How I Made Five Wigs Under $50 Look Like a Million Bucks
Welcome to Lace Frontier, a monthly column in which we dive into the dynamic, ever-changing world of wigs, its relevance in our culture, and, of course, tips on how to get all your pieces looking right. This time around, Tiffany Bender is back to show us more about how she takes inexpensive wigs and makes them look fabulous.
If there's any hidden talent of mine I'm confident in, it's my ability to finesse an inexpensive wig. Actually, I've spoken about my love for taking synthetic wigs and styling them so that they look amazing.
Since writing that article, I've noticed that one of the most common compliments (or maybe shade?) I received was that I "make cheap wigs look good." Shade or not, I am a woman of the people and the comments convinced me to go a step further and share the very tricks I use to make those wigs legit. Spoiler: the biggest tip is confidence. Make sure you're giving off bad b*tch energy when you finally put yours on.
But first — I had to get more wigs. I had the pleasure of shopping at The Girl Cave LA, a Black-owned beauty supply store in Los Angeles. Owner Lia Dias agrees that there's definitely still a stigma against wearing store-bought wigs, as they are often associated with those that older matriarchs in our families wear to church. We all love our aunties, but sometimes their wig choices are questionable, to say the least.
But it doesn't have to be that way. For those on a budget who want to protect their hair and have a little fun with different looks, a blended wig (made with human and synthetic hair) is your BFF. While you can certainly find an affordable human hair wig, if your budget is really tight, you can find some blended pieces in the $50 range. Before you freak out, know that these aren't your standard grandma wigs, Dias says. "I’ve even seen an increase in natural women coming in to buy beautiful synthetic-blend Afro wigs as a way to protect their own strands."
The best thing about synthetic wigs is that the texture almost has a memory foam-like property. You'd have to be having a really wild night out to permanently release the curl pattern of a wig like this "Evelyn" one, or this one called, simply, "Flirty." That means less styling work for you to do, which is always welcome around these parts.
But no matter which wig you choose, Dias advises to always use a styrofoam head or wig stand to preserve the quality of your piece. Also, use wig spray for synthetic blends to keep the fibers looking refreshed.
Now, let's get to it: Here are five of my favorite wigs that all come in under $50. You'll see what each wig looks like directly out of the packaging and the tricks I used (passed down from my grandmother and YouTube) that make these "cheap wigs look good." (Yes, I'm still side-eyeing some of ya'll…)
Zendaya, $24
Color #2
This wig didn't have any lace across the hairline, so I simply cut a small slit through the center of it at the hairline so my own scalp and baby hairs would peek out. I also added a handful of powder to get rid of some of the shine. I typically dump a shallow palm's full into my hands and then comb it with my fingers into the hair. I use both my palm and fingers to continue working in the baby powder so that both the white from the powder and the sheen from the wig disappear.
Think of it as using dry shampoo on your own hair. Typically, you've got to rustle it in so it doesn't leave that residue. The same goes for when you're using baby powder on your wigs. But take note: It's important to do this incrementally — once you over-powder you can't reverse it.
Also, the more you wear the wig, the more that artificial sheen will fade, making it gradually look even more realistic. So don't worry if there is still a touch more shine than you want the first time you wear it.
Jean, $28
Color #2
This wig required two handfuls of baby powder, and in retrospect, I could have maybe even added a bit more. In the end, I liked the way it looked, but I think with a few wears, it will have an even more natural appearance. In other words: it'll age well. Still, this one is definitely a favorite of mine, and I can't wait to wear it again.
Harmony, $39
Color #1B-33
For wigs with tighter curls like Harmony, I actually like to grab a handful of curls and brush them out from the tips to the roots to create a looser, sexier wave. On almost all of my wigs, I prefer to use a wide paddle brush like this one.
Using a brush allows me to separate Harmony's curls without compromising the unit's overall body. I'd argue it gives me even more body when I brush them out. After cutting the lace along the hairline, I added a bit of powder to the wig, again, to tamp down the shine. This wig is so old Hollywood glam, especially when the curls are brushed out a bit à-la Farrah Fawcett.
Trinity, $35
Color #DXT33
This wig is so easy to throw on and the color is perfect with a yummy summer tan. I simply cut the bangs a bit and let her do her. Now, I am no hairdresser, but I know how I like my hair to frame my face.
I pressed the unit's bangs against my forehead and slowly began cutting across. I did it very slowly because unlike emotional bangs we cut after a break-up, these won't grow back on their own. After I got it to a length that looked good, I cut a few hairs to the left and right of the bang for a slightly imperfect, natural look.
Penny, $24
Color #CoralBlue
This is actually my first time wearing a bright-colored wig, and I may have fallen in love. At its original length, Penny looked very costumey (mostly because of the color).
I cut about eight to 10 inches off of the wig to make it a little past shoulder length, then made a slit in the front of the lace to give it a more natural appearance. I think it freshened the overall look and certainly made it a bit chicer.
And there you have it, folks. Now go forth, and make your inexpensive wigs look like a million bucks.
Now, check out these wig stories:
Here's How a Professional Hairstylists Packs Their Wigs When Traveling
Porsha Williams on How She Takes Care of Her Epic Wig Collection
Now, watch this flight attendant's entire beauty routine — including what she does for layovers:
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Originally Appeared on Allure
