The Freedom of Change: Exploring Hair Styles in Your 40s with a Wig

There is a quiet confidence that comes with being a woman in your 40s or 50s, but that doesn't mean we stop wanting to look our best. For many of us, our hair is a big part of our identity and the thinning that often accompanies the menopause can be hard to adjust to. While there are supplements and shampoos that might slow down or reverse hair loss, an alternative to look into is a high quality wig.

I have been researching how wearing natural looking wigs can give your mood an instant boost. The benefits go beyond the confidence you can feel from a full head of hair too; wigs let you enjoy a variety of looks without the commitment of a permanent change or the damage caused by constant heat styling and they can be a huge time saver. Imagine waking up in the morning without worrying about bed hair. By pulling on your perfectly styled wig you can leave the house looking amazing and still have plenty of time to make your children's packed lunch and find that missing school book.

Choosing Your First Piece: Synthetic or Human Hair?

When you begin looking at wig options, the first decision is usually between synthetic fibres and human hair. For the first wig you buy, high quality synthetic options are often a sensible choice because they are more affordable. Modern synthetic hair has come a long way and many no longer has that unnatural shine that people used to associate with wigs.

The biggest benefit with synthetic hair (besides the lower cost) is that it has 'style memory'. This means the hair is shaped (or 'baked') into a specific style like the current soft, loose waves trend. Even after you wash the wig and let it air dry, those effortless loose waves will bounce back into place without you needing to use a curling wand. This makes them an easy option, but it needs to be balanced out with the shorter lifespan of most synthetic wigs compared to those made from human hair

If you want more flexibility human hair wigs may be a better choice. They can be coloured, cut and styled in a similar way to how you would your own hair (although it is worth getting some wig styling tips). While they require more maintenance and are a higher initial investment, human hair is often the preferred choice for those who want the most natural movement and longevity.

Understanding Cap Construction for Comfort

If the idea of a wig feels a bit daunting, you might find it reassuring that modern quality wigs are designed to be easy to wear and get a natural looking result. For those starting out, glueless wigs are often recommended and a helpful website like UNice Wigs will have a section for these so they are easy to find. They are normally constructed with adjustable straps and small combs inside the cap so they stay securely in place without the need for any messy adhesives or tapes which can be a bit trickier to get used to.

When choosing a wig you might also want to look for a cap with the monofilament feature. Unlike a standard wig cap where the hair is sewn in a fixed direction, a monofilament top uses a thin, breathable fabric that allows your own skin tone to show through. This makes it look as though the hair is growing directly from your scalp and allows you to move your parting to whichever side you prefer. It is a helpful feature for comfort, especially if you find yourself feeling overheated while running around with yourr children.

Getting the Perfect Fit

Before you buy a wig it is a good idea to know your head size. Using a tape measure, record the circumference of your head from your front hairline, behind your ears and around the nape of your neck. Many wigs are size adjustable with a drawstring, but it can be useful to check how your head size measures up to ensure a good fit. Getting this right ensures the wig sits flat against your scalp and does not feel tight or slip throughout the day.

When putting your wig on, start from the front. Place the front of the wig against your forehead and pull the rest over the back of your head. Use the "ear tabs" (the small stiffened sections on the sides) to ensure the wig is straight. If the ear tabs are level with each other, your wig is on straight.

How to Make a Wig Look Natural at the Hairline

You might want to go for a big bold new look, but if you don't want people to realise you are wearing a wig that means getting the hairline right. While the monofilament top handles the parting, the lace front is what creates a realistic hairline. The lace front is a fine, sheer material hairs are hand tied onto at the very front of the wig, creating a soft transition from the forehead to the hair.

To ensure a natural finished look there are a few additional steps that might help according to expert insights from Elsa Baldwin, Hair & Wig Trends Editor at UNice:

The Powder Trick: Apply a tiny amount of your usual skin tone powder or concealer along the parting and lace front using a small brush. This helps the lace blend perfectly with your skin, making the transition almost invisible.

Pluck the Parting: Many wigs come with a very straight, dense parting. Using a pair of tweezers to carefully pluck a few hairs along the line can mirror your own natural hair density. You can also buy pre-plucked wigs.

The Hairline Blend: If you have a bit of your own hair at the front, you can pull a few baby hairs out from under the lace. This creates a much more believable transition between your face and the wig.

Caring for Your New Style

How you care for your wig will differ depending on if it is made from human hair or synthetic fibres. You should always follow the recommendations of your wig maker, but as a general rule you can expect to wash it after 7 to 10 wears. A wig doesn't get oily in the same way our own hair does so it can go longer between washes.

If you want to keep your wig looking it's best make sure you use a brush, shampoo and styling products designed for wigs made from the type of fibre you've chosen. You'll also want to invest in a wig stand. This will help it maintain it's shape and style when you aren't wearing it, it's also the easiest place to put your wig while it is drying or you want to style it.

When it is time to wash your wig you should use a wide tooth comb to ensure there are no tangles, then soak it in lukewarm water mixed with a specialist shampoo for about 5 minutes. After rinsing in cold water you can add some conditioner to the water. You don't normally need to rinse the conditioner out as it is already diluted. You can swoosh or gently squeeze the hair in the water, but never rub it.

To dry your wig squeeze out the excess water by wrapping it in a towel, then leave it to dry on a wig stand. If you don't have a stand you could leave it to dry flat on the towel, or position it on a narrow circular container or vase. It can take a long time to air dry especially for more dense weaves. If you wear your wig every day then washing it in the evening means it should be ready to wear the next morning. With a synthetic wig avoid combing it until it is dry as it can ruin the style. With human hair you can gently comb it while wet if necessary, but it is easier to damage while wet so take care.

Whether you are looking to boost your confidence, save a bit of time on a busy morning or you just want to see what life is like with a completely different hair style, a high quality wig is a brilliant option. They are a way to embrace this stage of life on our own terms and feel a bit more like ourselves in the process. Hopefully these tips on how to choose your wig and how they need to be looked after will help you feel more confident about exploring wearing a wig.