As a drag queen, your wig is one of your most important accessories. Ensure that it looks good so that you can always look your best.
Whether you dress in drag every day, every weekend, only for performances, or only for Halloween, it is important that your wear your wig well. There is never an excuse for a sloppy-looking wig.
Here are some tips to abide by:
• Choose well in the first place – take your time at the wig store. Try on a variety of wigs of different lengths and styles. Take into consideration your face-shape. For example, if you have a long face, you may need a short hairstyle, bangs, or an up-do. Decide whether or not synthetic or human hair wigs are best for you. If you desire a wild and crazy look, a synthetic wig might be perfect – they can come in wild colors and even include metallic strands. However, if you want a more natural look and a bit more versatility, go with human hair.
• Fit – make sure that the wig fits you well at the store. Some wigs are made for the average size head of a woman, not a man, so be sure that the one you choose is not too tight. You do not want to get a headache! Also, check for adjustment tabs.
• Get it styled – if you have chosen human hair, take it into your stylist and get it shaped and styles (and even colored, depending on the quality of the wig) to ensure that it looks as good as possible.
• Color – For the most natural look, get a hair color that is close to your own. Not only will this suit your skin color and eyebrows better, but you can also pull a few strands of your own hair out to make for a more natural hairline. You can also do the reverse – match your hair color to that of the wig!
• Don’t be too forward – make sure that you do not wear your wig too far forward! Make sure that it goes all the way to the back of your neck and starts at your natural hairline in the front. If you are not too sure if your wig is too far forward, ask a trustworthy friend for his opinion. Also, to ensure your wig is straight (whether you are or not), you want to keep good and proper posture.
• Accessorize – especially if your wig is a little big cheaper or looking a little dumpy from weeks of wear, go ahead and accessorize. It is amazing how a tiara or bright scarf can brighten and enlighten your look.
• Diversity is the spice of life – very rarely is one wig enough! You are going to want to have a variety of styles and colors that you can change on a whim, as easily as you can change a pair of high heeled shoes! Embrace being “different” by always looking different!
• Bigger is not always better – but it sure is more fun! If you are going out, why not go all out? If you want to be seen, why not ensure that you are seen? Work with a stylist and get the big hair that you have dreamed of… but do not do so every time you go out. Sometimes subtle is the best rebuttal.
• Storage and care – properly store your wig on a wig stand. Keep synthetic wigs away from heat. Wash only as directed, and never rub in the shampoo – rubbing can lead to tangles. Use wig cleaners and combs for best results. If you wear it every day, wash it weekly.
Remember: when your wig looks good, you look good!
