SOME OF THE QUESTIONS WE ARE FREQUENTLY ASKED WHEN CHOOSING A WIG
How do I look after my synthetic fibre wig or hairpiece?
The most important rule is to use products that have been specifically formulated for use on synthetic fibre wigs and hairpieces.
Even if you use the most mild and gentle products intended for our own (bio) human hair the fibres of any synthetic wig will eventually dull. Do not use traditional hairspray as it is especially damaging to a synthetic wig, and it can actually deteriorate the fibres. It is important to use combs and brushes that are designed for use on synthetic wigs. If you use a regular hairbrush or comb it can pull and stretch the fibre as the bristles could be too hard. Using the correct brush will prevent the fibres from splitting, and keep the wig from looking fuzzy and dull before its time.
Another great tip is to store your wig on a stand when you are not wearing it, and definitely overnight - NEVER SLEEP IN YOUR WIG OR HAIRPIECE. While travelling, you can keep it in its box for safekeeping when you aren’t wearing it.
How do I wash my synthetic fibre wig or hairpiece?
It is a very simple process but can be daunting the first time. It is important to use the correct products, we recommend using our Bow Belles Synthetic Fibre product range.
Please see our in-depth step by step guide on our Aftercare page.
How do I look after my human hair wig or hairpiece?
Human hair will react to products and styling as your own (bio) hair might, but it should be treated with care and not tugged or pulled in order to prolong its life and maintain its appearance.
How do I wash my human hair wig or hairpiece?
Washing a human hair wig is a different process than washing a synthetic fibre wig. You must use different products. We recommend using a product that has been designed for human hair wigs such as our Bow Belles Human Hair and Conditioner, which is rich in Argan and essential oils and designed to improve strength and split ends.
Please follow our in-depth step by step Aftercare guide.
How do I look after my synthetic heat defiant wig or hairpiece?
This is a very simple process but can be daunting the first time. It is important to use the correct products, we recommend using Bow Belles Hair Synthetic Fibre product range.
Please follow our in-depth step by step Aftercare guide.
Can I colour my synthetic heat defiant wig or hairpiece?
NO, you cannot colour HD synthetic fibres.
How do I wash my Heat Defense Wig or Hairpiece?
Please follow our in-depth step by step Aftercare guide.
Help, I don’t understand the different cap/ base constructions of each wig.
Although there are many different constructions available in the wig world, there are 4 main categories:
Traditional, Wefted & Capless - Categorised by the traditional closed flower net lace top, with open wefting on the sides and back which are machine sewn. This style cap is durable and boasts a good lift at the crown and root areas. You can achieve a blow-dry look every day. These can weigh slightly more than other types of construction. A very affordable option
Monofilament – Famous for the hand knotted sheer base which creates a very natural look and allows you to style and part the hair in any direction and also gives the appearance that the hair is growing from the scalp. Within the Monofilament category there are 3 main construction types - Monofilament Top, Monofilament Parting and Monofilament Crown. Monofilament wigs are the most popular type of wigs, they have a very natural appearance and they’re comfortable.
Hand Tied - The hand knotted or hand tied sheer base is lightweight and contours to the shape of the scalp. These are specifically designed for people with total hair loss or sensitive scalps. The hair can be styled or parted in any direction and has a very natural look. Light weight and very comfortable.
Lace Front - The hand tied knotted lace front is very popular as the lace front creates a very natural hairline. You can pull the hair off of your face and create a quiff or pin it back easily. There are two basic types of Lace Front construction - Ready to Wear which has a pre-cut lace front and the Professional Lace Front which has to be cut back creating a custom hairline and requires adhesive, tape or glue to keep it in securely in place. Professional Lace Front wigs are popular amongst celebrities.
How do I know which wig will suit my face shape?
The first step is to decide on your face shape - stand in front of a mirror and decide which shape best describes the dimensions of your face.
Follow this useful face shape guide for the first step in choosing a suitable wig with confidence:
Round - has a wide hairline and fullness below the cheekbones. Round faces look fantastic with a geometric or linear style, this will break up the round appearance. It would also be good add some height, and/or long, wispy side layers to narrow down the appearance of the cheeks. Comb the hair close to the head on the side and at the neck. Try to avoid lots of width.
