With the variety of wigs on offer and the myriad of methods in which to keep them on securely, it can be a little intimidating trying to figure out which method is best for you.
Well, don’t worry at all, I’m here to walk you through a variety of different methods and help you pick the best one for you! My name is Bianca, and I’ve been wearing extensions, wigs, hairpieces, and more for about 15 years.
From London stages to Dubai and beyond, I’ve gathered some insider knowledge from the pros on how to keep your wig to stick, no matter how much hair flipping you intend to do.
This article will give you the information you need to keep your wig in place, no matter how much or how little natural hair you have.
Sounds like exactly what you need right now? Keep reading to keep your wig in place, first time, every time, from now on!
7 Best Methods to Keep your Wig From Riding Up in the Back (with Detailed Steps)
Here are the detailed steps of my most recommended methods to keep your wig securely in place. Depending on your style of wig and your needs, these methods can be combined to secure your wig in the best way possible.
If you have natural hair, you should wrap it prior to using any of these methods. This works for long hair and short hair
Method 1: Wig Tape
Get these tools prepared before on your putting on your wig:
Tools Needed
- Wig
- Cotton wool
- Rubbing alcohol or non-oil based cleanser
- Wig tape
Detailed Steps
Wig tape works best for those that don’t have natural hair. However, it works brilliantly on bare skin. If you are wearing a wig daily, and your wig has an extended section by the nape of your neck, you can utilize the wig tape in this area against the bare skin of your neck using the same steps below.
Follow the steps below, and you will have a secure wig:
Step 1: Take the cotton wool and use a cleanser or rubbing alcohol to remove any grease, oil, or makeup from the areas where you want your wig tape to secure your wig.
Step 2: Secure the wig tape to your wig around the perimeter of the wig, on the inside.
Step 3: Put your wig on as usual from front to back and make sure your ear tabs are level.
Step 4: Once the wig is aligned and adjusted to exactly where you want it, start peeling the backing from the wig tape and securing it to your head. Press the tape securely to your head to make sure that it is secure.
*Top Tip: Wig tape works well when used in conjunction with a wig cap, a few wig clips, and bobby pins. It can also work well with wig glue.
If your head tends to get hot during the day this isn’t a good option as once the wig is on, it’s on. Also, if you have a sensitive scalp, this method may be a little harsh for you as you have to tug a bit to remove the wig tape – you kind of have to rip it off like a band-aid.
Method 2: Wig Grip
Get these tools prepared before on your putting on your wig:
Tools Needed
- Wig
- Cotton wool
- Rubbing alcohol or non-oil based cleanser
- Wig grip
Detailed Steps
A wig grip is a band that wraps around your head and secures with velcro. It is best used in conjunction with a wig cap, bobby pins, or wig pins.
Wig grips are useful if you have natural hair if you have no hair, and pretty much anything in between. They are a little expensive as they need to be replaced every 6 months or so.
Follow the steps below to have a secure wig throughout the day:
Step 1: With a cotton wool ball, rub some cleanser or rubbing alcohol around the hairline to give the wig grip a clean surface to grip too.
Step 2: Wrap the grip around your head and secure it at the velcro ends. Make sure it isn’t too tight that it adds tension, and make sure it isn’t too loose so that it slips.
Step 3: Put your wig on as usual, from front to back.
*Top Tip: Some people feel a little claustrophobic with a wig grip, and others swear by it as it allows them to remove their wig often throughout the day and doesn’t make their hair too hot.
If you prefer a wig grip to a wig cap, you can also consider adding wig glue, bobby pins, and wig clips to this method for added security.
Method 3: Silicone Sheet
Get these tools prepared before on your putting on your wig:
Tools Needed
- Wig
- Cotton wool
- Rubbing alcohol or non-oil based cleanser
- Silicone sheet
- Needle and thread
Detailed Steps
A silicone sheet works very well with people who have very little to no natural hair.
Follow the steps below, and you will have a secure wig:
Step 1: Cut the silicone sheet into strips.
Step 2: Sew the strips on the inside of the wig, sewing small stitches to keep the silicone strips secure.
Step 3: Work your way from the hairline up and back.
Step 4: Using the cleanser or rubbing alcohol, cleanse your bare scalp to give the silicone a clean surface to grip too and to stop any oil build up.
Step 5: Place your wig on as per usual, from the front and adjusting the back.
*Top Tip: Silicone sheets are very secure with little to no additional methods if you have bare skin. However, it can make the wig a little less breathable, so remember to leave gaps in between the strips.
