Buying a wig: What else?

Wig stand: You’ll need a way to store your wig when it’s not in use. They come in metal, plastic, or styrofoam, and you can buy ones that sit on a counter, hang from a rod, or mount to a wall. Styrofoam heads are typically the least expensive, but wire and plastic versions are also inexpensive and have the added bonus of being collapsible for travel and open for drying. 

Comb: wide tooth combs are best for synthetic wigs to reduce pulling on the hair. For human hair wigs you can buy a special wig brush or a regular brush that has ample space between wire or plastic prongs. Brushes are available in paddle, looped prongs, or with a little ball attached to the end of each prong. Avoid brushes that have boar bristles, which are too harsh and may pull the hair. I recommend: Goody Wet brush squirt for human hair and Jon Renau wide tooth comb for synthetic hair

Shampoo/conditioner: Stick with special synthetic-safe shampoos and conditioners for synthetic wigs, which you can usually purchase from same places that sell synthetic wigs. A soak in diluted fabric soften can be used instead of synthetic-safe conditioner, or to deep condition a dry synthetic wig. For human hair wig, choose moisturizing sulfate-free products. Many human hair wig makers sell their own versions of this. I recommend Moroccanoil Repair Shampoo and Hydration Conditioner for human hair and Beautimark shampoo and leave in conditioner for synthetic hair

Wig grip: worn around your head like a headband and “grabs” the wig so that it doesn’t slide. Usually made with a velvet material that can only be worn in one direction. Some people swear by them and other people say they don’t do anything. Some wig grips are made with other materials like velcro/silicone instead of velvet or include a section of lace on the front and/or in the middle to help create a more natural look with lace wigs.

Wig cap: helps to hold bio hair close to your head. Usually comes in stocking or fishnet material. Useful if you have a lot of bio hair, if your bio hair is longer than your wig, or if you’re wearing an open wefted wig and you want to make sure your hair doesn’t poke through the openings. Also helpful to reduce oils transferring from your head to the wig cap, which will reduce how often you need to wash the wig. 

Wig clips: pressure sensitive clips sewn into the inside of a wig or topper to clip to your bio hair. Some wigs come with them (usually near the ear tab) or you can purchase them separately and sew them in yourself (it’s easy!). Most toppers come with several of these sewn in already. Does not usually cause damage to healthy hair, but may be a concern for very fine or brittle hair.

Tape: applied to the inside of the wig to help it stick to the skin that borders your hairline. Be careful not to get it on your hair, may be difficult to remove. Comes in cut-to-measure rolls or pre-cut strips. Many people who use tape recommend Walker's tape.

Glue: similar to tape, applied to the inside of a lace front wig to help keep it in place or help with an ill-fitting wig. Generally, glue tends to be more secure than tape, but can be harder to remove at the end of the day and may build up on the wig lace. Many people who use adhesives recommend Got2b ultra glued invincible styling gel (water-based, black tube)

Adhesive remover: if your glue/adhesive is not water based.  Alcohol in various forms (rubbing alcohol or alcohol-based hand sanitizer gel) can also be used to remove some glues.

Curling iron with digital temperature display: to style human hair or heat friendly synthetics at a safe temperature (usually recommended 300-340, max 350 degrees)

Sharp scissors: Most lace front wigs will that require trimming, and you’ll need sharp scissors for the job. Dull scissors can pull and distort the lace. Some prefer scissors with a zig-zag or scalloped pattern, which helps hide the lace line blend better than a straight cut, but straight scissors can also be used to make a wavy cut, which serves the same purpose

Hair oil or other leave in moisturizer: necessary for human hair wigs to prevent drying out and maintain softness between washes. I recommend: Nourished by Tiffani Smoothing Oil

Simply Stylin: silicone product available in a concentrated serum or less concentrated spray. Very helpful for long synthetic wigs, necessary for very long synthetic wigs. Can be applied/sprayed to nape prior to wearing to minimize tangling or can be used after wearing as a detangler to make combing easier. Use sparingly - a little goes a long way! Simply Stylin

Heat protectant: recommended prior to heat stumbling any human hair wig. I recommend: Nourished by Tiffani Miracle Detangler

Canvas block head: If you plan to style your wig you can do so with the wig on your own head or on a canvas block head. The block head has the added benefit of being able to get to the back of the wig more easily and reducing arm strain while you style the wig. Cork versions are heavier and more sturdy, but can smell funny upon arrival or grow mold if it gets wet. Polyurethane versions are lighter, but able to get wet without permanent damage. You’ll also need t-pins to pin the wig to the head and either a C-clamp to attach to a counter or a tripod to stand on the floor (may be sold as a package or separately). 

Additional styling products: you can use texturizer, hair spray, or smoothing serum as long as it is safe for the type of hair/fibers of you have

Detangler - helpful for longer styles, apply/spray before brushing to make tangles easier to brush out. Avoid the lace or monofilament where hairs are tied in as this can make the hair fall out. I recommend: Nourished by Tiffani Miracle Detangler 

Handheld steamer: to smooth synthetic wigsHot air brush: to smooth synthetic wigs

Clothes hanger with clips: like those used to hang pants or dry delicates. You can clip the nape of the wig wig to the hanger to air dry upside down for extra volume

Light eyeshadow or powder foundation: can be added to the part of a lace wig to disguise knots (especially unbleached knots) or help achieve a more realistic look

Scar tape: used on the inside of the wig along a lace part to achieve a more realistic look. I recommend: Silicone tape