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How to buy and care for a wig
Let’s hear your tips on buying and looking after wigs
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10 Replies
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Once you have found a wig that suits you. Buy one worth about $100,or up for a believable look. If your trying to pass somewahat,then aviod cheap party wigs. I find short hair ones much easier to wear because there cooler and more comfy there no need to by special cleaners,just give it a swirl and soak it in some tepid water with some mild shampoo.,Stick it on something like a can of hairspray and place in ventilated area to dry. Never use hot blow dryers to dry a wig or attempt to comb or style it when its wet,This will damage it.never attempt to cut a wig to modify its style,not even the fringe.If you think its to long or something at the front take it the wig shop,and get them to do it professionally. by now Karen
Submitted by: troybedford@bigp
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(Orinally posted on alt.support.crossdressing)
Since it’s that time of the year, and two rather large “halloween super stores” have opened nearby, it’s shopping time! However before you go, here are a couple of tips for beginners:1) Just do it – you don’t have to dress up or try to pass at these stores, you can go in drab and nobody, customers or staff will look twice at what you’re buying. (Unless, of course, the cashier is your ex girlfriend
2) The wigs you get are COSTUME wigs. They’re fine for wearing for fun at home but most of them won’t work for passing in public. For example, I absolutely LOVE two wigs I bought at halloween stores – an auburn “cheerleader” pageboy and a black “Cleopatra” wig, but the only wig I have that I can actually go out in public in is a $300 one which I bought thru a shop that specializes in wigs for “us girls”.
For one thing, these wigs are pretty much “one size fits all” and if you’re a typical male then they are going to be a little bit small, they won’t fit “just right” and could look “funny” if you’re trying to pass.3) Buy several different styles. There’s nothing like having the option to change your entire look in a moment when you’re dressing for fun. I’ve got almost a dozen, each stored in a gallon zip-lock freezer bag with the style written on the front. They range from a short “flapper style” bob to a floor sweeping “Elvira”.
Which brings up a tip that I picked up from the wig store. If you have to store a wig in a bag hold it by the very top, give it a few shakes to straighten everything out. Grab the hair that is hanging down with your other hand and gently twist it into a bunch and tuck that up into the cap of the wig. This reduces even the longest wig to a nice managable ball about 8 inches in diameter. Slip this into a zip-lock bag, squeeze the air out of the bag by holding it against your chest and zip it up. You wind up with something that you can easily hide (er, store).
Submitted by: Darlene
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Question is there a do and do nots on the storage of wigs???
I seen many tips on buying wigs but no much on storage and what is best to keep your favorite wig in top condition?
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hi cheetara
here are some tips on wig care. i guess the only way to really look after a wig is to store it on a wig stand. many online wig stores sell these.
it’s collapsible (a bit like me
– especially after a big night out) so quite handy when you are travelling.When not in use, always store your wig on a mannequin or wig stand to maintain its shape.
Frequency of cleaning will depend on your environment, lifestyle and amount of perspiration. Suggested guidelines for cleaning are after 10 to 14 days of wear. To clean and condition your wig, follow the manufacturer’s instructions that come with your wig.
Synthetic and Blended Wigs
Only shampoos, conditioners, hair sprays and other styling accessories designed specifically for synthetic wigs should be used to take care of synthetic hair or blended (synthetic/human) hair wigs. After shampooing and conditioning, make sure to rinse your wig thoroughly in cool water. Always use a soft towel and carefully blot dry (do not scrub). Allow your wig to dry naturally overnight on a wig stand.Human Hair Wigs
Special products should also be used on human hair wigs because the hair in human hair wigs has been processed several times and is vulnerable to damage. Any high quality shampoo formulated for processed hair may be used, however, we strongly recommend you use the products made especially for wigs to protect your investment.may your hair hang well …
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Virginia Thank you for being most helpful in your advice and hints and yes I check over the stor and seen a few things I may well need, My only other question now being in this area of concern, is if I store in s clear heavy duty plastic bag the wig came in will it be damaged over time?
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And just like real hair, wash it and condition it often. Think of it like this, we tend to put on a lot of foundation to cover things up, our “hair” (especially blonder colours I’ve noticed) picks up that foundation and becomes coated in it from brushing passed our face, AND then the sticky makeup attracts dirt as well. Don’t forget we sweat under there too…eiw!!! (You’ll also increasing the longevity of your hair by reducing the rotting effects of your perspiration which seems to attack the elasticity first.)
Gentle cool water washing with shampoo and then a good conditioner brings your hair up to a like new shine again….. and smells great as well.
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yep l-k – couldn’t agree with you more. nothing worse than sweat and make up to ruin a good wig. i must say that when i was in orlando recently, i saw a few transgirls going for their runs in their wigs and the temperature was hovering around the hundred degree mark with humidity in the high eighties … all the ingredients for a good wash afterwards!!!
and cheetara – i don’t have any experiences of storing wigs in heavy duty plastic bags, but if they are clean, i don’t see anything wrong with that, especially if the wig is still on a wig stand and the wig is clean (and nice smelling) when you store it.
a good friend of mine once told me to think of wigs as being simply an assembly of synthetic material, so if you treat it like a dress or article of clothing (regular cleaning – she recommended using a good fabric softener – and hanging), it should last you a good while. i think the main thing that wears them out is the combing, which tends to make the synthetic fibres frizzy. but then who wants a tangled wig (especially after being in the wind or driving at 110 kph with the top down in a convertible)?
hope this helps
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The following are a few tips given to me on my first night out, by a long time out girl. After reading what has been written above, I agree with the wash regularly theme.
To buy a wig: I was told the best way is go to a speciality wig shop dressed… (not me yet). That way they can match you, a style and a color.
I got mine dressed “drab”. It was the 4th one tried.Wearing: always use a hair cap: this helps keep the sweat, to quote L-K
Quote:Don’t forget we sweat under there too…eiw!!!under cotrol
Washing: If its your going out style, wash it dry it and put it on a wig stand after using it. Plastic, collapsable types are around $10. That way its ready to face the world when you are.
Listen: to advice given by the staff. They know whats what.
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Virginia I can openly say I never in my life been in a open top car! A 110km an hour 😯 😆
But hope to try some time 😈Lk as always your advice is golden and thanks again.
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I find storage is important, you can buy cheap polystyrene headpieces from places like Bargain City.
When i wash mine, i hand wash in a little scented shampoo and leave outside in a shaded area on the headpiece.
Lace x x x
