How to Wear, Style & Care for Long Hair Wigs
All types of wigs can be fun and versatile, but a long wig gives you practically endless options for expressing your sense of self, style, and mood. When you properly care for your wig, it can be styled into a myriad of looks for any occasion.
Styling Long Wigs
It can be easy to get in a rut in terms of styling your hair. Remember that you can do almost anything with a wig style that you would do with your natural hair.
The following style examples can be used with most long wigs:
- Long and straight
- Loose curls
- Braids
- Buns
- Ponytails
- Combination of styles
A long human hair wig or heat-resistant synthetic wig can be styled with heat. Normal synthetic hair cannot be styled with straighteners or hot rollers. Wigs can be styled without heat using bending, clip, sponge, wave, or any other rollers that are not heated.
Braids or plaits can be used for a casual look or pinned up for a more sophisticated style. With both braids and ponytails, it is especially important to secure your wig properly. Also, any time you use hair ties, barrettes, or other accessories to hold your hair, be sure not to put them on too tightly as this can damage the fibers of your wig.
Buns are a convenient way to get your hair out of your way while maintaining a sleek and well-groomed appearance. Many women are hesitant to put their hair up in a bun, but it can be a quick and easy job with bun shaper sets or bun twists.
Caring for Your Long Wig
Proper care of longer wigs is a little more complicated than caring for short wigs, but the following wig care tips can help you maintain the hair quality in your favorite hairpieces:
The longer the wig, the more likely you are to get tangled hair. Tangles can wear your wig out over time. Heat-resistant synthetic hair is more likely to tangle than a human hair wig or regular synthetic wigs. Use a wide-toothed comb and only enough force to smooth your hair to do as little damage to the fibers as possible. Keeping combs in your car, desk, and purse is a great idea! If you prefer to use a brush, make sure it is a wig brush.
Use cool water or cold water to wash your wig and products such as wig shampoos made exclusively for your type of wig fibers. Be sure to wash long wigs in a downward position to avoid tangles and hair loss. If your wig tends to get oily in the summer, you can use dry shampoo at the roots.
Lace Front Wigs
If you have a lace front wig, maintaining your wig lace is essential to the natural look of your wig. Lace has a more natural appearance if it matches your skin tone. If your skin color changes with the seasons, you can use a matching face powder to update the color of your lace. Another way to adapt the lace is to cut it closer to the hairline. It is best to have this done by a professional.
Whether you wear a wig for hair loss from chemotherapy or alopecia, as a way to deal with bad hair days, or purely for fun and fashion, a long wig gives you lots of styling options, can look as good as or even better than your natural hair, and just requires a bit more maintenance than shorter wigs. If you’re ready to take the plunge and try a longer wig style, H&H Boutique has plenty to choose from! Schedule your appointment today.
