If you’re a crossdresser or transgender woman, you know how much a wig can transform your look.
The right wig can make you feel more feminine, attractive, and even take years off your appearance!
But, let’s face it – not all wigs are created equal. Wearing the wrong wig, or wearing it incorrectly, can completely throw off your feminine image.
That’s why in this blog post, I’ve compiled the top 14 tips to help you look and feel gorgeous in a MTF (male to female) wig. Let’s dive in!
1. Wear the Right Size
Wearing the right size wig is a critical first step to looking your best in a wig.
If the wig is too small, it will slide back on your head and show your hairline. A wig that’s too big can also slide around, irritating your scalp.
Fortunately, wigs come in different sizes to accommodate a range of head sizes.
The key is to take precise head measurements so you can find your proper wig size. The video above will show you exactly how to do this.
2. Wear the Wig at Your Natural Hairline
One of the things that can be a dead giveaway for a wig is wearing it too high or too low on your head. The wig should always be aligned with your natural hairline.
Here’s how to put on a wig and position it correctly:
- Tilt your head forward and position the front of the wig above your eyebrows.
- Slide the wig over your head from front to back.
- Once the wig is on, adjust the wig so that it sits evenly on your head.
- Use the ear tabs to align the wig with your temples.
- If the wig has adjustable straps, adjust them to make sure the wig fits snugly and securely.
- Finally, slide the wig forward or back so it’s aligned with your natural hairline.
3. Use a Wide-Tooth Comb
Using the right comb on your wig is very important for preventing damage and keeping your wig looking its best.
You should never use a regular brush on your wig since it can cause it to look frizzy. Instead, use a wide-tooth comb to gently comb and style the wig.
Wide-tooth combs are especially important for curly hair wigs since brushes can ruin the curls’ shape.
4. Choose a Flattering Style
One of the best ways to make your wig look natural is to opt for one that flatters your facial structure and features.
Soft waves or layered hairstyles are a great choice as they create a natural and feminine appearance.
On the other hand, hairstyles with harsh or angular lines are not as flattering, especially if you have strong or masculine facial features.
5. Look for a Wig with Highlights or Color Gradients
Avoid choosing wigs with a single-tone or solid block of color, as this can result in an artificial and “wig-like” appearance.
Natural hair typically has dimension, with varying shades and gradients throughout.
Therefore, opting for a wig with lowlights or highlights can create a more realistic look. Rooted wigs can also be a great choice since they mimic the look of natural hair growth at the roots.
6. Switch Up Your Wigs
If you plan to wear MTF wigs regularly, you might want to buy a few extras, so you can switch them out between washes.
Each wig will be exposed to less wear and tear over time because you’ll be wearing them less frequently.
Additionally, you can select from a variety of styles to keep things interesting. After all, half the fun of wigs is playing around with different looks!
7. Wear a Wig Cap Liner
My next piece of advice is to always wear a wig cap liner under your wig.
Wearing a nylon, bamboo, or mesh wig cap liner can keep your wig clean by creating a barrier between the oil in your scalp and the wig.
Wig cap liners can also help keep your natural hair from peeking out, and ensure that the wig fits comfortably and securely.
8. Don’t Keep Adjusting Your Wig
As much as possible, try to leave your wig alone and refrain from fiddling with it after you’ve put it on.
Constantly readjusting your wig can mess up your hairstyle and irritate your scalp. Not only that, but it can also draw unwanted attention and make it obvious that you’re wearing a wig.
9. De-shine Your Wig
Synthetic wigs are made of plastic fibers that can look unnaturally shiny. This can make the wig look fake.
A simple solution is to use dry shampoo to dull the shine. First, put the wig on loosely. Then, spray dry shampoo over the wig like you would with your natural hair.
After you’ve applied the dry shampoo, lightly comb or run your fingers through the wig. This will help reduce the shine and give your wig a more natural appearance.
10. Look for Wigs with Side or Front Bangs
Many wigs tend to look unnatural because of the hairline. A simple way around this issue is to look for a wig that has side or front bangs.
Not only do bangs give the wig a stylish appearance, but they can also help conceal the hairline and make the wig look more natural.
Plus, bangs are cute, youthful, and always on-trend!
