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Hairstyles! So many wigs to choose from long, medium and short lengths. Wigs with curls, bangs, wavy and straight. Oh and the colour choices are to die for! Such an amazing selection is available nowadays. But which hairstyle would work best with you face shape and skin tone? For most CDs, we likely have either a square or rectangular face shape. There are other face shapes such as round, oval, diamond and heart shape. If you are lucky enough to have one of these last two shapes, I'm jealous because you have a more feminine face shape. Hairstyles can do a lot to change the shape of a face, just like makeup. as certain characteristics of a hairstyle can benefit each face shape by softening angles or enhancing your cheek bones. Personally, I have a square face, my chin is not chiseled like Brad Pitt's, but like most men I have a more angular chin. My first opportunity to try on a few wigs occurred when I went to visit a woman who offered dressup sessions in her home for crossdressers. Prior to this, I would do my makeup and dress without a wig. I really just looked more like a man in a dress more than the woman I envisioned. At her place, I got to play dress up and try on several different wigs. I fell in love with a brunette wig which had big curls and was teased up with hairspray. When I put it on and looked in the mirror, I was transported across the sexual realm from man to woman.The hairstyle of a wig is the icing on the cake. My goodness though, it was big hair, big curls and fun. It was the hairstyle for that generation. But there was no way I could store a wig like that anywhere at home. I then tried on a short blond bob with whispy bangs and short curls around the ears and cheekbones. I felt I looked cute and sexy, almost a bit like Twiggy! Now this style was manageable, I could store it safely in a wig box, easy to care for, just wash, condition, hang to dry and shape with a comb and hairspray. I was sold! I didn't know if this wig style was right for me but I liked the cute look it created. Did I choose the correct wig for my face shape or did I just get lucky? There was not a lot of information online at the time, no Youtube or other helpful sites. In my youth I remember how much how much I enjoyed watching one of my girl friends tease and curl her hair into a gorgeous hairstyle before we went out.
Hairstyling for a particular face shape is an art unto itself. Wigs come all set with curls but occasionally you need to have the bangs or side layers trimmed. I would suggest you not do this yourself, take your wig to a hairstylist and have them cut any hair thats needed to shape your wig to your face. The goal for a square face it to make it look longer. Square shape faces look fabulous with fringes or waves which soften the angle of the jaw. Bangs with a side part can split the face into thirds which make it look less angular or boxy. Creating roundness with bangs and side layers soften the face. A long hairstyle works well with a square face flowing past the shoulders it can slim the face and soften the jaw angle. My favourite is shoulder length with soft curls in the lower layers creating volume and again breaking up the square face. A square face can be changed with a short bob as well. The first wig I purchased did all of this. It had bangs, soft wispy layers, a side part and some volume when you teased it. This was my hairstyle for a number of years till I could afford more wigs. Over the years I have purchased several wigs from Esthetica Wigs. Most were shoulder length and I was completely over the moon with my choice of this product for their quality, fit and natural looking colour. The wigs all have aspect of the characteristics needed to soften a square face, accentuate the cheek bones and create a feminine look. These wigs have become my "go to" but they do require more care and attention to look good when you want to put the icing on the cake.
If you have a wig store where you live, I'd suggest you call them to arrange a private appointment to try on various wigs. They can make suggestions and find a wig style that works best with your face shape and skin colour. I had the opportunity to do this and I think it really helped to direct me to hairstyles that work best for me. There are apps online where you can insert your photo and try different wigs with your photo. I never found these very helpful myself but if you don't have a local wig store they can at least give you an idea of what wig to acquire.
On review, most important, determine your face shape then consider what wig hairstyle will work for you.
https://www.ipsy.com/blog/what-is-my-face-shape
https://www.glamour.com/gallery/best-hairstyles-any-face-shape
Square Face
Hairstyles that are worn with curls or fringed bangs work best. To gently play around the angular chin, a side parting is also an advantage. One famous hairstylist for the stars suggests fringed side bangs, long hair with side parting or fringed short hairstyles look best as they make the facial contours appear softer. Curly hair wigs and wave hair wigs also create softer contours.
Enjoy putting the icing on the cake and let the mirror reflect the woman you feel you are.
@sweetmelissa It took me ages to find my style which was helped by going to a wig stylist. She was able to help find a style and cut it in to suit me better as even good styles need a little tweak. A good style makes things perfect, that's why it is called the crowning glory for us girls that need them.
I had an appointment at Glow Wigs here in Tucson and nothing seemed right. Oh, did I mention the one that was "sort of OK" was $900.
I bought nothing.
Christine
Hi Mellisa. WOW you’re gorgeous and look amazing. Your in tuscon. I live in Scottsdale area
Wonderful article, so helpful. I appreciate your insight. I have two “Sunrise” wigs from Paula Young. It does take time to learn to style any wig, so we all need to be patient when trying to get the look we are after. I sometimes buy super cheap wigs to practice on…it really is the only way to learn and it’s fun and exciting! There are many You Tube tutorials doing wig hauls from all of the major brands and styles, so we at least have more guidance than in the past…
Great article, the wig for sure is the centerpiece aside from makeup that truly makes the transformation possible. You are right regarding bangs. For a rectangular face like mine, split bangs does a great job for me as it preferably hides my forehead. Thanks for sharing.
Thank you, Melissa, for another informative article.
For me, wig selection and shopping can be both rewarding and a frustrating experience. Specifically, I am limited by the fact I wear a large-cap size wig.
Atlanta, where I live, has dozens of beauty shops which sell wigs as a side line.
