TODAY'S WIGS
Hi, I'm Karen. You know, women from all over the country ask me a lot of questions about wigs. That's why I’m so pleased to provide this instructional article for you. It addresses many of your concerns about wig care and styling. With a little practice, you can feel confident and beautiful when wearing a wig.
Today's wigs are lightweight, comfortable, and easy to style. In fact, the style is preset at the factory which means goodbye to rollers, hair dryers and teasing.
By learning a few basic steps, you can look great in your wig the day you get it. However, you need to know how to handle your wig and how to put it on properly for a natural and comfortable fit.
HANDLING YOUR NEW WIG
When you receive your wig by mail, it may not look like much, but it’s practically ready to wear.
To see the beautiful style, cup your hands inside the wig and then shake it to loosen the fibers. Now fluff it through with a wig brush. If your wig is styled in ringlet curls, use your fingers or a pic comb.
Now your wig will start to look like the style you ordered, and with a little touch up, it will be ready to wear.
PUTTING ON YOUR WIG
Preparing your hair is the first step to putting on a wig. If you have mid-length to long hair, make flat pin curls out of sections of your hair. Keep them distributed evenly over your head so you won't have bumps or bulges.
If your hair is short, spray your hairline and brush back the straggling ends.
If you have little or no hair, use a wig liner to help your wig feel secure. In fact, wig liners can be used to hold all hair lengths.
Now you're ready to put on your wig. With both hands, hold the wig by the nape where the label is. Tilt your head slightly forward. Position the front of the wig above your eyebrows and slip the wig on like you would a bathing cap. Now push the front of the wig back until it's slightly below your natural hairline. Center the wig by positioning the ear tabs in front of the ears -- never covering them.
When the wig feels comfortable, check for stray hairs. A quick style and you're ready to go.
CHECKLIST FOR PROPER WIG HANDLING
- Shake and brush your new wig -- and don't be shy about it.
- Prepare your own hair using pin curls, spray or a wig cap liner. This creates an even, natural look under your wig.
- When you put on a wig, remember to position the ear tabs in front of the ears. This ensures that the wig is centered.
- Check the fit and adjust the velcro tabs, if necessary.
- Finally, tuck in any stray hairs
Proper care of your wig will help it last longer, and it's easy. You must know when and how to wash, dry, and condition your wig -- and you need to use the right wig care products.
WASHING YOUR WIG
Guidelines vary for washing your wig. Generally, it should be washed every 30 wearings or four to six weeks, but it also depends on your lifestyle. If you’re around heavy smoke, perfume or strong odors of any kind, you should wash it more often.
Your wig is ready to be washed if it is dull, lifeless, over sprayed or tangled from too much teasing.
Take a look at your wig. Is it dull, lifeless, over sprayed or tangled from too much teasing? Any of these indicate that your wig needs to be washed.
To start, gently brush your wig from the bottom in short strokes to remove knots and spray buildup, and to separates the fibers.
Wash your wig in a sink or basin -- never in a washing machine. Mix cool water with the wig shampoo according to the directions. Wig shampoo cleans fibers gently and thoroughly.
Soak your wig for five minutes or perhaps a little longer depending on how soiled it is. Even if your wig is quite soiled, never rub, twist or wring it. After the five minutes, gently dip it up and down in the water. If there are makeup stains on the cap, clean them with a small brush.
Now rinse your wig gently but thoroughly in cool water. Remember, your wig is made of synthetic fibers, so handle it as you would a good blouse.
DRYING YOUR WIG
To dry your wig, pat out the excess water in a towel. Otherwise the weight of water could stretch the wig fibers and ruin the style.
Hang your wig loosely on a wig stand or spray can to dry at room temperature. Never place a wet wig on a styrofoam head or a blockhead, which can stretch the wig cap. Also, never comb a wet wig or attempt to speed dry it with a blow dryer. Air drying, loosely, takes only a few hours and ensures healthy-looking, manageable fibers.
CONDITIONING YOUR WIG
Wig conditioner restores the original style pattern of your wig. It contains specially-blended oils, which soften dryness and bring out the luster and mobility of the fiber.
Spray wig conditioner over the entire area. Fluff in the conditioner with a pic comb or your fingers. After the conditioner is dry, your wig is ready to be styled.Spray wig conditioner over the entire area. Then fluff in the conditioner with a pic comb or your fingers. After the conditioner is dry, your wig is ready to be styled.
