By | December 6th, 2021 | Wig Wisdom
Nobody’s perfect, and we all make mistakes, but wig mistakes can end up being difficult to rectify. So, to help ensure that doesn’t happen to your wig, we’ve brought together the ten most common wig mistakes to help you avoid the pitfalls and keep your wig in the best condition so you can look and feel fabulous!
10 Most Common Wig Mistakes
1. Cutting off too much lace
Lace front wigs are designed to promote a natural look, but a common lace front wig mistake is cutting too much lace, which can disrupt the line of the wig. If you’d like a lace front wig but you’re not confident in cutting the lace yourself, have a look at pre-cut lace front wigs. Remember – you can always cut more off, but you can’t put back what you’ve already taken off! Learn more about how to put on a lace front wig on our blog.
2. Not securing the wig
Nobody wants to feel their wig sliding down their head, especially not if you’ve just left the house for a busy, productive day. When you put your wig on in the morning, try to make sure that it’s sufficiently secured on your head – we recommend using an adhesive to avoid any slipping.
3. Wrong size wig
It’s like a horror story all its own – you’ve found the perfect wig in the perfect colour, styled exactly as you wanted it, you put it on… and it doesn’t fit. Nightmare! This one is a wig mistake to avoid before you even buy the wig. Check out our wig size guide for tips on how to measure your own head.
We’ve found that some customers aren’t even aware that wigs come in different sizes, so if you’re nervous about measuring, you can always come and visit us. Just pick out some styles you’d like to try, and we’ll make sure you leave with the perfect fit.
4. Using the wrong types of product for the wig
When it comes to the most common wig mistakes, one of the ones we see often is using the wrong type of wig care product for the wig you have. It can be an easy mistake, so it’s important to double-check any products you’re using on your wig.
If you have a human hair wig, don’t use products for synthetic wigs (and vice versa). The products on our website are clearly labelled, so you know what wigs they’re suitable for.
5. Misusing wig tape
Wig tape is a great tool to provide you with extra security for your wig, ensuring it stays in place and you don’t have to worry. Typically, wig tape should last quite a long time, so long as you aren’t using too much of it.
Using too much wig tape or not using the right type of wig tape can be an uncomfortable wig mistake or leave unseemly residue. Like all of our wig care products, our range of wig tape is high-quality and clearly labelled for different uses, whether you need discreet spot tape or extra-strong hold for extended wear.
Learn how to use wig tape on our previous blog!
6. Neglecting natural hair
If you have natural hair under your wig, particularly if that hair is weaker or thinning, it is imperative that you look after it as well. Doing this means that if you’re wearing the wig to change up your look or as a temporary measure if you’ve suffered temporary hair loss (such as after pregnancy or serious stress), you won’t risk any permanent damage.
The steps are easy, including taking off your wig at night, washing your hair and moisturising when necessary. See our full guide to protecting your hair under a wig in our previous blog post.
7. Rubbing it dry
This is one of those wig mistakes that makes us cringe every time we see it. Wigs, whether synthetic or human hair, are not designed to be rubbed with a towel to dry them – this can do permanent damage to the strands of hair.
Instead, after you wash your wig or hairpiece, place it between two layers of towel and gently press to remove any excess water. Once you’ve done that, place it on a wig stand and leave it to dry out of direct sunlight. Voila!
8. Cutting it yourself
We know, it’s tempting. The scissors are right there, and it couldn’t hurt to take off a couple of centimetres, right? Don’t do it! Unless you’re very familiar with cutting your own hair, we recommend backing away from the scissors and calling a professional.
This is one of the most common wig mistakes we see. Wig hair doesn’t grow back and it’s easy to make a mistake that you then can’t rectify. Do a little research and talk to a hairdresser about getting your wig trimmed so that you can be sure of a great end result!
9. Using heat
Don’t worry; we’re not putting a blanket ban on ever using heat on wigs! Heat can be useful, but there are a few things to bear in mind. Make sure you have a human hair or heat-resistant wig, use a low temperature and go carefully. Learn more about using heat on your wig in our previous blog post.
10. Sitting the wig too far forward
When people ask us how to make their wig look more natural, one of the most common issues is that they’re placing the wig just a little too far forward on their head. Make sure your wig sits exactly at your hairline to ensure that the proportions of your face line up.
And there you have it! Ten of the most common wig mistakes that we see. Whether you’re new to wigs or a seasoned pro, remember you can always refer back to our beginner’s guide to wig-wearing to keep those guidelines fresh in your mind! If you have any questions or concerns about making wig mistakes, please talk to us today, and our friendly team will be happy to help you out.
Comments
5 thoughts on “10 Common Wig Mistakes and How to Avoid Them”
I wish you had a branch in Devon,but I am really glad I found your site,just wish for a few more large cap styles especially shoulder length and curly until then I shall just keep trimming up festival!I have worn a wig for years now following hair loss and have always found small hair grips keep them in place which hide quite well under the wig also pretty hair slides …..thankfully I do have some of my own hair to grip them to.
