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How to Care for Halloween Wigs

It can be frustrating to buy a Halloween wig based on a photograph, and to pull it out of the package to see something that looks different. When you buy costume wigs, though, this is often the case, for a couple of reasons.

Fitting a wig into a small package causes it to compress, and to take on the shape of the packaging. Similar to twisting or braiding your hair, the wig will show waves or "bends" where it should be straight. To remedy this: Shake the wig out by spreading your fingers insidethe netting that creates the "cap", and shaking,right-side up. Mist with water the portions of the wig that are not straight, and either hand-straighten or brush out. (Expect a lot of hairto fall out of the wig.) Allow wig to air-dry.

As for styling... photographs of wigs, like other items (even foods!) are carefully staged. Before photographing a wig, the manufacturer will have a professional stylist make it look as nice as it can, by brushing and using hair products to style it. To make your wig look like the photograph, you must also go through this process. Do not use heat to style your wig, as the fibers may melt.

If you pay less than $25 or so for a wig, the fibers used to make it are less smooth and heavy than a more expensive wig. It will not hang as well, brush as easily, or retain its smooth look for long periods of wear. More expensive wigs are usually washable, too. (Use mild shampoo, like baby shampoo, and no conditioner. Air dry.)

In short, as with so many things - when you buy a costume wig, you get what you pay for. Expect to pay at least $25 for a quality costume wig, and avoid the disappointment of not getting what you expect.

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