Styling a WIG: Adding HEIGHT to the crown

Is your wig too flat and you want to add some height to the crown? Use this super simple method to add height to the crown of your wig using quilt batting.
TONING A WIG THAT'S TOO YELLOW
• How to TONE a blond wi...
ABOUT MY CHANNEL
Here, you'll not only get useful, practical tips on choosing and wearing wigs and wig reviews, but you'll also get inspired to be fabulous whatever your age. Middle age rocks!
INSTAGRAM @christinemcgrawwigs

[@sandyembleton569]

I use a shoulder pad, it’s tapered so its a gradual lift and you can get different thicknesses too, works ok for me :-)

[@christinemcgraw8710]

I'll have to check that out. I use the batting because you can get lots of it for not much money. Can you get get the shoulder pads at JoAnne's?

[@sandyembleton569]

Yes you could get the shoulder pads probably at Joanne’s, WalMart etc, they come in a package of two, love your videos

[@gaylemann1306]

Much better idea! I used to use the plastic Bump it and have gotten away from it. Another thing is being an RN l see patients having to remove their wigs due to metal like hairpins and clips when getting any scans and the radiographs picking it up. Again, love the pads!

[@paulakohrt6189]

Genius!! Or check your Moms closet for shoulder pads… 😊

[@judycrisenbery2982]

Who knew!!! I, too, usually have a handful of excess wig at the top. What a fabulous idea!!!!

[@ruadhscottygirl2480]

One tip would be to NOT trim your bangs until AFTER you’ve added the height in the crown! Thank you for giving us these reviews. My wish is that someday reviewers will have several of their friends/colleagues/family sitting in the video, all with different face shapes and skin tones. Then the wig being reviewed could be placed on each to give the rest of us a chance to see it on different face shapes and skin tones right then. I have tried hunting all over the internet for my head shape (rectangle, which nobody seems to have) but then of course they aren’t reviewing the wig YOU have. It gets frustrating. Anyway, thank you again for your tips!

[@christinemcgraw8710]

Great reminder about the batting. I should have said that 😉 I totally agree about seeing wigs on different head shapes. I have a favorite reviewer but her head is bigger than mine and shaped completely differently, so I know any wig is going to look totally different on me. That's why I focus on tips for personalizing wigs for an individual's head; because we're all so different. Thanks so much for commenting.

[@beckymiller4436]

I love your viewpoint on wig-wearing. I, too, have a flat top and back of my head, and it is a major hurdle as a wig-wearer. May I suggest a small tweak to your solution to adding height? I am a seamstress of over 60 years, and I learned a long time ago about layering batting. You use a base diameter of about 4” and stack additional circles on top. You might want to try making each successive stacked layer slightly smaller than the previous layer. So, with a base of 4”, the next layer should be about 3-1/2” followed by 3”, etc. Doing this lends a more natural curve to the crown. That’s just a suggestion. Keep up the good work…I look forward to your videos.

[@jodygallup8472]

I went to thrift store and bought some 2X womans short sleeved tops with shoulder pads. They snip out easy and they are easy to layer under a wig cap by snap clips or bob pins. Then I also kept the tops and altered the shoulders and under arm area to layer under a tank top. Once you start McGyvering things the ideas just keep popping up. Thanks for your ideas and solutions for a seemingly common issue❣️

[@elizabethcurrie4920]

I used to stuff my hair up to the crown to overcome my flat head. I finally found some breathable batting at Fabricland and applied it to the crown. A miracle! The wigs look more proportioned, but even better, the fit improves making the wig feel 10x more secure. Also, it stops riding up the back-perhaps because I can now put my hair in a low pony. Every wig I’ve tried it on finally ‘works’. Thanks for fixing my head!!!

[@dawnblackler2265]

Genius. I’m a member of the flat head tribe too!

[@vickywhite8586]

Girl, I have trouble in the crown too and was just trying to figure how to do something about it. Thank you. Great and easy!

[@christinemcgraw8710]

I've found that many people have a similar issue, so I'm super happy that this helps. Thanks for commenting.😍

[@janetmckune846]

Thank you! I've been looking for a solution for the back of my head. It's pretty flat!! 😍

[@bettybritt7194]

Great idea. Thank you. I have lots of quilt batting since I am a quilter and this solved my problem with needing more height in my crown.

[@elizabethcurrie4920]

Great idea, Christine. I usually put my hair in a small bun there for height but I like a low pony to keep it anchored so this should work well. I have the same wig, same colour….looks great on you. Can’t wait to see how you are toning them down!

