Read on to learn about the transformative power of wearing wigs from the voice of Wigs.com's Brand Ambassador, Roxie Spangler.
1. Ditch the Stigma
It’s true that our hair is a key part of our look. It helps with our confidence, and wigs foster that. When I first started wearing wigs, it was all very new. As a model, I am used to being photographed in different looks and styles, but I never thought wigs would look good on me in a million years. Not to mention the shorter grey styles. I began this journey almost a decade ago, when I was in my twenties, and I had to make a short grey wig look fashionable. At first, it was hard. I convinced myself that no one would ever see these images, and therefore it didn’t matter how I looked. It was not because the style was short and grey but because it was a wig.
I felt the stigma around wearing a wig beginning to close in on me. Any change in appearance can cause self-consciousness, and for first-time wig-wearers, this is especially true. But it didn’t take me long to embrace wigs and have fun with them. I thought to myself: “If all these amazing performers like Dolly Parton and Cher can do it, why can’t I?” For me, wigs have changed my life in so many ways. I’m a natural brunette, but once I saw myself as a blonde, I realized how true the saying, “blondes have more fun,” is.
Risk Comfort by Ellen Wille
Embracing your natural beauty is part of feeling true and genuine to yourself. If that means wearing a wig, then so be it! When it comes to wigs, I realized that you have to do whatever it is to enhance your beauty and confidence.
Style and aesthetics can play a significant role in self-confidence, and wigs have incredible transformative powers. For many, they’re more than just alternatives to natural hair. Wigs are a way of life. Some use wigs to try out a new persona different from their day-to-day lives. Others have no other choice but to wear one.
Over the years, many women have shared their stories with me, and I heard the devastation in their voices; they just want to feel like themselves again. Whether suffering from alopecia or going through chemotherapy, losing your hair is a challenging process for some to overcome. The advice I always give is to stay true to yourself and how you feel.
Carrie by Jon Renau
2. Know Your Options
Upping your knowledge about wigs is key to finding what works for you. There are so many wig manufacturers now, not to mention countless hair lengths, colors, textures, and cap constructions. It could be extremely overwhelming, especially if you are a first-time wig wearer, so it’s essential to do your due diligence and research options. Here at Wigs.com, we have an entire section dedicated to new wig wearers, along with videos to help guide you. Sometimes it’s helpful to speak with a live person; we offer live consultations. Our knowledgeable wig experts are passionate about what they do. Some have even gone through their wig journey and are here to advise you on your wig-wearing needs.
Check out this video where I teach you to measure your head for wigs:
Find your Wig Size | How to Measure Your Head
Wig Tip:
Identify why you need or want a wig? Is it because of medical reasons like hair loss? Or are you just wanting to elevate your look?
After you measure your head, you will be fitted for a petite, petite/average, or large wig. Then, identify what cap you prefer from four categories:
3. Embrace Change
Change can be scary for anyone, especially those experiencing body changes. Is there anyone who ever loved seeing their hair thin or body change drastically? Probably not. But change can open you up to significant life developments; it means something beautiful is happening, and acceptance is key to dealing with change.
While dealing with change is hard, it’s also essential to check our mental health and well-being, especially in today's climate. Covid19 and the pandemic have changed us and our way of life. I’ve spoken to so many women in the hair community who have suffered hair loss, with no underlying issues, due to Covid19. So to go from being healthy and happy with a full head of hair to now dealing with hair loss can be highly traumatic. Changing your outlook and way of thinking will help you accept, but this takes practice and patience.
One behavioral practice I learned is called “the Mirror Technique.” This practice of self worth requires you to look at your reflection in the mirror for five minutes while expressing self-love out loud. Call out both your beauty and imperfections. After all, we are humans, not mannequins, and no one is perfect. Once you realize that and accept the change in your life, you’ll feel more optimistic.
I will tell you from personal experience, the stress you are having plays a major role in your mental health and can cause even more hair loss. So breathe in and breathe out; you’re going to be ok. We got you!
4. Jump Out of Your Comfort Zone
Try something new. When choosing a wig or color, it’s ok to try a color you’d never picture yourself in. It’s so much fun playing with different hair colors and styles, and I promise you, you won’t regret it.
It’s hard to explain the feeling when you see yourself rock in a color you would never have imagined yourself in. It doesn’t change who you are. It just elevates and enhances who you are. Opting for a smokey teal wig is cheaper than going to a salon for a lengthy process.
5. Wear Your Wig Out in Public. What!?
The thought may have crossed your mind: “Is my wig going to fall off while I’m out in public?” No, it’s not! Get your coffee and go kill that presentation, girl!
Sienna by Jon Renau
Wigs and the technology used to construct them have come a long way. Referring back to my wig tip, it’s always essential to get the correct measurements of your head so that your wig fits your head perfectly. This will help with your confidence in public as you’ll be sure your wig is fitted correctly and won’t move around. If you have hair, remember to tie it up under your wig in a sleek way with pin curls to avoid bumps, and wear a wig cap. This will keep everything smooth and intact.
If you are someone with no hair, it’s still important to find the right wig cap because it's crucial to provide a layer between your scalp and your wig to avoid irritating your scalp.
Wig Tip:
Amy Gibson has the WigSECURE™ super soft wig band lined with silicone to help keep your wig secure and comfortable all-day.
Remember that wigs come in three sizes: petite, average, and large. Most wigs come in average size but don’t forget you can tighten most of them up to 1”- 1/12”. My head is measured to a petite size, but I wear average caps all the time.
Believe it or not, I’ve even worked out in my wig before, and I’ve never had an issue with it falling off. Everything just has to be secured properly, and it will hold all day. So, get out there, show the world what you’re made of, and wear that wig with pride!
For the next 5 tips, watch out for Part 2 of this article coming soon!