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Wig Wearing Guide
How to Wear a Wig
You got the wig. Now here's how to wear it so it looks natural, fits right, and feels like it was always yours.
Most women put the wig on for the first time and feel like everyone will know.
They won't. But it takes a little time to believe that, and a little knowledge to make it true. A wig that's been worn right just looks like hair.
This guide covers everything that happens after you put it on: placement, styling, fit, and the situations nobody prepares you for. It's written from 31 years of helping women through exactly this.
A wig that isn't placed right, fitted right, or styled right makes you want to stay home. A wig that works makes you forget you're wearing one. Everything in this guide is about getting you to the second one.
Here's what we've seen happen thousands of times: she walks out the door for the first time wearing her wig. She's terrified. She's sure everyone can tell. What happens? Someone compliments her on her new hairdo.
If you haven't put it on yet, start with our How to Put On a Wig guide first. This one picks up where that one leaves off.
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You're Doing This for You
That's the whole reason. That's enough.
You didn't choose hair loss. But you get to choose this.
The wig is yours. You wear it when you want, how you want, for whatever reason makes sense to you. None of those reasons need justification.
It's not about hiding. It's about getting to decide what you see when you look in the mirror.
Some women fall in love with their wig and wear it every day without thinking about it. Some wear it for specific occasions and go without the rest of the time. Some try it a few times and decide hats or scarves feel more like them. All of that is right. There's no rule about when, how often, or how long. You wear it when it serves you.
Two things worth knowing before you start
Caring about how you look is not vanity. It's self-respect. And you don't have to match what you had. You can choose the length, color, or style you always wanted. Some women discover a look during hair loss that they keep long after their hair grows back. This is entirely your call.
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Your First Time Out
From the mirror to the world, step by step
Most women are terrified the first time they wear their wig in public. Almost all of them report the same thing happened: nobody noticed. Or someone complimented their hair. Here's how to get there.
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1Start at home
Wear it while you do something ordinary. Watch TV. Make dinner. Do the dishes. The first time you sit with it on for two hours without thinking about it, you'll know you're ready for the next step.
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2A solo, low-stakes errand
The grocery store. The post office. Somewhere with strangers who have no context and no reason to notice. This is where you learn that nobody is watching you the way you think they are.
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3Someone you trust
One person. A close friend, your sister, your husband. Someone who will tell you the truth and mean it kindly. What usually happens at this step: they say you look great. They mean it.
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4The wider world
Work. Dinner out. A party. By this point, the wig already feels more like yours. The fear from step one is usually mostly gone.
What to say when someone asks
You don't owe anyone an explanation. When someone compliments your hair, "thank you" is a complete answer. If someone asks directly, some women own it: "It's a wig, isn't it great?" and find that it feels better than deflecting. Others say nothing. Both work. There's no right script.
Wearing your wig to chemo
There's no rule here. Many women choose not to: port access, fatigue, and infusion chairs that are often cold enough to make a hat more appealing. Others wear the wig because it helps them feel like themselves in a place that doesn't feel like theirs. Hats, scarves, or nothing are all completely normal. Do whatever makes a hard day a little easier.
It gets more comfortable after about a week
Wigs have flex in the cap. After several wears, the base conforms to the shape of your head and softens. If something feels stiff or slightly off at first, give it a week before deciding it is not the right fit.
Give the people around you a moment too
The people closest to you may need a beat to adjust to your new look, even if it looks great. That's completely normal and doesn't mean anything is wrong. Most women find that within a week or two, nobody thinks about it anymore. Including them.
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The One Thing That Makes or Breaks the Look
Placement is everything
You can have the most beautiful wig in the world and it will look visibly off if it's in the wrong position. Alignment is the difference between a wig that looks like hair and one that looks like a wig.