[@lynnmckenzie4841]

Just a possible tip for those in hot climates in the summer; I've heard some women use blue frozen ice thingies, small round circles, and even a ice cap made for inside a helmet.

[@jodygallup8472]

Kool idea💨❣️

[@CysterWigs]

Such a great idea! I also love "middle age rocks." Darn tootin'! 😘

[@ellencampbell]

Here’s a great idea to share regarding adding height to your wigs! Buy nude color Petite Dolman Shoulder Pads. (You can find on Amazon). Pin one (or two) into the top of wig. Problem solved!

[@7swordmary567]

ROUND Hot Air Brush +Thermal Protection Spritz /leave-in conditioner =results w/far less insulation heat. PearShaped heads *require* height + *inverted triangle hairstyles* to balance out bone structure and flatter hair cuts.

[@jcool4358]

Why is it then that some of these women on here look great in all the wigs right out of the box. Coco Looks great in every wig she puts on her head.

[@lindaanglisano1448]

I use sports bra inserts triangles with the narrow points overlapping. I don't pin them, just lay them in the same area you did. If they move a little you can't tell. They are washable as well. Thanks for your idea, I'll try that on my bigger wigs!

[@christinemcgraw8710]

That is such a great idea!I used to throw out the inserts, but that's a great use for them.

[@chrissis111]

Great information! I like the Bardot look too! Thanks for sharing.

[@juliarushing1920]

hey thanks for your video. I am a flat head too, and hate hats on me. and wigs always have a lot of room in the top back area....your idea makes a lot of sense.

[@mariabarradas4235]

Wow, I just found you and I subscribed right away, I have been using wigs for 3 years due to alopecia and cancer treatments, your videos have blown my mind, the one to tone down a yellow wig is is Amazing and so is this one, I have a long face, kind of oval but a very high forehead, most wigs have that gap you show here, what I have been doing is shorten the inside of the wig, with a needle and thread I do a single stitch all along the two or three main lines, top to bottom, is't fast and easy and it can be cut of anytime but this is really a good idea, please continue to show us your great ideas, thanks.

[@m.johnson119]

Thanks so much for posting this! I tried to wear a wig a few years ago and quickly gave up. Now I'm trying again because I've lost too much hair and this information will really help me. I had no idea why that "crown" space is in all of my wigs. Like you, I'm an average circumference. The sales lady who sold me my first wig put me in a petite size and it's too uncomfortable/tight for me to wear. Now I realize why she probably went with the petite. I've bought several more average size wigs, but haven't been successful in "making them my own". (I bought 2 from a thrift store to practice trimming bangs, etc. and a less expensive wig to wear around the house.) I've always felt like they were "riding up", so I'm constantly pushing the crown "back down", even though they hadn't slipped! With your video the light bulb went off, and yeah, I think I can finally fix the problem 😊 Blessings to you. (Like some others, I also am concerned about adding heat. I've seen "Headline It!", No Sweat Comfort Liners, wig liner on various wig sites. They are expensive, but might be worth trying.)

[@christinemcgraw8710]

I'm so glad I could help. I thought I was in a petite for exactly the same reason, then examined my head measurements in details and realized why the petite were tight, but the averages had a huge gap in the crown. It seems like a lot of us are in the same boat. I want women to understand they're all beautiful and unique, so most wigs will need tiny adjustments to fit each head. Thanks for watching and commenting.

[@godloveskaren]

Wow, this is such a great tip that I will definitely be using!!! Thank you so much 💓.

[@marilyngold5607]

What a great idea. Thanks for posting!

[@somethinginteresting2202]

❤ This Chanel is fantastic ….. I love ALL the videos. ❤

[@JesseMSimons]

Great tip! I have the same issues. I will definitely try this!

[@terriraglin7796]

Guess what I use. Breathable mastectomy(I apologize if this is offensive, I was trying to solve a problem)bra pads. It's just genius! I use DD because it fits my head perfectly. They are inexpensive, they are Breathable and you can double up on them for more poof. Of course, I tried several other things before I thought of this. I, of course, I came up with this before I found this message . I just thought I would share this because it is really helpful. What wig are you wearing in this video. Like you. I suffer from the flat head round face syndrome. 🙃 I subscribed to your channel hopefully I will get more help trying to wade out into the sea of wigs.

[@sallysmack9372]

I can't wait until flat, triangular-shaped wigs go out of style. I have a large head, so my options are limited to begin with. I don't have room in my wig caps to add batting. I need larger, more flattering wig styles. I have a very round face with a double chin, so I'm always looking for the right shaped wig. I've been searching since 2003 and haven't found her yet. Thanks for the ino!

