Wigs 101: 4 Tips for Purchasing Your First Wig | Guest Blog
Looking to get your first wig but don’t know where to start? In this article from wig coach & guest blogger Tia, she breaks it down for you – step-by-step!
Getting Started
Let’s start the step-by-step roadmap to help you decide which wig to purchase all the way to putting it on and wearing it out!
Deciding to wear a wig, no matter what the reason, can be overwhelming. There’s so much to understand, know, and learn about wigs, it can be difficult to know where to start. You can definitely fall into the rabbit hole when trying to find wig information and you will continue to learn more and more as you progress through your wig journey. Still, knowing the basics of where to start can make that journey easier, more enjoyable, and save you precious time and money.
Step #1: Choosing Your Wig
There are several questions you will need to ask yourself to narrow down the immense wig selection that’s available. I have a basic video exploring these questions, as well as one where I go more in depth, but let’s get started exploring what you want and need now. Grab a piece of paper or open your notes app and answer the following questions for yourself.
What is the price range you are willing to spend on a wig?
Do you want synthetic fibers, heat-friendly, human hair, or do you have no preference?
Do you have the time and/or the desire to style a wig or would you prefer a more “put on and go” option?
What are your preferences when it comes to hair style, texture, length, and color?
What is your comfort level with not only putting on a wig, but also wearing it out in public?
Depending on how you answer these questions, it will determine what type of wig you are looking for. Don’t worry if you aren’t quite sure how to answer each question or change your mind as you move through the process.
Step #2: Purchasing Your Wig
Now that you have some idea what type and style of wig you would like, it’s time to choose a style and purchase it. Before you click “add to cart”, there’s one more important step you need to do…measure your head. There’s nothing worse than receiving your wig, only to discover it doesn’t fit properly. A wig that’s too tight can be very uncomfortable and even cause headaches. A wig that’s too big can be difficult to secure and can fit in a way that is unflattering and even annoying!
Now that you know what style you want and have chosen the perfect color, it’s time to add it to your cart, right? Not quite yet. There’s one additional step that I think can be very valuable to your purchasing decision…check out reviews! Looking up reviews and videos on the wig you are interested in can help you ensure you are choosing the best wig for you. How a wig looks online versus how it looks on you can be very different. Watching videos on the wig you plan to buy can save you time, answer additional questions, and help you feel confident in your purchase. I have a video outlining what you should learn from a quality wig review - as not all reviews provide you with the important information you need.
Ok, so now you are ready to purchase the wig! Don’t forget to review the shipping information as well as review the return and exchange policies. If you receive your wig and aren’t sure you want to keep it, these policies will be very important.
Step #3: What to Do When Your Wig Arrives
Yay! Your wig has arrived! Now what? First things first, take your wig out of the box - but don’t remove the tag yet. If you determine this wig isn’t for you, it will need to have the tags attached to be able to return or exchange it. Time to try on the wig and see how it looks! First, shake out the wig a bit. This will help loosen the fibers and bring the style to life.
There are a few things to get or consider when you are first putting on your wig. You will want a wig cap and potentially a wig grip to help with extra security. Not all caps and wig grips are created equal, so I made videos talking more about wig caps as well as reviewing and comparing a variety of wig grips.
Next, you want consider placement.A common mistake for newer wig wearers is to place their wig too far forward or two far back. If you aren’t sure where your wig should be, here’s a little trick. Take your four fingers and place them on your forehead starting at your eyebrows or brow bone. This should give you a good starting point for wig placement.Don’t be afraid to shift the wig around until you feel the wig looks and feels the best.
Step #4: How to Make You Wig Look Natural
So, you have decided this is the wig for you. You have also put on the wig and it feels secure – so that’s it right? Not quite. Making your wig look as natural as possible is an important part of wearing wigs for many people. There are various tips and tricks to achieving a more natural-looking wig, but in order to achieve a natural look there are a few tools and products you are going to want to have on hand. Though there are many tools and products that can be useful, here’s a basic “Wig Care Kit” list:
Dry shampoo (This helps take shine away)
A wig spray
Powder (I have a special tool I use and prefer Bare Minerals Powder Foundation)
Shop All Braided Hair Headbands
This isn’t an exhaustive list and doesn’t contain any heat-related tools or products, as some wigs are not heat-safe. When you are first starting out with wigs, it can be tempting to buy all the tools and products you see others using. I suggest you resist that temptation. We all have different preferences with wigs and there are various tools and products designed for specific needs. Once you learn more about what you want to achieve with wigs, you can narrow down the products and tools that are best for you.
Often when we are considering and purchasing wigs, we forget about styling. Half the fun of wigs is styling them, especially if you may not have been able to achieve certain styles with your natural hair. There are so many fun ways to style a wig and accessories you can use. Consider trying out a braided hair headband or wrap – Hairdo has so many to choose from.
This is your step-by-step guide to purchasing and wearing a wig. Remember, wig wearing is a journey! It can be so much fun and add to your life in ways you may never have imagined. So good luck, have fun, and don’t forget…Life is short, Wear Wigs!
Want to know more about Tia? Check out her first guest blog post to learn more!