Wigs 101-- Sizing, Styling and Caring for your Wig
Wig Sizes
Wigs are available in three main sizes:
Petite Fits heads 21” and smaller,
Average Fits heads 21 ½” – 22 ½”
Large Fits heads 22 ½” and larger
Most wigs are made in the average size. Petite and large head size wigs are identified in the style specifications. If a customer is looking for a size other than what is listed suggest a special order.
Most wig Circumferences can be adjusted up to 1 – 1 ½”.
Measuring the Head
Choosing the proper wig size will ensure maximum comfort and security. To determine the size, measure head size by taking the following measurements.
Before measuring, make sure to flatten out the hair so it will not be in the way. The amount of hair being put underneath the wig may affect size requirements. Then just lay the tape measure gently around. Do not pull or tighten the tape measure to ensure a more accurate measurement.
There are three primary measurements:
Head Circumference: This is the distance around the head. Starting at the center of the front hairline, place tape flat against the head, going just above the ear towards the back of the head, keeping the tape at the nape of the neck and going around to the opposite side of your head, just above the opposite ear and returning to the center of the front hairline. This is the head circumference measurement.
Front to Nape: This measures the length of the head from the front to the nape of the neck. To determine where the nape of the neck is, tilt the head back and look up. Where the neck bends and may even develop a skin fold, is where the nape is located. The bottom of the wig should sit right above this area so that when the head is tilted back, the wig will not shift. This area is often right at the occipital bone, but be sure to take the measurement with your neck bent down so that you are looking at your shoes. Start at the front hairline, measure directly across the middle top of the head to the area that has been determined as the nape.
Ear to Ear: Measure the head from the top of one ear, over the crown to the top of the other ear.
Putting on a Wig
Listed below are the steps to putting on a wig.
- Give the wig a gentle shake. Don’t be rough, but encourage the customer not to think of the wig as fragile.
- Identify the front and back of the wig. The label always goes in back. Note the Velcro tabs for sizing. Leave the wig “as-is” at first, and adjust tabs later as needed.
- Place the wig on the flat surface so you are looking inside the wig. Make sure the label is at the top (this is the back of the wig). Pull your hair off your face at the top and sides. Secure long hair with pins to take it off your face, back at the sides and up at the nape.
- Use either a nylon or mesh wig liner or wig cap to hold your hair in place.
- Hold the wig at the sides with the woven label in the back. Place it at your natural hairline and slide it on from front to back, like a bathing cap.
- Adjust the wig front to back as needed to align the front edge with your natural hairline. Use the ear tabs (left to right) to center your wig.
- Adjust inner hook/tab (located on either side of the label at the nape) to tighten or loosen the circumference of the wig until the wig feels secure.
- The wig should feel secure, but not too tight. If needed, adjust the Velcro Tabs (pull towards label to tighten, away to loosen).
General Styling Tips
When styling a wig, don’t try to get every hair perfectly in place. This can make your wig look “unnatural”. Make sure to use wig brushes or combs. Avoid regular hair brushes. Use wig styling accessories like wig shampoo, conditioner and wig oil spray. They make styling easier and extend the life of the wig. Many customers take their new wig to a professional hairstylist to trim and sometimes thin the wig to suit their needs.
Synthetic Wig Styling Tips
- Many styles need only a good shake or finger styling and they’re ready to wear. Just a gentle shake is all you need.
- For tight curly or ringlet styles – do not brush. Gently shake, lift and separate the curls with a pick comb or fingers.
- For wavy styles with loose curls – brush lightly with a wig styling brush or pick comb using short, lifting strokes – just enough to relax the style.
- For long curly styles – do not brush. Use your fingers or a pick comb to separate the curls.
- For straight styles – gently brush, trying not to stretch the fibers. Remove tangles first starting at the bottom and working your way up to prevent breakage.
- We recommend the use of a wig conditioner or wig spray. Do not use hairspray unless it is for synthetic fibers only.
- Manufacturers do not recommend the use of curling irons or rollers on synthetic fiber unless the fiber is heat resistant.
Please note that permatease wigs have a “packing” top (shorter fibers at the root/base of the wig). These shorter fibers are there to give bulk and volume to the wig. A light combing from the root base in an upward direction with a wide tooth comb/brush will blend them into the longer fibers. Then, using your fingers, pick out strands and move them in the direction of the style that you want to achieve. You may want to do this with fingers that are slightly damp (use a little water) or spray a fine mist of water over the wig when styling.
Human Hair Wig Styling Tips
- Use a wig brush or comb. Brush gently. Remove tangles first starting at the bottom and working your way up to prevent breakage
- You may use rollers or a curling iron to set the wig.
- For tight curly or ringlet styles – do not brush. Gently shake, lift and separate the curls with a pick comb or fingers.
- For long curly styles – do not brush. Use your fingers or a pick comb to separate the curls.
- For straight styles – gently brush and try not to stretch the fibers. Remove tangles first starting at the bottom and working your way up to prevent breakage.
Washing Instructions
- Before washing, gently ease out any tangles; try not to stretch the fibers.
- To wash, soak the wig in a large basin of cold water and wig shampoo for 5 – 10 minutes.
- Then rinse in COLD water until all the soap is rinsed out.
- Do not use hot water at any time as the styling and curl will be removed from the wig.
- Place the wig on a towel or strand to air dry.
- Do NOT brush, comb or detangle the wig until it is completely dry. Do not use blow dryers or curling irons.
- When wig is completely dry, gently ease out tangles. Synthetic wigs have a pre-set style which will bounce back after washing
- DO NOT USE BLEACHES, COLOR, or RINSES.
- DO NOT EXPOSE to an OPEN FLAME or EXCESSIVE HEAT. This includes: hot ovens, barbeque grills and cigarette lighters.
- Choosing a selection results in a full page refresh.