How to put on a cosplay wig for beginners?

How to Put on a Cosplay Wig for Beginners

1. Preparing Your Natural Hair

Braiding Techniques

• Single Braid: Ideal for those with fine or shorter hair. Create a low ponytail, braid it, and then pin the braid flat against your head.
• Pigtail Braids: Suitable for thicker or longer hair. Divide your hair into two sections and create two braids. Cross these braids over each other at the back of your head and pin them securely.
• French Braid: Offers the most secure and flat base for your wig. It keeps all hair, including shorter layers, neatly tucked away. While more challenging to do on yourself, it is highly effective.

Low Bun Method

Avoiding Common Mistakes

• High Ponytails or Beehive Updos: These create bumps that will be visible under your wig, ruining the illusion.
• Loose Hair: Unsecured hair can cause the wig to slip and create an uneven appearance.

2. Choosing the Right Wig Cap

• Netted Wig Caps: These are breathable and easy to pin. They are ideal for longer wear, especially in hot conditions.
• Nylon Wig Caps: These provide a smooth base and are good for wigs with see-through parts, like lace front wigs. However, they can get hot and may slip off more easily.

3. Putting on the Wig Cap

For Netted Wig Caps

1. Prepare Your Hair: Use one of the braiding techniques or the low bun method to secure your hair.
2. Put on the Cap: Stretch the wig cap over your head, starting from the back and pulling it forward to your hairline.
3. Tuck in Loose Hair: Ensure all your hair is tucked into the cap, and use bobby pins to secure any loose strands.

For Nylon Wig Caps

1. Prepare Your Hair: As with netted caps, secure your hair using a braid or low bun.
2. Put on the Cap: Place the cap around your neck, then pull it up over your head, ensuring the elastic band is at the bottom.
3. Adjust and Secure: Adjust the cap so it sits flat against your scalp, and use bobby pins if necessary.

4. Putting on the Wig

1. Hold the Wig: Hold the wig with the front hairline in your hands.
2. Position the Wig: Tilt your head forward slightly and place the front of the wig at your natural hairline.
3. Pull the Wig Back: Slowly pull the wig back over your head, adjusting as you go to ensure it's centered.
4. Adjust the Fit: Once the wig is in place, gently pull down the sides and back to cover the wig cap completely.

5. Securing the Wig

Bobby Pins

• U-shaped Pins: Use these to secure the wig to the wig cap along the hairline and at the nape of the neck.
• Cross Pins: For extra security, cross two bobby pins in an X shape when pinning.
• Sideburns and Ear Tabs: If your wig has sideburns or ear tabs, pin these down securely.

Wig Grip Band

1. Place the Grip Band: Place the grip band around your head, just behind your hairline.
2. Secure It: Secure it with the velcro closure at the back of your head.
3. Put on the Wig: Put your wig on over the grip band. The velvet texture will help keep the wig in place.

Spirit Gum or Wig Adhesive

1. Apply Adhesive: Apply a thin layer of adhesive along your hairline.
2. Wait for Tacky: Wait for it to become tacky before pressing the wig into place.
3. Secure the Wig: Be aware that this method can be harsh on your skin and may not be suitable for those with sensitive skin or allergies.

6. Styling the Wig

Cutting and Trimming

• Use Sharp Scissors: Always use sharp scissors specifically designed for cutting wigs.
• Cut in Small Sections: Trim small sections at a time to avoid cutting too much.
• Blend Layers: Use thinning shears to blend layers and create a natural look.

Heat Styling

• Check Wig Material: Ensure your wig is heat-resistant before using any heat tools.
• Use Low Heat: Always start with the lowest heat setting and gradually increase if necessary.
• Protective Spray: Use a heat-protective spray to prevent damage to the fibers.

Adding Volume

• Teasing: Use a fine-tooth comb to tease the roots for added volume.
• Hairspray: Use a strong-hold hairspray to keep the style in place.
• Wig Stands: Store your styled wig on a wig stand to maintain its shape.

7. Maintaining Your Wig

Washing

• Frequency: Wash your wig after 10-15 wears or if it becomes noticeably dirty.
• Shampoo: Use a mild shampoo specifically designed for synthetic wigs.
• Conditioner: Apply a conditioner to keep the fibers soft and manageable.

Detangling

• Wide-Tooth Comb: Use a wide-tooth comb to gently detangle the wig, starting from the ends and working your way up.
• Avoid Heat: Do not use heat tools on non-heat-resistant wigs to detangle.

Storage

• Wig Stand: Store your wig on a wig stand to maintain its shape.
• Wig Bags: For long-term storage, place your wig in a wig bag to protect it from dust and tangling.

8. Final Tips for Wig Security

• Practice: Practice wearing your wig before the main event. This will help you identify and address any issues beforehand.
• Emergency Kit: Bring a small wig emergency kit with you, including bobby pins, a small brush, and hairspray.
• Mindful Movements: Be mindful of your movements. Even the most secure wig can be dislodged by very vigorous movement.
• Take Breaks: If you're wearing your wig for an extended period, take short breaks if possible to adjust and re-secure as needed.

9. Expert Tips from CrazeCosplay.com

• Avoid High Ponytails: Never gather your hair into a high ponytail or create a beehive-style updo. These methods create bumps that will be visible under your wig.
• Use Wig Glue Sparingly: Apply the glue close to your hairline on your forehead, and trim the lace down a few millimeters from the hairline of the wig.
• Wig Care: Wash your wig with baby shampoo to freshen it up. Store it properly to keep it looking good.

10. Resources and Further Reading

• YouTube Tutorials: Channels like Samantha Moon and Jak Cosplay offer step-by-step video guides.
• Books: "Wig Styling for Cosplay" by Kinpatsu Cosplay provides an in-depth look at various wig styling techniques.
• Online Stores: Websites like CrazeCosplay.com and Rank No.1 offer a wide range of wigs and accessories.