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Is your wig not sitting quite right, or does it itch at the worst possible moment? If you’re new to wearing a wig, or have been wrestling with these common issues for some time, you know how distracting and frustrating they can be.
Wearing a wig should improve your confidence, not undermine it, especially when you’re already navigating the challenges of hair loss.
At Daniel Alain, we’ve spent over twenty years helping women find their perfect wig, and we’ve seen - and solved - almost every wig-related problem you can imagine.
We’re going to share some of the most common wig fitting issues, so that you’ll know exactly what to watch out for and how to make sure your wig is as comfortable and natural-looking as it should be.
We’ll cover why your wig might be feeling too tight or too loose, why it has an unnatural-looking hairline, too much shine, or why your wig might itch and cause irritation.
Ready to tackle these common wig problems? Let’s get started.
Problem #1: Your Wig is Too Tight
A wig that’s too tight is uncomfortable, can cause tension headaches, and leave red marks on your skin. Let’s face it, that doesn’t sound like a great experience, does it? We can’t stress this enough, but it’s so important that your wig fits well, but not so tightly that it puts too much pressure on your head.
While there’s often a process to getting used to wearing a wig, many of our customers are so comfortable in their piece that they tell us they could sleep in them! (We don’t recommend sleeping in one of our wigs however!)
How to tell if your wig is too tight
Chances are if your wig is too tight, you’ll know about it. But to diagnose correctly, you might notice indentations at your temples or feel a constant pressure, especially after wearing your wig for a few hours. Sometimes, you might even end up with a headache.
What can you do about it?
First, try adjusting the straps at the back of the wig. Most wigs come with straps that you can loosen or tighten to get a better fit. If that doesn’t help, consider using a thin wig grip. These velvet bands can distribute the wig’s pressure more evenly around your head, while also keeping your wig securely in place.
If you’ve tried these tweaks and the wig still feels tight, it might be time to look for a wig in a larger size. It’s worth finding a wig that fits comfortably - you’ll feel much better!
One of our customers, Merritt, recommends having a consultation with a professional who can help guide you through the process of finding the right piece.
“My consultant was so patient. She explained everything to me and we measured my head. She brought out just the right fits for me. I wouldn’t have found the perfect wig without her.”
Problem #2: Your Wig is Too Loose
Now let’s talk about the opposite problem: what if your wig feels too loose? A wig that doesn’t sit securely can make you feel unsure and worried about it falling off. Many of our customers hike, dance, practice yoga, or ice skate in their wigs. Imagine trying to enjoy these activities while constantly worrying about your wig moving out of place or, worse still, falling off.
Daniel Alain customer, Sally, explains what it’s like to have a well fitting wig that stays put no matter what. “My wig just molds to my head like a glove,” says Sally. “It’s like it was meant to be.”
Whether it’s windy weather, bending down to tie your shoelaces, or leaning in for a loving hug, knowing your wig is secure lets you move through your day forgetting it's even there.
How to tell if your wig is too loose
If your wig shifts around on your head, feels like it might slide off, or shows extra bulkiness at the crown, it’s likely too loose.
What can you do about it?
Start by adjusting the straps at the back of the wig. Tightening these will help achieve a more secure and snug fit around the perimeter of your wig.
For additional security, a wig grip can be a game-changer. This velvet band wraps around your head and secures with velcro. When the wig is placed over the top of a wig grip, the velvet pile gives some resistance to slippage and helps the wig stay firmly in place.
Finally, sewing small clips into the interior of your wig can provide extra security. These clips can be snapped to your own hair or wig grip to anchor the wig in place more firmly.
Problem #3: Your Wig Has an Unnatural Front Hairline
When you choose a wig, you’re looking for something that helps you feel like yourself again. But if the hairline on the wig looks too straight or overly dense, it might end up drawing more attention instead of blending in. This may make you feel anxious, self-conscious, or worry if other people can tell you’re wearing a wig.
How to tell if your wig has an unnatural front hairline
To check if the front hairline of your wig looks natural, you can try a few simple steps. First, if you have them, compare old photos of your natural hairline with how your wig looks now. See if the wig’s hairline has the same natural shapes and curves as your own did.
