Wigging Out

Hair loss can be a devastating blow for a lot of people – whether it is due to genetics, stress, a medical condition, or through a fight with cancer. Thankfully, with the advancement of technology within haircare, there are plenty of ways to help combat hair loss – and one of those ways is with the grand illusion of a wig.

Buying a wig can seem like a daunting prospect – you need the right style, the right fit, and most importantly, the right professionals for the job. The good news is that today wigs have come a long way in shape and style; long gone are the days of a few strands sticking out of what can be best described as material suitable for a pair of tights! Now, it is almost impossible to tell who is wearing a wig – just look at the copious amounts of celebrities and their ever changing hair colours. More often than not, these overnight colour changes are courtesy of wigs!

To help you out on your perfect wig quest, we have put together a quick guide on how to buy and wear a wig; whether you want it by choice or through illness.

Choose Wisely

Unless you are after a drastic change in style and colour, it is often best to transition into wigs by sticking close to your natural style. That way, it will feel more comfortable and natural to you. Once you build up confidence in your new wig, then you can start having fun with colours and styles, ala Kylie Kardashian!

Once you have chosen your wig, get a professional to help you style it into shape. A salon that specialises in wigs and with cancer/hair loss patients is a great place to start. They often have wigs in-salon to help find the right style for you, and they can even colour them to suit. Trevor Sorbie’s My New Hair initiative is a fab place to start your wig journey.

There are different ‘technological’ styles in wigs too that you need to be aware of. These include the underlying style you want to go for, such as:

Lace Front Wigs – Lace Front is a great choice if you like to wear your hair away from your face, as the superfine front section provides an undetectable hairline. A Lace Front wig is great for those suffering from complete hair loss.

Hand Tied Wigs – If you love changing up your style without compromising on your wig, then Hand Tied is for you. Hand Tied allows you to play around with the style of your wig as if it was your own hair.

Man Made (synthetic) Wigs – Synthetic wigs are a lot cheaper than real hair wigs, and they come in a huge variety of colours, lengths and styles. Synthetic wigs are quicker to obtain too, and they usually last for around 6-9 months. If you are a fan of heat styling, make sure you check the manufacturer’s instructions, as some synthetic wigs do not support heat.

Real (human hair) Wigs – Real hair wigs are much more expensive than the synthetic kind, but they do last much longer and have a more natural look and feel to them. They can take a little longer to obtain, but going for a fitting early can often ensure your wig will be ready for when you really need it. Bear in mind that it can take up to two months for a custom wig to be made. If you are opting for a real hair wig, then we strongly recommend having your wig styled and cared for by a professional salon.

The final part of choosing the right wig is size. The majority of clients often go for an ‘average’ size wig, which is about 22 inches in circumference. Most wigs are adjustable though, so they can be tightened to fit more snug.

Wear It With Style

A good stylist can show you how to wear and prep for your wig. But it’s always handy to know the basics for at home.

First, if you still have hair you need to prep for the wig. If your hair is short, simply brush your hair away from your face and pin/tie in place at the back of your head. If your hair is long, it can be easier to tie your hair into two braids tight against the scalp and then cross them over just above the nape and secure with grips.

If you are using a wig cap, this needs to be placed onto your natural hairline and stretched to cover the whole head. Tuck away any strays and secure with grips.

Once prepped, take your fabulous new wig, and with your head tilted forward, place the front of the wig onto your front hairline and slide it on from there. Adjust until it feels comfortable before securing it firmly in place.

Once your new wig is on and you’re looking and feeling fantastic, it’s time to step out with style!

For further information on My New Hair and to find your local specialist salon, click here.