wig can be both scary and empowering if it’s your first time and you’re worried about the fit, concerned it could fall off, or worried about how it will sit on your head.

There is no need to fret though. There are more people wearing wigs today than we may realize because with excellent craftsmanship and hacks to achieve the perfect fit, it’s near impossible to tell the difference between a wig and a natural head of hair. 

How To Make A Wig Fit Your Head

However, if you have just bought a wig and its a bit on the big size, don’t worry about it, there are plenty of ways to fix it, no matter what you use the wig for, whether you use it as a substitute for natural hair if yours is too thin,

if you have lost your hair, if you’re bald, are a drag artist, or even if you just enjoy wigs for cosplaying, there are plenty of hacks that you can use.

Sizing up your wig

Wigs are often available in a one-size-fits-all category but may places may offer different sizes, with possible options for children, adolescents, and adults with varying head sizes, as we are not all the same and sometimes we like to avoid the hacks by just getting a wig that fits perfectly from day one. 

90% of wig users will probably opt for an average wig size, especially in female wig wearers, these tend to have a cap size of 22” which is a fairly average size of a female head.

A lot of wigs now come with an adjustable strap which gives and an inch of lee-way, give or take. Be sure that you double-check your size before you buy if sizing up a wig and making your purchase this way is of preference to you. 

Hair & Wigs

If you have hair, long or short and you are wearing wigs there are a few ways to prep your hair so that it doesn’t interfere with the fit and stability of your wig.

If you have short hair, brush it back out of your face and pin it towards the back of your head so it is all slick in a single direction. You may want to also give it a spritz with hairspray to keep it in place. But doing this be sure that no hairspray gets on your wig. 

On the other hand, if you have long hair, brush it out and tie it into french plaits tightly against your scalp then cross them over, just above the nape of your neck. Secure them in place with clips or grips before putting your wig cap on. 

As you do these, regardless of your length and amount of hair, when you apply your wig cap, be sure that it is fitted at your natural hairline and stretch it out over the back of your head. 

Methods

There are plenty of methods you can use to ensure a good fit of your wig on your head, regardless of your natural hair. You can use wig clips, pins, caps, grips, silicone solution sheets, and more. 

But we want to focus on two options, one of casual wearing for those who have natural hair that they are putting the wig onto. And, another option for people who have no natural hair and want to wear the wig on a more permanent basis.

Both of these options offer stability and security and can help you feel more at ease in your wig, knowing it fits so well that you could do cartwheels and go on theme park rides while wearing it.

The Elastic Band Method: For hair and caps

Note: This method allows you to have a perfectly fitting wig without using any glues. If you have a pre-plucked wig however with front line lacing, you will only need to cut the lace to match your hairline.

If your wigs cap is larger than your head, you can easily use this method so that the cap will fit your head much better.

STEPS

  1. Measure your head from ear to ear around the back. Starting from where you would place your wig on your hairline (usually around the top back of your ear). Take one end of a piece of flat elastic and pull it around the back of your head as tightly as you can until you reach your other ear. This will show the amount of elastic you need. So make note of this and cut the amount you used to measure. 
  2. Now you have your cut elastic, get a needle and thread. Carefully sew the elastic around each side of the lace front of your wig cap. Be sure to knot the end of your thread so that it does not fall out.
  3. Once the elastic is secure, try on your wig and ensure it is secure, laying flat on your nape.
  4. Done!

The Wig Tape Method: For bald heads

Note: If you wear a wig on top of natural hair, do not use this method! Wig tape can rip out natural hairs.

It is, however, one of the most effective methods of securing your wig but is not worth the damage to your natural hair. It is a technique often used in Hollywood. 

STEPS

  1. Using a cotton ball, soak it in rubbing alcohol and wipe gently along your hairline, this is to cleanse your skin of dirt and oils.
  2. With another cotton ball, gently apply a layer of liquid band-aid to the area just below your hairline. You do this to stop any damage to your skin and is highly recommended for people with sensitive skin.
  3. Cut the wig tape into several strips and peel it away from the paper, then place along your hairline. Starting from the front of your head to the nape of your neck.
  4. Remove the paper from the front strip and place the wig on top of the exposed tape, press down to secure it. 
  5. Working from the front to the back, removing the paper from the tape strips one at a time and pressing the wig on top to secure it. Be sure you pull firmly as you place each part. 

The most important step of any wig application methods is to finally, look in the mirror and enjoy your new look! 

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