Another great tip is to ask someone you trust for their honest opinion. A supportive friend or family member can give you a fresh perspective on whether your wig looks like it’s really part of you and their feedback can be really helpful in making sure you feel confident in how your wig looks.
What can you do about it?
If you want your wig’s front hairline to look completely natural, you could consider taking it to a professional stylist to add baby hairs. Baby hairs are the small, fine hairs along the hairline that can help make a wig look more natural. You can style these baby hairs to soften the edge of the lace front and make it look more like a natural hairline.
If you have a lace front wig that needs attention to keep the lace front in place, a light application of strong-hold hairspray can be effective. Apply it sparingly to avoid any build-up that can make the hairline look unnatural.
“I like to add a little bit of stronghold hairspray to my front hairline, just for extra security,” explains Daniel Alain customer, Mirna.
“This little trick gives me the comfort of knowing that my wig is not going to come off. To apply the hairspray, I apply a little bit to my fingertips and then tap it onto the front hairline. Then I put my wig on as it gets tacky. It stays put the whole day.”
Finally, regularly caring for your wig, and handling the hairline with care will help to keep the front hairline looking natural. Wash your wig gently and avoid scrubbing the front hairline to maintain the integrity of the lace and the hair.
Problem #4: Your Wig Has an Unnatural Shine
While Synthetic wigs offer affordability and ease of care, synthetic wigs differ from human hair wigs in several ways, including their tendency to have an unnatural shine. This shine happens because synthetic fibers reflect light more than natural hair would.
How to tell if your wig has an unnatural shine?
The shine is usually pretty noticeable, especially under bright lights where the wig might look unusually glossy or reflective.
What can you do about it?
If your synthetic wig is a bit too shiny, there are a few simple tricks you can use to give it a more natural look. First, try sprinkling a little dry shampoo or talcum powder over your wig. This can help to dull the excessive shine. Just remember to use a small amount and gently brush it through to avoid leaving any powdery residue.
Another option is to wash the wig with a gentle shampoo made specifically for synthetic fibers.
If you wear wigs daily and prefer them to look as natural as possible, human hair wigs are the way to go. They mimic the movement and luster of natural hair and offer the flexibility of styling that can’t be matched by synthetic options.
“I wanted the most realistic look and I wanted it to be similar to my natural hair before I experienced hair loss. I knew I’d find that with a human hair wig rather than a synthetic one,” Daniel Alain customer, Kelly explains.
Problem #5: Your Wig Itches
Wearing a wig may sometimes lead to an itchy scalp. This irritation can make wearing a wig uncomfortable, especially if you’re wearing it for long periods. An itchy head happens especially with low-quality or synthetic pieces that are made with scratchy materials. At Daniel Alain, we’re able to mitigate this problem by using high-quality Swiss lace to make our wig caps, which are soft and gentle to sensitive skin.
How to tell if your wig itches
Itching and scratching are pretty obvious annoyances, but it’s important to be mindful of your habits. You might even be scratching your head often throughout the day without even realizing it. If you catch yourself scratching under your wig or desperately removing it as soon as you can, it might indicate that the material or the fit isn’t quite right for you.
What can you do about it?
If you find yourself being driven to distraction with itching and scratching, there are a couple of things you can try to help matters. It’s important to keep any natural hair you have, clean and regularly washed. Even though it’s covered by your wig, a fresh head of hair is likely to help with discomfort.
We also recommend regularly washing your wig according to the manufacturer's directions. Buildup from product residue and daily wear may contribute to scalp irritation.
If you’re choosing a wig and have sensitive skin, make sure the wig cap is made of natural, breathable materials. These allow air to circulate around your scalp and reduce sweat and irritation.
How can I ensure my wig looks and feels as natural and comfortable as possible?
Whether you’re a newcomer worried about potential pitfalls or an experienced wig-wearer seeking to improve your experience, you’re now equipped with the knowledge to identify and tackle the most common challenges people face when wearing a wig.
Looking ahead, we invite you to book a consultation with our team and explore our high-quality human hair wigs and receive personalized advice on fitting and sizing. We will make sure your Follea looks and feels perfect!
If you have any wig-wearing concerns or questions not covered in this list, our consultants are here to help you resolve them.