Expert reveals how to choose and wear your first wig like a celebrity | Daily Mail Online

2022-07-23 03:25:27 By : Ms. Carro Ji

By Pandora Amoratis For Dailymail.com

Published: 16:37 EDT, 12 March 2021 | Updated: 17:06 EDT, 12 March 2021

Ever wonder how stars like Jennifer Lopez have shoulder-length locks one day and a long flowing mane the next? Spoiler: it's not a magic shampoo or conditioner!

Thanks to wigs and hair extensions, celebs switch up their hair style the same way the rest of us change shoes. 

Expert Brittany Johnson from top human hair and extension company Mayvenn reveals how to choose and wear your own first wig, and Daily Mail's US Style Director Pandora Amoratis tests it out. 

'There are so many benefits to owning a wig, with possibly the best being the ability to change up your look at a moment's notice,' said Brittany.  

New day, new hair: Expert Brittany Johnson from top human hair and extension company Mayvenn reveals how to choose and wear your own first wig

Variety is the spice of life: While Kim Kardashian fans are mesmerized by her ever-changing hair styles, the truth is, the 40-year-old reality star's perfect locks are wigs and hair extensions

'You can go from 28" of platinum blonde to jet black and curly from one day to the next,' said Brittany. 

'Wigs can have personalities and alter egos of their own, and are a great form of creativity and self-expression to match your own multi-faceted moods.'

While Kim Kardashian fans are mesmerized by her ever-changing hair styles, the truth is, the 40-year-old reality star's perfect locks are wigs and hair extensions.

From soft beachy waves to a long sleek ponytail, the social media maven has a wardrobe of styles that allow her to constantly switch it up .

'When choosing a wig, one of the most important things to consider is your lifestyle and hair care routine,' said Brittany.

'If you're an avid athlete or love to workout, then a higher maintenance wig style (like a 360 frontal) isn't the best choice. 

'Think about the level of maintenance, time and effort that you feel most comfortable with before making a decision about which wig to buy.' 

Brittany also recommends considering what your goals are. A fun weekend style? Something with longevity? And then doing your research. 

To help in the process, Mayvenn stylists are available for a free video consultation to answer all your questions and concerns. 

Pros do it best: 'Megan thee Stallion, Rihanna, Cardi B, and Kylie Jenner are just a few examples of stars whose stylists do some amazing wig work'

There are a variety of methods commonly used to apply or install a wig. 

'For a more temporary solution that can be removed nightly, you can use a Wig Grip and an elastic band to secure your wig, and a light gel to secure the edges of your lace (if built-in to the wig),' shared Brittany.

'For a more "permanent" install method, a wig can be sewn on or applied with a stronger lace glue around the hairline.' 

Lower maintenance styles can be taken on and off with ease according to the expert. 

'No matter which method you choose, we recommend wearing a wig cap to protect and secure your natural hair underneath your unit.'

Faux baby: Sixteen days after being spotted on the beach with fiancé Alex Rodriguez looking au naturale with her short wavy hair, Jennifer Lopez delivered a patriotic performance during the presidential inauguration of Joe Biden from the West Front of the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C. with a long sleek ponytail

All sides of you: 'Wigs can also be a fun way to let your alter ego shine without altering your own hair. Many clients use them to try out a new color or haircut before fully committing'

'Depending on the construction of the wig, most wigs are fit with either an elastic band, clips, or both,' said Brittany.

'If the wig has a lace closure or frontal, the lace around the hairline is usually secured using either gel or lace glue, so that it blends with and mimics the natural hairline.' 

Like hats, wigs come in a variety of sizes to match the circumference of various head measurements. 

For a perfect fit, a custom style is the best option. 

Always surprising us: The 'Up' performer has an enormous collection of wigs that are created and perfectly installed by her hair stylist

Non-committal: 'Wigs can also be a fun way to let your alter ego shine without altering your own hair. Many clients use them to try out a new color or haircut before fully committing'

Jennifer Lopez is another celeb who reaps the benefits of wearing a wig. 

The 51-year-old superstar said adieu to 2020 with an over-the-top performance on Dick Clark's New Year's Rockin' Eve with Ryan Seacrest.

She wore a sparkly white outfit and her light brown locks were styled straight and hung beautifully over her shoulders.

Three days later she was spotted on the beach with fiancé Alex Rodriguez looking au naturale without a stitch of makeup and short wavy hair.

Sixteen days after her romantic getaway, she delivered a patriotic performance during the presidential inauguration of Joe Biden from the West Front of the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C. with a long sleek ponytail.  

'Wigs come with so many benefits,' Brittany said.

'They're a great protective style option, and are useful for giving your natural hair a break. 

'Wigs can also be a fun way to let your alter ego shine without altering your own hair. Many clients use them to try out a new color or haircut before fully committing.' 

Cardi B is the Queen of colorful wigs. 

Ever since her early days on Love and Hip Hop: New York, the rapper has been winning our hearts with head turning fashion and beauty moments.

The 'Up' performer has an enormous collection of wigs that are created and perfectly installed by her hair stylist.

Cardi's wig often matches her outfit regardless of what color of the rainbow it is.

