How to Put on a Wig Cap: A Beginner’s Step-by-Step Guide

Written by: Nancy Pinder

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Time to read 7 min

Slipping on a wig cap beneath your synthetic or human hair wig can seriously up your hair game, giving you that natural vibe and ensuring everything stays put. No more fretting about your hair making a run for it or getting all shifty on you.


But you can’t just slap on a wig cap and expect it to work magic. If you’re about to try out your newly purchased wig, our super simple guide to how to put on a wig cap will ensure you get it right the first time.

Why Do You Need a Wig Cap?

Putting on a wig cap before your wig makes the whole experience easier for several key reasons.


  1. It's fab for keeping your natural hair out of the way, giving your wig a smooth base to sit on.

  2. It's like a shield for your hair and scalp, protecting against any rubbing and irritation from the wig itself.

  3. It keeps your wig from doing a slip-and-slide, making sure it stays put all day.

Basically, think of a wig cap as the unsung hero behind rocking a comfortable and natural-looking wig.

How to Put on a Wig Cap Over Your Hair

Despite what it might look like from the endless TikTok tutorials or Instagram Reels, putting on a wig cap is actually quite simple.


We’ve narrowed it down to 5 simple steps, which we’ve outlined below for you to follow along with:

Step 1: Secure Your Hair to Your Head

Ensuring your hair is neatly tucked away is the key first step to guaranteeing your wig cap and wig look flawlessly natural.


Let's dive into a couple of techniques to help you create a seamless base, no matter the length or type of your hair:

Hair Length Technique Description
Long Cornrows Braid hair in sections close to the scalp for even distribution and minimal bulk.
Short Bobby Pins Twist small hair sections and pin them flat against the head for a smooth surface.
Short Hair Gel Apply strong-hold gel, comb back hair flat, and let dry completely.
Medium Low Ponytail / Bun Gather hair in a low, tight ponytail or bun at the nape of your neck.

Step 2: Protect Your Scalp

Before you dive into the world of wigs, protecting your scalp is key! Slathering on a bit of scalp protector can be a real game-changer, keeping annoying irritations at bay when you're rocking a wig cap.


Consider this product as a protective barrier that provides a comfortable layer between your scalp and the wig cap, minimising rubbing and uncomfortable reactions. This step is a must if you have a sensitive scalp.

Step 3: Align the Wig Cap With Your Natural Hairline

Getting your wig cap to line up just right with your natural hairline is key for that seamless look.

Here's a tip: start by placing the wig cap’s front edge a tad in front of your natural hairline. This trick keeps your real hair out of sight at the front, keeping things looking all-natural. You can then pull the cap back a bit for a more natural hairline.

If your hairline is uneven , you’ll want to give this step a bit more attention. Aim to cover the lowest points of your hairline with the wig cap, ensuring your natural hair doesn’t play peek-a-boo.


Grabbing a mirror will be a big help here. It will allow you to see exactly how the wig cap sits compared to your natural hairline.


When you’ve got it just right, the wig cap should feel snug but comfy, without any weird gaps or lumps at the edges.

Step 4: Pull the Wig Cap Over Your Hair

Next up, you're going to want to carefully stretch the back of the cap over your head.


Make sure it snugly covers all your hair, right down to those strands at the nape of your neck. Take it slow here to avoid any snags or displacing any hair you've neatly arranged.


Now, let's focus on the area around your ears – it's crucial! Ensure every single hair, especially those tricky wispy ones by your ears, is safely tucked under the wig cap.


If you spot any stray hairs, just use your fingers or the end of a rattail comb to gently tuck them in. You might need to adjust the cap a bit here and there to get that perfect fit all around your hairline.

Step 5: Secure the Wig Cap

Securing your wig cap properly is essential to ensure it stays in place all day. Two effective methods are bobby pins and wig adhesive spray.

Method How to Secure Wig Cap Pros Cons
Bobby Pins Slide bobby pins over the edges of the cap, catching hair underneath. Easy to use, adjustable May not hold as well for heavy wigs
Wig Adhesive Spray Spray a light mist of adhesive under the wig cap. Strong hold, minimises damage Requires careful application, may cause an allergic reaction (test on a small area first)

Bobby Pins

Securing your wig cap with bobby pins is a breeze! Just gently slide the pins over the cap's edge, catching a bit of your natural hair underneath to keep it snugly in place.


For the best hold, pop a few bobby pins around your head's circumference – don't forget the areas near your ears and the nape of your neck.

Wig Adhesive Spray

Need a stronger wig hold? Try a wig adhesive spray! These wonders are crafted to keep your wig in place, minus any damage to your scalp.

Here's a quick tip: gently lift a section of the wig cap, mist a dash of adhesive underneath, thandress down for a few seconds until it's all set. You can also use a hair dryer on cool to speed up the drying process. Always avoid spraying your hair with the adhesive.

Remember, a small amount does the trick, so use sparingly. And, always make sure the spray is compatible with your skin to avoid any irritation.


You can also use wig tape to secure your cap, but this can be painful if it adheres to your hair. Always pick what feels right for you, or mix and match for extra hold. 

How to Keep Short Hair Under a Wig Cap

For those with short hair, the goal is to get your hair as flat against your scalp as possible, setting the perfect stage for your wig cap.


A game-changer for this task is hair gel or hair spray. These should be your go-to products for keeping shorter strands neatly under wraps.


Start by applying a decent amount of strong-hold hair gel over your hair. Make sure it's evenly distributed – a comb can help with this as well as removing excess product.


Let the gel dry completely before you put on your wig cap; otherwise, things will get messy fast! You can also use a hairdryer on a cool setting to speed up the process.


Once the gel has set, your hair will stay in place beneath the wig cap avoiding pesky flyaways.

Does Wig Cap Positioning Change with a Lace Front Wig?

Yes, with a lace front wig, positioning the wig cap correctly is crucial for achieving a natural hairline appearance.


The wig cap should be placed slightly behind the natural hairline, allowing the lace front to blend seamlessly with your skin.


This method creates an undetectable transition between the wig and your skin for a realistic hairline and overall natural-looking wig installation.

Seamlessly Change Up Your Look With RiRi’s Wigs

Knowing how to put a wig cap on properly is the easiest way to upgrade your wig game and keep your locks looking natural all day and all night.


Whether you're heading to a big event or just want to change up your look for the day, following these steps will ensure a comfortable and flawless wig-wearing experience with RiRi Wigs.


Explore our range of synthetic and Remy human hair wigs online today!


Complete your look with our tips for putting on a wig with long hair.

FAQs

What Types of Wig Caps Are There?

There are primarily two types of wig caps: nylon or mesh wig caps, which are thin, stretchy, comfortable and suitable for daily use, and lace-front wig caps, designed for a natural front hairline appearance. You might need to try a couple to find the right wig cap for you.

How Do You Put on a Mesh Wig Cap?

To put on a mesh wig cap, start by stretching it between your hands. Then, from front to back, gently pull it over your head, ensuring it covers all your hair. Adjust the cap so it sits comfortably against your scalp, with all hair tucked in neatly.

Do You Need Glue for a Wig Cap?

Glue is not a necessity for securing a wig cap; however, it can offer additional hold for those seeking extra security. Alternatives include bobby pins, wig adhesive spray, or simply relying on the wig cap's elasticity. Always choose the method that feels most comfortable and suitable for your needs.

What's the Difference Between a Wig and a Wig Cap?

A wig is a head covering made from human hair, animal hair, or synthetic fibre, designed to resemble natural hair. A wig cap, on the other hand, is a layer worn underneath a wig to secure one's natural hair and ensure the wig fits comfortably and looks natural.

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