What Do I Do With My Own Hair Under the Wig?

Short Answer

It depends on your length, but the goal is simple: keep it flat, secure, and comfortable. Here's how to prep your natural hair so your wig feels right.

It depends on how much hair you have, but the goal is simple: keep it flat, secure, and comfortable. Most women with shorter hair can tuck it back or use a wig cap. If you have longer or thicker hair, you'll need to braid it, pin it down, or wrap it close to your scalp. The flatter your natural hair sits, the more natural your wig will look — and the more comfortable it will feel.

This question comes up constantly, and for good reason. If your hair isn't prepped properly under your wig, you'll feel every bump, every shift, every moment of discomfort. It's one of those things no one tells you upfront, but it makes all the difference between a wig that feels like part of you and one that feels like a costume.

How to Prep Your Hair Based on Length and Texture

If you have short hair (pixie, buzz cut, or thinning hair), you're in luck. Smooth it back with your hands or a soft brush, then cover it with a wig cap. That's it. The cap holds everything in place and creates a smooth base for your wig.

If you have medium-length hair, try pinning it flat in sections. Part your hair down the middle, twist or fold each side toward the back of your head, and secure with bobby pins. You want it as close to your scalp as possible. Then add a wig cap.

If you have long or thick hair, braids are your best friend. Two flat braids (cornrows or French braids) work beautifully. You can also do a low bun at the nape of your neck or pin your hair in a spiral pattern around your head. The key is distribution — don't let all your hair pile up in one spot, or you'll have a lump under your wig.

Do I Need a Wig Cap?

Yes, in most cases. A wig cap does more than hold your hair down. It creates a barrier between your scalp and the wig, which reduces friction, absorbs sweat, and helps the wig stay in place. It also gives you a neutral base color so your natural hair doesn't show through lighter wigs.

Wig caps come in different materials — nylon, mesh, and bamboo. If you have sensitive skin or wear your wig for long hours, go for a breathable fabric like mesh or bamboo. Nylon caps are fine for short-term wear but can feel tight or sweaty over time.

What If My Wig Still Feels Uncomfortable?

If you've prepped your hair properly and your wig still feels off, the issue might not be your hair — it could be the fit. A wig that's too tight will cause headaches and pressure points. A wig that's too loose will slide around no matter how you prep.

Try these adjustments:

Use a wig grip. A wig grip is a soft headband that sits along your hairline and keeps your wig secure without clips or glue. It's especially helpful if you have fine or slippery hair. Many women in our BossCrowns community say a wig grip changed everything for them — no more sliding, no more adjusting throughout the day.

Adjust the straps inside your wig. Most wigs have adjustable hooks or velcro tabs at the nape. Tighten them gradually until the wig feels snug but not painful. You should be able to fit one finger between the wig and your head.

Check the ear tabs. If your wig has them, make sure they're positioned evenly. Uneven tabs throw off the entire fit and make the wig feel crooked or tight on one side.

Reposition bumps or bulk. If you feel a lump under your wig, take it off and smooth out your natural hair again. Sometimes one pin or one section of braid needs to be flattened more. It's not a failure — it's part of the learning process.

What About Protective Styling Underneath?

If you're wearing wigs to protect your natural hair, you're already doing something kind for yourself. Just make sure your underneath style isn't causing tension. Tight braids, heavy gel, or rubber bands can lead to breakage or traction over time.

Keep your scalp moisturized. Use a light oil or leave-in conditioner on your natural hair before putting on your wig cap. Your hair still needs care, even when it's covered.

Wash your natural hair regularly. Wigs can trap heat and sweat, so don't let your scalp go too long without a cleanse. Many women wash their natural hair once or twice a week and wear a satin scarf or bonnet overnight to keep it smooth between wig days.

What If I Don't Have Much Hair Left?

Then this process is even simpler. You may not need braids or pins at all — just a wig cap for comfort and coverage. Some women skip the cap entirely if they have very little hair and the wig feels secure without it. There's no wrong answer here. Do what feels best on your head.

If you're experiencing hair loss and feeling uncertain about how to prep, know this: you don't need a full head of hair for a wig to look or feel amazing. Comfortable wigs are designed to work with every hair situation. You're not doing anything wrong. You're just learning what works for you.

You'll Find Your Routine

Prepping your hair under a wig might feel awkward the first few times. You might use too many pins, or not enough. You might forget the wig cap or put it on backward. That's normal. Every woman who wears wigs has been there.

With a little practice, you'll develop a routine that takes just a few minutes. You'll know exactly how to braid, pin, or smooth your hair so your wig sits flat and feels right. And on the days it doesn't? You'll know how to adjust it. That's not a setback — that's you becoming an expert in your own comfort.

Your hair under the wig doesn't have to be perfect. It just has to work for you. And it will.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How should I prepare my natural hair before wearing a wig?

Keep it as flat as possible. Short hair can be smoothed back under a wig cap. Longer hair should be braided, pinned flat, or wrapped close to your scalp to avoid bumps.

Can I wear a wig without a wig cap?

Yes, especially if you have very little hair. But most women find a cap adds comfort, reduces friction, and helps the wig stay in place throughout the day.

Why does my wig feel lumpy or uneven?

Usually it's because your natural hair isn't distributed evenly underneath. Reposition braids or pins so nothing piles up in one spot, and make sure your wig cap is smooth.