11. Be Gentle with Your Wig
If you want your wig to last longer and look its best, you should always handle it gently.
Use a wide tooth comb and never pull or tug on the wig. Avoid styling it with high heat, as heat can damage MTF wigs as it would natural hair.
Finally, store the wig on a wig head or in a bag or box to protect it.
12. Wash Your Wig Regularly
Wigs are like regular hair in that they need to be washed regularly to keep them looking clean and fresh.
How often you should wash the wig depends on how frequently you wear it, the climate where you live, how active you are, and how many hair styling products you use.
As a general rule, consider washing your wig every 8-10 wears.
13. Use Products Formulated for Wigs
To make your wig last longer and look better, always use products specifically formulated for wigs. This includes wig shampoo, conditioner, and hairspray.
This is especially important for synthetic hair wigs, which can be damaged by products formulated for natural hair.
If you have a human hair wig, you can use regular hair products but stick to those formulated for processed hair.
14. Replace Your Wig Regularly
Wearing an old, frizzy wig is the best way to let everyone know that you are wearing one.
Unfortunately, wig styling products can’t revive MTF wigs that have seen better days. Therefore, plan to replace your wigs regularly.
Human hair wigs can last 1-3 years with proper care, but synthetic wigs have a shorter lifespan of 4-6 months when worn every day.
The good news is that this is a great excuse to go wig shopping!
In conclusion
I hope these simple tips help you look and feel your best in your wig! After all, wearing a wig is one of the easiest ways to transform your appearance.
As always, I’d love to hear your thoughts. Take my MTF wigs poll and share a photo of you in your favorite wig in the comments below!
Love,
Lucille
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P.S. After you’ve mastered your hair, the next step is makeup! Get started now with my FREE Male to Female Makeup Mini Course.
Thanks for this great information. I never paid much attention to my wig. I will take better care from now on. Also is there any info on using a wig glue type product to help hold it on?
HI: Thx for the info. It helps a lot. Appreciate the help! Jessica.
Sorry accidentally posted this twice can’t seem to delete it!
Sorry I just love ❤️ to be A BLONDE
My hair is one of the most important things in my feminization process. I change my hair color and style at least every two months or if I’m in the beauty supply house and see a style that I like I’ll get it! I also try to stay away from the full synthetic wigs, they tend to frizz out and get knotted up quick. I spend a little more for a partially synthetic/real human hair wig cause I like to style and play with it which they stand up to the abuse and last a bit longer. Hope my comments were helpful to some of you gurls! You go gurl! Have a beautiful day!
I understand about the “natural hair line” guideline — but I have not had a natural hair line for over 30 years. (giggle) Which makes it hard to line up the wig when there’s nothing to line it up with.
Also, I have had TERRIBLE experiences with trying to wash my own wig – I have ruined a few – but it’s hard to find a salon in Spokane that washes and sets wigs. ~~sigh~~
I’m kinda guessing here but maybe try 2 fingers width above you eyebrows if bangs and 3 if parted. Take a pic. That alone can show what you may not have noticed.
Washing a wig(my method); Close sink drain and run not more than just warm water. As it’s filling to about halfway add shampoo to water and swish to mix. Lay wig in upside down and lightly squeeze bundles of hair and swish water around wig giving it a gentle wash machine-like quality. Let it sit and soak a few minutes, repeat above or drain water, push remaining out of wig while it drains. Fill sink again for a rinse cycle. Drain and repeat. Drain and remove from sink.
Then what I do is flip over onto a towel draped over one knee that’s raised a few feet onto something and using a hard wide tooth brush I start at the ends and pull down in gentle but quick strokes till you can visually see where it’s done all around.
Set up on something like a mannequin head to air dry. I’ve also set it on top a tower fan and even my upright vacuum cleaner so it’s not terribly important unless you let it dry before noticing a bulge where it shouldn’t be.
Hope something here helps!
OMG!! You live in Spokane. We are near neighbors girlfriend.
I almost forgot to show which one I’m currently rocking at work! Also, I would love to see a Barbie-themed post or video to help celebrate the Barbie movie coming out in three weeks! I already have my tickets and I’m attending it with my laser hair removal consultant! We are having a girls night!!
I’m grateful that you posted this advice as I have many wigs and I have been terrible with them. I will be referring back to this a lot.