What to Expect When You Wear a Hairpiece for the First Time

Hair has always been a significant part of our identity, deeply intertwined with our sense of self and dominating our confidence ever since our growing years.

A natural part of our body, our bio hair is often criticized for being too short, curly, frizzy, etc. and taken for granted while growing up, only to be shocked when you realize that balding heads and receding hairlines are not something reserved for old age but rather a harsh reality of young adults today.

At a time when we should be boasting of our natural, youthful and shiny locks that spell elegance with those extravagant hairstyles, we are now discussing how to cover thinning crowns with hair toppers for women, toupees for men and even wigs for kids. Sigh!

For those experiencing hair loss or thinning, wearing a hairpiece can be both exhilarating and intimidating. As a first time hairpiece user, there may be several questions on your mind. Let us guide you through the journey of what to expect when you wear a hairpiece for the first time so that you are mentally prepared and well-equipped with whatever you need to ease your trial-and-error process as a new hairpiece user.

Making a start

Deciding that you need a hairpiece is a big step in itself. This is not for the faint-hearted. You must be zealous and confident about yourself and your ability to wear a hair unit seamlessly and flawlessly. Of course, this comes with practice, but you have to start somewhere.

Getting down to the basics

Wearing a hairpiece is a personal decision that dramatically enhances your self-esteem and appearance. Here are some considerations when making that choice:

1. Understanding Your Options: Research different types of hairpieces, such as human hair wigs, toupees for men, and hair toppers for women. Consult with a hair specialist to determine which option suits your needs best. Sometimes, you might need trial and error to see which base suits you best.
2. Selecting the Right Style: Choose a hairpiece that matches your natural hair colour, texture, and style preferences. This ensures a seamless blend with your existing hair.
3. Setting Realistic Expectations: It's essential to have realistic expectations about the appearance and maintenance of your hairpiece. Hairpieces require care and maintenance to stay looking their best.
4. Customization: Your hairpiece may need adjustments to ensure a perfect fit. This can involve trimming, styling, and colour matching.
5. Learning to Wear It: If you're new to wearing a hairpiece, you must learn how to put it on properly. This may take some practice, but it becomes easier over time.

Maintenance

Maintaining your hairpiece is crucial to keeping it looking natural and stylish. It takes a lot of time initially, but you can do it in under 15 minutes straight as you get used to it. Here's what to expect in terms of care:

1. Cleaning and Styling: Depending on the type of hairpiece, you may need to clean it regularly (once a week) and style it just like natural hair. Always use wig-friendly shampoos, conditioners, leave-in conditioners, detanglers, etc. for hairpieces.
2. Adjustments: Your hairpiece may need minor adjustments or repairs over time. This is normal, so don't be surprised if you need occasional maintenance or repair, colour touch-ups, etc.

Remember that maintaining your hairpiece will be an ongoing commitment. It's important to factor in time and costs for upkeep.

We have many informative blogs, videos and tutorials to help you with your hairpiece learning curve.

The Initial Reaction

Wearing a hairpiece for the first time can be an emotional experience. Here's what you might feel:

1. Confidence Boost: Many people report an immediate boost in confidence when they see themselves with a full head of hair again. It can feel like a new lease on life.
2. Mixed Emotions: It's common to experience mixed emotions, including excitement, apprehension, and even anxiety. Remember, it's okay to have these feelings.
3. Positive Feedback: Be prepared for compliments from friends and family who notice the change. This can be a validating experience.

Physical reactions

You need to give yourself and your skin time to get used to regular hairpiece use. These are some everyday experiences with first time hairpiece wearers, especially for men’s hair systems.

Itchiness: Your skin might feel itchy with the use of something new that is constantly on it 24/7 for at least a week. Using a hair system also comes with wig glues, tapes, etc., which might cause some itchiness initially.

Sweat: If you have oily skin or sweat profusely, this will also occur under your hair unit. But there is no need to worry. You need to opt for lace or a breathable base that allows air circulation and increases the comfort of your hairpiece.

Uncomfortable feeling: as mentioned earlier, you are not used to constantly wearing something on your head, so that you might feel a sort of heaviness, uneasiness or discomfort. People have sometimes described it as a face-uplifting feeling, but this generally goes away in about two days. Wearing a hairpiece takes some getting used to. So don't give up if you experience these everyday things.

Edges lifting: sometimes, the glue is not put right to the tip of the lace or base, and you might notice a very small uplifting of the unit. However, there is nothing to worry about. You just need to reglue it down.

Glue melting: depending on the place's climate or other factors, you may notice the glue melt out of your system. This can be easily fixed with a Q-tip and some of our handy products.

Hair training: Your hairpiece must be trained with repetitive styling and products to achieve your desired results.

Hairpieces for women and men are great solutions to hair loss problems. They are convenient, painless, and with visible results in just under 2 hours. Wearing a hairpiece for the first time is filled with many emotions and experiences. It's a decision that can significantly impact your self-esteem and overall quality of life. It prepares you to take on the world with a newfound sense of style and grace. Embrace the change, and remember that it reflects your strength and resilience in the face of hair loss.