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how to secure a wig

How to Secure a Wig: 6 Proven Methods to Keep Your Wig in Place All Day

Written by: Keswigs

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Published on

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Time to read 11 min

Secure your wig using six proven methods: wig grips, wig tape, wig glue, bobby pins, wig caps, and combination techniques. These methods keep wigs firmly in place for 8 hours to 7 days, preventing slipping during daily activities, exercise, or special events. Choose your method based on hair type and lifestyle needs.


Beyond basic application, successful wig security requires proper hair preparation, understanding your scalp sensitivity, and matching techniques to your activities. You'll learn troubleshooting fixes for common problems, emergency solutions when methods fail, and how to build confidence wearing wigs in any situation that matters to you.

Quick Reference: Best Way to Secure Your Wig

This comparison helps you choose the optimal method to secure your wig based on hold strength, application difficulty, wear duration, and natural hair requirements.



Method

Hold Strength

Application

Duration

Natural Hair Needed

Wig Grip Band

Medium

Simple

8-12 hours

Any amount

Wig Tape

Strong

Moderate

1-3 days

None required

Wig Glue

Maximum

Advanced

3-7 days

None required

Bobby Pins/Wig Clips

Medium

Simple

Variable

Yes

Wig Cap

Foundation

Simple

8-12 hours

Any amount

Combined Methods

Maximum

Moderate

12+ hours

Varies


Foundation Steps for Wig Security

Proper preparation creates the foundation for any wig securing method to work effectively. Your natural hair setup and scalp condition determine how well your chosen method will hold throughout the day.

Hair Preparation by Type

Foundation Setup

how to secure your wig

Your wig cap positioning affects how well other securing methods work. Stretch the cap from your forehead to the nape of your neck, tucking all baby hairs underneath. Position the cap edge at your natural hairline or slightly behind for complete invisibility.


Internal strap adjustment prevents most wig security problems. Tighten the built-in straps until the wig feels snug but comfortable. Proper strap adjustment alone prevents 70% of wig slipping issues.

Method 1: Use a Wig Grip for Daily Comfort

A wig grip band provides reliable wig security without adhesives, making it the ideal choice for sensitive scalps and daily wig wear. This method works by creating friction between your wig cap and the textured grip surface.


The velvet or silicone grip holds your wig in place through normal daily activities. You can wear it comfortably for 8-12 hours without irritation or damage to your natural hair.


Application steps:

  • Position the wig grip 0.5-1 inch behind your natural hairline
  • Ensure the velvet or silicone side faces outward
  • Adjust for a snug but comfortable fit around your head
  • Place your wig from front to back over the grip
  • Allow the wig cap to catch naturally on the grip's textured surface

This scalp-friendly alternative to wig glue works well for office environments and social events. The grip creates a barrier between your wig and scalp while maintaining the natural appearance of your hairline. This method works excellently with our glueless wig collection.


Choose a wig grip that matches your skin tone for complete invisibility under lace front wigs. Velvet grips provide more friction for secure hold, while silicone grips offer hypoallergenic comfort for sensitive skin.

Method 2: Secure Your Wig with Wig Tape

Wig tape delivers strong adhesion that keeps your wig in place through active lifestyles and various weather conditions. This method creates a semi-permanent bond that lasts 1-3 days depending on your skin type and activity level.


The tape provides water-resistant security that handles swimming, exercise, and humid conditions. You get reliable hold without the long-term commitment of wig glue.


Application process:

  • Clean your scalp with alcohol and wait 2-3 minutes for drying
  • Cut wig tape into 1-2 inch strips
  • Apply strips directly to your clean scalp, not to the wig
  • Press each strip firmly for 10-15 seconds
  • Remove protective backing from tape
  • Position your wig carefully from center outward
  • Press wig lace onto tape for 30-45 seconds per section

For sensitive skin, apply a thin layer of liquid bandage before using wig tape. This creates a protective barrier while maintaining strong adhesion and makes removal more comfortable.


The strong hold makes this method ideal for multi-day events and situations requiring reliable wig security. You can trust your wig to stay in place through activities that would cause other methods to fail. Learn more about proper application in our lace front installation guide.

Method 3: Use Wig Glue for Maximum Security

Wig glue provides the strongest possible hold, ensuring your wig stays secure for 3-7 days regardless of activity level. This method creates the most secure fit possible for situations where wig failure isn't acceptable.