Oval - is longer than wide, with a jaw that is narrower than the cheekbones. The oval shaped face has no dominant areas, it is completely in proportion and looks great with just about any hairstyle, length or texture.
Oblong - tends to be a very long and narrow bone structure. We would suggest a style with a fringe across the forehead and soft waves, or curls in the crown and nape areas. This will help to create the illusion of an oval and will add softness.
Heart - has a wider forehead and a narrower chin. We would suggest bringing some hair onto the forehead to balance its width. Keep hair close to the head at the eyes but slightly fuller around the jaw, plus below and in front of the earlobes which will all add volume towards the chin.
Diamond - is narrow at the sides with fullness at the chin area. Bob styles suit Diamond shaped faces very well. Avoid height on top or volume on the sides. A soft fringe to cover a more narrow forehead will also work to reduce the width at the sides of the face.
Square - has a wide hairline and jaw. Square shaped faces need height or waves on top and narrowness at the sides to break up the square appearance. We suggest combing the hair off the forehead to add height to the face. A curly or wavy texture and wisps of hair around the face will break the wideness.
How do I know my head size?
Measuring for a wig may seem daunting but it’s a simple task. Please follow our Head Measuring Guide.
All of the wigs we sell are adjustable in size, they have elastic adjusters located in the nape of the wig to enhance the wearers comfort.
How do I choose my colour?
There is a wide range of colours available in an array of tones, from highlights and base colours to bold and bright. Colour choice is an important consideration when purchasing your wig or hairpiece. We aim to make it clearer and easier for you when making your decision.
Each of our brand products are available in blondes, browns, reds and greys. Use the drop-down list next to our wig and hairpiece listings, click to see an enlarged version of the colour choice. Within these four colour ranges there are also blended colours, highlighted colours and dark rooted colours.
If in doubt about which colour you should choose, why not send us a selfie and we can give you some suggestions of colours and blends to suit your face shape, skin tone and eye colour?!
Can I curl or colour my wig or hairpiece?
This depends on whether you purchase a wig made from human hair, synthetic fibres or a heat defiant synthetic fibres.
Synthetic fibres - you will not be able to colour the wig or hairpiece with dye. You will not be able to straighten or curl your piece either. The style has already been baked into place and is Ready to Wear. Do not use any type of heated appliance on synthetic fibres, you will damage the piece!
You must also being close to open ovens, patio heaters and naked flames.
Synthetic heat defiant fibres (HD or Heat defence) - are heat resistant fibres which can withstand the impact of heated styling tools. Although these wigs and hairpieces are not made of human hair, they are made from man-made fibre strands which look and feel just like naturally growing real hair. You can also use a digitally controlled hair dryer at a low and medium heat after washing (maximum 350 degrees fahrenheit).
Human hair - YES, you can colour your human hair wig. You must remember that the hair on a human hair wig has already been processed, any colour that you use will take faster than normal because hair is more porous. The porosity of the hair also means that you cannot lift the colour. Do not use styling heat over 225 degrees. - e strongly recommend using appliances that can be heat controlled.
How long will my wig last?
There are a few factors to take into account when answering this question. Mostly it depends on the environment in which you wear it, and of course, how you care for it.
The general rule with the wig being worn on a regular basis and the maintenance being correctly applied you can expect:
Fibre Wigs & Hairpieces - can last from 4 months to 1 year, depending on various factors such as quality, construction and maintenance. Overall, the better you look after it the longer it will last.
Synthetic Fibre and Heat Defiant Wigs or Hairpieces - can last from 4 months to 1 year depending on various factors such as quality, construction, maintenance and how often you change the style. Overall, the better you look after it the longer it will last.
Human Hair Wigs and Hairpieces - can last for up to 1 year or even longer depending on various factors such as quality, construction and maintenance. Overall, the better you look after it the longer it will last.
We strongly urge you to familiarise yourself with our Aftercare Guide for each wig type to prolong the life of your wig or hairpiece and to maintain its quality and appearance.