The most common mistake
Most women wear their wig too far forward. The instinct when you're worried about coverage is to pull it down toward the forehead. But too far forward actually draws more attention, not less. It shortens the forehead unnaturally and the disproportion is immediately noticeable. The wig should sit right at your natural hairline, not in front of it. Trust the placement. It looks more natural than it feels.
For step-by-step instructions on putting the wig on correctly, see our How to Put On a Wig guide.
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How to Style Your Wig
Less work than your own hair
Synthetic wigs have style memory: they hold their shape and return to it after washing. For most women, daily styling is a quick shake and a spritz of water. Here's everything else you need to know.
Day-to-Day
- Give the wig a gentle shake to restore volume and shape
- For flyaways or static: a light spritz from a spray bottle of cold water works, or rub your palms together and press down gently on the crown. The warmth smooths without any product.
- Never brush or comb a wet wig. Only use brushes and combs designed for wigs. Regular brushes damage synthetic fibers. Keep a wide-tooth wig comb in your bag for touch-ups on the go.
- The back of the wig flattens against headrests and cushions during the day. A quick shake when you stand up restores the volume.
- If the wig shifts, don't try to adjust it while it's on your head. Sliding it around causes hair to bunch underneath and can irritate the scalp. Take it off, reset your cap, and put it back on properly.
Making It Look Natural
- New wig looking too shiny? This is normal straight out of the box and typically diminishes with wear and washing.
- If the scalp area doesn't quite match your skin tone, a dab of concealer along the part line closes the gap
- If you have some hair near the front, pull a few small strands out over the wig edge with a rat-tail comb. Even an inch or two blended over the hairline makes a wig look more natural.
- To add height or body, lift gently with a wig comb, lightly tease underneath, and smooth surface hair over it
- For curly or wavy styles, spritz lightly with water and scrunch the curls gently with your fingers to revive the shape
Heat Styling
- Standard synthetic wigs cannot be heat-styled. Heat permanently singes the fibers.
- Heat-friendly synthetic wigs can be styled with low heat tools
- Human hair wigs can be heat-styled, but use the lowest heat setting that gets the job done. The hair in a wig doesn't benefit from the scalp's natural oils, so it's more vulnerable to heat damage over time
- When in doubt, check the product description or call us
Getting a Custom Cut
Any wig can be trimmed and shaped by a stylist to flatter your face. A good cut is often the single biggest upgrade you can make to how a wig looks.
- Always cut the wig while you are wearing it, never on a stand
- Trimming bangs, adding layers, or thinning the ends can make a wig look much more natural
- The more affordable the wig, the more it usually needs thinning. Free wigs from organizations especially benefit from a stylist visit. A good thinning job makes a significant difference
- Find a stylist familiar with wigs for the best results
Your cap type affects what you can do
Monofilament wigs let you change your part in any direction, which opens up more styling options day to day. Lace front wigs allow you to brush the hair away from your face and wear styles that expose the hairline, which is essential for updos. Classic wefted wigs have a set part that can't be changed. Worth knowing before you style.
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Getting the Fit Right
What to do if something doesn't feel right
A well-fitting wig should feel secure but not tight. If something feels off, there's almost always a fix.
If the wig feels too big
- Tighten the adjustable tabs inside the cap first. Most wigs have them at the nape
- A wig grip or cushion band takes up extra room and adds grip at the hairline
- A wig cap underneath can also help fill the space
- For persistent issues, consider a petite cap size
If the wig feels too small
- Riding up at the nape is the clearest sign it's too small
- Headaches or pressure at the temples mean the cap is too tight. Loosen the tabs first
- Altering a too-small cap is difficult. Sizing up is easier
- Measure your head before your next order and consider a large cap size
If it itches
- Almost always your own hair poking through the cap, not the wig
- Pin everything flat before putting the wig on and the problem usually disappears
- For sensitive or chemo-affected scalps, a soft bamboo wig cap or cotton wig cap underneath makes a real difference
The Wig Cap
A wig cap sits between your scalp and the wig. It's optional, but most wearers find one useful for at least one reason: keeping hair pinned down, absorbing sweat, adding grip, or protecting a sensitive scalp. The right type depends on your situation. Learn more about wig caps →
For heat and sweat
A Headline It! liner wicks moisture away from the scalp and keeps you cooler under the wig. Bamboo wig caps are naturally moisture-wicking and a popular choice during treatment or warm months. Browse our wig caps →
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How Do I Wear a Wig with Glasses?