I wish you had a branch in Glasgow
What about wearing a wig straight out of the box? Take it to your usual hairdresser and have it properly ‘cut in’ to your head…it makes such a difference.
Phew!! I’m doing everything right… thank you for this x
Thank you very much for this advice, you really are the very best suppliers, not just supplying wigs but so much more besides. I am so very grateful I found you a few years back.
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FAQs
10 Common Wig Mistakes and How to Avoid Them? ›
Wearing a wig that doesn't fit just opens the door to a pile of wig problems. Not only does an incorrectly fitting wig look unflattering, it can cause slipping, headaches and general discomfort. Wigs should always fit just right–snug enough that they feel secure without causing pain or discomfort.
What makes a wig bad? ›Wearing a wig that doesn't fit just opens the door to a pile of wig problems. Not only does an incorrectly fitting wig look unflattering, it can cause slipping, headaches and general discomfort. Wigs should always fit just right–snug enough that they feel secure without causing pain or discomfort.
What makes a wig look fake? ›Most people have shades of color and gradients throughout their hair. Your stylist calls those gradients “dimension.” We call them “the reason wigs dyed with one flat color look really fake.” Wigs with rooted colors, on the other hand, mimic the natural gradients in bio hair by blending several colors.
Why does my wig look so bulky? ›The thicker the closure material, the bulkier it will look. And that's a dead giveaway to other people that you're donning a hairpiece when the ultimate goal is to make your wig look like your own hair. "People should buy lace-front wigs with thin lace because the thin lace melts and lays better.
What type of wig looks the most natural? ›Lace front, 360 lace, or full lace wigs are the best ones to mimic a real scalp. The lace part should be handmade, which means that each strand of hair should be tied manually on the lace to give it an amazing, realistic look.
When not to wear a wig? ›Don't wear a wig in temperatures that are too hot.
There is a chance of overheating in warm temperatures. You will also sweat A LOT. Sweat not only soaks the wig hair, but the cap underneath which can stretch it out. It's also very itchy.
The best wigs will have a natural shine and should fit on your head securely, so it imitates real human hair. Investing in a natural-looking wig is a great confidence booster, and will act as a comfortable yet stylish solution to hair loss, helping you regain your confidence and style.
Should you wear a wig cap under your wig? ›Wearing a wig cap is a completely personal preference. Wig caps act as protective barrier to a sensitive scalp and keep your wig comfortable and secure during everyday use. If wearing a wig cap helps you achieve this, then this is the way to go.
Can you wear a wig without a wig cap? ›If you're wondering how to wear a wig without a wig cap, use the same technique to put the wig on as you would with a wig cap. Make sure your scalp is clean before putting the wig on and, if you have natural hair, try braiding or twisting it to flatten it as much as possible and avoid any bumps under the wig.
How can I make my wig look more realistic? ›Thin out the wig hair.
A thick wig with too much hair is a obvious sign that the hair is fake. If you feel comfortable enough, take a razor or pair of sharp scissors and thin out the wig cutting some of the hair throughout. You can also have your hair stylist thin the wig out for you for a more natural, realistic look.
What makes a wig high quality? ›
A high-quality wig should not only look and feel like your own hair, but it should also pass as your real hair. Quality hair should also be manageable, allowing you to wash and style it as you would your own. If the wig feels dry and hard when you run your fingers through the strands, it is probably of low quality.
How tight should a wig be? ›A wig that fits you just right should be snug, but not too tight. You'll obviously realize you're wearing a wig, but it should hurt or be irritating. Nor should it cause you to have headaches. The best way to know if your wig will fit is by measuring ahead of time>.
Why does my wig keep riding up in the back? ›A dirty wig can be one of the top reasons why your wig is sliding back. Think about it–for an everyday wig, you're wearing it multiple times a week for extended periods of time. Over this time, your wig can pick up dirt from your environment, as well as sweat and oil from your skin/scalp.
Do you take a wig off every night? ›Proper upkeep also relates to how long you keep your wig on, especially at night. “If you can take your wig off while you're sleeping, please do so,” says Johnson. “This gives your natural hair time to breathe, maintains the longevity of the wig, and cuts down on styling time.
How do you take care of a wig for beginners? ›Wet: Hold your wig with one hand and use the other to pour lukewarm water over the hair. The wig hair just needs to be wet, but not soaking wet. Wash: Put a small amount of shampoo on the wig hair and work the shampoo through the hair. Then rinse the hair clean, being careful not to squeeze or wring the wig.
Should you shower with a wig? ›However, while showering with your hairpiece on is enough to keep it looking presentable and smelling fresh, it's not the best method for a thorough deep clean. That's why we highly recommend making time every couple of weeks to remove it and give it a good scrub.
Do you wear anything under a wig? ›Wearing a wig cap is beneficial in holding your hair underneath in place when wearing a wig, whether the hair is short or long. It also prevents the hair from breaking when a wig rubs against the scalp.