I have tangles at the nape of my wig, what is this and what can I do?
Tangles are caused by friction from where the hair rubs onto your back, shoulders or clothing and is called Friction Frizz or Friction Rub. The thinner (density) the hair, or if the hair is below your shoulders it is more likely to get tangled, creating a matted effect.
To help prevent this, you should brush your wig on a regular basis and spritz with leave-in conditioner. This should be done after washing and in between washes, and will prevent tangling and over-drying or drying-out. It is vital to remember the wig or hairpiece does not receive natural oils produced from the scalp. Another great tip is to store your wig on a stand when you are not wearing it and definitely overnight. Unfortunately, Friction Frizz can be a common occurrence in synthetic fibre wigs.
We do offer a de frizz service. However, we would need to see your wig or hairpiece to check if it would be a viable option for you.
Will my wig be hot or itchy ?
Not necessarily. Unless you are carrying out a strenuous task that makes you particularly hot. We do understand that some people perspire more than others, though. If this is a concern for you, we suggest using a thin disposable liner that will fix securely on any wig, it is breathable and will help to eliminate the build up of moisture, helping you to stay dry and comfortable.
Wigs and Hairpieces have developed hugely over the years and improved a lot since the old days, many cap and base constructions have been designed specifically to allow the scalp to breathe - you would be surprised at how comfortable a wig is to wear.
A wefted construction will always be warmer, permatese and close cap also do no breathe so easily. We would recommend a lightweight, comfortable base and if you look for wigs that feature a hand tied or monofilament top this would ideal as the air can circulate and gives a cooler feel on your scalp.
Should I wear a wig cap or not?
Let’s look at some advantages of wearing a wig cap:
• For those with sensitive skin and scalps, wig caps provide an extra layer of comfort between the wig and your scalp. Some wigs can irritate sensitive skin and for many women who have total hair loss, a wig cap can make their wig feel much more comfortable.
• Sweat and oil can build up under wigs throughout the day. If your wig is applied directly to your head or existing hair with no barrier between those oils and your wig, your wig can slip around. Wig caps work like a base layer. They create a smooth, even surface for what goes on top of it and ensures everything remains firmly in place.
• Wig caps can be helpful for women with partial hair loss because the cap will secure any stray hairs underneath the wig, keeping them in place underneath.
• Some women look great with bald heads and others don’t. Some heads have more lumps, bumps and flat bits than others, and a cap or liner will smooth out the surface of your head so that your wig sits naturally on your head, giving an overall smoother appearance.
Now let’s look at the disadvantages of wearing a wig cap:
• If you’re undergoing chemotherapy treatments or live in a very hot climate, it can be easy to overheat while wearing a wig. Overheating can make you sweat, which can lead to rashes and breakouts on your scalp. If you’re someone who overheats easily, wearing a bamboo wig cap can help prevent overheating, discomfort and associated skin conditions.
•Wig caps are usually labelled as one size fits all. Let’s be honest there is no such thing as one-size-fits-all for anything. Some heads are larger; others are smaller. If your head is larger, a wig cap can feel too tight and cause headaches after long periods of time, and will pop off. If your head is smaller, the wig cap can slip around underneath your wig, causing the wig to fall off. If you can’t find a wig cap that fits your head exactly, our advice is don’t wear one.
• Most wig caps are made from either cotton and nylon, both of which can cause problems for women with sensitive skin. Nylon can be itchy and scratchy, irritating pre-existing skin conditions, and cotton can dry out the skin, also irritating pre-existing skin conditions.
So, should you wear a wig cap?
No matter what the experts tell you, it is your decision and choice as it ultimately is about how it feels and looks to you. Wig caps are not expensive so it is a good idea to try one. There are other alternatives that you can also try if you are concerned your wig will move around, or perhaps you’re just not keen on wearing a cap. If you are looking for more stability you could use a wig grip which is anti-slip or a velvet wig head band. If you check out our Accessories shop, you will see some of the items mentioned in these FAQs.
Top Tip - Make sure to wash and moisturise your scalp regularly. Keeping your scalp clean and hydrated will keep your sensitivity in check.