Irish Dance Wig Guide For New Dancers

Choosing an Irish dance wig for the first time can feel confusing. There are several different styles, curl patterns and colours available, and it's not always obvious which option is right for your dancer.

This guide explains the main types of Irish dance wigs and accessories to help you make an informed choice.

Do I Need A Wig?

Most dancers wear a wig when attending competitions, particularly as they become more experienced.

However, many younger dancers attend their first few feiseanna with their hair neatly styled in a bun rather than wearing a wig. If and when a wig is needed, your dance teacher will be able to advise.

When starting out, the focus should be on enjoying Irish dancing, gaining competition experience and developing good technique rather than worrying about competition hairstyles.

Bun Wigs And Full Length Wigs

Irish dance wigs are generally divided into two main categories: bun wigs and full length wigs.

Bun Wigs

Bun wigs sit on the back of the dancer's head over their natural hair. Some dancers wear them over a hair donut to create additional height or volume.

Full Length Wigs

Full length wigs extend down to, or below, the shoulder line and are available in a range of lengths. When choosing a full length wig, it is worth considering the height of the dancer, as very long wigs can sometimes overwhelm younger dancers.

Both bun wigs and full length wigs are worn by dancers of all ages, and the choice between them is largely a matter of personal preference. Ceili teams often choose matching wig styles to create a coordinated appearance on stage.

What Is A Donut?

A hair donut is a lightweight foam ring used to create extra height and volume underneath a wig.

The dancer's hair is pulled into a ponytail, threaded through the centre of the donut and pinned into place. This creates a larger base for the wig to sit on.

Donuts are available in different sizes and colours, allowing dancers to choose the look that best suits them.

Not all wigs can be worn with a donut, so always check the product description before purchasing.

Understanding The Different Curl Styles

Irish dance wigs are available in a variety of curl patterns.

Traditional styles feature tighter ringlet curls, while newer styles often use looser waves.

Traditional Tight Curls

Looser Curls

Both styles are popular with dancers of all ages, so the choice comes down to personal preference and the overall look you want to achieve.

Some wig styles also offer different levels of volume. For example, certain styles are available in both single curl and double curl versions, with the double curl option providing additional fullness.

Choosing The Right Colour

There is no rule that says a wig must exactly match the dancer's natural hair colour.

Some dancers choose a close colour match, while others select a different shade and use hair colour spray to blend any visible natural hair around the front of the wig.

If you are trying to match the dancer's natural hair colour, compare the wig colour to the hair at the front of the head, as this is the hair most likely to be visible once the wig is fitted.

As a general rule, it is often better to choose a wig that is one or two shades lighter rather than darker. The aim is not necessarily to create an exact match, but to achieve a natural look that complements the dancer's hair colour and skin tone.

It is also worth considering the colour of the dancer's costume when choosing a wig colour, particularly for team dancers who may wish to create a coordinated appearance on stage.

Our Wig Colour Chart can help you compare the available shades. Please note that not every colour is available in every wig style.

Wig Rings

Because wigs are non-returnable for hygiene reasons, many dancers and parents find a wig ring to be a worthwhile investment.

A wig ring contains samples of all the available wig colours, allowing you to compare them directly against the dancer's hair and skin tone before making a purchase.

This can be particularly helpful if you are unsure which shade will suit the dancer best. A wig ring can also be taken to your dance teacher so they can see the colours you are considering and offer advice before you order.

A wig ring will typically last throughout a dancer's Irish dancing career and can be used whenever a new wig style or colour is being considered.

Please note that wig colours displayed on a screen may vary depending on your device, screen settings and resolution. A wig ring allows you to see the actual colours in person and can make choosing the correct shade much easier.

Keeping Your Wig Secure

All of our wigs include combs to help secure the wig into the dancer's natural hair. Some styles also include elastic drawstrings for additional security.

Bobby pins are an essential part of any dancer's competition bag. Once the wig is positioned correctly, use plenty of pins to secure it firmly in place. U-shaped pins are generally best for securing through the wig itself, while standard bobby pins can be used around the sides.

If in doubt, use another pin!

Wig Accessories

Many dancers complete their competition look with a tiara, headband or bow.

There are no strict rules when it comes to accessories, so choose a style that suits the dancer, complements the dress and fits within your budget.

Practice Makes Perfect

Fitting a wig can feel daunting the first few times, but it quickly becomes easier with practice.

There are plenty of helpful tutorials online covering different wig styles and fitting techniques. Searching for your specific wig style is often the quickest way to find useful demonstrations.

Don't be afraid to ask for help. The Irish dance community is generally very supportive, and more experienced parents and dancers are often happy to help newer dancers learn how to fit and secure their wig correctly.

Please Choose Carefully

For hygiene reasons, wigs cannot be returned once purchased.

If you are unsure about which style or colour to choose, we recommend speaking to your dance teacher, using an Irish dance wig colour ring to compare colours, or contacting us for advice before placing your order.

Need Further Advice?

If you're unsure which wig style, colour or accessory is right for your dancer, please get in touch and we'll be happy to help.