How to Put on a Wig With Long Hair - Our Stylist’s 3 Recommended Methods

Written by: Nancy Pinder

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Time to read 8 min

Wigs aren’t just for girls with short hair – even if your natural locks flow way past your shoulders, there's no reason why you can't have fun with a wig to switch up your style. But you’ll need to take a bit of extra care when wearing a wig with long hair to make sure you’ve fitted it seamlessly.


We’ve brought in the help of our hair extension stylists to give their best 3 methods for putting on a wig with long hair. With these tips, you’ll have the perfect fit and natural-looking style in no time!

In this guide:


  • Top 3 Methods to Wear Wigs Over Long Natural Hair

    • Method 1: Braids

    • Method 2: Ponytail 

    • Method 3: Low Bun

  • Tips for Hiding Your Long Hair Under a Wig

  • How to Make Your Wig Look Natural With Long Hair

Our Top 3 Methods to Wear Wigs Over Long Natural Hair

We're sure there's no shortage of clever ways to disguise your long natural hair under a wig, but we like to keep things simple and manageable over here!


We've picked 3 of our favourite tried and tested methods to help you hide your long hair beneath a stunning wig for a fun night out or to change up your daily look.

Top Tip: Prepare your wig and natural hair by washing them with RiRi Shampoo & Conditioner to keep them in the best condition!

Method 1: Braid Your Hair Underneath

Braiding your hair is one of the most popular ways to hide it under a wig. By putting your hair into tight braids, you create a flat base for your wig to sit on, which should make the wig  look more natural.


Braiding also means you tie up any potential loose pieces of hair or flyaways that might escape from underneath the wig cap. 

Here’s how to braid your long hair for a wig:


Step 1) Start by brushing your hair to remove any tangles and part it down the middle.


Step 2) Next, create tight French braids or cornrows on each side, ensuring they're neat and as flat as possible against your head. Create more parts and braids if you have thicker hair to make it flatter.


Step 3) Once you have your braids, cross them at the nape of your neck and bring them up, tucking the ends securely at the top of your head.


Step 4) Secure with bobby pins as necessary, aiming for as smooth a surface as can be.


Step 5) Pull your wig cap on and tuck in any stray hairs around the edges.

With this method, try to avoid creating a bump at the top of your head with the braids. If you find the braids are too bulky, you may need to part your hair into smaller sections. You can also try braiding your hair a little more loosely – braids that are too tight can become too bulky.


If you struggle with French braids, this method can also be done by twisting the hair instead and creating rope braids. This is slightly less secure than braiding, but it can be more comfortable long term and is a little less fiddly than French plaits.

Method 2: Put Your Hair into a Low Pony

The low ponytail method is a good method if you have thin and naturally straight hair. It won’t work as well with thick or curly hair as it’ll create too much of a bump on the top of your head, and you may find that your flyaways escape more easily. We’d recommend using the braiding method for thick, curly, and wavy hair.


But a simple low pony works well for hiding straight, long hair under a wig, and it takes no time at all.

How to put your hair into a ponytail for a wig:


Step 1) Gather your hair into a low ponytail at the nape of your neck, ensuring it's tight enough to stay put but not so tight that it causes discomfort.


Step 2) To keep your hair flat, split the ponytail into two sections and pull the hair forward to the front of your head so it's lying flat against your scalp. (If your hair's too long, you can fold it back on itself).


Step 3) Secure the hair with bobby pins if necessary, distributing them evenly to maintain a flat surface without any bulges. (The flatter the hair is against your head, the more natural the wig will look when worn).


Step 4) Finally, pull your wig cap over your head, starting from the front and going towards the back. Make sure all of your natural hair is neatly tucked underneath.

You could use hairspray or gel to smooth down any flyaways that might be visible. But make sure to use a product that's safe for both your natural hair and the wig material.

Method 3: Pull Your Hair into a Low Bun

The low bun method is another good method if you have thin hair or you’re planning to wear a thicker wig. When using this method, make sure to use a wig cap as well to secure your natural hair in place.

Here’s how to put your hair in a low bun for a wig:


Step 1) Brush your hair thoroughly to remove any knots or tangles.


Step 2) Pull your hair back and tie it into a low ponytail at the very end of your neck. Aim for a ponytail that is snug but not overly tight to avoid headaches.


Step 3) Twist the ponytail gently to form a simple bun, wrapping the hair around the base of the ponytail. Be sure to keep the bun as flat to your scalp as possible (you're going for flat and wide rather than neat and round).


Step 4) Secure the bun with bobby pins rather than a hair tie to keep it flat. Spread the pins out to avoid any lumps that might show under your wig.


Step 5) Once your bun is flat and secure, place your wig cap over it, ensuring all your natural hair is covered and out of sight.

