How to Put on a Wig That Won't Get Snatched: A Step-by-Step Instructional Guide for Beginners

Even if you haven't experimented with wearing a wig before, it's past time to get on board with the latest fashion trend.  When it comes to experimenting with different hair colors, cuts, and styles, there is no better or more convenient way to do so.  For proof, look no further than Cardi B.  or Kylie Jenner, two women who have collections that could easily fill a walk-in closet (yes, I'm envious of their storage space).  With the obvious advantage of allowing you to switch up your appearance from day to night, wigs are also one of the most time-efficient protective hairstyles available today.  It's likely that one of the most frequently asked questions by wig wearers is how to properly put on a wig, whether they're new to the game or simply want to avoid having their current unit snatched. . . both metaphorically and literally.

To be sure, wigs have come a long way from the cringe-inducing church lady versions that you might still see around Halloween or on Grandma's head at the family reunion, to name a couple of examples.  All of today's options, including the more affordable ones, appear to be more realistic than they have been in the past.  The good news is that making a few minor adjustments will make a significant difference if you want to take your game to the next level.  Continue reading for a step-by-step application guide that will have you feeling like you're ready to walk down the red carpet in no time at all.

Check to see that your hair has been prepped and flattened before you begin wearing a wig cap. .

In order to protect your natural hair from potential damage that can occur while wearing a wig (for example, breakage due to friction), wig caps must be worn at all times.  It is important that your hair is as flat as possible in order for the wig to sit naturally on your head and not cause a hump on the top of your head.  Because they're so simple to put together and take down (they're similar to cornrows, but with twists instead of braids), flat twists are my go-to hairstyle for everyday wear.  It is possible to braid your hair or slick it back with gel or mousse (the latter is recommended if you have short hair), depending on your personal preferences.  Because of the quality of the foundation beneath your wig, your wig will appear more natural when you put it on.

In addition, the wig cap that you choose to wear is completely up to your personal preference.  Because I want the parting of my hair to look as natural as possible, I prefer wigs with a nude cap or a cap that is close in color to my own skin tone.  Purchase a few different colors and experiment with them to find out which one you prefer the most.

Apply a powder to the wig cap that is the same color as your skin tone to give it a natural appearance.

When you're wearing a wig with a lace front parting, this is yet another step in the process of making your part appear natural and unnatural in appearance.  The following step will assist you in making the part appear more like your scalp if you choose a wig cap that is not the same color as the rest of your skin tone.

My go-to powder is the Sephora MicroSmooth Baked Foundation Powder in the shade Tan, which I recently picked up from their website.  human hair lace front wigs like this powder because it applies evenly and does not oxidize, which makes it one of my favorite options.

Then work your way backwards, starting with the front of your head.

If your hair is braided, twisted, or otherwise styled, I find that this is the most straightforward method of putting on an artificial wig.  Thus, you will be confident that you are moving the wig in the direction of your foundation without interfering with it.

Identify the type of part you desire and then customize the wig to meet your requirements.

The wig I'm wearing, Mayvenn Hair's Playful Peyton Center Part Lob Wig, has a pre-made center part that bob wig'm unable to change, so I have to sway the center part to the side in order to achieve the desired look.  It is possible that you will not need to do this step if you are wearing a closure wig and will simply re-part your hair because the wig has enough space for it.

Keep the integrity of your wig (lace front or lace closure wigs) intact at all times.

It is possible that this step will look slightly different from the previous one depending on the type of wig that you have.  As an added precaution, you may want to spray lace closures and frontals with a heavy-duty hairspray such as Got 2B Glued Blasting Freeze Spray to prevent them from falling out during the course of a typical day.  Wig glue is also a viable option.  Although the Got 2B spray is a close second in my opinion, it is less difficult to work with, much more forgiving, and removes easily without causing damage to the hairline.

The fact that my Mayvenn Wig does not have a full-lace closure has prompted me to forego using spray or glue on this wig.  Instead, I'm tucking the wig combs that came with it into my braids to keep it from falling out of my hair.

Lay the baby hairs from your wig (if you're wearing one) down on the floor.

Creating baby hairs on your wig is not required, but it will help to give it a more realistic appearance if you do so.  My personal preference is not to have overdone baby hairs, so I style my hair by brushing a small swoop at the front portion of the part in the front portion of the part.  Using my Baby Tress Edge Styler, I'm styling my natural baby hair, which is the perfect tool for laying your natural baby hair or putting baby hair on a wig.  Using this method, I am able to conceal where the lace begins, making the wig appear more natural (or, at the very least, like an excellent sewn-in weave).

Make a powder application to the area where the parting will occur.

Yes, there is yet another step that needs to be completed in order for the part to appear official, but you will be glad you took the time to do so.  When I apply foundation to my chin and chin area, I use the same Sephora MicroSmooth Baked Foundation Powder in the shade Tan that I used previously.  Not only does this make the knots visible on the closure invisible, but it also slightly widens the part, giving it a more realistic appearance once more. - - - - - - - - - - - - -When I'm applying the powder, I use an angled brush from the Moda Pro Line Brush, pressing it into the part to create an even layer of coverage.

Slay queen, to be sure!

As soon as that is completed, your wig is installed and appears absolutely stunning—but most importantly, it appears completely natural.  Please keep in mind that your wig does not have to look like a real hair piece.  You're well on your way to achieving your goal of becoming a wig master, and I recommend that you invest in one of these top-rated units to help you create your own unique signature style for yourself.