CHECKLIST FOR PROPER CARE
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STYLING TECHNIQUES
Why are wigs today so comfortable and versatile? It's how they're made. Today's wigs are considered "capless." This is what the inside of a wig looks like. Notice the open construction. This makes it lighter and cooler than ever, allowing the fiber to move freely. With this advantage, you can get many different looks from one wig.
Today's wig fibers are sewn on thin strips of material called "wefts." The "wefts" are attached to a lightweight lace frame to create a light and airy cap. This lace stretches and allows flexibility while supporting the wig. Ear tabs are extensions of the wig cap and help you center the wig. They also provide a natural-looking hairline at the sides of the wig. Some wigs are designed with an extended nape to provide extra coverage at the neckline. A velvet lined front was designed for comfort and velcro tabs allow for a one-inch adjustment of the wig cap. This construction is used on most quality wigs today, whether they’re machine made or hand-tied.
In addition to these advances, wearing a wig allows your own hair to rest. And remember, a wig won't ever damage your hair.
STYLING YOUR WIG
Because today's wigs have built-in memory, a few basic styling techniques are all you need to remind your wig what it should look like. By learning these techniques and some professional tips, you can achieve a natural look and feel.
BASIC TECHNIQUES
Style your wig when it’s completely dry. You can use a chin strap to secure the wig on your head. This gives you the freedom to use both hands and you can see the wig frame and your face as you style.
You can also style a wig on a blockhead. With this accessory, you can easily see all sides of the wig. This is especially helpful if you have difficulty reaching up or back to comb your wig.
Styling begins with proper brushing. This wakes up the fibers. Use short lifting strokes with a wig brush on styles with tight curls, waves or soft curls. For wigs that are smooth and straight, use the wig brush in long, even strokes. For longer wigs that have ringlet curls, use a pic comb or your fingers in lifting movements.
If you want more height on any style, first brush in the opposite direction of the style and then smooth the fibers into the desired shape.
When your style is where you like it, you may want to use wig spray.
There are two methods of spraying today's wigs. Using the traditional method, lightly mist the entire wig. Start at the back and spray forward, keeping the can 12 inches away from your head. Maintaining this distance prevents the wig from becoming overly wet. Switch hands halfway through to help you remain at the proper distance.
The latest methods give you a softer, more natural look. Hold the can about six inches away from your head. Now separate the wig fibers with your fingers and direct the spray at the roots. This holds the base of the style firm while the ends remain soft and loose.
With either method, don't brush or touch your wig when it’s wet from spray. It will ruin the preset style.
Some days your wig may only need to be slightly touched up. With a pic comb or brush, give height to flattened areas or reposition your curl. Lightly spritz wig conditioner on dry spots or all over your wig to revitalize the style.
If you like wig spray, use it after the conditioner has dried and only on the areas that you touched up. If you allow a lot of spray to build up, your wig will need to be washed too often.
In just a couple of minutes, your style is set.
PROFESSIONAL TIPS
Using professional styling tips will help your wig look more natural and can also make you feel more confident. Here are a few of my favorites:
Tip Number One: Hiding Your Hairline
You have a few options depending on how you like to style your bangs. If you wear them mostly off your face, position the wig just below your natural hairline. Tuck in any stray hairs with a comb or your fingers.
If your hair and wig are compatible colors, you may want to blend your own hair with the wig fiber. Position the wig just behind your hairline and comb some of your hair out. Lightly tease and spray your bangs so they blend evenly with the wig. Now comb your hair in with the wig fiber. The result will be a very natural-looking front.
Another option: Styling a wig with full bangs easily hides your hairline and you can position the wig for comfort.
Most of today's wigs can be worn with or without bangs. Experiment with your wig to see what works best for you.
Tip Number Two: Accessorizing Your Wig
Hats and headbands are fashionable, so why not enjoy them with a wig? They also give you a feeling of extra security.
Tip Number Three: Achieving the Wet Look
You can get the wet look by using wig conditioner. Lightly spritz it over your wig and then style with fingers or a pic comb while it’s wet. You might be surprised how versatile wigs and wig care products are. By following our easy care and quick styling tips, you can get a professional look at home.