Four ways to make it work
Glasses and wigs work together fine. It just takes a little experimenting to find what's most comfortable for your frames and cap construction.
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1Under the ear tabs
Most wigs have ear tabs on either side. Tuck the arms of your glasses underneath the tabs for a secure fit. If your ear tabs have an interior metal strip, gently push it up to create more clearance.
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2Through the ear tabs
If your wig has open ear tabs, you can thread the arms of your glasses through them. Be gentle pushing through to avoid bending the frames.
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3Over the ear tabs
Some wearers find it more comfortable to wear glasses on top of the ear tabs. Try this if the other methods feel awkward with your particular wig.
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4Through an open weft cap
With classic wefted (open cap) wigs, you can push the arms through the open sections wherever it feels natural. There's more flexibility than with closed cap constructions.
If nothing feels right
Visit an optician for a small frame adjustment. A minor tweak to the arm length or angle can make glasses work much more comfortably with any wig. Opticians can often do this at no charge.
Watch the volume at your temples
Wigs with heavy, dense hair at the sides can press against the arms of your glasses and cause headaches or discomfort. If this is an issue, ask a stylist to thin the hair at the temples, or choose a style with less volume on the sides.
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Everyday Situations
Hot flashes, exercise, and a few things nobody usually talks about
The wig works differently depending on what you're doing. Here's what to know for the situations that come up most.
Hot Flashes
Wigs are warm. There's no getting around it: you have a layer of hair and cap on your head. This matters especially during chemo-induced menopause or if you're prone to hot flashes. A few things that help:
Stay cooler in your wig
- Open weft cap construction breathes better than closed caps: more airflow to the scalp
- Shorter styles run cooler than longer, denser ones
- A moisture-wicking liner or bamboo cap draws heat away from the scalp
- A small desk fan or handheld fan makes a real difference indoors
- Keep a spare cap in your bag: a fresh cap mid-day feels significantly cooler
At home vs. out
- You don't have to wear the wig at home. Many women go without or wear a soft cap when they're not going out.
- If a hot flash hits while you're out: step somewhere cool, breathe, let it pass. You don't have to take the wig off.
- A cold water spritz on the back of the neck (not the wig) can cool you down quickly
Take care of the scalp underneath
The skin under a wig still needs attention. Keep your scalp clean and moisturized, especially during chemo when skin can be reactive and tender. If you're spending time outdoors, a bare scalp can burn in direct sun even through a thin cap. Apply sunscreen to any exposed areas before putting the wig on.
Can I Exercise in a Wig?
Honest answer: most wigs aren't built for workouts. They get hot, they shift, and sweat means more frequent washing which shortens the wig's life. If you want head coverage while you exercise, a better option for most women is a bamboo turban or our Bamboo Track Comfort Cap, purpose-built for active wear, breathable, and stays put.
If you want to wear a wig anyway
- Keep a separate wig for workouts. Sweat means more frequent washing, which ages the fibers faster. Don't sacrifice your good wig to the gym.
