When your hair looks great it has a way of giving you a renewed sense of confidence. However, the reality is most people are not born with gorgeous flowing locks.  Which is why I love what alternative hair can do.  Maybe it's because your own hair is thinning, or your experiencing medical hair-loss or you just love the convenience of being able to achieve fabulous looking hair with wigs and hair pieces in a moment's notice.  The key to wearing alternative hair with confidence is making it look natural.  Here are my top tips on how to style your wig to look natural and leave you feeling confident all day long. 

Tip #1 - Choosing the Right Wig

Before we even get to styling a wig, it's important to select a wig that's right for you.  Your style and color may change over time, but to achieve a natural look with comfort, it starts with a properly fitting wig

Wig Size and Fit:  If the wig is too large, it can create excess space around the crown, causing the sides to sit too low on your ears, which may lead to irritation. On the other hand, a wig that's too small may feel like it’s sliding up, pulling away from the hairline, or even exposing bare skin at the temples. The goal is to wear your wig comfortably and confidently—so well-fitted that you can put it on and forget it’s there. A poorly sized wig, whether too tight or too loose, not only feels uncomfortable but also looks unnatural.

Tip #2 - Prepping Your Wig

Once you've chosen your wig, take these steps before wearing:

• Prepping your Synthetic Wigs
• Remove wig from box and give it a good shake
• Spritz with water and finger style
• Place wig on a mannequin head.  This gives your wig a chance to relax and form to a natural head shape. If a wig has sat too long in a box, it can get cold set with a crimp and may not lay right.

• Prepping your Human Hair Wigs
• If you did not have your wig shaped or styled at the time of purchase, then I recommend consulting with a licensed professional to have your wig trimmed and styled to achieve a natural look and enhance your features.
• Right out of the box, I recommend using a brush and blow-dryer to refresh your wig style and get some lift in the hair and to redirect the hair into the style you desire. Remember, human hair wigs need to be restyled after every wash.  

Tip #3 - Styling Secrets for a Natural Look

Now comes the fun part! Here are some styling secrets for a natural-looking wig:

• Create a Natural Part: Don't be afraid to experiment with different partings. A slightly off-center part often looks more natural than a perfectly symmetrical one. Use a rat-tail comb for precision.
• Blend your own hair in with the wig at the hairline: If you have hair that you can pull out along the edges near your temple this will help soften the hairline and appear like natural hair growth, which it is. =-)
• Thin out the wig where needed:  Wigs often have a lot of hair, so thinning out any excess bulk and adding texture can give more movement and frame your face for a more natural appearance. Sometimes tweezing a few more hairs out along the part can give a more natural look.
• Cut Baby Hairs:  If you like to pull your hair back or even up, cutting baby hairs all along the hairline and nape area gives the appearance of natural baby hairs and conceal the base of the wig. 
• Use Styling Products Sparingly: Use hairspray, mousse, or other styling products sparingly. Too much product will make your wig look stiff and unnatural. Focus on areas that need extra hold or definition.
• Consider a Wig Cap: Wearing a wig cap underneath your wig can help create a smoother base and prevent the wig from slipping. Choose a cap color that closely matches your skin tone.

Tip #4 - Everything Doesn't have to be perfect

• If every hair is in place and the hair doesn't move - it will look like a wig. 
• A little messy or imperfection is more believable and natural looking. 

With a little practice and attention to detail, you can master the art of styling your wig to achieve a stunningly natural look. Experiment with different techniques and find what works best for you and your wig. Remember, confidence is key!  We are often our worst critic, so hold your head high and know you are wonderfully made by a God who loves you just as you are.  Hopefully this blog gives you some tips for achieving a natural looking wig.