Wigs are a great way to explore different hairstyles and give your natural hair a well-deserved break. However, there are times when you encounter a wig that is either too thin or lacks the required volume and length. Knowing how to add hair to a wig can save you money while also helping achieve that elusive perfect look. In this guide, we will go through how to add hair to a wig whether it be synthetic or real human hair.

Why Add Hair to a Wig?

There are several reasons why one may want to add hair to their wig:

  • Volume and Thickness: Many wigs, especially those of lower budgets, may not have the abundance you desire.
  • Length: If you have gotten yourself a wig but wanted longer strands, adding some will help reach desired lengths.
  • Style Customization: By adding more hair, you can make customized styles that your average store-bought wig cannot provide.

What You’ll Need

It is important to note that the necessary tools and materials should be gathered before diving into how to add hair to a wig:

  • Extra wefts of hair extensions (human or synthetic, which will depend on the type of your wig)
  • Wig clips (for sew-in methods)
  • Weaving thread and needle
  • Wig stand or mannequin head
  • Hair glue or bonding adhesive (optional)
  • Scissors
  • T-pins (to secure the wig on the wig stand)

Step 1: Choose the Right Hair

The first step in learning how to add hair to a wig is selecting the appropriate hair. There are two main options:

  • Synthetic Hair: This is often lower in cost and comes pre-styled; however, it cannot be styled with heat like human hair can. For this reason, it works best for synthetic wigs but needs to match the texture and color of the wig perfectly.
  • Human Hair: On the other hand, this kind of hair has a more realistic appearance and feel; besides, it can also be styled using heat tools, making it quite expensive but worth spending on if you want quality results.

Ensure that you select hair that has the same texture and color as your wig.

Step 2: Secure the Wig on a Wig Stand

Your wig should be placed on a wig stand or mannequin head so that you can have it stable while working on it. T-pins could be used to secure it so that it doesn’t move. Having this will allow you to be more controlling and accurate when adding other hairs.

Step 3: Prepare the Wefts

There are long strands of hair sewn at the top together known as wefts, which are quite easy to add to wigs. In case one is using extensions, he/she should measure the weft against the wig first, ensuring they fit in between sections where more hair is needed. Additionally, trim wefts into desired parts across the width of the wig, especially in areas where there is increased volume or length required. Be cautious not to cut too much since excess can later be trimmed away.

Step 4: Sew in the Hair Wefts

Sewing hair wefts is among the best-guaranteed ways of adding new hair using a wig. The steps involve:

  • Divide the Wig: With a comb, make horizontal sections in your wig where you intend placing wefts; usually at its back or sides so as to boost fullness.
  • Place the Weft: Lay down your weft on top of the part that has been created. Ensure that it lies flat against the wig’s cap.
  • Sewing in Weft: Use a curved needle and weaving thread to stitch the weft into the wig cap. Start from one end and use small stitches in order to secure it, making sure that the needle goes through both stitching of the weft and wig cap all together.
  • Securing The Ends: Once you are done with placing all of them, tie off your thread after cutting excess ones for each section of your wig where more hair will be added.

Step 5: Use Hair Glue (Optional)

For those looking for a quicker method, wig-wefts can also be attached with hair glue. Nevertheless, this technique is more suitable for synthetic wigs since human hair wigs may be ruined by using such a type of adhesive over time.

  • Separate the Wig: Similar to sewing, make a section in the wig where you want to insert your hair.
  • Use Glue: Take bonding adhesive or hair glue and apply it on top of the weft.
  • Press Weft into Position: Lightly press the weft onto the place created earlier, holding it there for some seconds to ensure that the glue sticks firmly.
  • Let It Dry: Allow it enough time for the adhesive to dry totally before manipulating or hairstyling the wig itself. Most adhesives will take around a couple of minutes only; however, it’s best if you look for specific instructions concerning their drying times.

Step 6: Blend and Style the Wig

After you have added the hair, you’ll want to make the wig look like yours by mixing it in with the rest of your wig. Here are some tips:

  • Trim it: Get rid of any extra hair so that it is the same length and shape as the wig.
  • Blend it: When using wide-tooth combs, ensure that added wefts become part of the wig naturally.
  • Style it: If it is human hair, you can curl or straighten it in any way you prefer.

Tips for Success

  • Match Hair Color: Always check that added hair’s hue is identical to that of your wig so as not to exhibit any contrast whatsoever.
  • Be Gentle: While sewing or gluing wefts, be careful not to tear the cap of the wig.
  • Start Small: Especially if new to this process, start by adding small amounts at first. You could still add more hair later if needed.

Conclusion

In order to get a wig with more hair, you should learn how to do it. A wig can be transformed in appearance and made unique with additional hair. By following the aforementioned steps, you can add fullness or length or any other style you want to your wig according to the need that is. If you possess some level of patience plus required materials, then it is easy to make a dream hairstyle.

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