[@marialeach8960]

What an ingenious idea with adding padding to the crown! I too belong to the flat head (back/crown part of head) tribe! LOL!!!! Thank you so much for this tip!

[@goldkhw]

I used to fold up those very light floaty scarves to pad my "fall" and give it height at the crown.

[@kittyadele]

Can you dye the quilt batting? I have dark hair, and is it hot?

[@susans2255]

Wow a great idea! Thanks!

[@tonyaslack7214]

What a fantastic idea, thank you!!! I have the same wig, same color and I love it but the bangs are too long and it’s too big in the crown, so I will use your technique to fix the fit. Would you please consider doing a tutorial on how you trim your bangs? This wig is perfect on you! You’re gorgeous!

[@simoneb4177]

I have a few wigs I'm going to this on, thank you! I have that same extra room in the crown.

[@beckyc.5743]

I have the same issues with my wigs! Circumference 22” but front to back is child/petite. This is a fantastic solution. Thanks so much and thanks to Google for helping me find your channel!

[@jodygallup8472]

Seems to be a common issue for us. Some times I put pin curls with bob pins all around circumference to keep the hairpiece from shifting. If you have enough length and your hair is fine, this works very well. The wig bands ride up or totally away from where it should be also, so this pin curl tip works great, and you can put the thin cap right over the pincurls.

[@KathleenRyanArt]

Excellent tip Christine 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻🙋

[@pattycarosi9618]

This was very helpful. Off to Jo-Ann's tomorrow for some quilt badding. You are a life saver. Just watch 2 of your reviews now. Thank you I have a small flat head!😂

[@camerajen]

Oh my gosh I have almost your same measurements. Thank you!! I’ve been battling this problem!!!!!!

[@kapirk2244]

Great tip! Such a small change really does make a difference.

[@suzannebunbury2961]

Wow! Great video! Thank you. You look gorgeous in that wig. ♥️👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻🏆

[@hazelclifton1524]

Hi, this style looks really pretty on you 😍 thank you for making this video xx 🌸💕

[@paulakohrt6189]

Hey Christine! LOVE your practical wig tips! I just discovered you. I have alopecia Universalis and I’ve been wearing wigs for over 20 years. I love your recommendation for adding height! Straight wigs without permatease look ridiculous on me. And it’s something you can’t tell until you’ve purchased the wig. I struggle with rooted blond colors. I don’t like really dark roots so it’s hard to find anything with roots lighter than 8. I adore your concealer! And foundation! Can you share the products you use? Thanks for all you do! I appreciate the help!!

[@MoonfishSparkle]

Hi Christine!! Awesome video! Your tips are always good! I think you are the wig whisperer!👩👸💜

[@thenaturalmd]

Wow! Great idea!!!

[@sharonlynn609]

Would love to know how to make a wig with NO MONO TOP look more natural.

[@grandfabhair-mywigjourney274]

I hope you are well. I love all your videos. I wish you would post again.

[@jeanniedeal9760]

SMART!! Thanks!!

[@bjaquez6]

I love this trick. I have a flat head with an M dent at the crown. Two points are visible. This trick should fix this with a cap wig.

[@marjean9319]

Great tip. I have a wig that needs this fix. Also, like the comment tips, Thx much.

[@debipearl8861]

Good idea. I have a flat head so this will be a real help since I am just learning the wig world. Where do I go to find good buys on used wigs?

[@dotsywotsy18]

Brilliant

[@ellelatorre2893]

Thank you for this brilliant tip. I too get the hollow bump. Does the batting add heat to wearing the wig?

[@christinemcgraw8710]

I've only been using this method since the fall, so I don't have any data on how it affects wigs when the temperature is hot outside. (and I'm all about data!) I can tell you that I haven't noticed it adding heat to my short wigs since them, and I hate being hot. In fact, the reason I don't wear long wigs is because they're too hot and heavy for me. 😃 Let me know how it works for you!

[@reneedalziel6721]

Thank you, I can’t wait to try this in my new Ambrose! My “issue” is behind my ears. I have a 21” circumference but I’m only 11-12” from ear to across (across the crown). I’ve watched videos on how to make a wig cap smaller but they really just take the cap up from the nape to the crown. I need a fix that pulls kind of pulls the ear area closer to each other. I hope that makes sense. It’s not the ear tab area. It’s further below that by 1/2-1”. Thanks in advance for any ideas you might have. ❤️

[@chrisboyd3626]

My situation is very similar to yours! I have a 22.75 inch circumference and I have a 12 1/2 inch from ear to ear over the back of the crown of my head, 6 inches from my front hairline. It’s very hard to find caps that fit I would love to know how to alter

[@christinemcgraw8710]

Hmmmm. Let me think on that one. And be sure to let me know if using the quilt batting makes any difference. 😃

[@RKusmie64]

Hm. We have similar measurements, Christine, and I notice that looseness in the crown of some of my wigs. I'm going to try this. And then maybe I can try a long wig and get it to look better than it ever has :-/

[@user-tb5lf6xm7r]

I like height like the 1960’s but not so extreme can’t find any wig companies ( can you suggest that have height. The ones in movies look so natural. Dolly pardon too

[@sharonlynn609]

Wish you would post in drop down style & color your wearing.

