How to Make a Wig Hairline Look Natural
Transgender Guide | Site Map | Chat | Personals | Message Board | Articles | Support | Shopping | Links
Transgender Guide | Site Map | Chat | Personals | Message Board | Articles | Support | Shopping | Links
Q&A
Q. I am a weekend TV who needs help with wigs. I am bald and have the worst time trying to make a wigline look natural. I have seen RuPauls wigs and they look like they are growing right out of his scalp. How is this done????
Response by Krystle Glass
A. First of all you have to realize that RuPaul has access to the very finest of wigs, make-up artists etc. I once read an article that showed the staff needed for his transformation and the amount of time and money involved. There were dozens of people and thousands of dollars and hours of time. I am taking nothing away from RuPaul's own ability, looks, talent etc. I really admire her and am envious of her beauty. But what she can achieve is beyond the reach of most of us, unless we too are dedicated performance artists.
But that shouldn't discourage you. Being bald does not mean you have to settle for unnatural looking wigs. My suggestion to you, and anyone else who is buying a wig, is to go someplace where you can try on what you want before you buy it. It will save you a tremendous amount of cost and disappointment. I've seen many wigs that looked great on a wig head, but looked ludicrous on me. They simply did not suit my face or structure. And you need not necessarily worry about a hairline. Look for wigs that have bangs or are styled such that the actual hairline isn't visible. The wig I just recently bought has what is called a "natural skin front". This means that a portion of the front of the wig isn't a mesh, but is instead a solid, skin colored piece where the hairs are more carefully attached so they look as if they are growing out of the crown. My wig still has bangs. The actual hairline would still look unnatural. But the part in the middle looks real and adds to the illusion that it is my own hair.
Remember too, another factor to your wig looking it's best is to make sure you have it positioned properly. This can be difficult if you have a greatly receded or non-existent hairline to act as a guide. If it looks odd, then try adjusting the hairline up or down until it looks right. And if you have trouble securing your wig (many of them need some hair to "grab" onto) you can buy "toupee tape" to hold it. You should be able to find the tape (a double sided adhesive specifically made to secure hairpieces) at beauty supply houses and wig salons.
Lastly, you get what you pay for. This isn't to say that there aren't great bargains out there or that you need to spend outrageous amounts of money for a decent wig. But don't expect to have something for $29.99 look natural unless it's one heck of a sale. Of the two wigs I have, both look natural. The best looking one is the least expensive, but it was $100, on sale.