Wig Essentials For Beginners

Building your wig kit saves you a lot of stress as a beginner. It makes installing, maintaining, and removing your wigs much easier. You can become a pro in no time with the right products and tools.

Does this look like what you want? Keep reading to see the wig essentials a beginner should have.

Note: The list includes wig essentials for both human hair wigs and synthetic wigs.

Wig Essentials in Stages for Beginners

The wig essentials you'll need are for washing, caring for, installing, removing, and maintaining your wig. With that in mind, the products and tools are categorized in that order. Take a look.

Now, let's get to know the tools you'll be using at each stage.

The Wig Washing and Preparation Stage

Here are some washing and prepping essentials that should help you at this stage.

1. Shampoo

To avoid greasiness and buildup in the long run, washing your wig should be a top priority. You are to wash gently with a shampoo designed for your wig type.

Shampoos we recommend are shampoos with natural ingredients in them. These are ingredients like almonds, coconut, and avocado. Make sure it's sulfate-free as well.

2. Conditioner

After shampooing, pick a good conditioner and condition your wig. It helps prevent breakage, damage, and dryness.

3. Developer

You do not need a developer if your wig comes pre-bleached. However, if it doesn't, you'll need a developer to bleach the knots of the wig. Why? That's because bleaching the knots helps to make the wig look as natural as it can.

And the developer is the first product you'll need for the bleaching process. The developer usually comes in different volumes; 10, 20, and 30.

4. Powder

Apart from a developer, you'll also need a bleaching powder for the mix. The powder also helps to lighten the knots and give it a natural look.

5. Bleach Bowl Set

For your mixture, you will need a bowl. You can get a bleaching bowl set that comes with some brushes.

The benefit of having a set like that is that it makes the process faster and more seamless. If you have a substitute, that’s fine too.

6. Gloves

We don’t advise mixing your bleaching products without your gloves. So get a pair of gloves. They will shield your hands from the bleach.

7. Tweezers

Tweezers are used to pluck the hairline of the wig. It is to give it a natural look. If you are purchasing a lace front wig, here’s a tool you need to add to your list. However, if you buy a pre-plucked wig, this tool is unnecessary.

8. Foundation

An essential product you must have as a beginner is a foundation. A foundation helps your wig’s hairline blend with your skin tone. So, get a foundation powder that suits your skin tone for good results.

When you want to apply, you can use a makeup brush. Simply dust a few on your wig and blend with the brush.

9. Lace Tint Spray

You can opt for a lace tint spray instead of a foundation. It adds color to the lace to match your natural skin. A lace tint spray comes in different shades. You should buy one that suits your skin tone. 

The Application Stage

At this stage, getting tools like your wig cap, clips, and brush leads to a perfect installation. Let’s see some essential tools here.

1. Wig cap

The wig cap can make or break your look. Its essence is to make your hair as flat as it can be. And add to the natural look you want. You will want to get one that is close to your skin tone. We also recommend buying a nylon material wig cap.

2. Wig grip

Some people have trouble keeping their wigs in place. You may or may not. But a wig grip saves you from such experiences. The use is to hold and keep your wig without slipping. This is optional, to be honest. If you own a glueless wig, you can just skip this tool.

3. Scissors

A pair of scissors can serve as a cutting tool to cut off your lace. You can also use an eyebrow razor. But the most sensitive part is how you cut it. Be gentle because your melted lace looks good if you do.

4. Bobby pins

Some bobby pins help to aid in securing your natural hair and styling. You should have some spare ones in case such needs arise.

5. Rattail comb

Throughout the installation process, an essential tool you will use is the rattail comb. It comes in handy when melting the lace, fixing your hairline, sectioning the wig, and every other time you are styling. You can buy any rattail comb. It should work perfectly.

6. Brush and Comb

Using a detangling brush and a wide-tooth comb for your wigs is a step ahead to keeping it tangle-free. You can have a good experience with your wigs if you use the best brushes on them. It’ll keep them smooth and soft without much shedding.

