How to Put on a Wig: Step-by-Step Guide for a Realistic Look

Learn how to wear and style any wig with expert techniques for a natural, comfortable, and flawless finish.

By Sneha Tete, Integrated MA, Certified Relationship Coach

Created on Sep 30, 2025

Learn how to wear and style any wig with expert techniques for a natural, comfortable, and flawless finish.

Whether you’re seeking a new style, experimenting with color, or protecting your natural hair, wigs are a creative and transformational beauty tool. Putting on a wig may seem simple, but the difference between a basic application and a seamless, natural-looking finish comes down to essential prep, the right products, and technique. With expert advice from hairstylists and invaluable beginner tips, this guide will walk you through how to put on a wig to achieve a look that’s comfortable, secure, and incredibly realistic.

Introduction: Why Wig Application Matters
Step 1: Choose Your Wig Type
Step 2: Buy the Right Size
Step 3: Bleach the Knots or Use Foundation
Step 4: Cut the Lace
Step 5: Pluck the Wig’s Hairline
Step 6: Braid or Prep Your Natural Hair
Step 7: Place and Secure the Wig
Wig Maintenance & Styling Tips
Recommended Products for Wig Application
Frequently Asked Questions

Introduction: Why Wig Application Matters

Wigs offer endless possibilities for style, versatility, and self-expression. But no matter the cost or quality of your wig, how you apply and style it is what determines if people notice your wig—or notice your beautiful hair. From creating a perfect base to blending lace with your skin, the following steps will help your wig look as natural and flawless as possible.

Step 1: Choose Your Wig Type

Understanding wig types is crucial for proper application and a realistic finish. Wigs are available in several varieties, including:

Lace Front Wigs: Feature a lace mesh at the front, allowing for a natural hairline and versatile styling.
Full Lace Wigs: Made entirely of lace mesh, these provide greater flexibility but may require more prepping.
Ready-to-Wear Wigs: Typically cap-based, these require minimal adjustments and prepping.

Your wig’s type determines if you need to bleach knots, cut lace, or do extra customizing steps. Lace wigs always require more careful prep but yield the most undetectable look.

Step 2: Buy the Right Size

For comfort and security, your wig should fit your head perfectly. Most wigs have adjustable straps, but measuring your head is still vital—especially for lace or non-adjustable wigs.

How to measure: Tie back your natural hair, then use a soft measuring tape to measure the circumference of your head—starting from your hairline, behind your ear, to the nape and around.
Cap sizes: Refer to your wig brand’s sizing guide to match your measurement to the correct cap size (small, medium, large, etc.).
Adjustable straps let you customize the fit, but proper sizing reduces slippage and discomfort.

Step 3: Bleach the Knots or Use Foundation

If your wig has a lace front or lace closure, you’ll notice tiny black “knots” at the base of each hair. Bleaching these makes the lace blend with your skin, creating a natural scalp effect.

Bleaching Knots: Lightens the black dots where hairs are tied into lace. Use a gentle bleach mixture and apply to the lace underside. Rinse and condition thoroughly. Bleached knots look more like hair growing from your scalp.
Alternative to bleach: If you prefer not to use chemicals, dab powder foundation or concealer onto the lace with your fingers to match your skin tone.
Always follow up with a moisturizing product to avoid damage to the hair or lace.

Tip: Watch online tutorials (such as Tabitha Sparks’ beginner guides) for safe, step-by-step knot bleaching demos.

Step 4: Cut the Lace

Lace wigs often come with excess mesh lace extending past the hairline, which should be trimmed for a custom fit.

Prep: Place the wig on your head and use white eyeliner to gently mark your desired hairline—it stands out on the lace and wipes away clean.
Trim: Using small, sharp scissors, carefully follow the outline and trim away the excess lace. Cut gradually, taking care not to snip past the hairline.
This step is usually not required for ready-to-wear or cap wigs without lace.

For visual learners, YouTuber Simone Sharice provides helpful video demonstrations of lace trimming for realistic results.

Step 5: Pluck the Wig’s Hairline

Most new wigs have dense hairlines that look artificial. Plucking removes excess hair to mimic the gradual, uneven density of natural hair growth.

Secure the wig on your head or a mannequin head.
Using pointed tweezers, gently pluck away excess hairs along the hairline—working in small sections away from your face.
Move slowly and check progress frequently to avoid creating bald spots or an uneven edge. Moderation is key!

For reference, watch Zel Lewis’s wig-plucking tutorial videos.

