It’s become more common for celebrities to be open about wearing wigs, whether they do so to preserve their hair health or achieve a certain look. Here, their wig artists share their top tips and favorite products when working with A-list hairpieces.
Dom Forletta
Clients: Chappell Roan, Jojo, Tommy Dorfman, Jenna Ortega
“Wigs are an amazing alternative to real hair for so many reasons,” says Forletta, noting their biggest benefit is sparing the real hair any damage. “When applying wigs, it’s very important to get the hair as flat to the head as possible. One of my go-tos is good ol’ Eco Gel ($4) to make the hair flat and smooth. When it comes to styling the wig, it really depends on the look, but ghd tools are always a reliable source to get me where I need to be.”
Ursula Stephen
Clients: Zendaya, Jodie Turner-Smith, Tiffany Haddish, Ariana DeBose
Excessive heat and/or overstyling can cause breakage and hair loss,” says Stephen, which is why so many celebrities turn to wigs as a form of protection. Wigs also help broaden their styling options, especially for red-carpet events or editorial shoots, she adds. The staples Stephen always has on hand when working with wigs include a stocking cap, bobby pins, wig glue, strong-hold hairspray, sectioning clips, a tail comb and tweezers.
Kim Kimble
Clients: Beyoncé, Tyra Banks, Kerry Washington, Brandy
“I always start with a wig cap to protect the natural hair and create a smooth base,” says Kimble. “Depending on the style, I’ll use adhesives or tapes, plus scalp protectors for comfort and safety. For styling, hot tools like flat irons and curling wands are essentials, but I never skip a heat protectant.” In her kit you’ll also find wig stands, wide-tooth combs and brushes made specifically for wigs. Her top wigs of choice are often her own creations from Kim Kimble Hair Collection by HairUWear. “Celebrities love wigs because they can change the length, color or texture of their hair for a role, a performance or a red-carpet event in no time,” the stylist adds.
John Novotny
Clients: Julia Fox, Noah Cyrus, Christina Aguilera, Cole Escola
For this year’s Vanity Fair Oscars party, Novotny recalls creating two distinct looks for Julia Fox. “I did a super sculpted, windswept, bombshell look that Julia actually put on herself in the car. I had to let go and let God take over that night,” they say. “She pulled off the install, and I was so proud of both looks we accomplished.”
“Wigs are amazing tools for transformation and create impactful looks that can’t be achieved with someone’s natural hair,” says Novotny. A bonus: Wigs can also be styled off the client to minimize time in the glam chair. Novotny turns to Schwarzkopf colors when dying processed hair. To keep wigs hydrated, Oribe Supershine Moisturizing Cream ($54) is their go-to. Other essentials: a hot comb to flatten wigs, a 0.25-inch curling iron to add natural waves and bends around the hairline, and a straight razor to etch baby hairs and tendrils. A surprising must-have? Viseart Matte Neutrals Eyeshadow Palette ($40) to fill in the part of the wig.
Clayton Hawkins
Clients: Rachel Zegler, Ashley Park, Meg Stalter, Jennifer Coolidge
”Meg Stalter is a dream client because she lets me do pretty much whatever I want and there are no limits. The girl loves a wig!” says Hawkins. “Wigs let my clients inhabit a different persona without any commitment.”
When working with wigs for a red-carpet event, Hawkins begins by creating a clean foundation with secure, flat braids and a smooth wrap so the base completely disappears. “I use a fine-tooth comb for precision, a small boar-bristle brush for smoothing, and either lace glue or tape depending on whether the hairline will be visible,” he explains. “Once the wig is placed, I refine the hairline with gentle heat tools to soften and blend, and then I style as if it were the client’s own hair. For hold, I rely on SexyHair Big Sexy Hair Spray & Stay Intense Hold Hairspray ($23). It gives red-carpet security without a stiff, oversprayed finish.”
Yusef Williams
Clients: Rihanna, Naomi Campbell, Joan Smalls, Tyla
“One memorable, yet challenging wig experience was styling Rihanna for her Dazed cover shoot where we created a 72-inch dreadlock wig,” recalls Williams. “The process had us deep in our creative bag. Despite the challenges, the result was magic! I strongly feel that wigs are magical gems sent from heaven for women to explore different looks and different characters, and for anyone dealing with medical issues, they offer a sense of identity and self-confidence.” On any given glam day, there’s always a wig or extension in his arsenal, as they can help enhance any look.
“Every construction site begins with a proper and solid foundation,” says Williams. “That same principle holds true when applying or installing wigs.” Overall knowledge of wigs will be a stylist’s biggest tool, he adds, but he also has some favorite products that ensure a flawless outcome, including those from The Y By Yusef and True Hair Company. “As for wig glue and adhesive, I love to experiment with different products, depending on how secure I want the lace to be.”