CHECKLIST FOR STYLING TECHNIQUES
- Use a chinstrap or blockhead.
- Brush according to style. Short strokes on wigs with waves and curls, long strokes on smooth styles and lifting movements with a pic comb on styles with ringlet curls.
- Use wig conditioner and wig spray lightly on the areas you touched up.
EXTENDING WIG LIFE
Wigs today are natural and airy looking. Their lightweight construction, though, also mean they're more delicate than the bulky wigs of yesterday. By following a few guidelines, you can extend the life of your wig. Use wig care products properly and avoid damaging agents.
WIG CARE PRODUCTS
Wigs today are natural and airy looking. Their lightweight construction also means they're more delicate than the bulky wigs of the past. By following a few guidelines, you can extend the life of your wig. Use wig care products properly and avoid contact with damaging agents.
Hairspray and mousse leave a film that attracts dirt and dust. Hair brushes have nylon bristles, which stretch synthetic fibers and loosen the curl.
Permanent wave and hair color solutions won't work on synthetic wig fiber and the harsh chemicals can melt the fiber or strip the wig of its original luster.
Avoid using any of these products on your wig. Only wig care products are made to keep your wig looking its best.
NOTE: Product suggestions in this article for use or avoidance are those of V.J.C., based solely on the effects those products have on synthetic fiber wigs, and are in no manner intended to relate the quality of the products in other applications.
DAMAGING AGENTS
Taking care of your wig also means avoiding damaging agents such as heat. That can be heat from a pot of boiling water, an oven, curling iron, blow dryer or clothes dryer. Even heat from a cigarette lighter or barbeque grill can dull, frizz and straighten wig fibers. So take precautions around heat. Wear a turban or scarf around the house. When opening a pot or a heated oven, avoid the initial burst of steam or heat. Also don't use heated hair appliances. They aren't needed on today's preset wigs.
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Avoid Heat:
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Your wig will also straighten if you brush or comb it when it's wet. That includes moisture from water, steam, rain, snow or excessive spraying. Even perspiration at the nape or forehead can cause straightening. In these situations, don't touch your wig until it is dry.
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Never brush or touch your wig when it is wet from:
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Friction can also cause damage. Your wig may frizz in spots where it rubs against upholstered furniture, high collars, bed pillows and other surfaces. This kind of frizzing is the result of ordinary use and is considered normal wear and tear.
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Friction from the following will also damage a wig:
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CHECKLIST FOR EXTENDING WIG LIFE
- Use only wig care products. They’re gentle on a wig's synthetic fiber.
- Avoid damaging your wig with heat, combing when wet and friction.
Here are some tips that sound great that I learned from women like you:
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BUYING WIGS BY MAIL
Buying wigs by mail is convenient and exciting because you can choose from a variety of styles and colors. I've put together some guidelines to help you select the right ones for you.
MEASURING YOUR HEAD
Wrap a tape measure around your head following your hairline above your ears. Then order a style that comes in your size -- whether it's petite, average or large. You may need one size larger if your hair is thick or long. But remember, the velcro tabs can be adjusted slightly to give you a better fit.
Measure your head to order the perfect size.
Petite
19" to 20 ½"
Petite to Average
20 ½" to 21 ½"
Average
21 ½"to 22 ½"
Large
22 ½" or more
COLOR SELECTION
To make an accurate color selection, it's best to view the color guide near a window. Keep in mind that lighter colors can soften facial lines. So don't be afraid to try a variety of shades.
FLATTERING YOUR FACE SHAPE
Certain wig styles look more flattering on certain shapes of faces. Round faces look best with height on top and short sides. Short styles that are fluffy or curled at the sides add fullness to a long face. Styles with soft curls help to lighten the features of a broad, square face. A triangular face needs full hair around the neck and temples without a lot of height on top. If your face is oval, you’re lucky because you can look great in any of these styles.
TODAY'S WIGS
Today's wigs are beautiful and now you know how easy they are to manage. We covered a lot in this article -- including basic techniques, styling techniques and tips, and home shopping hints -- and you even learned how your wig is made. I hope I've answered most of your questions so you can enjoy the versatility and convenience of wearing wigs every day. However, if you do have additional questions about wig care or selection, or you would like to receive a free wig catalog, call one of our personal shopping advisors at:
