Wigs are taking over! And I understand why. They are convenient, durable, come in a variety of styles and colors, and are a protective style option. But with as many benefits that come along with a good wig, there are downsides too. As much as our wigs have advanced in appearance, some of my girls are out here rocking busted wigs or simply haven’t found a way to make wigs work for them. Whether the wig isn’t the right color, curl pattern, or length, I am here to help make your wig look like your very own. Here’s an easy guideline to get the best use out of your wig while making you look and feel like a natural woman in the process!
Rooted Colors
Unless your hair is naturally dark (think Morticia Addams black) it’s likely that your hair’s base color is made up of multiple shades and tones. Wigs that are one dimensional in color will almost always appear fake...and cheap, especially if they are synthetic. To avoid this, opt for a rooted wig. Rooted color wigs expertly blend various tones with darker color depth at the root to create natural-looking color and dimension. If you can’t find a wig that you like with rooted colors, find one that has a blend of two colors throughout and gives off a highlighted or ombre look.
Blend It In
A good lace front wig can do the trick and mimic a natural hairline, but it’ll never beat the real thing. To achieve a 100% real look, try blending your natural hairline with the hairline of a lace front wig:
Step 1: Place your wig an inch or two farther back on your head than you typically would, exposing your natural hairline.
Step 2: Fully attach the wig.
Step 3: Spray a little dry shampoo into your hairline and along the part of the wig, and use your fingers to tease everything together.
Please make sure that your natural hair color and the hairline of the wig closely resemble one another, or match fully. Remember the tip above about rooted colors.
Line up Your Wig With Your Natural Hairline
If you don’t, your wig won’t look natural one bit. Take the time to line it up properly! To do this, put your wig on your forehead just above your eyebrows and then slide the wig back over your head until the bottom of the wig hits the nape of your neck. Lastly, slide the wig forward just a bit until it hits your natural hairline, secure the straps, style away and violah!
Messy Parts
One thing that will give away the fact that you’re wearing a wig is that basic middle or side part chillin’ in its original place. Wigs naturally come with a designated part, but that doesn’t mean you have to keep it that way. I love messy hair and although I don’t wear wigs, I never keep my crochet braids in the same style that I left the chair in. Play with your hair to make it a little more natural. You can use a pair of tweezers or hair scissors and remove strands and manipulate the part, or take the old school approach like I do and use your hands to give off the look you want. If you’re feeling daring, mask the part completely for a wild look. Imperfection never looked so perfect.
Cut it Up
Nothing bothers me more than a wig with perfect ends or one that is fully damaged or matted throughout. That not only looks fake, but tacky. Add some layers to your wig, cut it into a bob or trim it throughout its lifespan to keep its appearance up.
Know Your Size and Length
This can make or break your overall look. You must know what fits your face. A wig that doesn’t frame your face well is a horrible accessory. For women with fuller faces, volume and shoulder length styles round them out nicely. For women with narrow faces, volume and length work well. For those in between, you can probably pull of both. Either way, play around with different looks so that you know what works and doesn’t work for you!
