Wearing a wig is a great way to change up your look, but the fear of it falling off can be a big concern. Fortunately, there are several ways to ensure that your wig stays securely in place. Whether you prefer tape, glue, or another method, we've got you covered. Here are the 5 best ways to secure your wig and make sure it stays in place all day long.
#1 Wig Tape
Wig tape is double-sided tape that sticks to both your head and your wig. This is one of the most effective methods for securing a wig. Just be aware that wig tape is not recommended for those with bio hair, as it can be difficult to remove and may cause damage to your bio hair.
The best candidates for wig tape are those who do not have bio hair, or who wish to use a tape strip below the hairline at the nape, or another area that does not have bio hair.
There are a few types of wig tape: tape strips, red contour tape, and blue contour tape.
Tape Strips (pictured below) are used on the ear tabs, lace front, and nape of the wig. These are especially effective on wigs with polyurethane tabs, which gives the tape the perfect surface for a strong hold.
Red Contour Tape is specifically made to stick to the polyurethane strips on your wig. It has a curved shape to mimic the curve of the wig cap.
Blue Contour Tape is specifically made for lace fronts. With its curved shape, it follows the curve of the lace front hairline for a super secure lace front. It holds securely while not damaging the lace.
How to use wig tape:
Step 1: Take a cotton ball and saturate it with rubbing alcohol. Then, wipe it along your hairline to remove any dirt or oils. This is to cleanse your skin and ensure that the tape sticks to your skin well.
Step 2: if necessary, cut the wig tape to fit the area of the wig where it will be placed.
Step 3: remove one side of the paper from the wig tape and place on the desired area on the wig
Step 4: remove the paper from the other side of the tape strips and place the wig on your head gently.
Step 5: Position the wig where you desire, then press and hold each tape strip for a few seconds for ultimate security.
Pros
- Can be cut to fit the right size for you
- Some wigs come with polyurethane tabs, which are the perfect surface for tape and provide a very strong grip
- Super secure, even while working out
Cons
- If you’re someone who likes to take their wig off throughout the day to cool down, wig tape can make it a bit trickier to do so
- Can’t be used on bio hair, as it can pull on hairs when removed
#2 Wig Glue (Our favorite is “It Stays!”)
It Stays is a gentle body adhesive that washes off with water. It can be used alone or in combination with other types of adhesives such as wig grips or tape.
It Stays is safe for people with bio hair and those without. If applied onto bio hair, simply spray with water when you’d like to remove it and the glue will release with no damage to your hair or wig.
It Stays can be used to add security to lace fronts, ear tabs, or the nape. It can also be used between a topper base and your bio hair, which will take some pressure off of the bio hair that is in the topper clips.
How to use It Stays:
Step 1: roll a generous amount of product onto the area you need security. You can either roll it onto the hairpiece or onto your head, but we typically recommend rolling it onto your head in areas such as the front hairline, above the ears, and the hairline at the nape. For toppers, you can roll it onto your bio hair where you plan to place your topper.
Step 2: Place the wig or topper onto your head into the desired position. Press and hold for a few seconds on each area where there is adhesive.
Pros
- An effective adhesive that takes seconds to apply
- Washes off easily with only water
- Safe for bio hair and bald scalps
- Can be used on wigs and toppers
Cons
- Sweat may cause adhesive to loosen
- If you’re someone who likes to take their wig off throughout the day to cool down, roll-on adhesives can make it a bit trickier to do so
- Needs water to remove
#3 Velvet Wig Grip
A wig grip is a soft, elastic velvet band created to secure and prevent your wigs or headwear from slipping or shifting around on your head. The texture of the velvet “grabs” the wig cap so you can have security all day. This is a comfortable and easy solution for those who don't want to use tape or glue.
There are two types of wig grips: ones that are a solid piece of velvet material and ones that are velvet with a lace parting added. Both will hold your wig just as securely, but the lace part is beneficial for those wearing monofilament wigs – so there is a seamless appearance of scalp at the part without seeing the velvet wig grip.
Wig grips can be used by those with bio hair and those without. Keep in mind that it will take up a small amount of room in your wig cap, so if your wig is slightly too big for your head, adding a wig grip will help fill up room in the cap so your wig fits better.
How to use a wig grip:
Step 1: adjust the metal or velcro adjuster in the back to fit your head snug.
Step 2: when you place it on your head, make sure it’s facing the right direction. This is VERY important, since one direction will hold your wig, while the other will not. A good test is to run your finger from the front to the back of your head– if the velvet feels rough, it’s on the right way and your wig won’t slip. It’s the friction that will hold the wig in place.
Step 3: Put your wig on and go have some worry-free fun!
Pros
- Adjustable back for proper fit
- Prevents slipping
- Can easily put it on and take it off
Cons
- Wearing it backwards can cause the band to not provide security, so it’s important to ensure it is facing the right direction
- If the wig already fits you on the snug side, adding a wig grip may make the wig feel too tight for comfort
#4 Gel Grip Headband
The Gel Grip Headband is a soft, gel comfort band that relieves pressure points around your head, preventing pressure headaches caused by extended wear or improper fit, while securing your wig in place for a reliable fit.
This product will secure best to a bald head. It is not necessary to wear a wig liner with this, as it can cause this headband to slip. If you must wear a liner, pull it back so that this headband can still be on the skin. A fish net liner will work without causing slippage, but a nylon liner will make the band slip.
How to use it
Step 1: If you are wearing a wig liner as well, make sure it is pulled back so that the gel headband will be touching the skin
Step 2: adjust the band in the back to fit your head snug. Put on the headband and adjust until comfortable.
Step 3: put on your wig and adjust to your liking. Go enjoy the worry-free security!
Pros
- Easy to clean, self-healing if punctured, and hypoallergenic
- Relieves pressure points around your head
- Great for sensitive scalps
Cons
- May slip off of bio hair, so it is best for those who are bald
#5 Bobby Pins
Bobby pins can be used to secure your wig by tucking them into the wefts at the sides and back of your head. This method is only for people with bio hair who wear wigs that have wefted sides or back. This is because the bobby pins must be able to grab onto the wig via the wefts and grip onto the bio hair beneath. This is what creates the security. With a hand-tied cap that is all solid material, there would not be a place for the bobby pin to grip. This is a simple and inexpensive solution that can be done quickly and easily.
How to use bobby pins:
Step 1: wearing your wig, pull back a section of hair on one side of your head where there is wefting. Slide a bobby pin through the weft, making sure to grab some bio hair in the pin. Make sure no wig hair is pulled into the pin (you want the wig hair to cover up the wefting and the bobby pin).
Step 2: Repeat this process across the back of your head until you get to the other side. Put in as many pins as you need to feel secure. You can put as many or as little as you need, in any area of wefting that you desire.
Pros
- Easily removable
- A quick and affordable solution
Cons
- Hairpiece must have wefts
- Wearer must have enough bio hair for pins to attach
In conclusion, there are several ways to secure a wig, and the best method for you will depend on your bio hair, specific needs, and personal preference. Whether you choose an adhesive, grip band, or another solution, make sure you select a method that will keep your wig securely in place and help you feel confident and comfortable all day long.
See Patti talk about some of these options (+ bonus tips and tricks) here: Patti reveals more of her personal tips and tricks for wig styling
