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How to Make Your Wig Look More Realistic: Tips and Tricks for Beginners

February 9th, 2024

Wearing wigs can be daunting, especially if you are new to it. With so many options available regarding styles and types of wigs, it can be overwhelming to know where to begin. But once you take the plunge and make your first purchase, the question is, “How can I make my wig look the most realistic?” Well, worry not! In this blog post, we will provide some essential tips and tricks on making your wig look more natural and realistic, especially if you are a beginner. 
When you take the wig out of the box, your first step is to shake it.

Step 1: Gently shake your wig.

Let’s start with the basics. The first step when you receive your wig is to take it out of the box. You may find that the wig looks a little crumpled up and “fake.” To fix this, gently shake the wig and “wake up” the fibers to make them look more natural. The second step is to change the part.
The second step is to change the part

Step 2: Change the part.

Application & Placement 

You must ensure your biological hair is securely tucked under the wig cap when wearing a wig. A nylon or mesh wig liner can help keep stray hairs in place. Proper wig placement is also crucial to creating a natural look. A general rule of thumb is to place the wig approximately four fingers above your brows. However, this can vary depending on your forehead length. Taking a few selfies can help you determine where the wig should sit for the most natural appearance. 
use four finger rule to determine placement of wig.

Step 3: use four finger rule to determine placement of wig.

Take selfies to make make sure wig is correct position

Step 4: Take selfies to make make sure wig is correct position.

This picture shows examples of the wig being placed incorrectly on the head. The first image shows the wig being placed too far forward. The second image shows the wig being placed too far back. The last image shows the correct placement of the wig

This picture shows examples of the wig being placed incorrectly on the head. The first image shows the wig being placed too far forward. The second image shows the wig being placed too far back. The last image shows the correct placement of the wig.

Step 5: Adjust the ear tabs (if your wig has this feature) to get a more secure fit

Step 5: Adjust the ear tabs to get a more secure fit.

Use a wide tooth comb to brush and style the hair

Step 6: Brush and style the hair with a wide tooth comb.

Once you have your wig in place, you can start styling it. The best way to style a wig is with a wide-toothed comb or a wig brush, especially if the wig is made from synthetic fibers. Start at the ends of the hair and work your way upwards. Avoid pulling or tugging at the hair too much because this can cause damage and make the wig look less natural.

Step 7: Give your wig a personal touch. Here are some examples of how you can style or accessorize your wig.

Step 7: Give your wig a personal touch. Here are some examples of how you can style or accessorize your wig.

Finally, adding a few personal touches can also help make your wig look more natural. Using accessories and having fun with different styles can make your wig your own! Don’t be afraid to play with your hair, experiment, change things up, add a headband or clip, and wear the hair as if you grew it yourself! 

5 Tips to Make Your Wig Look Natural 

Use powder or foundation on the part to make look more like your scalp
Left photo is before putting makeup on part. Right photo is after putting makeup on part

1. Customize Your Wig. Remember to trim the wig to suit your face shape or to experiment with different hairstyles to find the one that fits you best. You can add some powder or foundation to the wig’s part to make it look more like your scalp. 

Tweeze the Hairline

2. Tweeze the Hairline. Often, wigs will seem a little dense at the hairline. You can use tweezers to pluck the hairline and remove a straight, overly dense lace front to mimic a natural hairline. Be incredibly careful with plucking; avoid over-plucking or tearing a hole in the delicate lace material! 

An example of a wig with baby hairs

3. Baby hairs can add more realism to your wig. Baby hairs are finer and wispier hairs right around your hairline. You can use a pair of small sharp shears or a razor to add a few strands around your lace front wig. Many of us naturally have baby hair, so creating baby hair on your wig is thought to make it look more natural.

Wigs with rooted colors look very natural

4. Choose rooted shades. A rooted color can help your wig or topper look more realistic. Many people get their natural hair colored with a shadow root, and it’s a very on-trend look. Many rooted color options are available, but a rooted color is the art of a dark shade at the root that gradually gets lighter through the ends. Envy Wigs have a beautiful range of rooted colors.

An example of a wig with a dirty cap

5. Blend with makeup. A lace front will typically be a nude color, but not everyone’s skin tone is the same. Also, a brand-new lace front wig can sometimes have a bit of shine. To help your lace front blend with your skin tone and minimize that shine, you can lightly dust some of your favorite face powder across your lace front. This can help blend with your skin tone and take the focus off the lace front material that may seem too shiny. When choosing what makeup to use on your lace front or the part on your wig, try to avoid too much liquid and greasy products, as it can jeopardize the integrity of the knots and potentially loosen them. Also, be mindful of the cap when cleaning your wigs - remember the cap needs to be washed and the hair, especially if it has a buildup of makeup and products.

Conclusion:

Wearing wigs can seem daunting for beginners, but following these tips and tricks can make your wig look more natural and realistic. Remember to shake up the fibers, ensure proper wig placement, adjust the ear tabs, style gently, and add personal touches to make the wig your own. With some practice and experimentation, you’ll be rocking your new wig like a pro in no time! 

Picture of Amber Perkins, the passionate and dedicated Education Coordinator at Envy Wigs

About The Author: Amber 

Hi there! I am Amber Perkins, the passionate and dedicated Education Coordinator at Envy Wigs. Educating others on alternative hair solutions is not just a job; it’s my true calling. I have experienced the incredible transformations, inner peace, confidence boost, and overall positive impact that wigs and toppers can have on one’s life. 

I have dealt with thin, fine hair since I was young, but as I got older, things only seemed to get worse. I went through postpartum hair loss and was later diagnosed with Androgenic Alopecia - a battle I continue to fight every day. As a teenager, I tried using smaller hair additions and eventually resorted to using every kind of hair extension possible. However, attending beauty school couldn’t solve my frustration with my hair. It just couldn’t handle any styling or coloring without breaking off. 

This constant struggle took a toll on my self-esteem because I deeply loved all things hair-related! But instead of giving up, I used my determination to find solutions through various styling techniques and products. After having my third child and experiencing significant hair loss, I finally decided to purchase my first wig - and let me tell you, it was a game-changer! It gave me the hair of my dreams with such ease! 

However, being new to wearing wigs meant that I didn’t have all the necessary education or guidance. But with my natural knack for hair and my background as a Cosmetologist, I quickly learned the ins and outs of wig-wearing. And it took a little while before I wanted to openly share my unique experiences with others and educate them on this incredible solution. 

So here I am at Envy Wigs, where I get to do what truly makes me happy - helping others find their confidence and joy through alternative hair solutions. Trust me when I say nothing is more fulfilling than seeing someone’s face light up when they put on a wig and catch themselves in a new light. I invite you to join me on this incredible journey of self-discovery and empowerment - let’s embrace out hair, whatever form it may take!