After 17 years of working with wigs, we've heard most things: it slips, it itches, it looks like a wig. We don't see these as problems – we see them as questions with answers, and almost all of them can be solved on the spot or with the right product at home.
Here are the eight most common issues our customers get in touch about, and what you can do about them.
1. The wig slips or feels insecure
Nine times out of ten, it's about the fit, not the wig itself. A wig that's one size too big will move, no matter how much you adjust it.
How to fix it:
- Tighten the adjustable straps at the nape – most wigs have two or three settings.
- Use a wig cap or a grip band that creates friction against the skin.
- If you have your own hair underneath, flatten it evenly, ideally in flat braids, so the base is smooth.
- With hair loss or a completely hairless scalp, it's the friction that's missing. A velvet or silicone grip band replaces what your own hair would otherwise do. All our wigs are glueless – you should never need glue or tape to keep a wig in place.
- Our Comfort Cap stays on without any clips or combs, using only adjustable drawstrings and a thin edge. It's especially good for a sensitive scalp and if you find clips uncomfortable. Not sure which model suits you? Compare our wig models.
If it still doesn't work, the wig is simply the wrong size. Then it's worth exchanging – a wig you don't trust becomes a wig you don't wear.
2. It itches and rubs
Itching is usually caused by the material lying directly against a sensitive scalp, sometimes combined with heat and sweat. It's especially common with hair loss after treatment, when the scalp is already tender.
How to fix it:
- Wear a thin cotton or bamboo wig cap underneath.
- Wash the wig more often if you wear it daily – old sweat and product build-up cause irritation.
- Avoid alcohol-based sprays near the hairline.
- Keep your own scalp soft with a mild, moisturising product from our range for scalp problems.
3. It looks like a wig
This is rarely the hair's fault. It usually comes down to three things: too much bulk on top, a hairline that's too straight and a shine your own hair doesn't have.
How to fix it:
- The cut. A wig straight out of the box has a factory cut. Have a stylist cut it to suit your face – it's the single biggest difference you can make. We do this as part of our wig service.
- The hairline. Uneven, short baby hairs along the edge bring the line to life. On a lace wig, the hairline can be thinned out by a professional.
- The parting. A little powder or foundation in your skin tone on the parting takes away that sharp white contrast.
- The shine. Dry shampoo or a light matte spray tones down an overly glossy surface, especially on synthetic hair.
4. The lace shows or doesn't match your skin
Lace should disappear against your skin – if it doesn't, it's either too dark, too light or too long.
How to fix it:
- Trim the lace close to the hairline in small, uneven snips rather than one straight line.
- Tint the lace with a light foundation or powder in your skin tone.
- Choose the right construction from the start: a partial lace is enough for most people, while full lace gives you the freedom to wear your hair up. See the differences between lace closure and lace frontal, and read more about our wig models.
5. The hair tangles at the nape
Friction against collars, scarves and shoulders. It affects long wigs in both human hair and synthetic hair, and it shows first at the bottom.
How to fix it:
- Brush from the bottom up, always on dry or slightly damp hair, never hard on wet hair.
- Use a leave-in or a light hair oil on the ends, not at the base.
- Braid your hair or put it up when wearing winter clothes and when you sleep.
- A silk or satin pillowcase noticeably reduces tangling over time.
6. The shape disappears after washing
A wig isn't a hairstyle that falls into place by itself. If it dries in a heap in the sink, it ends up flat on the head and frizzy at the ends.
How to fix it:
- Wash with a gentle wig shampoo and conditioner in lukewarm water, always from the bottom up.
- Squeeze out the water – never rub.
- Let the wig dry on a wig stand so it keeps its shape. A wig stand with a hole for a hairdryer dries it from the inside out, quickly and without you having to hold the dryer.
- Synthetic hair should air-dry and needs hair care for synthetic hair. Human hair can take heat, but use heat protection.
7. Headaches and pressure
If the wig is too tight, or you tighten the straps to make up for the wrong size, you'll feel pressure at your temples after a few hours.
How to fix it: loosen the straps a notch, switch to a model with a soft edge, and check the size. A properly fitted wig should be something you can forget you're wearing.
8. The colour isn't right
Screens lie, and the same shade looks different in daylight and lamplight.
How to fix it: a human hair wig can be toned darker by a stylist. Going lighter rarely works well – bleaching hair that has already been processed is a risk we advise against. If you're unsure about the shade, book a fitting rather than guessing.
Most things can be solved
We've seen wigs that customers were ready to put away for good become favourites again after a cut and the right hair care. What feels like a hopeless problem is usually a detail – the fit, the care or a cut that was never done.
In our online shop you'll find wig stands, wig caps, accessories and hair care for both human hair and synthetic hair.
If you'd like help in person, you're welcome to visit us:
- Fairwithwigs by Fairwithhair, Norrtullsgatan 26B, Stockholm – our wig shop with human hair only, accessories, turbans and wig service. By appointment only, weekdays 10.00–19.00, weekends by arrangement.
- Fairwithhair Odenplan, Norrtullsgatan 26A, Stockholm – salon and shop, Monday–Friday 10.00–19.00, Saturdays by arrangement.
- Fairwithhair Uppsala, Skolgatan 49 – by appointment.
We're also an approved supplier for wig requisitions (rekvisition) in all 21 Swedish regions, and have been for many years. If you have a requisition from your Swedish region, we'll help you through the whole process.