- A wig grip or extra security clips help keep things in place during movement
- Pull longer styles into a low ponytail or braid to stay cooler and reduce friction
- A headband wig is an option if you want hair coverage with a more open cap, though for most active situations a turban or cap will be more comfortable
Swimming and water
- Don't swim in your wig. Chlorine and saltwater damage the fibers, can mat the hair permanently, and shorten the wig's life significantly
- Use one of our swim or shower caps instead. They cover the head completely and are designed for water
- A few drops of rain won't ruin a synthetic wig, but let it dry on a wig stand before wearing again if it gets damp
- Humidity shortens how long the style holds. Same principle as rain
Wind and Weather
Wind
- A wig gripper worn under the wig is the first line of defense: it grips the hairline from underneath without disturbing the style
- A silk scarf tied loosely at the nape or in a vintage style under the chin adds security on windier days without flattening the wig the way a headband over the top can
- Wig tape or adhesive at the hairline is the most secure option for outdoor events, concerts, or anywhere you'll be outside for a long time
- Pulling a longer wig into a low braid or ponytail reduces the sail effect on windy days
Rain and humidity
- Synthetic wigs handle rain better than most people expect. The fibers are non-porous plastic, so water doesn't absorb the way it does in human hair. If the wig gets wet, style memory takes over and it dries back to its original shape.
- Human hair wigs behave like natural hair in rain: they absorb moisture and the style falls. If you have a human hair wig, wet days need planning.
- If any wig gets soaked, put it on a wig stand to dry. Don't brush it while damp: the fibers are weakest when wet.
- Humidity is generally a non-issue for synthetic wigs. Unlike human hair, the style holds in most conditions.
Intimate Moments
Women navigating this deserve a real answer.
In our experience, the fear is almost always bigger than the actual reaction. Partners who matter take their cue from her. Most of them, when the moment comes, aren't thinking about the wig at all.
Your choice, your timing
Some women keep the wig on throughout. For confidence, for privacy, because they're not ready for that particular vulnerability yet. All of that is fine.
Some take it off with a partner they trust when they feel ready. We've heard from many women that the conversation brought them closer than they expected.
Most partners follow her lead. You don't have to make it a big conversation unless you want to.
Practical options
- If you want to keep your head covered but the wig feels like too much: a silk scarf with a wig gripper worn underneath is a good alternative. The gripper keeps it in place, the silk is smooth against the pillow and looks pretty.
- Putting the wig back on before a partner wakes up is something women do, and it works fine
- A soft sleep cap is another option if you take the wig off and want to keep your head covered
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Hats, Scarves, and Hair Accessories
Change up your look
A wig is a starting point, not a limitation. Accessories let you shift your look day to day without any extra styling effort.
Hats and Scarves
- Cloche hats and berets sit beautifully over wigs without disturbing the placement
- Sun hats protect both your face and the wig from UV damage, which can fade the fibers over time
- Scarves tied vintage-style, under the chin, can keep a wig secure on windy days
- Rain hats help protect the style and reduce weather-related tangling or friction
Hair Accessories
- Clips, barrettes, headbands, and bobby pins all work on wigs just as they do on natural hair
- Make sure accessories don't expose the cap underneath when in place
- Be gentle when applying and removing. Pulling on the fibers repeatedly will cause shedding
- Flower crowns and fabric headbands are particularly forgiving on wigs
Updos
- Wigs can be worn in updos just as you'd style your own hair
- Lace front wigs work best for updos since you can pull hair away from the face naturally
- Monofilament wigs offer the most part flexibility for updo styles
- Distribute the weight of an updo evenly to keep the wig from shifting
life
When It's Time for a New One
Synthetic wigs: typically 3 to 6 months. Human hair: often a year or more.
Caring for your wig well extends its life. But no wig lasts forever, and a worn-out wig is harder to make look natural. Here's how to know.
