There are many reasons why you might be considering wearing a wig:
- Wigs are more on trend than ever right now.
- The choice on offer is much higher than it used to be
- There are some cute wigs to choose from.
What you may not be aware of is the amazing range of styling possibilities they offer. As you would with real hair, there is so much you can do to style them. Curling, coloring, cutting are all options with shorter or longer wigs. We will show you how you can experiment until you find your perfect style. Gain inspiration for new ways to look fabulous.
Now we will look at different types of wigs and the styling possibilities that they offer. Then you can start to think about the one that might work best for you. Don't forget you can always go to a professional. They can help you make your ideas a reality.
What’s the difference between a synthetic hair wig and a human hair wig?
Human hair wigs use actual hair. They are a little pricier compared to a synthetic wig. However, they are made from natural hair so they tend to look and feel more realistic. There are more styling options with this type, although you will still want to treat your wig with care. You would do this when looking after your own hair.
Synthetic wigs come in different price ranges, and this reflects the quality. They can look less natural than human hair wigs but are generally more affordable. This makes them a great option if you are on a lower budget. Heat styling can be an issue with synthetic fibers. Human hair wigs, while you have to take more care of them, are easier to style. Whichever wig you decide to go for, both options can look amazing - it is all down to personal preference.
Can you style a synthetic wig?
It is always best to check the instructions before attempting to style any wig. Using heated styling tools such as a curling iron can damage the fibers so it is best to avoid. Most synthetic wigs come pre-set into a particular style which you would not want to ruin. Sometimes you can get wigs that are made from a blend of natural and synthetic hair. You may be able to use a low heat on them but it is best to err on the side of caution. You will want to keep your wig in good condition. As you would with your own hair you will want to treat the hair on the wig with tenderness and care as it can be fragile.
Is there anything you should do to your wig before styling it?
Wig hair requires the same level of care as real hair would. You will want to use a detangling brush or a wide tooth comb to remove any knots before attempting any style. This will avoid unnecessary breakage. Start from the ends, working your way up with even strokes as this will lead to the least amount of damage. It is then a good idea to use a light leave-in conditioner to keep the hair soft and moisturized. A product that also includes a heat protectant spray will enable you to prevent build-up. Blow dry on a low setting to prevent heat damage and use a curl enhancing leave-in product if the wig is curly or wavy.
Get the Perfect Part
Once you have prepared the entire wig in the ways described above it is time to work on the natural look. This can be an intricate job with little margin for error. Lace front wigs and 360-lace wigs have different parting possibilities. It's important to know which is which before you think about wig styling.
A 360-lace frontal wig has limited styling possibilities. It is definitely the best wig if you want to go for a pony-tail or a style that involves parting at the front. A Full-lace wig is far more versatile. It allows for a wealth of different styles, including braids, plaits and cornrows. With a lace-front wig you cannot achieve styles that involve parting all the hair. You will be looking at styles that involve parting the front of the hair only, which is what gives the wig its name.
How to Part a Lace-Front Wig
With most wigs you will want to create a natural looking parting. It is important to remember that with a lace front wig you will only be able to part from the front section. Before you begin, think about where the parting will start. Then how you will section it to best create an authentic look.
- What installation method will work best with your natural hairline? Will you use glue or will another method work better?
- A ready to wear lace wig may be a better option as this will need less work in to achieve the look you are going for.
- Make this decision before you cut the wig as it will make things much easier in the long run.
You will want the edge of the wig to blend in with your skin tone so you may need to apply a little foundation to the lace. One of the best styling tips is to consider all aspects of the hair. These include density and the width of the parting when at this point in the process. To ensure that the hairline along the front of the wig looks the way it should you will need to adjust the lace.
Now it is time to cut the wig. Place it on your head so that you can see that it will work well with your face shape. The most important thing to remember here is that once you cut the lace you cannot put it back. You need to make sure you think about every cut before it happens. You can make an outline with an eyeliner pencil before you start to help you cut in the right place.
How to Part a 360-Lace Wig
360 lace wigs are ideal style wigs. Their versatility means you can achieve a whole range of different hair-dos. Because these wigs are often made with human hair you can curl, dye or straighten them. You can part them anywhere you like. You can also do all kinds of styles, such as cornrows and a range of glamorous up-dos.
Both kinds of wigs will need you to cut the lace around the edge to style it as you see fit. You may need to color the lace ends with foundation with a 360 lace wig also. Being made from natural hair, some 360 lace wigs are denser than others. With this in mind you may need to pluck some of the hairs out to adjust the width. Be careful when plucking hair. It is important to make sure you are wearing the wig while doing this. Using a wig stand will most likely lead to errors and leave your wig looking uneven.
How to Curl a Wig
Remember you are working with real human hair. You will want to remember to treat your wig as you would your own hair to avoid it becoming damaged over time. This means being very gentle. When using a curling iron or any kind of heat make sure you are using a heat protective spray to avoid breakage. Keep it at a low temperature - somewhere between 200-300 degrees. Make sure you check instructions on any heat styling product you use.
There are all kinds of fun and trendy styles that you could experiment with. Loose waves, ringlet curls, tight curls or soft curls are all worth trying. With a 360 full-lace wig you can create all kinds of elegant up-dos. They will look great at an evening event or formal occasion. If you want extra input you could always go to a professional stylist. They will be able to help you with the look you are trying to achieve.
Don't Brush a Wet Wig
Be sure to invest in a wig brush. The regular brushes you would use on your own hair are not designed for this purpose. They could pull on the wig fibers and damage them. As with natural hair, it is best to brush your wig when dry as wet hair is more fragile and could snap when brushed. When styling long, straight hair use long strokes and not too much pressure. With wavy hair, use short lifting strokes so as to not displace the curls.
Still Have Questions?
These are just a few quick styling tips for wigs. If you’ve still got questions, get in touch. Send us a message and ask away. We’ll be happy to help you get the best results so you look fabulous in a wig.