'Wigs have come such a long way, and there's amazing celebrity inspo everywhere,' Brittany said. 'Megan thee Stallion, Rihanna, Cardi B, and Kylie Jenner are just a few examples of stars whose stylists do some amazing wig work.'

Going natural: As visiting the salon wasn't an option during lockdown, Ariana Grande revealed her natural curls to her fans on Twitter 

According to the Mayvenn expert, achieving a natural look with a synthetic wig takes some work, but it is possible. 

'If your synthetic wig is appearing too "shiny" or plastic-looking, try using dry shampoo on the synthetic fibers to dull it a bit and make the strands appear more natural. 

'It's also important to check the wig's care instructions - some synthetic wigs are a blend of human hair and synthetic fibers and can handle low heat, while some cannot handle any heat styling at all.' 

It's safe to use hot tools on wigs that are 100% human hair. 'The hair will behave just like your own hair,' explains Brittany. 

'Just as with your natural strands, be sure to use heat protectant before any blow drying, flat ironing, or curling.'

Brittany also suggests limiting the use of hot tools when possible to avoid heat damage.

Avid wig wearer Dolly Parton admitted that dying her natural hair and over styling it for so long damaged it.   

'I thought, "Why am I going through all that? Why don’t I just wear wigs? That way, I never have a bad hair day! I have a big hair day, but not a bad hair day,' she said on an appearance on Hallmark's Home & Family.

She admitted to wearing a different one every single day. 

To make sure your wig stays in good condition, you'll want to safely store it on a mannequin head or lay it flat in preferably a silk or satin-lined box. 

Removing your wig while you sleep will not only increase its longevity, it will keep the style in tact for multiple days. 

'It's important to note that proper care for a human hair wig takes time and some maintenance. 

'You'll want to shampoo, condition, and detangle your wig depending on how often you style, the heaviness of your products, etc.'

Brittany advises treating it the same way you would your natural hair with an occasional deep condition. 

Queen B always on point: According to the Mayvenn expert, achieving a natural look with a synthetic wig takes some work, but it is possible

Left: Virgin Malaysian Body Wave Bundle, mayvenn.com. Right: Virgin Brazilian Straight Bundle, Mayvenn, mayvenn.com

Left:  Virgin Brazilian Deep Wave Lace Closure, Mayvenn, mayvenn.com. Right: Virgin Peruvian Loose Wave Lace Closure, Mayvenn; mayvenn.com

Insert Name Here offers an array of ponytails, extensions, tools and wigs. Pictured are two of their best sellers

Shop it: Luxy Hair is a one stop shop for hair extensions, halos and more in a variety of colors, cuts and shapes

Wigs are protection: Avid wig wearer Dolly Parton admitted that dying her natural hair and over styling it for so long damaged it

Perfect: 'I thought, "Why am I going through all that? Why don’t I just wear wigs? That way, I never have a bad hair day! I have a big hair day, but not a bad hair day,' said Dolly on an appearance on Hallmark's Home & Family 

Tried and tested: Curious to learn about the basics of wigs and what it would be like to own one, Daily Mail's Style Direcot, Pandora Amoratis, hopped on a virtual call with a Mayvenn expert who walked me through the process

Lightening: Kerry started the process by bleaching the inside lace of the wig so that it would match the tone of my scalp and soften the appearance of the knots that will look like hair follicles

Curious to learn about the basics of wigs and what it would be like to own one,  Daily Mail's Style Director, Pandora Amoratis, hopped on a virtual call with a Mayvenn expert to walk her through the process. 

I expressed I wanted a style that looked similar to my natural locks so that I could effortlessly put it on and take it off without anyone even knowing. 

She recommended a frontal lace style. 

I chose the Brazilian straight lace front in 22” and then I was provided (by Mayvenn) with a list of salons in my area for the install.

I chose Salon Joli after scrolling through the Manhattan-based salon's Instagram and requested Kerry Joli as my technician because I was very impressed with her work.  

Kerry started the process by bleaching the wig's lace so that it would match the tone of my scalp and soften the appearance of the knots that will look like hair follicles. 

After about 30 minutes, she washed off the bleach, shampooed and conditioned all the hair and then put the wig in a dryer to dry. 

Prep: While we waited for the wig to dry, Kerry from Salon Joli cornrowed my hair

Adjustable Kerry then adjusted the inside clasp (looks similar to a front bra closure) on the cap so that the wig would fit the circumference of my head

Process of a part: The stylist then applied mouse to the hair and combed a part on the side of my head - per my request. I sat under the dryer for about 30 minutes for the part to set

Before and after:The color of the wig is darker than my strands but because it is real hair I can color it to match my shade exactly. No more bad hair days

While we waited she cornrowed my natural hair.

Kerry then adjusted the inside clasp (looks similar to a front bra closure) on the cap so that the wig would fit the circumference of my head. 

She secured the wig on my scalp by adhering the cap's inner combs to my braids.

Once the wig was secure, the styling process began, starting with the part. 

To create the part, she used mouse and combed down a part on the side of my head - per my request. I sat under the dryer for about 30 minutes for the part to set.

She then curled the wig with an iron to create volume and wave, the same way she would my natural hair. I felt great!

The color of the wig is darker than my strands but because it is real hair I can color it to match my shade exactly. No more bad hair days!

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