Why Isn’t My Wig Fitting Right?
March 14th, 2024
You found the perfect wig only to find that it didn’t fit you right. No matter how you position the wig on your head, it keeps sliding back or the hair keeps bulging out from the sides and top. Soon, you start to second guess getting the wig. What do you do when your wig isn’t fitting right?
Wig Talk
Wigs are similar to clothes, in the sense where finding the perfect fit can sometimes be a challenge. Even the most seasoned wig wearers can come across fit issues from time to time. In our Hair Love Story photo shoot, fit was a recurring problem for our models Roxie, Maha, and Sophia.
In their Wig Table Talk video, they discuss the common fit issues they encountered with wigs from the Valentine’s Day photo shoot - whether it be from having thick hair, having different head shapes, or wearing the wrong cap size. Other factors can also affect the fit of the wig, such as: incorrect wig placement, improperly adjusting the wig, or not wrapping your hair correctly. Hopefully, this blog can serve as a helpful guide to help you troubleshoot why your wig isn’t fitting right.
Reasons Why Your Wig Isn’t Fitting Right
#1: You Might Have the Wrong Size
In our Valentine’s Day Photo Shoot, Maha adored Sarah by Jon Renau for its wave pattern and glamorous look. However, she came across a common fit issue most wig enthusiasts face - the wig not conforming to your head shape. A couple factors play into why your wig may not fit with your specific head shape - having the wrong size and/or how thick your hair is.
The good news is there are ways to counteract these problems. Before you buy a wig, always measure your head. Learning the circumference of your head and its shape will help you determine what size of wig you need. Remember, heads aren’t just oval shaped. The length and width of your head play a factor in what size of wig you need.
In order to determine which size you need to buy, you need to measure yourself for a wig. You’ll need a head circumference measurement, ear to ear measurement, and front back measurement. If you want to learn how you can measure your head, check out our video where Roxie shows you how to find your wig measurements.
Once you get each of your measurements, record them to find your proper size. Take your measurements twice if you need to for more accurate results.
When you’re done recording your measurements, you can now determine your proper wig size. Wigs come in three main sizes: petite, average, and large. Some wigs even have in-between sizes, like petite/average and average/large. If your head measurements are between 20 and 21.5 inches, you need a petite size. If they are between 21.5 and 22.5 inches, wear an average size. Lastly, if your head measures between 22.5 to 23 inches, get a large size.
Your hair thickness may also affect your wig size. For example, Sophia has thicker hair, which allows her to fit into both average and large caps. If you have a large head circumference or in-between sizes, consider getting a wig with a fully hand tied cap. The stretchy mesh of this design not only gives you a more secure fit, but it’s also soft and perfect for sensitive scalps.
Personal preferences do play a significant role in cap construction choices. While hand tied caps offer unparalleled comfort, some wig-wearers prefer the simplicity of wefted caps. Experiment with different cap styles to find what works best for you.
If you have thick hair, you may want to consider sizing up to accommodate your hair. We also offer free virtual consultations if you have questions about finding the right wig size or need assistance in measuring your head.
Reasons Why Your Wig Isn’t Fitting Right
#2: Your Hair May Need to be Wrapped Differently
Before you wear a wig, you should always wrap your hair and tuck it underneath a wig cap. A common mistake we often see is people using the ponytail method or putting their hair in a bun. Putting your hair up like this may result in the hair bubbling up from the wig, causing it not to sit right on your head.
The ponytail method does work better if you have thin hair. The key is to make sure your hair is as flat against the skull as possible to eliminate lumps. We recommend braiding your hair around your head because this method helps create a smoother base for the wig. You want your hair as flat as possible against your skull, so your wig can fit properly. Braids allow you distribute the bulk of your hair around your head, which helps eliminate the hair from bulging out.
You should braid your hair into at least two different sections. If your hair is thick, you may want to use four braids. Make sure the braids are not too tight. Tight braids may pull on your hairline and damage your hair.
After you’re done braiding your hair, wrap the braids around your head and space them out. You don’t want them all in one place. If you use one braid, wrap it into a swirl shape in the back of your head.
Next, take some bobby pins and use them to keep the braids down. If you have thick hair, you may have to use a handful of these to help flatten and secure the braids.
Lastly, put on a wig cap or liner to help tuck up your hair. This will also help keep your hair flat and in place, so you can keep your wig on.
Reasons Why Your Wig Isn’t Fitting Right
#3: It’s in the Wrong Spot
Sometimes putting the wig too far forward or back can also cause the wig not to fit properly and fall. Remember, in order to make your wig look as natural as possible, it needs to rest where your natural hairline is. However, if you are losing hair or do not have your natural hair, use the four finger method to help you find your natural hairline.
First, straighten your hand and place it directly on your crown. Make sure your fingers are pointing forward towards your forehead. Next, take your other hand and place the palm right in front of your nose. Your fingers should also be pointing straight up, so they are touching the fingertips on your other hand. Where your fingertips meet is where your natural hairline would be.
The length of the forehead does vary from person to person, so test this method out in the mirror and take a few selfies to help you decide where your wig should sit for the most natural look.
Reasons Why Your Wig Isn’t Fitting Right
#4: It Has the Wrong Adjustments
We all want our wigs to fit securely on our heads. The fit should always be snug but not too tight. A tight-fitting wig may cause you to get tension headaches, cause hair breakage, or potential hair loss. A sign of a wig being too tight is that it’ll slide up the back of your neck after you put it on. On the other hand, if your wig is too loose, it’ll fall down past your hairline.
If you’re looking for a secure fit, check to see if your wig has any adjustable features. Some wigs come with adjustable bands or Velcro straps to help you customize the fit. Play around with the adjusters until you get a comfortable fit. It’s ideal for you to have a secure yet comfortable grip around the nape of the neck without straining your temples.
Featured Here: Flip the Script by Raquel Welch in shade RL4/6 Black Coffee
Final Thoughts
Finding the perfect fit may be a challenge if you don’t know where to start. If you feel like your wig isn’t fitting right, remember to check your wig size, where it’s placed on your head, adjust the fit, and how you wrapped your hair. We hope this blog served as a helpful guide to help you figure out why your wig isn’t fitting right. Before you write your wig off completely, have patience with it and play around with the fit. Happy wig wearing!