The maximum hold withstands any activity level for multiple days. You can completely forget about your wig and trust it will remain secure through swimming, exercise, dancing, or any challenging activity.


Application technique:

  • Apply thin layer (1-2mm) of wig glue using small brush
  • Allow glue to become tacky (30-90 seconds depending on humidity)
  • Apply 2-3 thin layers total, letting each reach tackiness
  • Position your wig carefully - you get one chance for placement
  • Press lace firmly for 60-90 seconds using rat-tail comb
  • Tie wig down with silk scarf for 10-15 minutes

This method works best for special events, photography sessions, vacations, and performance situations. When you need complete confidence in your wig security, glue provides the reliability you need. HD lace wigs work particularly well with this method.


The application requires more skill and time than other methods. Practice the technique at home before using it for important events to ensure you get the placement right.

Method 4: Secure a Wig with Bobby Pins and Clips

Bobby pins and wig clips offer adjustable security that works well when you have sufficient natural hair for anchoring. This method provides medium hold that varies based on your natural hair density and clip quality.


The clips work by catching both your natural hair and the wig cap material to create anchor points. You can adjust, reposition, or remove clips throughout the day as needed.


Placement strategy:

  • Position 2-3 clips at each temple area
  • Place 2 clips at the crown of your head
  • Secure 2-3 clips at the nape of your neck
  • Angle all clips backward to resist forward movement
  • Use bobby pins for areas where clips might show

This method works best with thick, healthy hair that provides strong anchor points. Fine or thinning hair may need supplementary methods for reliable security.


Choose clips that match your wig color for invisibility around the hairline and temples. Lightly tease your natural hair where clips attach to create additional grip and prevent slipping.


The adjustable nature makes this ideal for quick wig changes, temporary wear, and situations where you need flexibility throughout the day. Explore our closure wig options that work well with clip securing methods.

Method 5: Use a Wig Cap for Foundation Security

which wig method works best for securing your wig

A wig cap creates the optimal foundation for other securing methods while protecting your natural hair. The cap provides uniform surface texture and additional grip points for clips and pins.


The smooth surface helps adhesive methods work more effectively. The cap creates a barrier that protects your natural hair from tape and glue while making removal easier and safer.


Your wig cap should lay flat against your scalp without pulling or creating pressure points. Smooth any wrinkles or bumps that could show through your wig material.


Choose mesh caps for breathability during long wear periods. Select nylon caps for the smoothest surface under your wig. Pick bamboo caps if you have sensitive skin or scalp conditions.


Match your wig cap color to your scalp tone rather than your wig color. This ensures natural appearance if any cap shows through the lace, particularly important with lace front styles.


The cap alone doesn't provide security but enhances every other method significantly. Think of it as the foundation that makes everything else work better. Check our wig care guide for maintaining your cap properly.

Method 6: Combine Methods for Ultimate Wig Security

Combining securing methods creates multiple anchor points that provide the strongest possible hold for challenging situations. This approach ensures that even if one method loosens, others maintain wig security throughout the day.


The layered approach handles any activity or weather condition you might encounter. Multiple fail-safes give you confidence for high-stakes situations where wig failure would be problematic.


Layering approach:

  • Start with foundation method (wig cap or grip band)
  • Add primary securing method (tape or pins) at stress points
  • Reinforce vulnerable areas with clips or additional tape
  • Test security by gently tugging at different points
  • Check all anchor points before leaving home

Use two complementary methods rather than multiple competing techniques. A wig grip plus strategic tape strips often provides better results than five different methods working against each other.


This method works well for weddings, performances, athletic activities, and all-day events where wig adjustment isn't possible. The extra security gives you freedom to focus on your activities rather than worrying about your wig.


Plan your combination based on your specific needs. Light activities need less security than high-impact sports or windy outdoor events.

Choose the Right Method to Secure Your Wig

which method to use to secure your wig

Your hair type determines which securing methods will work best for your situation. Abundant natural hair gives you anchor points that others don't have, while limited hair requires different approaches.


Thick, long, or dense hair works best with bobby pins and wig clips as your primary method. Your natural hair provides excellent anchor points that synthetic methods can't match. Combine clips with a wig grip for movement-resistant security without needing adhesives.


Thin, short, or sparse hair needs wig tape or wig glue with a wig cap foundation. These methods provide reliable adhesion directly to your scalp without requiring hair anchors. The cap creates a smooth surface for optimal adhesive contact.