Tips for Hiding Your Long Hair Under a Wig

By now, you know the trick to hiding your long hair under a wig involves creating a smooth, flat base so the wig can sit naturally on your head without any bumps or ridges.


But securing your hair beneath the cap is the basic part of making your wig look natural. There are a few little tips and tricks to help you get the best results with your wig cap and hair.


  • Stretch the wig cap with your hands and place it at the front of your head, aligning it with your hairline

  • Tuck in all your hair as you go

  • Adjust the wig cap around the nape of your neck, ears, and forehead. Make sure it’s snug but not too tight to avoid discomfort

  • Use a few more bobby pins around the ears and at the base of the neck if necessary to secure the cap and any rebellious hair strands still sticking out

  • You can also apply a thin layer of foundation along the edge of the wig cap to create a seamless transition between your skin and the wig

With your hair out of sight and your wig cap in place, you’re now ready to apply your wig! Remember, the key is comfort and a natural look, so take your time to adjust and secure everything properly.

How to Make Your Wig Look Natural With Long Hair

Wearing a wig can be a great way to effortlessly change up your style, length, or colour, but to make your hairpiece look as natural as possible, you need to nail the process of putting it on. Here are our favourite tips and tricks to help you keep your wig looking fabulous day after day.

1. Wig Cap Colour Matters

Selecting the right colour for your wig cap is just as important as choosing the wig itself. It's crucial that the cap closely matches your natural scalp colour to avoid any noticeable contrasts that could be visible through the wig's parting or hairline.


A well-matched wig cap creates the illusion of a natural scalp beneath the wig, enhancing the overall realism of the wig, whether it is made of synthetic or human hair.

2. Mesh Wig Caps Are Superior

Mesh wig caps are our top choice for a more natural-looking wig application, primarily due to their breathable material, which prevents the scalp from feeling suffocated and overheated.


The small holes not only facilitate ventilation but also allow your own hair to be pulled through slightly if needed, creating a more realistic hairline.


Also, the texture of a mesh cap offers a better grip for the wig, reducing the likelihood of any slippage and ensuring that your wig stays securely in place throughout the day.

3. Make Your Hair as Flat as Possible (Sorry, Voluminous Girlies!)

Achieving a flat base is critical when wearing a wig to ensure it sits naturally and undetectably on your head. The flatter your natural hair, the less likely you will encounter unsightly bulges or lumps under the wig, which can disturb its shape and silhouette.


A smooth, flat surface allows for the wig to mimic the natural flow of a scalp with hair, contributing to an authentic look and comfortable fit of your hairpiece.

4. Position Your Natural Hair Carefully

Proper positioning of your natural hair is crucial when wearing a wig to avoid noticeable bumps and bulges that can ruin the illusion of a natural hairline.


Any protrusions can distort the wig's silhouette, drawing attention to its artificial nature.

Summary: Making Your Wigs Look Natural With Long Hair

Getting your hair to sit flat under your wig is key to having a wig that looks natural and beautiful all day! This is tricky to get right with long hair, but with our helpful tips and tricks, and a little bit of practice, you'll be rocking your wigs effortlessly day and night!


To make the most out of your wig, check out our blog post about how to cut a lace wig to guarantee a natural, seamless look every time.

FAQs

Can I Use Hair Products Under My Wig?

Sure! We mostly recommend making sure your hair is cleansed and tangle-free before putting your wig on, especially if it's synthetic, to stop natural oils from causing damage. But if you're wearing a human hair wig, you can use it as an opportunity to give your locks some TLC with a nourishing hair mask under your wig. Just make sure not to use too much!

What if My Hair Is Too Long for a Wig?

For hair that's too long, you can double up on the braids or twists and wrap them around your head more than once, or you can create multiple low buns. Just make sure they're flat and secure with bobby pins. Consider a custom-sized wig for extra comfort.

How Long Can You Wear a Wig Without Taking it Off?

Generally, it's recommended not to wear a wig continuously for more than six weeks at a time. Taking breaks will allow your scalp and natural hair to breathe, reducing the risk of damage or irritation. Always ensure good hygiene by regularly washing your natural hair and wig.

Will My Hair Still Grow If I Wear a Wig?

Absolutely! Wearing a wig does not impact the natural growth cycle of your hair. Ensuring your scalp and hair are clean and the wig is properly fitted and not too tight will minimise any potential damage, allowing your hair to grow normally.

Nancy Pinder

Nancy is our resident hair and beauty specialist at RiRi Hair Extensions. She advises customers daily in our Lakeside and Bluewater stores, helping them find the perfect look, length, and shade of hair extensions. 


Nancy also presents our TikTok live to thousands of viewers across the world. You can catch her on our TikTok every week!

Find Nancy on TikTok!

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