Your new wig just arrived, and it's perfect—almost. The only thing your latest hairdo needs to be flawless is some face framing layers. But hold your horses and put down those scissors! You can customize your hairpiece via haircut. In fact, giving your wig or topper a trim is a great trick to get a more flattering and natural look. You just need to make sure you are cutting your wig the right way before you get out those shears. You could instantly ruin your expensive hairpiece with a stray scissor snip if you're not careful. Read on to learn why you should cut your wig and to how to cut your wig to get a finished look you'll love.
Can You Cut a Wig?
Yes, it is totally possible to trim a wig or topper. There are several benefits to cutting a hairpiece:
- Achieve a more natural look. Wigs can be cut or thinned to more closely resemble your natural hair, giving you a more realistic look. This is especially true with toppers; getting a cut with your wiglet will make your topper style seamlessly with your natural hair.
- Create a more flattering style. Customizing your wig with a light trim allows you to create a style that perfectly compliments your face shape for the most flattering look possible. Learn more about choosing the best hairstyle for your face shape here.
- Shorten or add bangs. Oftentimes, the original fringe wigs will be too long on your face and need a little trim to be perfect.
- Remove damage. You wig will become damaged with wear. When the ends of your wig begin to split, a simple trim can make your wig look new again. Learn more about reviving synthetic hair wigs here.
How to Cut a Wig
While it may be tempting to pick up your scissors and cut your wig yourself, we highly recommend taking your wig to a professional hair stylist who has experience cutting synthetic hair. Synthetic hair behaves differently from human hair, so it often needs to be cut a little bit differently to get a natural look. Additionally, once your wig is cut, there is no going back. It will not grow back. It is better not to take the risk. It is important to note that wigs cannot be returned if they have been altered. The hairstylist will cut your wig while it is on your head to customize it to your face shape for the most realistic and flattering look possible.
How to Cut Bangs On A Wig
Cutting in or trimming bangs is one of the most common alterations made to wigs. If your wig already has bangs, the fringe may need to be trimmed to better suit your face. You can also easily add bangs to a hairpiece that does not have a fringe. As always, we do recommend having your bangs trimmed by a professional hairstylist. However, if you are set on cutting your bangs on your own, It is fairly easy to get started:
Step 1: Start with dry, smooth hair. Starting with wet or tangled hair will distort the hair, and you may end up cutting your bangs too short by mistake.
Step 2: Put on Your Wig. You should wear your wig while trimming bangs to make sure they are the right length on your face.
Step 3: Make a Triangle. Section off your bangs (or the hair that you want to cut into bangs) from the rest of your hair and pull to the front of the face. This should create a triangular shape at the hair part.
Step 4: Determine length. Hold the hair between your fingers at the length you want to cut the bangs. Allow the bangs to be longer than you think (you can always go back and cut off more length later if they end up being too long).
Step 5: Pull Straight Forward. Still holding the hair between your fingers, pull it straight forward in front of your face.
Step 6: Cut the Bangs at an angle. Starting in the middle, cut the bangs while holding your scissors at a 45 degree angle.
Cutting Your Wig at Home
Again, we do not recommend attempting to cut your wig yourself. However, if you’re naturally the daring kind or you’ve successfully trimmed a wig (or your natural hair) in the past, we’ve got some tips and tricks to help you.
Wig Cutting Tip #1: Only make minor changes.
The less alterations your wig needs, the better. This is especially true if you are cutting your wig on your own. Start with a wig that already meets of criteria, and make make minor changes such as trimming the fringe, thinning volume, or adding light layers around the face.
Wig Cutting Tip #2: Use Quality Scissors
To get a clean cut, make sure to use sharp hair cutting scissors. However, keep in mind that the plastic fibers of synthetic hair may wear down the blades faster than natural hair.
Wig Cutting Tip #3: Put the wig on a wig stand while cutting the back.
Although you might be tempted to cut your wig while wearing it on your head, you’re going to get far more accurate results if you put it on a wig stand when cutting the back.
Wig Cutting Tip #4: Put the wig on a your head while cutting the front.
When you are cutting face-framing layers or trimming a fringe, put your wig on your head as you normally wear it. That way, you can gauge how the hair will fall around your temple, forehead, and chin to perfectly frame out the face.
Wig Cutting Tip #5: Part the hair in the style you want to wear it
If your wig has a hand-tied or monofilament top, make sure to part your hair as you intend to wear it before cutting the hair. This will ensure a flattering final look once the wig is styled.
Wig Cutting Tip #6: Remove tangles
Use a wig comb or wig brush to remove any tangles and smooth out the hair prior to cutting to ensure a smooth trim. You may also want to use detangling spray.
Wig Cutting Tip #7: Angle your scissors
Even you want a blunt look, It's best to angle your scissors upward at a 45-degree angle as you’re cutting your wig. Not only will that remove some of the “heaviness” at the bottom of the wig, but it will ultimately create a more natural look.
Wig Cutting Tip #8: Cut in sections
Using a rattail comb, part 1-2” sections all the way around the wig, securing each section with its own hair clip. Make sure to use the comb only to section the hair, not to comb the hair; go with a wig brush or wig comb to smooth the sections out. As you're cutting the sections, use the previous cut as a guide to ensure even lines.
Wig Cutting Tip #9: Cut less than you think
Cut very slowly, working your way up to the ideal length. Remember, you can always cut more but once you cut some of the hair off, you can’t get it back!
Wig Cutting Tip #10: Have a reference photo
It's a good idea to have a picture of the desired haircut close-by for reference and guidance.
Wig Cutting Tip #11: Double Check
Once all of the sections have been cut, take your wig brush to brush all of your wig. It’s the best way to check for loose strands or small chunks of hair that may be uneven and correct them.
Wig Cutting Tip #12: It is easiest to cut straight hair
If your wig is made from heat-friendly synthetic hair, straighten the hair before cutting. If your wig is curly or wavy and made from standard synthetic hair, be extra careful while cutting. Consider bringint it to a hairstylist instead.
Have you ever cut your wig? How did it turn out? Let us know in the comments and share your top wig cutting tips below! Shop a full selection of over 1000 wigs at www.headcovers.com.