Signs it's worn out
- Ends are frayed or frizzy and won't smooth out
- The cap has stretched and the wig no longer fits snugly
- Noticeable shedding, thin patches or sparse areas
- The wig looks dull even after washing
- It no longer holds its style after washing and air drying
How to make it last longer
- Wash every 6 to 8 wears, not after every use
- Store on a wig stand when not wearing. Never compressed in a drawer
- Keep away from heat, direct sun, and humidity during storage
- Use only wig-safe shampoo and conditioner
- Detangle gently from the ends up, never from the roots down
Don't use regular hair products on your wig. Shampoo, conditioner, dry shampoo, and styling products made for natural hair will build up on the fibers, shorten the wig's life, and make it look dull and heavy. Always use products specifically formulated for wigs. Browse wig care products →
Transitioning as your hair comes back
Early regrowth is often patchy, a different texture, or a different color than you remember. Many women keep wearing the wig well past the point of visible regrowth, and that's completely fine. When you're ready to transition, consider switching to a shorter wig first. It makes the visual jump to your own growing hair feel more gradual and natural. Going straight from a longer wig to an inch of new growth is a bigger contrast than most people expect. Once your hair has grown back enough to grip a clip, a hair topper can add volume and coverage at the crown while the rest fills in.
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How Do I Wear a Wig with a Hearing Aid?
What to know by device type
Here's what works, by device type.
Behind-the-ear hearing aids
The most common type and the trickiest with a wig. The device sits behind the ear, right where the wig cap sits.
- Put your hearing aids in before the wig, not after
- Open weft caps give the most flexibility around the ear area and are what most BTE wearers prefer
- Wigs with adjustable tabs let you loosen one side independently
- If the cap presses the device uncomfortably, try a slightly larger cap size
Cochlear implants & in-ear aids
For cochlear implants, the external coil sits on the head and a full cap can press against it uncomfortably. A hair topper often works better: it covers thinning at the top and leaves the sides free. If a full wig is needed, an open weft cap gives the most room.
In-ear and in-canal aids sit entirely inside the ear, so they're the easiest to combine with a wig. Just check that the wig cap isn't sitting directly over the ear opening. Reposition the ear tab slightly back if needed.
Q&A
Questions We Hear Often
Straight answers
We don't recommend it. Friction against the pillow tangles and mats the hair and shortens the wig's life significantly. A soft sleeping cap at night keeps your head comfortable and gives the wig a rest.
With caution. Synthetic fibers are plastic and will melt or singe near open flame: gas stoves, hot ovens, backyard grills, even birthday candles. The damage is permanent and happens fast. Keep a spare or a hat for cooking days.
Not in summer. A parked car gets hot enough to distort synthetic fibers and permanently alter the style. If you take the wig off in the car, put it in a bag or bring it inside.
It's worth considering. One to wear, one to wash: alternating gives each wig time to recover, stretches the life of both, and means a wash day never leaves you without one.
When it feels right to you. Early regrowth is often patchy, a different texture, or a different color. Many women continue wearing the wig until coverage feels even. A hair topper can bridge the transition while you wait for full coverage.
Don't forget your brows
A wig completes the hair. Your brows complete the face. Many women find that filling in or replacing their brows makes as big a difference as the wig itself. We carry eyebrow wigs, tattoos, and makeup designed specifically for this.
The best way to wear a wig?
With confidence.
The hardest moment is the first time you walk out the door. Almost no one notices. And the ones who do almost always say something kind.
When it's working, this is what it looks like: you get ready in five minutes, you go where you need to go, and somewhere in the middle of the day you realize you haven't thought about your hair once. That's the goal. That's what we're helping you get to.
Walk tall. You've got this.
We've been here for 31 years. We'll help you find yours.
Our team knows wigs the way your hairdresser knows your hair. Add a consultation at checkout.
Keep Learning
How to Put On a Wig
Step-by-step guide to placement, positioning, and getting it right from the first try.
Read the guide →
Synthetic Wig Care Guide
Everything you need to keep your wig looking good: washing, drying, storing, and styling done right.
Read the guide →
Wig Buying Guide
Head size, hair type, cap construction, style, color: five steps to finding the right wig the first time.
Read the guide →
Hair Topper Buying Guide
Coverage level, base size, hair type, and color: how to find the right topper for your specific pattern of hair loss.
Read the guide →
Wigs vs. Hair Toppers
Not sure which is right for your stage of hair loss? Here's how to decide.
Read the guide →
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