[@judycrisenbery2982]

Can you do a video on making a natural looking part on a basic cap wig? They usually look like a burds nest:-(

[@patriciagoldfine9828]

I am pretty heat intolerant. Does this method trap heat inside your wigs?

[@lindagillespie2333]

When I was a teenager they was a wig dome that you could put on the crown of you head to give your wigs lift , why did the stop producing this accessory ?

[@itsjoannotjoann5070]

Another great tip! I wonder how those hair 'donuts' that can be bought at Walmart, 'dollar stores,' and ethnic hair stores would work?? But if a person already has the batting, this would work fine. 👍

[@christinemcgraw8710]

I've never tried the donuts. Depending on the size, they might make the capt too "pointy," but if you try it let me know. Thanks.😍

[@pennycarlson5465]

Brilliant. And since I make quilts, free!

[@porfiriarosics4088]

I want to learn how to thin a weak

[@christinemcgraw8710]

What other problems or issues do you have with your wigs? What would like to see videos on?

[@margueritecummings4508]

How to secure my bio nape hairs under a short wig. This is an ongoing issue and I don’t want to shave my nape. Any suggestion you have I will try!

[@Jillybeans140]

My head measurements are very similar to yours but my face is probably longer and narrower. Almost rectangular. I have the same problems as you mentioned. I was wondering if the padding is hot? I live in Western Aus, we have 9 months of HOT weather. Do you use a wig grip too? I’ve had to take mine off because of the heat, (and headaches) but I then get my wig slipping around, even if I use glue. I’m struggling.

[@DrGoodyear]

How you trim your bangs! Yours look so great compared to most that I’ve seen.

[@user-tb5lf6xm7r]

Can you recommend some good wig companies? Most from China and you are stuck with it because shipping back is more expensive than the wig.

[@lorijackson5]

I just found you and love your channel. I have worn wigs for 20 yrs but always get short shags and want get something different but long wigs don't look good unless I pull them back.. Can you tell us how we can wear a pony tail with a little bang and some soft fringe along the side. I have very very thin hair with no way of having a natural bang and hair is to thin to just wear a pony extension but would love to wear a fun ponytail with bangs and soft fringe.

[@christinemcgraw8710]

I find long hair too hot and heavy to wear down, so if I do, I usually put it a ponytail, too. With a good light or medium density wig, it's easy to wear low ponytail. Just check to make sure all the hair is pulled low enough on the back and sides to cover both the wig and any bio hair. When you say you want a little bang, do you mean that the wig already has the bang in it or do you want to cut a bang into a wig that doesn't have one? Let me know and I'm happy to help.

[@cherylwiglover8400]

Thanks for this great tip, Christine. I have a full face and a 23.25" circumference with 13" on ear to ear and font to nape (occiput). I also get very hot so I need a substitute for the batting which I suspect will make wigs even hotter for me. Any ideas?

[@christinemcgraw8710]

I had a viewer tell me she uses the inserts from her sports bras, which I think is brilliant! I don't if they'd be any cooler. I haven't worn the batting in super hot weather yet, but I haven't found it to be hot in the fall and winter weather. Let me think about what else you might use, and I'll get back to you. Thanks.!😍

[@deborahahonen6949]

Perhaps some layers of cotton gauze or cheesecloth might be cooler, since they’re cotton, not polyester.

[@Melody-ww7gs]

don’t the pins hurt?

[@sandifarley2996]

Great idea, but isn't it hot?

[@christinemcgraw8710]

I've only been using this method since October, and it hasn't been hot during the fall and winter. I'll keep you updated during the summer. Also, although the tutorial shows it using a long wig, I usually wear short lightweight wigs, and I haven't found it to be hot on those. 😍

[@colleenmasson1955]

This wig makes you look younger...you are hot lady!!!

[@Artbycarrie]

Have you ever just made your wig smaller?

[@puppybum111]

I'm sorry girl but you are a little long winded for me. I just wanted a little information