How to Attach a Hair Wrap Wig

If your own hair won't cooperate or if you are unpracticed with creating hairstyles, you can change your hair's look in minutes by using hair wraps--human or synthetic hair on elastic bands or combs. Available in varying lengths, textures and colors, these hairpieces can help you turn your everyday style into something special.

Things You'll Need

• Hairpiece wig on an elastic band or wire-wrapped comb
• Hairbrush
• Ponytail elastic
• Hairpins or bobby pins
• Comb
• Hairspray

Instructions

Prepare Your Fake Hair

1. Choose a hairpiece in a color that closely matches your own, unless you're trying to achieve an unconventional look. It doesn't have to be an exact match, as these pieces contain strands of different tones to blend well with natural hair.

   Some wrap hairpieces feature lengths of hair attached to an elastic band. They resemble scrunchies. Others consist of lengths of hair attached to flexible wires and then fastened to a multi-toothed comb. Both types are easy to use, though styling the latter offers more flexibility.

2. Wig and hairpiece manufacturers compress their products when they are packaged for sale. If your hairpiece is brand new, gently shake it a few times. Run your fingers through it, arranging any waves or curls for a more natural appearance.

3. Examine the faux hair's condition. If it appears dull, your finished style will also appear dull. Remedy this by gently spraying synthetic pieces with a very diluted solution of fabric softener in water. Use a diluted solution of hair conditioner and water for pieces made from human hair. In either case, ensure that your wig pieces remain in good condition by washing them according to manufacturer instructions from time to time.

Prepare Your Own Hair

1. Gather your hair into a ponytail, and use a hairbrush to carefully smooth the hair on the top and sides of your head. When your hair is pulled back, messy areas become more obvious.

2. Fasten your ponytail with a hair elastic. For a formal look, place your ponytail toward the crown of your head. Place your ponytail close to the nape of your neck for a classic, sophisticated style.

3. Leave the ponytail as is if your hair is short or if you wish to incorporate your ponytail into the style.

   If you wish to hide your own hair, or if your natural hair is much longer than the hair wrap, twist the ponytail like a rope. When it is tightly twisted, wrap it around the ponytail elastic, forming a bun. Use hairpins or bobby pins to tightly secure the bun. The hair wrap will cover this bun, so it doesn't need to be neat.

Attach and Style Your Hairpiece

1. Pull your ponytail through the center of the elastic band. If it does not hold tightly to your own hair, twist the piece and pull your ponytail through once more. To attach the wrap to a bun, stretch the piece to fit snugly around it, twisting and doubling it if a single wrap is not tight enough.

   For wire-wrap pieces attached to a comb, push the comb firmly either above or below your ponytail or bun. Secure the comb behind your ponytail elastic, making sure it's firmly fixed into your own hair. Wrap the wire pieces in opposite directions around your ponytail or bun. Fold the ends slightly inward to achieve a natural appearance.

2. Pull very gently at the strands of the hairpiece, freeing any ends caught in the elastic or folded awkwardly under the wires.

3. Incorporate your natural hair into the hairpiece by using a comb to lightly blend the two. Arrange strands from the hair wrap to conceal your bun or to fall into your natural ponytail. Fix any stubbornly awkward pieces by using hairpins to place them where you would like them.

4. Apply hairspray to hold your style in place.

Tips & Warnings

• Wear jeweled barrettes or ornamented bobby pins near your hairpiece to dress up for a formal occasion. Wear a headband with your hair wrap for a fun, modern style. Attach a fake flower to the center of the piece, or even above or below it, for a festive look.

References

• Styles 101