The Adhering Stage

It’s time for some installation! Here are the essentials you will need:

1. Wig Glue

The wig glue serves as an adhesive that keeps your lace in place. While there are other adhesives you can use, if you want a long-lasting product, you should use a wig glue. A popular choice among wig wearers is Ghost Bond. It stays for weeks without any lifting or shifting.

2. Adhesive spray

Another gluing product is adhesive sprays. These sprays do the work of glue but are not as strong. You can opt for sprays if you will be using the wig for a day or two. Or in case you need extra glue for your lace. Got2b freeze spray is an excellent melting spray choice you can get.

3. Blow Dryer

A blow dryer is a top essential tool you will use as a wig wearer. It will help you dry your wigs, fight frizziness, and assist you in styling. It’s a must-have tool you can’t do without.

4. Elastic Band

An elastic band helps to melt your lace, lay your edges, and keep the baby hairs secured. It is necessary to have a tool that makes your installation process as seamless as possible.

5. Rubbing Alcohol

Rubbing alcohol has many uses when it comes to wearing wigs. But before applying your wig, preparing your hairline by applying some alcohol with cotton balls helps to achieve a perfect glue. You can also use alcohol to remove your lace wigs.

6. Edge Control

You can create effortless and beautiful baby hairs with edge control. Get a brush, it could be a toothbrush you are no longer using. Apply some gel on it and use it to style your hair.

The Styling and Maintenance Stage

For shine, moisture, curls, and sleekness, these are the products and tools you should go for.

1. A hair straightener

Your wig is not always as sleek as it came. It can get frizzy at times. At those times, you'll need to use a hair straightener for a sleek look. Choose one that has high performance and functions properly.

2. A curling wand

Would you like to add some curls to your wig? A curling wand should be on your wig essentials list. There are different curling wands you can go for. But before purchasing any, check for its functionality to get the best out of the tool.

Related Read: How to choose the right curling iron size

3. Clips

While you style, having clips by the side makes it easy. You can hold your hair without it disrupting what you are doing. There are butterfly clips, claw clips, and various kinds you can use.

4. Mannequin head

A mannequin head makes styling easy. You can have your wig ready to wear without putting it on your head to care for it. A wig stand is another wise alternative.

5. Wax stick

The wax stick helps you have a sleek appearance. With this and your flat iron, you can smooth down those areas that stick out the most. A few waxing products to start from are Bead Head aHair Stick, and She is Bomb Hair Wax Stick. These two products have a lot of good reviews.

6. Curling cream

You can get the most out of your curly wigs when you use a curling cream. Some curling creams you can use are Moroccanoil curl defining cream, SheaMoisture coconut, and Hibiscus curl enhancing smoothie.

7. Hot comb

The hot comb is especially used for styling human hair wigs. This heating tool makes straightening and ruling your hair much easier. While you'll need to get a grip on it for effective use, it gives beautiful results once you do.

Related Read: Hot comb vs flat iron, what's the difference

8. Styling mousse

We can't close the styling chapter without mentioning a styling mousse. The styling mousse is a product that helps to set your hair. You can use this on your wavy, and curly wigs.

The Removal Stage

As we all know, damaging your wig can happen during removal. You can develop irritation or lose your hairline in the process as well. But with the right tools, those are avoidable. Check out a few below.

1. Adhesive removal

An adhesive removal simplifies the process of uninstalling a wig. It will help loosen the glue making the wig come off easily. There are good adhesives you can use in the market. Find what suits your skin and use them. If you have sensitive skin, be extra careful.

2. Spray bottle

Before applying adhesive removal, spraying some water on your hairline makes the process faster. You don't need to spray much, only saturate your hairline very well.

3. Natural oils

Natural oils are alternatives to adhesive removals. You can get olive or avocado oil. They work wonders in removing the glue on your head.

Conclusion

We’ve given you a quick breakdown of the essential tools you will need as a beginner in the wig game. These tools and products should give you a gorgeous installation outcome, a stress-free uninstallation, and help with your wig maintenance. We hope it’s helpful.