Wigs are a lot of fun. They can make a costume or change your look. So you bought a wig. Now what?

It’s important that you store your wig on a form. Styrofoam heads are common and easy to find. Often you can purchase a head from the same store you purchased your wig.

You’ll need a wig cap. Wig caps are nylon socks that keep your hair under control. They come in a variety of colors and are sold in the hair care aisle.

Wigs pick up dirt, dust, and sweat just like your hair does. This means you’ll want to wash it after you’ve worn it or it’s sat on its wig head for a while. Use a mild shampoo and cold water. It’s very important you use cold water on your wig because warm or hot water will relax any curls or style it already has. It’s safest to let the wig air-dry.

It’s also a good idea to pick up a wig brush. Why? Wig brushes have metal tines to decrease the friction between the brush and the wig. Since wigs are usually made with filament, the metal tines slide right through the strands unlike plastic tines which drag and pull. Wigs can be styled in many of the same ways your own hair can be styled. Go ahead and add a pick and a comb to your arsenal too….metal of course.

Curling bangs

Yes, you read that correctly. Wigs can be styled. Most wigs have a style so they don’t need the extra work, but it’s possible if you want a change. Do not use direct heat on the delicate filaments. This means no curling irons or high heat hair dryers. To get a nice curl, simply section off the hair and wrap it around a plain old curler. You know the ones that are $2 for a pack of 12. Pin the curler in place using a hair pin or T-pin. You can let it set until it dries or you can use a cool dryer or steam gun. For big hold on your new style, use wig hairspray. The alcohol in regular hairspray can damage your wig.

Wig supplies

Now you’re ready to go. Pin up your hair. Pull on the wig cap. Slide on the wig by holding it firmly at the temples. Gently pull it front first then tug down the back. Well, that works best for me. Run your brush through to make sure it lays correctly. Then out the door you go.

All set? Let me know it you have any questions.

Day One is over and Day Two is winding down. Heroes Con has been a blast. I’ve seen some great costumes including Elseworld Wonder Woman, Iron Fist, and of course Iron Man. The folks here are organized and friendly. I haven’t run into any person not-in-the-know. Well done, Heroes Con.

Heroes Con is first a comics convention. All the other goodies just make it sweeter. Goodies? Nickelodeon Magazine put on a nice panel for kids that included a 3-D presentation. I have my paper glasses to prove it. I’ve gotten to chat with some of my favorite writers and artists. Kelly Sue DeConnick and Steven Niles (30 Days of Night) are friendly folks willing to talk about story or industry. Speaking of…I sat in on the State of the Industry panel yesterday. I was “this close” to Dan DiDio. It was tempting, but I didn’t kick him in the shins. Turns out he’s an okay guy as long as he’s not making decisions. Heehee.

There was a quick draw competition yesterday evening. I entered it for moral support. The munchkinette was nervous. I sat next to her and she did fine. In fact, her drawing of Bat Girl took 3rd place and won her some cool art gear. The munchkin drew a page full of Venoms and earned Honorable Mention and free comic book. Very awesome. But I digress…and brag.

I talked with some Klingons, some 501st folks, and many more people. Tonight is the benefit art auction, but I won’t be there. I’ll be attending the Can’t Stop the Serenity and Equality Now event this evening. There will be food, a movie, and a costume contest with a certain gal participating.

Pictures and such will follow in a few days. Have a great weekend!