Nobody’s perfect, and we all make mistakes, but wig mistakes can end up being difficult to rectify. So, to help ensure that doesn’t happen to your wig, we’ve brought together the sixteen most common wig mistakes to help you avoid the pitfalls and keep your wig in the best condition so you can look and feel fabulous!
16 Most Common Wig Mistakes
1. Cutting off too much lace
Lace front wigs are designed to promote a natural look, but a common lace front wig mistake is cutting too much lace, which can disrupt the line of the wig. If you’d like a lace front wig but you’re not confident in cutting the lace yourself, have a look at the pre-cut lace front wigs at our shop.
Remember to take it slow – you can always cut more off, but you can’t put back what you’ve already taken off! Learn more about this wig type on our blog, from how to put on a lace front wig to if you can put lace front wigs in a ponytail.
2. Not securing the wig
Nobody wants to feel their wig sliding down their head, especially not if you’ve just left the house for a busy, productive day. When you put your wig on in the morning, try to ensure that it’s sufficiently secured on your head – we recommend using an adhesive to avoid any slipping.
To keep your wig from slipping, we recommend exploring accessories such as wig clips. These can help boost your confidence and allow you to flaunt your fabulous wig in style!
3. Choosing the wrong size wig
It’s like a horror story all its own – you’ve found the perfect wig in the perfect colour, styled exactly as you wanted it, you put it on… and it doesn’t fit. Nightmare! This one is a wig mistake to avoid before you even buy the wig. Check out our wig size guide for tips on measuring your own head.
We’ve found that some customers aren’t even aware that wigs come in different sizes, so if you’re nervous about measuring, you can always come and visit us. Just pick out some styles you’d like to try, and we’ll make sure you leave with the perfect fit, from petite to average to large! Additionally, we offer a selection of kids’ wigs and male wigs to fit snugly on heads of all sizes.
4. Using the wrong types of products
When it comes to the most common wig mistakes, one of the ones we see often is using the wrong type of wig care product for the wig you have. It can be an easy mistake, so it’s important to double-check any products you’re using on your wig.
If you have a human hair wig, don’t use products for synthetic wigs (and vice versa). The products on our website are clearly labelled, so you know what wigs they’re suitable for. Check out our extensive range of wig care advice blogs for more information.
5. Misusing wig tape
Wig tape is a great tool to provide you with extra security for your wig, ensuring it stays in place and you don’t have to worry. Typically, wig tape should last quite a long time, so long as you aren’t using too much of it.
Using too much wig tape or not using the right type of wig tape can be an uncomfortable wig mistake or leave unseemly residue. Like all of our wig care products, our range of wig tape is high-quality and clearly labelled for different uses, whether you need discreet spot tape or extra-strong hold for extended wear.
Learn how to use wig tape to avoid this common wig mistake!
6. Neglecting natural hair
If you have natural hair under your wig, particularly if that hair is weaker or thinning, it is imperative that you look after it as well. Doing this means that if you’re wearing the wig to change up your look or as a temporary measure if you’ve suffered temporary hair loss (such as after pregnancy or serious stress), you won’t risk any permanent damage.
The steps are easy, including taking off your wig at night, washing your hair and moisturising when necessary. See our full guide to protecting your hair under a wig in our previous blog post.
7. Rubbing the wig dry
This is one of those wig mistakes that makes us cringe whenever we see it. Wigs, whether synthetic or human hair, are not designed to be rubbed with a towel to dry them – this can do permanent damage to the strands of hair.
Instead, after you wash your wig or hairpiece, place it between two layers of towel and gently press to remove any excess water. Once you’ve done that, place it on a wig stand and leave it to dry out of direct sunlight. Voila!
8. Cutting the wig yourself
We know it’s tempting. The scissors are right there, and it couldn’t hurt to take off a couple of centimetres, right? Don’t do it! Unless you’re very familiar with cutting your own hair, we recommend backing away from the scissors and calling a professional.
This is one of the most common wig mistakes we see. Wig hair doesn’t grow back and it’s easy to make a mistake that you then can’t rectify. Do a little research and talk to a hairdresser about getting your wig trimmed so that you can be sure of a great end result!
9. Using heat
Don’t worry; we’re not putting a blanket ban on ever using heat on wigs! Heat can be useful, but there are a few things to bear in mind. Make sure you have a human hair or heat-resistant wig, use a low temperature and go carefully. Learn more about using heat on your wig and don’t attempt to use a hair dryer on a synthetic fibre wig. You may damage the fibres.
