How to choose the right crossdressing wig?

A brief guide to choosing the right color, length and style crossdressing wig!

If you want to go out in public and pass, hair is one of the most important items in your crossdressing wardrobe. Don’t make a hasty decision on your wig. Try on as many wigs as possible, and don’t be afraid to try styles that you might normally overlook. Unlike clothes, where your femme wardrobe changes on a daily basis, your wig should stay relatively constant. You might consider two styles, or two slightly different colors, for different occasions – maybe a long, loose wig and an updo in the same tones, for instance. Wigs these days are sophisticated; you’re no longer limited in color, as many wigs come in highlighted and other realistic multi-colors. You could also choose a straight wig and a curly one, and wear different wigs with different outfits. Study hairstyles of women that are close to your age. If you are 40, look at 30 to 40. If you are 60, focus on 50 to 60. Notice the colors, lengths and styles. This will help immensely with what is appropriate for you in the way of passing.

Expect to pay $40 to $60 for a nice wig, and up to a few hundred for a great one. It should be adjustable, washable and realistic. (Washable wigs retain their styling, so require no additional fussing.) Stay away from Halloween wigs. These costume wigs may have an attractive price ($10 to $20), but they lack high-quality, realistic fibers, and don’t last long.

How to choose the right color?
Stay within your natural color range – choose a color that closely fits the range your hair has been since your were a child. If you’ve had black hair your entire life (maybe now it’s greying,) don’t buy a blonde wig. The color will most likely not work with your skin tone. If your hair has been blonde, mixed blonde and brunette over the years, stay within this color range. Try on several wigs and find that right color first, then move on to length, cut and style.

How to choose the right length?
The length of your wig is important because it helps cover features that are identified with being male. Examples include a larger head, an adams apple, a more pronounced nose, forehead, ears and chin. The length of the wig can help diminish these issues. For this reason I don’t recommend short bob wigs. A good wig can cover your ears, hide your adams apple from a side view and make your chin seem less pronounced. I recommend wigs that are at least shoulder length to a quarter down your back. Stay away from wigs that go more than half way down your back, since this is not a “typical” hair length on women, it will draw unwanted attention on you.

How to choose the right style?
Avoid wigs that are curly on top or near your face. Wearing a curly wig gives the illusion that your head is even larger. You want to soften your male features, not draw attention to them. I recommend straight and straight with waves or loose curls. This is where you want to go to a wig shop or crossdressing conference and try on many styles. Pay attention to the part. It should look realistic, like you are seeing your scalp, not matted down hairs that attempt to hide where a part would be. (This is usually called a skin part or skin top.)

Bangs?
YES! Bangs are great. They help to hide our foreheads, which are a big giveaway when trying to pass. A high quality wig will allow you to play with the bangs till you find the perfect placement. Bangs are also a great aid in hiding the fact you are wearing a wig.

To summarize, your best wig choice should feature a color within your natural range, and fall at least to your shoulders. The style should not accentuate the size of your head. And bangs are good.

Enjoy the process of choosing a wig best suited for you, and don’t be afraid to experiment when trying them on. You may find a whole other femme self than you ever imagined.

Find crossdresser wigs at www.trannycloset.com