Lesson 8: The Cut - How To Make A Wig Look Natural | Wig MasteryUpdated 21 days ago
WOMEN WANT WIGS THAT DON'T LOOK LIKE WIGS
Women today want wigs that don't scream perfect hair. They want a more quiet, real-world, wearable wig-a wig that no one can tell you are wearing because it just looks like everyone else's hair which isn't perfect! We want wigs that are more casual, imperfect or have an almost undone look to them. Sadly, most wigs come pre-styled and you would be hard-pressed to find a beautifully constructed wig with a modern realistic cut. So how can we make something overdone and stiff, more natural-looking?
THE CUT & STYLE MAKES ALL THE DIFFERENCE
A wig is just hair that is attached to a cap, and, like all hair, the cut & style makes all the difference. Most wig brands will tell you to find someone with experience cutting wigs but we actually want to encourage you not.
Why? It's important to understand that most hairstylist have specialties - some specialize in pixies, some specialize in long layers, some specialize in color, etc. The point is that they spend all day, everyday perfecting that cut, color, etc. Unfortunately, most wig stylists have to do a mix of everything; we find that their cuts tend to be conservative so the styles are a bit demure or boring. It's not their fault, they just simply can't be everything to everyone so here is our recommendation.
Find a salon or a stylist who is cutting hairstyles that you love. Find a stylist that keeps you scrolling for hours, then call and make a consultation, and DON'T tell them that you want them to cut a wig! Why? They will probably say, they don't cut wigs and can't help you. They are worried that if you don't like the cut, you will be extremely upset and they really don't need that headache. It makes sense, but what they don't understand is that the ONLY way for you to fall in love with your wig is to make it feel like you and that is where they come into play.
We recommend waiting two weeks, also known as the "dating phase," before cutting your wig. Detailed guide here. During this time, you should wash, style, and wear your new wig as much as possible so that you can get comfortable with it; every wig has corks and you need to get used to them prior to your cut. Two or three days before your appointment, wash, set your part, and let the hair air dry.
Now, wear your wig to your appointment, check-in, and don't mention your wig. When you sit down with your stylist, explain to them the cut you want and the overall look you want to achieve, show your stylist pictures, and then, the most important part, remember that flattery goes a long way! Explain why you chose that specific salon or stylist. Stylists are just people who honestly don't get enough credit, so if you take the time to genuinely compliment them, I am willing to bet, that they will go the extra mile for you! Now, let your stylist talk and listen to them. Then, once you both agree, take a deep breath and tell them you are wearing a wig. Now, some stylists will turn you away, but the majority won't! Please don't take offense to this; they genuinely want to cut your wig, but they are afraid too, which is okay. They are nervous because wig hair can sit differently than bio hair and they don't want you to be unhappy.
Now, before the cut begins, make sure your wig is on straight and that it is positioned to your liking. Wearing the wig for two weeks before the cut will give you experience positioning the wig. If your wig moves, tell your stylist and adjust your wig. This is not the time to be shy, your stylist, honestly, doesn't know if the piece is moving or not, so you need to be proactive, vocal, and let them know.
Now, most hairstyles will not give a new customer an aggressive cut the first time. They will take it easy and see how you react, which is helpful and great for wig wearers! Remember that wig hair doesn't grow back so a gradual approach is best; take it slow, maybe just start with framing the face, test the cut for a week, wash your wig, style it, and then go back if you want more cut or more of a style. Even if you have to go back three or four times, it's okay because you will be comfortable with the progression, and in the end, you will be in love with your cut and style.
Please remember that the cut & style of the wig is critical to making the wig look and feel natural. When it is done right, it feels like you and it will make wearing a wig a total breeze so it's worth the time and patience required. If you need help styling your wig so it looks natural, refer to these help guides:
How To Style A Wig
- How To Style A Human Hair Wig
- How To Style A Luxury Synthetic Wig
- How To Style A Heat Friendly Wig