The Art of Wearing Wigs

This post is by the amazing Fajr, the gorgeous and amazing gal behind Stylish Thought , a favorite read.  She’s definitely a gal after my own heart, with her postings on Irregular Choice shoes, Zooey Deschanel influences, and becoming a reformed party girl (*cough*). Check out her fantastic site, say hello, and thank her for her wonderful theatrical flair… in wig wearing!

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With Halloween quickly approaching, costume shops are being pillaged and DIYers are hard at work creating the perfect ensemble. If creativity in costumes is a must, then donning a wig is the piéce de résistance.

Imagine dressing the part of Marie Antoinette without the powdered white pompadour; what’s Cruella Deville without the half white, half black bob? It’s clear that a perfectly coiffed wig can transform a simple costume into a stellar interpretation.

When bought and fitted properly that same wig purchased for a night of dress-up can be worn on other occasions. Where you ask? Having a romantic night with the significant other; wear a wig to bring the element of role-play into the mix. A girl’s night out, how about a long, dark wig to be transform for the evening. Wearing wigs takes courage and bit of chutzpah, but who says they have to only be for trick or treating?

Here are some tips on finding the perfect hairpiece for Halloween and beyond.

Start with a good foundation

Finding a great wig starts with having a good foundation. When trying on wigs in the costume shop or beauty store remember to pull your own hair taut or if you have a lot of hair french braid it and wear a wig cap. This way you’ll be able to see how the wig will naturally sit on your head without all the lumps and bumps of your own hair! If you’re weary of a full piece, try a “fall” or half wig where you leave out a portion of your hair. Professionals at beauty stores can assist you in making sure your hair is flat and the hairpiece is fitted properly.

Get wiggy with it

You wouldn’t buy a pair of shoes without trying them on, right? Then don’t purchase a wig without at least taking it for a spin. Put it on and play around with it. Walk around the store getting into character and taking it in. Trying on a wig in store will not only allow you to put on a variety of styles but will also lessen buyer’s remorse.  There’s nothing worse than getting home and putting it on for the first time and feeling like you’re wearing a … wig. If you get the “wig jitters” out while looking at other pieces, you’ll be more comfortable wearing it out in public. ***This also applies to buying wigs and hairpieces online… don’t! Visit a beauty store and get acquainted with the pieces***

Synthetic, Human, oh my?

Aside from the style, the biggest decision is choosing a wig is whether to get a synthetic hairpiece or to opt for human hair. There are benefits to both; human hair can be styled with heating tools, blends better with your natural hair and lasts long. While synthetic wigs maintain the style after being washed and are less expensive. Try on a variety of both and make your decision based on how often you plan to wear it, how much versatility you need and how it feels.

Thou shalt see a stylist

While it may seem like a lot of trouble to go through for a hairpiece, having a professional stylist chop, feather, and flip it can have amazing results. If this is simply a neon wig for your Jem costume, by all means forgo the salon. But if you’re planning on breaking out your wig on occasion then a styling session can transform a simple store bought wig into a perfectly coiffed hairstyle every time you wear it.

Wear it with flair

Wearing a wig in public can bring about so many insecurities. “Does it look real?” “Can everyone tell?” “Do I look foolish?” To those questions there is one answer–”Who Cares!” Wigs are meant to be fun and daring and while they shouldn’t look like a Chia Pet growing atop your head, they won’t look “real” either. When fitted properly and worn with a flat foundation a wig should look like a stylish extension of yourself. When worn with your natural personality and confidence people will remember you as the beautiful girl with enough “cajones” to wear a beautiful wig.

Hopefully these tips can help you find the perfect hairpiece to wear with your Pride & Prejudice costume or simply to purchase a wig because you’ve been craving a new look. Finding a wig that looks great and complements your face and style takes a bit of effort, but wearing one that feels like the you you never knew is its own reward.

Hope you all enjoyed Fajr’s awesome post on wig-wearing! For some oldies but goodies from the dramatis personae archives on the topic check out No Need to Wig Out and Wig Wam Thank You Ma’am.

Thank you again, Ms. Thought!