Wearing a hair piece is an integral part of the closet for many crossdressers. If you don’t have the ability to grow your hair long, when en femme, a wig is going to be the way to present a female image. Maybe you’d like a different hair color. That’s where a wig comes into play again.
Do Crossdressers need added security for Wig attachment?
Most crossdressers don’t need the help of anything else in order to feel secure when wearing a wig. However, since most wigs are made for an average female head, some of us may need some added security to keep the hair piece from popping off our larger male heads. How do we know if we have a large head for average wigs? The following ‘pointers’ will help you.
Wig Cap Size
The standard wig fits up to 22.5” circumference heads. If your head is bigger than that then you will struggle to keep the wig on without the help of added security. If your head is 23 inches or bigger, then the best solution is a large cap wig. For more on sizing, you can check out this blog post that can help you understand the sizing and measurements.
Wig Cap Construction
The wig cap that is built into the wig plays a role here too. Let’s see the different types of wig caps.
Standard Wig Cap – The most common wig cap is also the most price effective. It has a closed lace crown that is sewn into the cap.
Lace Wig – are more custom fitted and are made with a fine lace mesh that can be trimmed, glued or taped around your hairline directly on your skin. This style creates a more realistic looking hairline.
Monofilament Wig – these wigs are made with either a polyester mesh or a thin nylon which like the lace wig, creates a realistic hairline. It also gives you more of an ability to part the or style the wig in many different ways.
Capless Wig – similar to the standard, but the hair is attached to vertical lace strips instead of closed ones. This makes the wig lighter and not as hot as the typical standard one.
Most of these wigs come with adjustable straps at the nape of the neck to both tighten or loosen. This is a big plus for you to be able to secure your wig correctly.
Additional ways to Secure your Wig
If all your sizing is correct but you still want to feel more confident your wig will stay put you can use one of the following:
Nylon Wig Caps
A nylon wig cap will not only stop a wig from slipping or moving but the overall fit will be better if you have your own hair. The cap compresses your own hair, lessening the volume to make a more snug, comfortable fit. Regular use of a wig cap also absorbs perspiration and so reduces the frequency of washing your wig. Make sure to keep a few on-hand as they can tear easily if you are not gentle. Can be worn with your own hair or on bald heads.
Bobby Pins
For quick added security, take a few bobby pins and carefully push through the wefts from between some of the wig hair, through to your own hair. Also use a few on the edge of the wig caps band to secure, most notably near the nape, the side and temples of the wig. Used on heads with their own hair.
Roll-on Adhesive
Apply some ‘It Stays’ adhesive to the cap of the wig and then put your wig on. This is a water-based glue that is safe to use on skin and has many other applications too. It helps to keep stockings and stay-ups in place and can even be used to attach small silicone enhancers to your chest. Obviously, this method is intended for people with no hair of their own. Used on bald heads.
Wig Clips
Even more secure than ‘bobby pins’ are wig clips. These handy devices are like mini combs and you can sew them into the inside of the wig cap. They then grip your own hair to stop the hair piece from moving. Some wigs already come with them sewn in at the front or nape or even both.
If you have access to a wig store in your town or access to a store that specializes in crossdressing then it would be a great idea to stop in and get fitted. There you can get tips and proper instructions on securing your wig as well as application and styling. If you are local to New Jersey, Glamour Boutique is here to help with our wig experts ready to get you fitted and secure with the right wig.
For more on femme tips and advice, check out our blog with tons of articles to help you along your way. What tips do you have for your fellow girls? Email us at [email protected] or message us on our Facebook page.