How to put on your wig

Putting on a wig can be quick and easy when you know which steps to follow. Whether it is your first wig or you have worn wigs for years, the same basic steps give a natural, secure and flawless result. Here we go through how to put on your wig step by step – from preparing your natural hair to styling the hairline and parting.

Prepare your hair and use a wig cap
Start by washing and drying your natural hair. Then braid it into cornrows, wrap it flat against your head or secure it in a low bun, so the wig has an even surface to sit on. Put on a wig cap to protect your hair and create a smooth base. Choose a wig cap close to your scalp colour – it makes the result look more natural if anything shows in the parting or at the hairline.

Clean your skin and protect your hairline
Clean your forehead and the area around your hairline with alcohol or a gentle cleanser so your skin is free of oil. If you have sensitive skin, apply a Scalp Protector before you continue. We stock Max Hold Sport, a skin protector that dries to a transparent film and creates a good surface for glue and tape. Let it dry completely before moving on to the next step.

Fit the wig and adjust it
Place the wig on your head starting from the back and pull it forward. Adjust the straps or elastic band inside the wig so it fits securely without pressing. Then position the lace along your natural hairline. Many people place the wig too far back, which is often what makes the hairline look wrong – take your time to find the right position in front of the mirror.

Cut the lace on a lace front wig
If your wig has a lace front, the excess lace needs to be trimmed along your hairline. Use small, sharp scissors and cut in small zigzag motions for a softer, more natural finish. The margin is small and a crooked cut cannot be undone. If you would rather we did it, you can order lace cutting for 290 SEK, or choose a wig made ready to your measurements, where we also adjust the size and cut the style.

Adhesive or glueless – your choice
Adhesive is optional. If you want to use it, you can choose wig glue, gel or adhesive spray depending on your preference. Apply a thin layer along your hairline, wait until it becomes tacky and press the lace gently into it. Use a blow-dryer on cool air for faster drying. If you would rather skip glue, secure the wig glueless with the adjustable elastic band. All our wigs are glueless, so you can wear them every day without glue or tape on your skin.

Melt the lace and style your wig
Place a melt band or elastic band around the hairline for 5–10 minutes to blend the lace into your skin. Then create baby hairs with mousse or gel if you like, and style the hair with a flat iron or curling wand. Add a little powder or foundation to the parting so it looks like your own scalp. If you have a vegan synthetic wig, check how much heat the fibre can take before styling.

A walkthrough is included when you buy your wig from us
If you bought your wig from us, a walkthrough of how to put it on is already included at the fitting. The Learn to put on your wig class is for you if you want more time – if you are completely new to wigs, have worn a wig for a while but never felt quite confident, or are a relative who wants to be able to help. You bring your own wig and the products you use today, do the whole process yourself at least twice with us beside you and take home a written summary. You are always welcome to get in touch afterwards if something is tricky.

Want to learn with help?
In Learn to put on your wig we spend one hour in our salon in Stockholm or Uppsala going through preparation, placement and bands, tape or glue. If you would like us to install the wig for you, read more about wig installation. Buying your first wig? Our wig models page helps you compare the constructions, and at our wig shop Fairwithwigs at Norrtullsgatan 26B you can try wigs on in person. You will find all our wigs and wig accessories in the online shop. If you have hair loss due to illness and live in Sweden, you may be entitled to a grant – read about wigs with a requisition (rekvisition). If you have questions, reach us on +46 76-415 90 00 or at info@fairwithhair.se.