How To Make Your Wig Look More Realistic

The undetectable wig

Just because it is not my natural hair does not mean it should not look like my hair. A realistic wig will always be better than a noticeable wig.

Achieving seamless and undetectable wig installs is possible, and these seven steps will help you do that. If you are a complete beginner or somewhat familiar with the process, this guide is meant to aid you.

Let’s jump in, and this process begins with working on the lace.

The Knots Need to Look Invisible

One giveaway that someone is wearing a wig is that you can see those tiny knots in the lace. Those little knots are there because the hair is tied to the lace, and the contrast in color between the lace and hair is very noticeable.

If you want a realistic wig, you should bleach the knots to make the knots appear invisible by lighting the color.

You should know that not all wigs are created the same because they may be labeled as a wig with pre-bleached knots. Those kinds of wigs can save this step for you, but others have visible knots that should be lightened.

How to Bleach the Knots

Spray the hair with hair spray or holding spray to push back the fly aways
Mix bleach powder and 20-volume developer to get a thick consistency
Spread the mixture onto the lace
Wrap the lace with foil and let it sit for 15 – 20 minutes
Rinse the lace with purple or blue shampoo

Thin Out Your Hairline and Part

After you bleach the knots, you can see how the lace looks more realistic, but the next issue could be a thick hairline.

It should also be said that there are wigs that are made pre-plucked, which allows you to do little to no work to create a realistic hairline. While other wigs come with a fully packed lace.

If you bought a wig and the lace looks too packed with hair around the hairline and part, then this is when you grab your tweezers and start plucking.

Sometimes when not paying attention or trying to achieve perfection, you can end up over-plucking the lace. So, be careful not to pluck too much.

How to Pluck the Lace

Create a horizontal part to separate the hairline and the rest of the hair
Pluck a little behind the line from one side to the other
Create another horizontal part to create a third section
Repeat step 2
Push back all the hair and pluck a little behind the hairline from one side to the other

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For a Realistic Wig, The Lace Should Match Your Skin Tone

After putting in the work to bleach the knots and pluck the hairline and part, it is time to tint the lace. This is when you make the lace match your natural skin tone to make it appear more seamless.

How to Tint the Lace

Apply foundation or concealer on the lace by using a sponge or a brush
Use a blow dryer for about 10 minutes to dry out the foundation or concealer
Let it air dry for 30 minutes or overnight
Tap the lace to check if it is dry

Note: HD lace and transparent lace are the easiest to tint to match any skin tone

How You Put on the Wig Matters Too

There are two ways you can put on a wig, and the first way is easier and faster, which I call the Simple Method.

Simple Method

This method is best for a lace closure wig or a glueless wig.

1. Put on a wig cap that is close to your skin tone
2. Put the wig on over the wig cap
3. (Optional) Cut off the excess lace (you can use a razor or scissors)
4. (Optional) Apply glue or holding spray and melt the lace

Bald Cap Method

This is the second method you can use to get a seamless look. This method also provides a semi-permanent installation that lasts 5 – 10 days.

1. Put on a wig cap that is close to your skin tone
2. Spray Got To Be Freeze Spray on the front of the wig cap
3. When dry, cut off the excess part of the wig cap
4. Put on the wig, leaving the lace part facing upward
5. Apply skin protector to your forehead
6. Apply a thin layer of glue and wait for it to dry (Clear = dry)
7. Repeat step 6
8. Pull the lace down and melt it into the glue
9. Cut off the excess lace (you can use a razor or scissors)

A Realistic Wig Needs a Realistic Outline

When cutting off the lace, one may think it’s best to perfectly cut it in a half-crescent shape, but an imperfect cut is better. The lace should mimic a natural hairline because most hairlines do not have perfect lines and curves.

How to Cut the Lace

Create a part around your ears
Cut the lace around that part (can leave a piece for sideburns)
Cut the lace close to the hairline
Aim to follow the hairline when cutting the lace while creating a subtle zig-zag

At this point, your wig should look like it is coming out of your scalp. After all that work, take the time to review it.

Always Do a First Look and Then Make Revisions

Revisions happen, but they should happen after you step back and look at the finished work. It is only a recipe for disaster if you keep making tiny revisions while doing any of the steps above.

So, try not to overuse certain supplies such as scissors, razors, or tweezers because you don’t want to overdo what you can’t undo.

No Realistic Wig Should Like a Hair Helmet

Sometimes when you first put on a wig, it can have a lot of volume, but not in a good way. When there is too much volume around the top of the head, it can look unnatural.

This is why you should try to lay down the wig at the crown of your head. Doing this will only be necessary if the texture of the hair at the top is straight.

How to Flatten the Top of the Wig

Rub a hair stick to smooth down any flyaways and remove frizz
Apply heat with a hot comb

Note: Your wig can also look like a helmet if your natural hair is not flat enough underneath. So, make sure you prep your hair well.

Customize the Wig To Your Preference and Head Shape

Completely optional, but this is how you make the hair fit your face and style better. Now you can cut, curl, or shape the hair to your liking. Also, you can have some fun with the hairline by creating baby hairs.

How to Create Baby Hairs

Cut small pieces of hair around the hairline
Lay and style the baby hairs using hair mousse or edge control
Tie down the baby hairs with a scarf and leave it on for 5-10 minutes

You have reached the end! So, let’s recap and go over all the steps.

Bleach the knots
Pluck the lace
Tint the lace
Install the wig
Cut off the excess lace
Flatten and smooth out the wig (optional)
Customize the wig (optional)

After following these steps, you should be able to make your wigs look more natural. Creating a realistic wig may take practice, but the time and patience will be worth it.

Here are some great wigs you can use to follow these steps and improve your skills.

Helpful Sources

- How to Make Your Lace Look Like Scalp | What Lace

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