Ijeoma is wearing Mayvenn Brazilian Curly hair in 14 in and 16 in
I remember talking to a friend a few weeks ago about wigs, and she said that her first attempt was a complete fail. I wondered how it could be so hard – after all, there are countless YouTubers who exclusively wear wigs, make wigs, eat wigs, breathe wigs (ok you’re actually reading, lol) so it can’t be that difficult right?
I have officially made my first wig, and before I get into all the details and such, I figured I would share some wig-making tips to explain why that one time you tried it didn’t work out so well. So here are five reasons why the wig you tried to make doesn’t look right, from someone who sort of made her first wig.
Reason 1: You Didn't Use Enough Hair
I am the queen of frugality, but my dude, if you’re not trying to buy at least 4 bundles of hair, don’t bother. Really, just don’t! There’s nothing worse than not having enough hair as you’re making your wig. I thought I’d be cool with three bundles, but halfway through the gluing process I realized it was not gonna happen. Get yourself four bundles, and if you’re using any length longer than 18 inches, you might need five bundles or four with a closure. That’s because bundles are sold by weight, rather than by track length. So a 14 inch bundle will have longer tracks (aka be able to go around your head) more times than a 24 inch bundle.
Reason 2: You Chose The Wrong Sized Cap
One thing I learned in making this wig is that your wig cap can make or break you. When I sat down to make mine, I couldn’t find the spandex cap I’d purchased from the beauty supply store, so I drove all over northern New Jersey looking for a darn wig cap. There is nothing more disappointing than heading to Walmart or Sally’s and not being able to find a wig cap (ok, there are many more disappointing things, but rock with me). I went to 5 different stores, and the best I could find was a men’s sports dome cap, which I ended up using.
WRONG MOVE.
The cap was way too big, didn’t completely sit on my head, and meant that I wasted precious tracks on extra fabric and ended up with a wig much less voluminous than I wanted. Because I’m not one to remain basic (and I happened to find the original cap I bought!), I plan to remake my wig on a cap that properly fits. Since everyone has different head sizes, I suggest buying a few caps and trying them on first to determine which is best for your head.
Reason 3: You Rushed It
I know, it’s tempting to think that making a wig from scratch is super easy based on all the wigged up IG queens’ pages. This is a lie. It will take several hours to get your first wig together. If you’re using a glue gun, you will burn yourself. If you’re sewing, you will stab yourself with a needle. Both of these require medical attention (and likely a drink), and you’ll probably want to take a break at some points. You will also likely run out of glue. Or thread. Or hair (see above). If you have a kinky or curly weave, you can’t use direct heat to quickly dry it because the curls will be super flat and incredibly sad. All I’m saying is you shouldn’t make a wig to wear on the same day you need to be somewhere, because you will have to go with your Felicia cornrows and a hat. Which is how I went to church on Sunday.
