Wigs, ponytails and other hairpieces make hairstyling easy and fun. Hairpieces are created from synthetic hair or human hair. Shop for them online, or go to local beauty supply shops or wig salons. This article includes tips for attaching hairpieces to your natural hair for secure daily wear and for stage performances.

 

Selecting a hairpiece

Synthetic hair is lightweight, easy to care for, relatively inexpensive, and comes in a wide range of colors and styles. Avoid putting heat on synthetics, since they will melt. They are also very comfortable to wear, even under hot stage lights and during dance performances. Styles are durable; curly synthetic hairpieces stay curly, and straight styles stay straight.

 

Hairpieces made of human hair are more costly, feel heavier on the head, and curly styles require more maintenance. These may be dyed to match your natural hair and restyled with hot rollers. A hairstylist can cut, dye and style it so that it blends well with your natural hair. These hairpieces are a good choice for women who want a straight hairstyle that looks very natural.

 

Caring for hairpieces is easy. Comb through with fingers after wearing to remove tangles, and be sure the hairpiece is completely dry before storing. Frequent shampooing is not necessary; shampoo only as needed. Wig shampoos, conditioners, hairsprays and other wig care products are available at beauty supply shops and wig salons.

 

Wearing a hairpiece

Under normal circumstances, the elastic and combs on your hairpiece may be enough to hold it in place with no extra security. Hairpieces that are well-worn may have loose elastic and need extra securing. One of my friends told me a story of how the elastic in her wig was so worn out that it slipped off at the office one morning at the water cooler.

 

If you are wearing a hairpiece on stage for a dance performance or other physical activity, more anchoring is needed to prevent slipping. Dancers with unsecured ones have had their hair fall off while performing, and this is quite embarrassing! Avoid having this happen to you by attaching your hairpiece securely and testing it to be certain it will not shift.

 

Anchoring a hairpiece

Step 1:

Fine or thin hair: French braid your natural hair, securing the end with an elastic band. If your hair is long, wrap the end of the braid around to create a bun, then secure with bobby pins. If using a fall (3/4 wig) leave the front portion of your hair loose, to blend in later with the fall.

Coarse or heavy hair: French braid as described above, or create a ponytail on each side of the head, secured with elastic bands.

 

Step 2:

Put on the hairpiece, then use roller pins (available at beauty supply shops and drugstores). Roller pins look like elongated bobby pins, are about 3 inches long, and come in brown or black. Anchor the sides and back of the hairpiece with the roller pins. Take the roller pins through the foundation mesh of the hairpiece, and into the braid and hair beneath. (Fine or thin hair: Cross the roller pins, creating X shapes with the pins.)

Check to be sure that all roller pins are covered in the hairpiece, and not sticking out or visible. For falls, style the front of the hair to blend in with the hairpiece. For ponytails, an optional decorative fabric may tied around to cover the base of the pony and secured with bobby pins. A headband or other elastic hair accessory is another option to help your hairpiece blend with your natural hair.

 

Step 3:

Test! Check your hairpiece by moving your head around to be sure it is secure. You will sense if your hairpiece is shifting. Add bobby pins or roller pins as needed. If you will be dancing or performing on stage, it is a good idea to run through your routine to be certain that the hairpiece is secure during physical activity.

Enjoy your glamorous new hair!

 

Ramona is the author of Dynamic Belly Dance, the Joyful Journey of Dancemaking and Performing. See free belly dance videos, read book excerpts and order an autographed copy at http://www.DynamicBellyDance.com

 

Copyright 2007 - All rights reserved worldwide. 

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