How to Put A Wig On: For Wig Beginners

how to put on a wig

How to Put A Wig On: For Wig Beginners

Wearing a wig isn’t rocket science. It’s kind of like putting on a cap—if that cap came with lace, clips, and a personality of its own.

You can’t just plop it on and call it a day. Well, you could, but it might slide off mid-walk or end up crooked in your Zoom meeting.

If you’re a beginner wondering how to put on a wig without making a mess of it, you’re in the right place.

This guide breaks it down, step by step. No fluff, no scary jargon—just the real stuff you need to get that wig looking right and staying put.

📌 Table of Contents

Are Wig Caps Helpful for Beginners Putting On Wigs?

Usually, yes. But not always.

If you’re new to wigs, a wig cap can make things feel more secure. It flattens your hair, keeps everything tucked in, and helps the wig sit better on your head.

It’s kind of like a base layer—it gives your wig something smooth to grip onto. 

And if your hair is short or braided down? Even better. The wig cap goes on, the wig sits snug, and that's it.

But some people can’t stand them. They itch. They slide. They feel too tight. And if that’s you, that’s fine. You don’t have to wear one.

Instead, try an anti-slip wig band. It’s a soft, stretchy band (usually made of velvet) that sits around your hairline.

It holds the wig in place without squeezing your brain. It also protects your edges, which is a nice bonus.

So, should you wear a wig cap? Try both ways—cap or band—and see what feels right. Wigs aren’t one-size-fits-all, and that goes for how you wear them, too.


Are Any Wigs Beginner-Friendly?

stylish water wave short pixie bob wigs with bangs

Absolutely. Some wigs are way easier to deal with than others.

If you’re starting out, look for wigs for beginners—they’re designed to be simple. You don’t need to be a stylist.

You don’t need glue, lace-cutting skills, or a YouTube tutorial playing on loop. Just put it on, adjust, and go.

Glueless wigs are a great place to start. They usually come with adjustable straps and combs or clips inside.

No glue means less mess—and no panic about lining up the lace just right. They’re easy to take off at night too. No fuss, no sticky cleanup.

Then there are wear-and-go wigs. These are the lazy-day lifesavers. You don’t have to do much to make them look good.

They’re pre-styled, the lace is often already cut, and the hairline usually looks natural straight out of the box.

You might still want to blend the edges or add a little powder, but overall? You’re saving a lot of effort.

So if you’re new to wigs and want something that won’t stress you out, stick with glueless or wear-and-go styles. They’re called wigs for beginners for a reason.


How to Prepare Yourself Before Putting On a Wig

Before you even touch the wig, take a minute to prep yourself. Trust me, this part makes a big difference.

What to do with your hair

Short hair: Brush it back or down flat. A little gel or water can help keep it smooth. You can throw on a wig cap or a wig band if you want extra hold.

Long hair: You’ll want to braid it or put it into flat twists. The goal is to make your hair as flat as possible so the wig doesn’t look bumpy.

Once it’s down, criss-cross the braids or tuck the ends up and secure them with bobby pins.

No hair: You’ve got it easy—just clean your scalp and maybe put on a wig cap or band for grip. That’s it.

Don’t forget your hairline

This part gets ignored a lot, but it matters. Wipe off any oils, sweat, or makeup from your forehead and edges.

You want a clean, dry base—especially if you’re wearing lace.

If you’re using a glueless wig, this helps it grip better. If you’re doing baby hairs, you can lay them before or after putting the wig on—depends on your style.

A bit of edge control and a small brush or toothbrush works fine.

Also, if your edges are delicate, go for a wig band instead of clips or tight combs. Protect your hairline—it’s not worth sacrificing for a hairstyle.


How to Put a Wig On: For Most Lace Wigs

So you’ve prepped your hair, cleaned up your hairline, and picked out your wig. Now what?

Here’s how to put on a lace wig—no stress, no guesswork.

Step 1: Put on your wig cap or band

If you’re using a wig cap, pull it on so it covers all your hair. Tuck in any loose strands. If you prefer an anti-slip band, wrap it around your head, sitting just behind your hairline. Make sure it feels snug, not tight.

Step 2: Hold the wig by the back

Grab the wig by the label or the back of the cap. Tilt your head forward a little and place the front of the wig just above your eyebrows.

Step 3: Slide it back and line it up

Slowly slide the wig back until the lace lines up with your natural hairline. This part’s key. If it’s too far forward, it’ll look fake.

Too far back? You’ll look like your wig’s running away. Take your time and adjust until it feels right.

Step 4: Adjust the straps

Most lace wigs come with adjustable straps in the back. Tighten or loosen them until the wig feels secure but not like it’s cutting off circulation.

Some also have combs—slide those in if you want extra hold, or skip them if they pull too much on your edges.

Step 5: Press down the lace

Use your fingers to gently press the lace into your skin, especially around the forehead and sides.

If it’s a glueless lace wig, the lace should lie flat if your prep was solid. Some folks use a little powder or tint spray to help it blend. Optional, but it can help the lace disappear.

Step 6: Check the mirror

Look at it from all angles. Is it straight? Does it feel secure? Can you shake your head a little without it sliding off? Good. You’re in business.

Quick Tip

If you want a wig that looks natural, lets you part it different ways, and doesn’t break the bank, try a lace frontal wig.

It covers your whole hairline from ear to ear, so you get more styling options. It’s also easier to make it look like it’s growing from your scalp, without spending hours in front of a mirror.


How to Put a V Part Wig On

V part wigs are for when you want to leave out a little bit of your own hair. No lace, no glue. Just a quick install and you’re out the door.

Step-by-step:

  1. Part your hair where the V opening will be. Usually down the middle or side—whatever you like.
  2. Leave out a small section of your natural hair. That’s what will cover the V opening and help the wig blend in.
  3. Braid or slick back the rest of your hair. You want it flat so the wig sits nicely.
  4. Put on the wig by placing the V part opening around the hair you left out.
  5. Secure the clips. Most V-part wigs come with small combs around the V and along the sides. Snap them into your hair to hold everything in place.
  6. Blend the leaves. Use a flat iron, curling wand, or brush to make your real hair match the wig. The goal is to hide that line between real and fake.

Tip: If your hair texture doesn’t match the wig, try a headband or scarf on top. No one will know.


How to Put a Half Wig On

Half wigs are great if you want volume and length, but still want your own hairline to show. They stop around the crown, so you’ll need to blend the front.

Step-by-step:

  1. Leave out the front section of your hair—just enough to cover the wig’s edge. Think hairline to crown.
  2. Put the rest of your hair up in a low bun, braid it down, or slick it back flat.
  3. Slide the wig on from the back. There’s usually a comb or clip at the front and one at the back.
  4. Secure it. Push the front comb into your hair just behind your leave-out. Do the same with the back comb.
  5. Blend your real hair with the wig. You can do a bun, ponytail, or let it hang. Use heat tools if you need to match textures.

Tip: These look especially good with curly or textured hair, since the blending’s more forgiving.


How to Keep A Wig On?

To make your wig look more natural, start by lining it up with your real hairline—too low or too high will always look off.

If it doesn’t have baby hairs, you can lay your own or pluck a few. Dab a little powder on the lace or part to help it match your skin.

Trim or shape the wig if it looks too bulky or blunt. If you're leaving out your hair, match the texture so it blends.

And most importantly, make sure it stays put—check out this guide on how to keep a wig on for tips that don’t involve glue.

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