Hair loss situations require gentle methods that protect sensitive scalp areas. Prioritize wig grips and caps to avoid irritation. When you need stronger hold, choose medical-grade tape designed for sensitive skin rather than standard adhesives.

Match Security to Your Activities

Your daily activities determine how strong your wig security needs to be. Light activities need comfortable methods that you can wear all day. High-impact activities require stronger hold that won't fail during movement.


Office work and social events work well with wig grip bands or wig caps. These methods provide 8-12 hours of comfortable security for normal daily activities without causing irritation or requiring removal.


Exercise, sports, and outdoor events need wig tape, wig glue, or combination methods. These provide a reliable hold during movement and sweating that would cause basic methods to fail.


Vacations and extended events benefit from wig glue application. The 3-7 day security lets you focus on activities rather than wig maintenance, ideal for travel or special occasions.

Consider Your Removal Timeline

Short-term wear of just a few hours works best with bobby pins, wig clips, or wig grips. These methods apply easily and remove comfortably without damaging your scalp or natural hair with frequent use.


Extended wear over multiple days requires wig glue or quality wig tape for longer-lasting security. Plan for proper removal time and have appropriate solvents available for safe adhesive removal.


Daily wear patterns need methods you can apply and remove regularly without buildup or irritation. Wig grips and caps work well for this routine use.

Fix Common Wig Security Problems

Wig security issues happen even with proper application. Quick fixes can solve most problems without requiring complete reapplication of your securing method.


Most slipping issues come from inadequate preparation or choosing the wrong method for your activity level. Address problems quickly before they get worse and require starting over.


Problem

Quick Fix

Prevention

Wig slides backward

Tighten straps, add front tape

Better hair prep

Front lace lifts

Small tape pieces at lift points

Use primer first

Sides slip inward

Angled bobby pins at temples

Temple-to-ear tape

Wig from sliding back

Layer another method on top

Stronger primary method


Emergency Solutions

When you don't have proper supplies available, temporary fixes can help until you get home. Lightly dampen edges to reactivate adhesive residue that's still present. Use regular bobby pins if you have natural hair to grab onto.


Headbands or scarves provide temporary security until you reach proper supplies. These won't hold for long periods but can get you through immediate situations.


When your current method starts failing during wear, layer another securing method over it rather than removing everything. Wig tape over loosening glue works effectively to extend your hold.


Bobby pins over failing grips provide quick reinforcement without major adjustment. Always carry emergency tape strips for unexpected situations that require quick fixes.

Weather Challenges

Wind requires combination methods that create multiple anchor points to resist gusting. Single-point security always fails against strong winds, while distributed hold points maintain wig position effectively.


Humidity and perspiration need waterproof wig tape or medical-grade adhesives designed for moisture exposure. Apply antiperspirant to your hairline before adhesive application to reduce sweat interference.


Rain preparation requires weather-resistant products specifically designed for extended moisture exposure. Regular maintenance between applications helps prevent problems before they start. Learn how to wash human hair for long-term success.

How to Secure a Wig FAQs

Does wig tape damage your skin when removed?

Quality wig tape removes safely when you use proper adhesive remover and take your time. Apply oil-based remover, wait 2-3 minutes, then gently lift the lace to avoid skin irritation.

Can you wash your hair while wearing a secured wig?

You can wash around the edges carefully with secured wigs, but avoid soaking the adhesive areas. Remove your wig weekly for thorough scalp and hair cleaning to maintain healthy hair underneath. See our  proper wig storage guide for care between wears.

Will securing methods work on all wig types?

Most securing methods work with lace front, full lace, and closure wigs, though adhesive methods work best with lace edges. Synthetic wigs may need gentler techniques like grips and clips to avoid heat damage. Browse our  bob wig styles for versatile options that work with all methods.

How much does professional wig installation cost compared to DIY?

Professional installation costs $50-150 but saves time and reduces mistakes for beginners. DIY methods cost $10-30 for supplies and give you flexibility to adjust as needed throughout the day.

Start Your Wig Security Journey

Learn wig security by assessing your hair type and activity level to choose the right method. Practice techniques at home before important events and keep backup supplies ready. Your toolkit needs a skin-tone wig grip, quality tape, gentle remover, bobby pins, and a comfortable cap for stress-free application.


KesWigs HD lace wigs work excellently with all securing methods, delivering natural appearance and reliable fit. Take your next step: explore our lace front collection or discover our HD lace collection for premium options.