How to Keep a Man's Beard & Wigs on Without Coming Off

Hairpieces like wigs, toupees, moustaches and beards are essential for costumes, theatrical productions and men who want to change their image. Modern hairpieces are made by tying individual hairs into a lace or nylon base. The base of smaller hairpieces is adhered by glue or tape to a man's skin. Whether you want to wear a full wig for a costume or cover a bald spot with a toupee, learning to properly secure the hairpiece is essential to a comfortable and natural look.

Things You'll Need

• Double-adhesive tape
• Spirit gum and remover
• Hair comb
• Toupee adhesive
• Wig cap
• Hair gel
• Bobby pins

Instructions

1. Use double-adhesive tape, which is a clear, double-sided tape, to attach hairpieces to clean skin. First, clean and dry the areas of your face on which you plan to attach the hairpiece. Trim the tape to fit your hair piece and make sure that the tape does not show around the edges. Peel one side of the tape and press it into the back of the hairpiece, starting at the top and smoothing the tape down to the bottom of the piece. Peel the other side of the tape and firmly press the hairpiece onto your skin.

2. Use spirit gum, a liquid adhesive that is safe for use on skin, to attach your hairpiece. First, clean and dry the areas of your face on which you plan to attach the hairpiece. Apply a thin layer of spirit gum with the enclosed brush to the inside of your hairpiece and put aside. Next, apply a thin layer of spirit gum to your skin. Place the hairpiece on your skin and press firmly with a comb. Use a damp cloth to dab at any excess glue on your skin.

3. Attach a men's toupee with a toupee adhesive designed for long-term use. Shave any stray hairs on your scalp and then clean and dry your scalp. Apply a thin layer of adhesive on your scalp and position the toupee on your head. Long-term adhesives can last up to four weeks.

4. Prepare your hair for a full wig. Comb your hair away from your face and use hair gel to slick down any wisps of hair. Put on a wig cap and adjust the edges to sit on your natural hairline. Secure the wig cap to your scalp with bobby pins.

5. Identify the front and back of your wig and place the wig on your head. Be sure to adjust the wig to match your hairline and cover the wig cap. Tighten any elastic straps on the wig so that the wig does not move when you shake your head. Use bobby pins to anchor the wig once it is in place.

Tips & Warnings

• Tape is easy to use, but is visible upon close inspection. Tape is best used for theatrical settings where people cannot see your hairpiece up close. Tape can also feel stiff and less natural than glue.

• Spirit gum is almost invisible upon close inspection and provides a more flexible bond for hairpieces. It lasts about 6-8 hours and must be washed off of hairpieces after use. Use spirit gum remover to remove your hairpiece and clean excess gum on your skin.

References

• Makeup FX
• Hair Direct
• Wilshire Wigs & Accessories: Putting on a Wig