Step 6: Braid or Prep Your Natural Hair

A smooth, flat foundation keeps your wig undetectable. Your natural hair underneath should be as sleek as possible to prevent lumps and bumps.

Cornrow braids: The best option for most hair types. Apply scalp oil or leave-in conditioner first, then braid into neat rows that rest tight and flat against your scalp.
Wig cap: If your hair is short or thin, you can use a lightweight, breathable wig cap for a seamless base.
Avoid high ponytails, buns, or uneven braids, which can create abnormal bumps beneath the wig and affect the final look.

Step 7: Place and Secure the Wig

With your hair prepped and the wig customized, it’s time for application and secure attachment for all-day wear.

Starting at the front, gently align your wig with your natural hairline and slide it onto your head—adjust as needed for symmetry.
Secure options include:
- Bobby pins and small clips—discreet, ideal for everyday wear.
- Wig gel or glue—essential for lace fronts and active days. Apply a thin layer along your hairline and let it become tacky before pressing the lace down.
- Elastic bands or straps—some wigs come with adjustable features for a snug fit.
Gently comb through your wig with a wide-tooth comb or wig brush to style it as desired.
To set glue, wrap a satin scarf or wide elastic band around your hairline for several minutes—this bonds the lace smoothly to your skin and prevents shifting.

Pro Tip:

To flatten wig bumps, use a styling wax stick (like KeraCare’s) and pass a hot comb or straightener over the area for a super sleek finish.

Wig Maintenance & Styling Tips

Proper care keeps your wig looking great for longer and helps maintain a natural, realistic appearance.

Washing: Wash wigs gently after 8-10 wears (or sooner for heavy styling product use). Always detangle before washing with a wig-specific shampoo and conditioner.
Drying: Air-dry your wig on a mannequin or wig stand. Avoid blow drying unless the wig is human hair and heat-safe.
Styling: Use heat tools sparingly on human hair wigs. For synthetic fibers, stick to low heat or heatless styling methods.
Night Care: Sleep in a bonnet, wrap, or scarf to prevent tangling and friction damage.
Storage: Store on a mannequin head or in a cool, dry place to maintain style and shape.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Do I have to bleach wig knots for a natural look?

A: Bleaching knots creates the most realistic scalp effect if you have a lace front or lace closure wig. If you’re concerned about damage or chemicals, you can use a powder foundation or concealer to blend the lace into your skin tone.

Q: How do I avoid wig lumps and bumps?

A: The key is to prep your natural hair as flat as possible. For longer or thicker hair, braid into small cornrows laid close to your scalp. For short hair, a well-fitted wig cap works best.

Q: Can I use regular hair products on my wig?

A: Use hair care products specifically formulated for wigs, especially if your wig is synthetic. Regular products may contain oils and ingredients that damage the fibers.

Q: How often should I wash my wig?

A: Wigs should be gently washed every 8-10 wears or anytime they start to look dull or feel heavy from products. Always detangle before washing and follow with a wig-safe conditioner.

Q: What’s the easiest way to style my wig?

A: For everyday styling, use a wide-tooth comb or wig brush and lightweight, non-greasy styling sprays. For heat styling, ensure your wig is heat-safe and use low temperatures.

Quick Wig Prep Cheat Sheet

Step	Tool/Product	Purpose
Measuring Size	Soft measuring tape	Find correct cap size
Bleaching Knots	Bleach/powder foundation	Blend lace with skin
Cutting Lace	White eyeliner, small scissors	Custom fits the hairline
Plucking Hairline	Tweezers	Creates realistic hairline
Braiding Hair	Comb, hair ties	Flattens natural hair
Securing Wig	Gel, glue, pins	Long-lasting hold

Transform Your Style with Expert Wig Application

Whether for fashion, protective styling, or fun experimentation, wigs are a powerful tool for self-expression. A flawless, believable look starts with careful prep, the right product choices, and step-by-step technique. With this guide, even absolute beginners can achieve wig looks that are secure, comfortable, and totally stunning—no matter your hair type or style goals!

References

Author

Sneha TeteBeauty & Lifestyle Writer

Sneha is a relationships and lifestyle writer with a strong foundation in applied linguistics and certified training in relationship coaching. She brings over five years of writing experience to thebridalbox, crafting thoughtful, research-driven content that empowers readers to build healthier relationships, boost emotional well-being, and embrace holistic living.

Read full bio of Sneha Tete