10. Sitting the wig too far forward
When people ask us how to make their wig look more natural, one of the most common issues is that they’re placing the wig just a little too far forward on their head. Make sure your wig sits exactly at your hairline to ensure that the proportions of your face line up.
11. Trying to colour a human hair wig yourself
Don’t attempt to colour a wig by yourself. Whilst switching up your look this way can seem like a fun DIY project, you may damage your wig depending on its material or fail to achieve the colour you envisioned.
Colouring your wig to perfection may take time, but going to a professional equipped with the right products and techniques can save you a lot of stress, frustration, and time. Alternatively, shop wigs by colour to find the right shade, first time!
12. Ignoring cap construction
You should never underestimate the importance of cap construction. Selecting the wrong type can result in an unnatural appearance or an uncomfortable feeling.
Think about what type of construction will suit you best. While monofilament wigs are known for their breathability, full lace wigs offer extensive versatility in styling. There’s something for everyone, but you should review all the best cap constructions for comfort and other requirements before purchasing.
13. Overplucking the hairline
Overplucking your wig’s hairline can cause it to look patchy, which is never the ideal look.
Making this wig mistake can be expensive, especially if you need to buy a new one. To avoid this mistake, ensure you don’t repeatedly go over the same area, ask a friend or professional for help, and take things slow.
14. Standing too close to the oven when opening the door
The sudden burst of heat might be too much for the fibre and singe the wig. But this is a perfect excuse to get your other half to do the cooking!
Speaking of doors, remember to be careful not to trap your wig in other types of doors and windows, as the impact may damage the fibres.
15. Purchasing an overly cheap wig
The chances are, if the wig you see is overly cheap, you may be looking at a product offered by a fraudulent wig company. Always check out for the red (and green!) flags to ensure you’re purchasing from a reputable manufacturer like Simply Wigs.
Remember to look for features such as good reviews from a private site, legitimate contact information, and a secure website.
16. Putting your wig under too much pressure
And finally… do not get extremely drunk, dance like a crazy person and let your wig go flying across the dance floor when taking part in headbanging. To save yourself the embarrassment, please make sure you take care of your wig and don’t put it under too much pressure!
Rounding Up on the Most Common Wig Mistakes
And there you have it! 16 of the most common wig mistakes that we see. Whether you’re new to wigs or a seasoned pro, remember you can always refer back to our beginner’s guide to wig-wearing to keep those guidelines fresh in your mind! If you have any questions or concerns about making wig mistakes, please talk to us today, and our friendly team will be happy to help you out.
Thanks to everyone for their advice in response to my query regarding visits to the dentist, and how to stop the wig moving when in the dentist’s chair. Some useful tips there. X
Always love to receive my new hairs from Simply wigs, the service is so good . I lost all my hair 15 years ago now & feel so glad I have Simply wigs to rely on. When a parcel arrives I then book the hairdresser to come to cut the fringe of the Bobbi by hot hair, this makes me feel normal again and a new hair makes you feel amazing!
When going to the dentist I wear a skull cap turban over my wig or a wide crochet headband hope this helps ,
Hazel – You could try wearing a velvet wig grip under your wig. Make sure you have the pile of the velvet going in the direction that stops the wig from moving backwards. (Test it with your finger).
Don’t buy a cheap imitation wig grip…
Hi Hazel, I understand your concerns. I use wig tape. If you have some hair on top make a pin curl or two put on your wig and put hair grips through your wig onto the pincurls. This worked for me with wetter wigs. Hope this helps.
I’ve been wearing wigs for 50 years now. Kind regards Julie ?
I’m always in a quandary when going to the dentist as they tip the chair right back, almost horizontal, and, although I anchor my wig with hairclips to my own hair underneath, I can feel it shifting slightly as the dentist moves my head from side to side. I never know whether to just dispense with the wig for a dental visit, but my own hair is so thin that I’m embarrassed. Does anyone have any advice/comments please?
I wish you had a branch in Devon,but I am really glad I found your site,just wish for a few more large cap styles especially shoulder length and curly until then I shall just keep trimming up festival!I have worn a wig for years now following hair loss and have always found small hair grips keep them in place which hide quite well under the wig also pretty hair slides …..thankfully I do have some of my own hair to grip them to.
I wish you had a branch in Glasgow
What about wearing a wig straight out of the box? Take it to your usual hairdresser and have it properly ‘cut in’ to your head…it makes such a difference.
Phew!! I’m doing everything right… thank you for this x
Thank you very much for this advice, you really are the very best suppliers, not just supplying wigs but so much more besides. I am so very grateful I found you a few years back.