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Once you have chosen your wig, there are some techniques
to wearing it well:
Fitting Your Wig
A good wig shop, your stylist or a trained volunteer at a LGFB
group program can get you accustomed to putting on your wig.
Start with a soft, nylon wig cap to keep your wig comfortable
and snug. Then, hold the wig from the front and slip it over your
head, front to back. (Note: The manufacturer tag is usually at the
back, resting on the back of your neck.) The two wig tabs should
be set in front of the ears, with ears pulled out from under the
wig, like your own hair. Pull the wig down in the back for a secure
fit, checking that the front of the wig begins at your natural hairline.
Once you’ve had some practice, your wig should be easy to
put in place. However, taking a photo at your fitting can help you
remember your appropriate hairline.
Cutting, Shaping & Brushing
A wig is made with extra hair — and trimming and setting it
for the first time is a job for a professional stylist. Wear your
wig for the cut (don’t send it out) to best flatter your face.
Natural looks involve bangs or wisps to obscure the hairline. Shorter
styles are less likely to tangle and easier to maintain. Once the
expert hairdo is done, keep it fresh with day-to-day upkeep. Use
only a wire wig brush or pick (regular hairbrushes cause damage)
and work gradually from ends to roots. Remember that you can’t
use heat appliances (i.e., blow dryers, curling irons, etc.) on
synthetic wigs, but standard rollers and pins are useful. Heat is
fine for human hair wigs, but monitor for overheating (easy to forget
when it’s not your own hair). To hold style in place, use
light wig spray or low-alcohol hairspray only. You should never
brush, pick, comb or curl a wet wig unless you are resetting it
entirely. (Also see Wig Care for information
on shampooing and drying your wig.)
Style Variety
You may want to alternate your wig with falls, bangs, ponytails
and other hairpieces (described in Wig
Choice). These can come in handy, particularly when your wig
is being washed. Or you might choose to buy two reasonably priced
wigs, rather than one expensive selection. In fact, two synthetic
wigs can be set in different styles, affording more versatility
without human hair upkeep. Remember that each time you wash a human
hair wig, you may need to bring it back to the stylist for a professional
reset.
Other Tips
- If you lose a lot of hair after your initial
fitting, consider returning to the stylist to have your wig refit
and restyled for the most natural look. Usually, there are hooks
or Velcro in the back of your wig that you can adjust for a tighter
fit.
- Wigs with wide headbands attached at the hairline
are good, casual backups. Stylish hats or scarves make great style
options, as well. For great fashion-finding tips, visit Keeping
Up Appearances on CancerandCareers.org.
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