A customer may try on the wigs. Some assistance is given, but no professional advice is offered.
There are just a few actual wig shops scattered around the city, which will book
consultation appointments and sell wigs. They will also order wigs for customers.
Their fees and prices tend to run on the expensive side. Last year I tried one
such private wig shop, and despite her glowing on line reviews, I was less than
satisfied. Her 30 minute consultation fee was $75 in addition to the cost of a
wig I purchased from her. Since I take a large-cap wig, she had to order it for
me, a process that took two weeks to arrive. She never did a customer satisfaction
follow up survey with me, despite marketing herself as a highly individualized
customer satisfaction driven business.
For my next wig, I found a small on line family owned business in a western
state, which I am highly satisfied with.
@catgurl
I'd apprieciate you input on where to go in Atlanta. Also, how can you get personal attention from a western state?
Hi Rhonda!
The only wig I have ever purchased in Atlanta is from the wig shop I mentioned above, and as I said, I was less than satisfied with her services. However, some people must be satisfied with her, as she recently opened a second store in McDonough, Georgia, on the south side of the city. Her original store is in East Cobb. If you want her location and contact info, let me know. I will send it to you in a PM.
Also, as I mentioned above, I have been very satisfied with a family-owned business in Texas. Moreover, they offer a free consultation service via telephone, after you send them a swatch of your hair. Let me know if you want their info, and I will send it in a PM.
I don't know if I can part with a swatch of hair, as my stockpile is dwindling, but I'll scratch my head as I consider it. No need to further identify the shop in Atlanta, as you don't recommend it.
I am 82 white hair fairly long think of getting a white lady like wig styled for my age
Check out “Danielle” on the Paula Young site. It’s available in a color named “Angel’s Wing”…it’s so cute and fun looking. It might suit you.
This is a wonderful series of articles Melissa, and I'm so glad you dedicated one to hairstyles and wigs. I have only two deciding early on that it would be one area I would not scrimp on, and got the best quality I could afford. At Keystone there was a wig store that displayed many types, and I tried on virtually all of them before deciding on the one you see in my profile. So I concur with your suggestion to try on as many as you can, and get the best you can - the lady in the mirror will appreciate it!
I like this article and I need to work on this more. I have 3 now but they are cheap ones. I ever thought about got a wig store (make an app first). Great suggestion. We also have a Crossdresser shop in Michigan I will be visiting again, soon. Thank you for the advise. -Traci
Interesting topic. I wear shorter wigs (short bob) but also longer ones. I'm lucky that I like bangs and hair in my face. It really helps to achieve a ladylike look.
Hi ladies,
In my earlier years I was a curly brunette, then about ten years ago for a short time same brunette again, but short and straight with bangs.
These days I'm this
https://www.crossdresserheaven.com/photo/favorite-evening-gown-with-brush-train/
Strawberry blonde and has been said, a fair bit of volume to detract attention to my male "boat race".
(Cockney slang for face)
Someone mentioned a Danielle wig. I have that by "Henri Margu" Might be the same one. It's synthetic but I also have a human hair one of similar shape an colouring
I am hopeless at any washing and styling, so I leave that to my good friend Melissa. My "personal" MUA and hairdresser She has done many makeovers fior me and is also a trained hairdresser
My hair evolution can be traced via perusing my public photos on this site.
Caty.
@chanel Thank you for the lovely compliment Chanel.
I'll claim credit for the gown, but the hair,make up and for that matter the pose, were down to my lovely friend, make up artist and hairdresser Melissa. She often works with pro photographers, so she knew how to set up the shot.
It also helps A LOT... that the photo was taken 10 years ago. This "old chook", (trans.) chicken has aged quite a lot in the last ten years
If you check out my later public photos in the same dress its "all there to see".
Thanks again
caty.
VERY thought-provoking article! I hope to find time to do this sort of research! I'd also like tips on how to find a stylist to work with my natural hair and, in particular, learn whether I can do anything to deal with a bald spot.
Thanks Melissa for such an informative and stimulating article. I agree wholeheartedly that getting our hair just right is a fundamental part of our transformation.
I'm at a much lower level than most of the girls here. I will only dress when my wife is away so sometimes not for a year or more. I will buy everything I need then purge before she gets back. My last opportunity was last June. Got two lovely outfits and a cheap wig from Amazon. Shoulder length. It was nice but just so difficult to manage, and didn't brush well.
I have another opportunity in May (10 days - woo hoo!). I have absolutely no idea what style of hair would suit my face, but I think I'll be going for a short bob style, just for the manageability (* Chrissie checks Google to see if that's a word *). Looking at two in the same style, one dark brown and an age appropriate silver one that actually looks lovely. Pics may follow.
Hugs, Chrissie xx.
Been there done that so sad really. I get to do about same makes me desire even more. Dressing is it
Thanks this helped and gave me some ideas. I’ve looked at a lot of places for wigs and have found some good ones. Since I have very short hair as a man, the wig will be easy to wear, but as you mentioned it has to extenuate your face.
I am grateful for your illustrative article. Hair is always important to define a woman, even if you are only going to dress at home. Even if you don't put on makeup. It has been very useful to me.
Gisela
Just received two short hair wigs how do you handle and put them on. Is there a front and back do you need special brush to style? Things I need to know.
@stillgeorge133 youtube has lots of videos on how to put on, wear, and care for wigs. I had no idea myself and no one I knew had any experience wearing a wig properly. I found many videos on the fundamentals of wearing wigs there.
@leainvancouver thank you the information was great now know front and back and ear taby
Thank you Melissa very informative article much-needed and much appreciated.
Barbra