Method 4: Wig Cap
Get these tools prepared before on your putting on your wig:
Tools Needed
- Wig
- Wig cap
Detailed Steps
There are two types of wigs caps – mesh caps (they look like big fish net tights with a hole at either end), and nylon caps (they look like a nylon sock you would wear with ankle boots).
Most people prefer the mesh type as it is more breathable, and it is especially helpful if you have a lot of hair. However as they are relatively inexpensive, I would suggest getting both and seeing which one suits you as with much shorter hair, the nylon cap will offer a more stable foundation.
Wig caps are great methods to use in conjunction with wig glue, wig tape (at the nape of the neck), wig grips, wig pins, wig clips, and even bobby pins.
Follow the steps below, and you will be able to have a secure wig:
Step 1: put your hands inside the wig cap and stretch it out.
Step 2: Place over your head, and adjust to your hairline, until it feels secure and comfortable.
Step 3: Put your wig on as per usual, starting in the front and working your way back.
*Top Tip: The mesh wig caps are popular with people with more sensitive scalps as it feels like you have less on under your wig and allows your head to breath.
Method 5: Wig Clips
Get these tools prepared before on your putting on your wig:
Tools Needed
- Wig
- Wig clips
- Sewing needle and thread
Detailed Steps
Wig clips are only good for people who have a fair amount of natural hair. The clips can irritate the scalp and pull on the hair. I wouldn’t recommend this method for those with thinning hair, those trying to grow their hair back after cancer treatments, or those with sensitive scalps.
Follow the steps below, to secure your wig with clips:
Step 1: Starting at the front of the wig, sew the wig clips facing inwards, so they face the inside of the wig.
Step 2: Leave an inch of space between clips.
Step 3: Put your wig on as per usual and when the wig is in place, pus the clips into your hairline.
Method 6: Bobby Pins and Wig Pins
Get these tools prepared before on your putting on your wig:
Tools Needed
- Wig
- Cotton wool
- Rubbing alcohol or non-oil based cleanser
- Bobby pins and wig pins
Detailed Steps
Wig pins are just longer versions of bobby pins and are especially handy if you have a lot of natural hair that you have wrapped at the back of your head. Bobby pins are smaller and better for shorter hair, however, a mix of both is usually used.
As long as you have hair underneath, you can use this method in conjunction with every method on this list (apart from the silicone sheets, but if you have hair you wouldn’t use silicone sheets)
Follow the steps below, to secure your wig:
Step 1: Put your wig on as you usually would, from front to back.
Step 2: Lifting sections of the wig, either use a bobby pin or wig pin to secure the wig to your hair underneath. Make sure to use pins that match as closely to your wig as possible.
Step 3: Style as usual.
Method 7: Wig Glue
Get these tools prepared before on your putting on your wig:
Tools Needed
- Wig
- Cotton wool
- Rubbing alcohol or non-oil based cleanser
- Wig glue
Detailed Steps
Wig glue can be used with or without natural hair. It isn’t as secure as wig tape, which makes it less “ripping off a band-aid” and more “detaching”. It doesn’t hurt when you remove the wig.
Do note that wig glue is quite similar to eyelash glue, it needs time to set and once you pull the wig off you have to start the process again.
Follow the steps below, and you will be able to secure your wig with glue:
Step 1: If you have bare skin, then use the cleanser and rubbing alcohol to clean your scalp. If you have hair, then roll the wig glue from your hairline to the back of your head. If the roller is having trouble, just roll it on the back of your hand to get it moving.
Step 2: Make sure to add a bit to the back of your neck, too, to help secure the wig all the way around.
Step 3: Put your wig on as you usually would from front to back and adjust until you are happy with the placement.
Step 4: Take your time and slowly press the wig onto the wig glue and massage little circles to make sure there are no lumps and bumps.
*Top Tip: Wig glue takes a while to set, so carry on with something else, like your makeup or similar. Come back and press the wig into the wig glue at intervals until about 10 minutes have passed.
Wig glue can be used in conjunction with almost every method on this list. To remove the wig glue after wear, just use a damp facecloth, and rub lightly. It dissolves quickly and easily.
Wrapping Up
Most of these methods can be and are best used in conjunction with one another. Depending on the condition of your scalp, the type of wig, and how often you wear your wig, you will find your best combination to feel comfortable and secure by using a few of these methods on this list.
Which combination works for you? Let us know in the comments below, we love hearing from you!