How to Wear & Care for Wigs, Hair Patches, Toppers & Extensions
Use this guide to help wear, clean, store and maintain wigs, hair patches, toppers and clip-in hairpieces from The Big Wig. Care requirements can vary by material and base construction, so always follow the instructions supplied with your specific product.
How to Wear a Men’s Hair Patch
Before wearing a hair patch, confirm whether it is designed for clips, tape, glue or a combination of attachment methods. Position the system over the intended coverage area, check the direction of the hair, and secure it using only the attachment method suitable for that product.
For removable clip-in options, make sure there is enough supporting hair around the coverage area for the clips to hold securely. Explore clip-in hair patches for men.
How to Wear a Full-Head Wig
Place the wig from front to back, align the front edge with your preferred hairline position, and adjust the cap or straps until the fit feels secure without excessive pressure. If the wig has a defined parting, check that it sits naturally before styling.
For treatment-related hair loss, choose fit and comfort carefully. Read our cancer-wig guide for more help with sizing and materials.
How to Wear a Hair Topper
Position the topper over the thinning or part-line area, open the clips, anchor them into suitable supporting hair and close them gently. Blend your surrounding hair over or around the topper. Avoid clipping repeatedly into the same small section if it causes pulling or discomfort.
Shop human hair toppers for women.
How to Wear a Clip-In Hair Extension or Hairpiece
Section your natural hair, position the clip-in piece where you want additional volume or shape, and close the clips into suitable supporting hair. Blend the surrounding hair over the attachment points for a smoother finish.
How to Wash Human Hair Wigs, Patches & Toppers
- Detangle gently before washing.
- Use cool or lukewarm water unless the product instructions say otherwise.
- Use a mild shampoo suitable for human hair.
- Avoid aggressive rubbing, twisting or wringing.
- Rinse thoroughly and use conditioner where suitable for the product.
- Pat away excess water with a towel and allow the hair system to dry properly before storage.
How Often Should You Wash a Hair System?
There is no single washing schedule that works for every wig or hair patch. Frequency depends on how often the product is worn, climate, styling products, scalp oil and the material of the hair system. Unnecessary washing can add wear, so clean the product when it needs it rather than following a fixed weekly rule.
Heat Styling Human Hair
Many human-hair wigs, patches and toppers can be styled with heat, but use moderate temperatures and follow the individual product instructions. Heat tolerance for Bio Fibre or other man-made materials can vary, so do not use straighteners, curling irons or other heat tools unless the specific product is confirmed as suitable.
Hair Patch Tape & Glue Care
Use only attachment products that are suitable for your hair-system base. Before reapplying tape or glue, remove old adhesive using an appropriate servicing method and clean the relevant base area. Do not pull a bonded hair system off the scalp.
If you experience unexpected irritation or discomfort, stop using the adhesive and seek appropriate professional advice. Shop hair patch glue or shop hair wig tape.
Storage Tips
- Store wigs and hair systems clean and fully dry.
- Keep them away from unnecessary heat, moisture and direct sunlight.
- Use a stand, suitable box or protective storage method that avoids crushing the base and hair.
- Detangle gently before storing longer hairpieces.
Need Help Choosing the Right Product?
Explore our men’s hair patch guide, human hair wigs for women, wigs for cancer patients and hair toppers for women.
