Wigs That Look Like Real Hair

I have worn many a wig in my time in theater and performance art and I have had my fair share of obvious wigs that you could clock from a mile away. Which is the absolute last thing I wanted. This isn’t just a problem for girls in the theater, this can be a problem for anyone and everyone who wears a wig - even if no one has the courage to tell you. 

How To Wear Wigs to Look Natural

For the most part, this is a problem for women who have little to no hair styling experience and who think that putting a nice wig on is the same as throwing on a silly Party City Halloween wig that is supposed to look terrible. This is a MAJOR misconception. Just because it is a nice wig does not mean that no matter how you put it on, it should just work - similarly as to how I view most of technology; like it should just simply work, I don’t need to know the ins and outs, I should just be able to pop that bad boy on my head and it should make me Beyoncé. Granted, this is a bit of a hyperbolic example, but this is where many women fall prey to simple mistakes that can completely dismantle the look we are going for.

What To Look For In Wigs

When you are putting on a wig, even before you buy it, there are a few things you need to know:

• Be aware of your baby hairs: if you are getting a wig similarly color to your natural hair, the best way to make your wig look natural is to keep a few baby hairs out from underneath the wig so that you can blend them together. This will prevent you from having a harsh wig line, which can oftentimes make it appear that you have a much larger or shorter forehead than you may want.

• Fit and Cut: Be aware of the size and shape of your head. When you are getting a wig - especially if you are buying online - be very careful of wig measurements. In my experience, it is better to go bigger than smaller, especially if you are on the high end of the smaller measurement. And in terms of cut, most people can’t simply put a wig on right out of the bag and be happy with how it looks. When you are looking to style your wig for the first time, have your stylist - or a stylist who specializes in wigs and extensions - shape and style your hair the first time. Also, check out this video for 5 additional tips for a completely natural look!

So, now that I have said all of this, you are probably wondering where the best place to start your hunt for the perfect wig is. Well depending on who you talk to, there are thousands of places to start your search. Check out The Wig Buyer's Guide to help narrow down styles and pick ones that will work best for you. And make sure you consider lace front wigs and monofilament wigs for the most natural looking hair!

What are your tips to making wigs look like your real hair? Tell us what you know in the comments below