Welcome to the wonderful world of wearing hair. You have a million and one questions and we are here to help chip away at the mysteries and replace it with 100 percent full-blown confidence. What is a Wig Grip Band? Which Wig Grip Band is right for my wig or topper–yes, we said topper, too! (You can wear a topper with a special wig grip band, but more on that later.) Selecting the correct wig grip band is simple once you understand the pros and cons of all the different options. We also will touch on special considerations for those with sensitive skin, those prone to headaches, heat sensitives and those with noggins that are flat in back.
What is a wig grip band?
A wig grip band is great at securing a wig or your hair topper without the hassle of glue, tape or clips. It is typically made from a velvet fabric that lightly grips the hair. In some cases, there are some wig grip bands made of an elastic silicone. We won’t go into detail about that option in this article because it tends to be a less popular option amongst hair-wearers. While those offer great traction, there is a down side to the material in that it isn’t as breathable as the velvet and it tends to tug at the hair. If you are wearing a wig or topper in the first place, there is a pretty good chance you want to spare your hair so we will focus on those wig grip bands that are tried and true.
Which Wig Grip Band Is Right For Me?
A velvet wig grip band with a velcro back is great for those with petite size heads and helps to round out the shape of the head, adding girth to the head perimeter and allowing the wig to fit more securely. Many hair-wearers like the velcro backing because it feels secure and the length of the velcro area accommodates head sizes of all shapes. If you choose a velcro back, you might prefer a slightly tapered velcro shape in back so that it minimizes the bulk at the nape of the neck. Tapered velcro wig grip bands are generally more comfortable over a velcro that does not narrow at the ends. Tap on the link to see what a tapered velcro wig grip band looks like or see the photo below.
There is another option if you want to wear a wig grip band but prefer less material at the nape of the neck. Elastic back wig grip bands are a great option because like the velcro, it is adjustable but it has the added convenience of a thinner elastic strap in the back. This is preferred by those who want less bulk at the nape of the neck. It is also ideal for those with shorter hair styles because the shorter strands of hair have less material to hurdle over. This is especially true when choosing to blend your own hair along with the wig or topper. This link shows the low profile style of the wig grip band with the elastic backing.
Finally, there is a third option for those wanting the security of a wig grip band but cannot tolerate the heat or sensation of the velvet material fully wrapping around the head perimeter. If you have ever worn a headband and have felt headaches creeping on, this tip is for you. Those who are sensitive to headbands may prefer the Thin Hair Thick Poly Top Band. It is made with a small swatch of velvet on top to grip the wig or topper, however, in the back, it transitions to a clear adjustable cord. The corded back is great for those who want maximum breathability or who live in warmer climates. It is also a must-have for those with shorter hairstyles like pixie cuts as the clear cord can easily be concealed in short hair.
Skin Sensitivities
For many people, the reason why a wig grip band might be avoided in the first place is because of the fear of it being too bulky. The THT Poly Top Band addresses that concern by using the gripping material of the velvet strategically on top which helps the wig or topper stay secure while having the freedom of a light cord in back to optimize space and breathability. Additionally, the THT Poly Top Band comes with two unique features that give hair-wearers options. Atop the velvet material there is a small section of silicone where the hair-wearer can choose to affix wig tape, if desired. This added security feature is great if you are planning a trip down a roller coaster and want the extra security of knowing your wig or hair topper will stay put. It is also a critical feature for those who do not want to apply adhesives directly to their skin. Over time, skin can develop sensitivities to adhesives like wig tape. Also, those who have undergone chemotherapy understand that skin is particularly sensitive to direct contact with adhesives. Post-chemotherapy skin care needs are unique and choosing a wig grip band that removes the need for direct skin contact is critical.
There is also a group of hair-wearers who might find that direct contact with metals of any kind can disturb their skin. Metal allergies are more common than you might realize and can happen gradually over time with repeated exposure to the metal clips that are used on some wigs or toppers. Metal allergies usually manifest by reddening of the skin or an itching sensation. The itching is a result of scalp inflammation and minimizing metal contact is advised. If you have ever worn a pair of earrings only to have removed them a short time later due to redness and irritation, you might recognize a similar reaction to wig and topper clips. The THT Poly Top Band will help you avoid direct metal contact allowing you to wear your wig or topper without the worry of scalp irritation from metal. You can either clip into the band—avoiding direct contact with your biological hair or you can tape it down on the silicone tab.
Flat Head Shapes
What if you have a flat head or can’t get a headband to stay put for the life of you? The THT Poly Top Band comes with an optional velcro tab that can be added to the clear cord at the nape of the neck for those who have concerns about headbands riding up. Some head shapes are flat at the nape of the neck and do not have pronounced occipital bones. The occipital bones are at the base of the skull and help give the rounded shape to the head in back. However, some head shapes do not have the pronounced bone structure and they can find it challenging to wear any headbands at all. Using the velcro tab at the back, it helps the clear cord stay put and clings to the user’s hair. See the THT Poly Top Band here. Also read the tips and warnings at the end of the article to ensure maximum security.
You Are Ready!
Knowing you have options is the key to confidently and comfortably wear your wig or hair topper. The wig grip band has undergone some positive changes over the past few years and appeals to more consumers as it meets their unique needs. Whether you are a fan or velcro, elastic or the clear cord wig grip band, it is always nice to know that you can equally prioritize style and comfort. Less than a decade ago, hair wearers were limited to securing wigs and hair toppers using adhesives and clips. Innovative designs meet the consumer’s demand and take comfort to a new level. Comfort and beauty can coexist. Check out the wig grip accessories at the link to see which option is right for you.
== Tips ==
* Before wearing any wig grip band, try spraying your hair with dry shampoo which will help give the wig grip band maximum security. The dry shampoo helps to add texture to your hair and keeps the band secure. This is particularly useful if you have fine, slippery hair.
== Warnings ==
* A word of caution, there are two sides to a wig grip. One side slips against the hair and the other side grips. Be sure to check which side of the velvet will grip your hair, otherwise you will end up with a wig sliding backwards. Lightly rub the velvet material against your hair to determine which side will provide the best traction.
