Wearing a wig is an enjoyable experience given the various options one can find in the market, but putting on a wig may sometimes be hectic for anyone, especially if it is the first time. If you get the right advice and equipment, you will not find it difficult learning the correct way to wear a wig and look like you are not wearing one. Whether you simply want to wig it up for a casual errand or to get ready for that special occasion, then you should find this guide useful as it covers a step-by-step method of wig installation.

What Do You Need to Install a Wig?

Below therefore are the things to prepare before proceeding to install a wig. Here’s a list of essentials:

  • Wig of your choice: lace front, full lace, or closure
  • Wig cap (if you’re going to apply your own wig, which we strongly suggest doing)
  • Wig glue or adhesive (or glueless method which is an elastic band)
  • Scissors or wig razor (for removing the extra lace)
  • Hair clips (to hold back hair when fixing the wig)
  • Rat-tail comb (to help part one’s hair as well as to lay edges)
  • Tweezers (if you’d like to remove a few strands from your hairline if necessary)
  • Got2B spray or mousse (used while laying down the edges)
  • Makeup foundation or concealer (to match the color of the lace with your skin color)

Preparing Your Natural Hair

Before moving through the process of wig installation, you have to take a few steps on your natural hair. Here’s how to do it:

  • Braid or flatten your hair: The flatter the natural hair is, the better it will be; this applies regardless of whether one’s hair is long or short. For best results, it should be braided in cornrows; for short hair, loosen it and apply gel or pomade on it.
  • Put on a wig cap: A wig cap is particularly helpful because it creates a good surface for your wig to rest on, which will also offer your natural hair some protection. They also protect your wigs from scratching your scalp when you wear the wig due to friction, thereby minimizing hair pullage.

How to Install a Wig

Now that your natural hair is prepped, it’s time to move to the main event: different stages of putting on a wig. Please follow these steps to make sure that you get the right installation done.

Step 1: Prepare the Wig

As earlier stated, the wig should be in the right state before preparing to wear it.

  • Pluck the hairline: Most wigs come with a hairline already plucked, but if the wig model you are using doesn’t come with it, then please use the tweezer to remove excess hair at the hairline. This will make your wig appear more natural and not like the ordinary wigs that are associated with celebs.
  • Trim the lace: In the case of lace front wigs, what is required is cutting the lace to the line of the hairline. It is better to wash your hair first before doing this process so that it will be easier to trim the lace using either scissors or a wig razor as close to the hairline as you desire.

Step 2: Position the Wig

It fits perfectly, so put on the wig on your head to check the right position before fixing it firmly.

  • Align the wig: Arrange the wig in such a way that the front rests about 2 cms above the natural hairline. To make it level and cozy, you can tilt it a little.
  • Secure with clips or an elastic band: With regards to the kind of wig that you use, you might have some clips, combs, and an elastic band incorporated into the wig. These are to be used in order to secure the wig to your head.

Step 3: Apply Adhesive

The next thing to do is to apply some glue that would allow the wig to remain fixed in its position. This depends on the individual’s preferred choice of action.

  • Wig glue or adhesive: Spread a thin layer of the wig glue or adhesive across your hairline, ensuring that it doesn’t come in contact with your natural hair. Let the glue become slightly tacky before placing the lace down onto your skin. Lastly, using a rat-tail comb, apply pressure to the lace to have it stick onto the adhesive properly.
  • Got2B spray or gel: If you are not so comfortable with glue, then Got2B spray or gel is a very effective substitute. Wear the lace to your hairline, spray or apply the gel on it, and wait for it to slightly dry before you press the lace down on your scalp.
  • Glueless method: Some wigs come with adjustable straps or elastic bands that can secure the wig without adhesive. Simply tighten the band to fit your head snugly, and you’re good to go.

Step 4: Lay the Wig

Once your wig is on, you will need to make sure that the edges are combed properly for that neat appearance.

  • Melt the lace: Finally, use a low heat setting of a blow dryer and let it over the absorption area to melt the lace into the adhesive. This ensures the lace is well-incorporated with your skin and is well-fixed.
  • Lay your edges: If your wig has some small hairs looking at the edges or you have left some baby hairs out, then wet them with Got2B gel or mousse and set them. A rat-tail comb is especially useful for neat edges to give you the right frame around your face.

Wig Installation for Beginners: Common Mistakes to Avoid

Putting on wigs might take time, particularly if it is your first time to wear one. Here are some common mistakes beginners make and how to avoid them:

  • Over-plucking the hairline: While plucking the hairline, it is necessary to take extra care. Do not rush, and pluck only a handful at a time to prevent the chances of getting those ugly, smooth patches.
  • Not waiting for the adhesive to dry: It is also important to ensure that glue is tacky before sticking down the lace.
  • Improper lace cutting: For the lace to blend well with the skin, it should be trimmed closely to the skin; however, the hairline shouldn’t be over-trimmed since this makes it appear broader. Carve it nicely in such a manner that only a thin line of lace remains, which will look like skin.

Final Touches: How to Lay a Wig Like a Pro

Once you’ve installed your wig, take a few moments to perfect your look:

  • Use foundation to blend: Gently brush the lace at the section that corresponds to your parting and hairline with a small quantity of foundation or concealer. This is helpful in ensuring that they make the lace blend with your skin, thus making it invisible.
  • Style your wig: Styling your wig will therefore give you that final touch that you need after installation; whether you wish to curl it, straighten it, or leave it that way.

Conclusion

The installation of a wig is an essential learning skill because it helps in fashion diversity. If you have the right tools and techniques, installing can be done perfectly so that they appear natural. Read through this guide carefully to practice your craft, and soon enough, you will be installing wigs as if it is your job!

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