How To Sew In Wig Clips

You’ve just received your new wig, and it looks great! Now, if only you can find a way to keep it securely in place all day. Wig clips offer one solution. They provide sturdy support to help you keep your secret to great hair.

Clips make it easy to remove your wig quickly and easily. They are easily sewn into the base and then clipped onto your existing hair. You may use them in conjunction with adhesive or tape for added security.

The fasteners function best when sewn securely in place. In this post, we’ll look at where to sew wig clips and how to apply wig clips.

Wig Combs vs. Wig Clips

Using combs or clips is often a matter of debate. The combs damage your hair less but slide loose more easily. If you have thick tresses, the combs often provide a strong grip. For fine locks, it’s better to use wig clips.

The cumulative damage over time with clips is another thing to consider. The clips hold firm but may break brittle hair shafts.

It may also come down to a matter of personal preference. Some people find that the combs are more comfortable to wear. They may also prove easier to remove at the end of a long day.

Sewing In Wig Clips

Find the Correct Color Match

Matching the hairpiece, fasteners, and the thread isn’t essential, but it keeps things neat. If a piece of the silicone shows through, keeping it the same color as the hair makes it less noticeable. 

Which Size to Get

The size of the clips depends on where you’ll situate them. They come in three sizes to better match the shape of your scalp. Many people buy a range of sizes to see what works best for their wig.

The general rule is that larger clips have greater holding power and require longer strands of hair to remain effective. If your wig slips forward, using a large fastener at the back may be useful.

When you’re clipping a small amount of hair, like bangs, using small clips makes sense. Should you need the wig for your child, start with a small version.

Sew in Place

Where to Attach

You don’t need extensive sewing skills to complete this project.

To get a rough idea of where you need the most support, you’ll need patience and a light marking pen or pencil. Place the hairpiece and adjust it as necessary.

Where you see potential support gaps, clip the edge between your thumb and forefinger to mark the spot. Remove the piece and then mark the site lightly with the pen. Repeat this process until you get back to the starting point.

Placing the Clips

Thread a strong needle with about a foot of sturdy thread. A thin gauge fishing wire will serve in a pinch. Place the fastener with the silicone side down, centered on your first mark. Make two quick stitches through the holes on either side to secure it.

Repeat this step until you have all the fasteners in place. Try to keep about two inches between each clip. The space allows you to open and close them without tugging on your real hair as much.

The goal here is to keep the clips in place without sewing them down completely. Doing this allows you to try the piece on and make adjustments.

Try on the wig and, if necessary, take note of tweaks you want to make. When you have the positioning right, sew the clips into place using a small lock stitch into all the holes.

Sewing on Lace

A lace backing makes things a little trickier to start. A standard knot will slip right through. Instead, make your first lock stitch, but leave a tail of around an inch long.

Hold the tail and sew the thread through the first lock stitch that you formed. This technique secures it without leaving a big ugly mess at the back.

Sewing on Weft

When sewing clips onto wefts, apply the fastener only to the machined areas. This technique provides extra stability and a better clipping point.

Sewing on PU

PU material is challenging to stitch because of its thickness. Your goal is to catch the fabric with the stitches rather than go all the way through.

Wearing the New Unit

Putting it On

When you are ready to try your new unit, open each of the clips. Do this by pressing down on them from the wig’s side. They will snap open.

Place the hairpiece and adjust it to suit you. When you’re happy you’ve positioned it correctly, thread strands through the fasteners. Press the clips at the ends, so they snap shut.

Taking It Off

Remove the clips by applying pressure to the middle again. Then gently untangle them from your hair.

Removing the Fasteners

You can easily remove the fasteners with a small pair of sharp scissors. Embroidery scissors are ideal if you have them because they have a sharp, narrow point. Carefully cut through the stitches and then detach the fastener.

Clean up by pulling out leftover cotton.

Benefits of Using Wig Clips

No Preparation  

You’ll save time in the morning because you do not have to:

  • Place messy adhesives and wig glue
  • Spend time trying to remove the stubborn backing from double sided tape
  • Wait for everything to dry
  • Work out the exact correct position from scratch every time
  • Fewer skin issues

You’ll Save Money on Consumables

You’ll need fewer consumables like adhesive tape and wig glue, so you’ll save a bundle on products. Another advantage is that you’ll also expose your hair to fewer chemicals.

Tidier Than Wig Glue

Adhesives leave a sticky residue behind when you remove them. It’s not long before the edge of the wig starts to look grubby. Without the fasteners, you must spend extra time each day removing the residue.

A Durable, Strong Solution

Tapes and wig glues can only do so much. Over time, the bonds get weaker and eventually break. Clips, once installed correctly, will stay in place. They will not slip, slide, or lose traction. 

The silicone inside layer prevents them from reacting to the natural oils and sweat on your scalp. You could hit the gym for hours at a stretch without your hairdo slipping.

Clips will not last forever, but they’ll most likely last a few years. They usually only break if you do something like bump them against a hard surface.

The Cons

The Strength of the Clip Depends on Your Natural Hair

The more hair you have, the better the clip will be. If you’ve less than luscious locks, your do might shift during the day. You might need to consider using wig glue in addition to the combs.

It Is Hard on the Hair

The fasteners exert pressure on your real hair. If it’s already thinning, or if you have balding patches, this can speed up hair loss.

The mechanism holds the strands in an unnatural position and may leave kinks. Over time, the hair weakens in those spots.

Might Be Uncomfortable

The mechanism pulls on the hair throughout the day. Some people barely notice, but others find it painful and uncomfortable.

The additional silicone against the scalp isn’t ideal in hot areas during the summer.  While the mechanism is impervious to sweat, your sensitive skin is not. You’ll feel warmer and have less airflow against your scalp.

The reduced flow may lead to rashes and irritation. The friction between the fasteners and skin when you move your head may also result in friction.

Final Tips

  • Use the correct size for your head to improve clip and comfort.
  • You may use combs instead if you find the tugging unbearable.
  • Leave a reasonable amount of space between each clip to minimize discomfort.
  • Remove the wig daily, or at least every other day to give your scalp space to breathe.
  • Nourish your natural hair, and go for regular trims to remove damaged sections.
  • Combs may be better if you have thick hair or often use braided styles.

How well the clips work depends on the condition of your real hair and scalp. Keep both clean and nourished, and there’s less chance of dryness and breakage.

Using clips is not always the best solution. Assess your situation, weigh the pros and cons, and then make your decision. Clips are inexpensive, and it’s relatively easy to remove them, so trying this and other attachment methods won’t cost much.

Why not give it a try yourself and see what you think?