My Wig Coach

Thinking of cutting a bang into your wig? 💇‍♀️

Keep in mind:

🍁 not all bangs cut into a synthetic style will look just like this immediately after cutting. Some may need to be steamed, ironed, or otherwise manipulated for them to lay right and look good

🍁 be sure to use inexpensive shears designed for haircutting on synthetic fiber, not high-quality professional haircutting shears

🍁 practice on an old wig first

🍁 don't go as wide (across the front) or as deep (back from the front edge) as you think you'll need to. Start with a little and add to it as desired - just to be safe

🍁 before cutting, make sure the wig's front hairline edge is in the right spot - not too far forward OR back

🍁 also make sure ear tabs are positioned correctly

🍁 there are tons of ways to cut bangs, this is just one

🍁 if too blunt after cutting, texturize the ends with thinning shears

Are you going to try it?

Is that wig human hair or synthetic? 🤔

The Burn Test is a way to find out. It’s not 100% foolproof but it’s super helpful.

Please don’t try this until you’ve watched the full video AND read the caption on my page 🔥

Burn responsibly!

Can’t figure out if a wig or topper is human hair or synthetic fiber? 🤔

The burn (or match) test will help. It’s not 100% reliable due to human hair origin variations, possible product build-up and other reasons but it can be very helpful 🔥

If you’re leery of working with flame, use ONE STRAND instead of 15-20 as I’m doing in the video 👍🏼

The Burn Test:

1. Remove one loose strand from an inconspicuous area, or use hair shed from the packaging. Never apply flame directly to the wig.

2. Hold the strand with metal tweezers over a sink or another nonflammable surface.

3. Briefly touch the tip to a match flame for about one second.

4. Remove it from the flame and observe how it reacts, smells and cools.

Near the flame: Human hair burns rather than melts. Synthetic fiber often shrinks away from the flame.

Odor: Human hair smells like burning hair. Synthetic fiber produces a plastic or chemical odor.

Residue: Human hair leaves soft, brittle ash that crushes easily. Synthetic fiber forms a hard, melted bead.

After removing the flame: Human hair may continue burning briefly. Synthetic fiber usually melts and stops burning.

Important limitations:

* This distinguishes human hair from synthetic, but it cannot reliably distinguish traditional synthetic from heat-friendly synthetic. Both are plastics and can melt into a hard bead.

* A human-hair/synthetic blend may produce mixed results.

* Smoke, coatings and processing can make odor less conclusive. Use all three clues, not smell alone.

* Work in a ventilated area, keep water nearby, avoid hairspray and other flammable products, and don’t inhale the fumes.

* To determine whether a synthetic wig is heat-friendly, check the manufacturer’s information or inside tag. Don’t rely on the burn test.

Save this because you never know when you might need it!

Are you going to try it?

Can you hide an afternoon snack under your wig? 🧐

As long as it fits well everywhere else, a little bagginess back there doesn’t affect how secure it is on your head and you might even like that bit of extra fullness - for the look or the snack 😁

But if you want that snug, glove-like fit, here’s your fix 👍🏼

EDIT: this is done on the INSIDE/UNDERSIDE of the wig - turn the wig inside out after you determine the amount you want to take in

Save this and forward to your wig besties because THIS is the Number One requested wig base customization in the salon and hardly anyone is sharing it 😳

I know wig stylists that don’t know this, and now YOU DO 🥰

Tools: thread, needle, small scissors, Styro head or canvas block (optional- can be done without) 🪡

Have you learned these Critical Wig Thinking points yet? 🧐

The video mentions 4 of them, here’s all 8…and why they matter when you’re evaluating a wig:

✅ Fit. Does the wig fit properly? Consider comfort, security, cap size and ear-tab placement.

✅ Color. Is the color flattering? Consider skin tone, eyebrows, existing hair, lifestyle and personal preference.

✅ Density. Does the amount of hair look natural and appropriate for your style, face shape and age?

✅ Shape and Silhouette. Is the wig’s overall outline balanced and proportionate? Does the shape complement your face and body type?

✅ Hairline. Does the hairline look realistic? Consider its density, transition, placement and whether it draws unwanted attention.

✅ Part. Does the part look natural? Is it positioned appropriately, and does it contribute to the overall look?

✅ Fiber Feel and Behavior. Consider the fiber’s shine, movement, texture and how naturally it behaves.

✅ Overall Realism. What helps the wig look believable? Is there anything that immediately signals “wig”?

What would YOU add to this list?

You have to be a certain age 🤷‍♀️😁

Do you remember this show?

Barbara Feldon was one of my earliest glamour icons 🥰

I still remember Don Adams’ voice and delivery 🤣

Don’t throw that wig out if the bangs are too short! 😳

If you need another 1/2 - 1”, this salon technique will work 🥰

Pulling this one from the archives because it’s that good 😁

Save this because if you wear wigs, it’s only a matter of time until you’ll need it 👍🏼

First video using my new “neck cam”, please bear with me while I get the hang of it 🤗

Your heat friendly synthetic wig or topper probably needs heat before you think it does 🤯

Signs to look for:

✅ feels dry, crispy, rough - usually first happens wherever it’s rubbing on skin or clothing

✅ starts to feel scratchy on your neck or cheeks

✅ can’t get the fine teeth of a comb through without resistance

✅ loses bend, wave or curl

✅ loses shine and becomes very dull/matte

Can you wait too long? Yes! I’ve seen some wigs and toppers come back from major friction frizz but it’s a lot of work, and it IS possible to reach the point of no return 😧

Follow manufacturers’ heat styling instructions which usually include misting first with water or their heat styling product, then following with a flat/curling iron set between 270°F -300°F - no hotter, to avoid unnecessary wear and tear on the fibers 🔥

Did you find this guidance helpful? Please let me know!