Wig Lovers’ Guide: 5 Must-Know Hair Care Tips for Underneath It All

For many women, wigs are a stylish expression of beauty and a convenient way to protect natural hair from the elements. But beneath the glamour, your real locks need love and attention to stay healthy. Let’s explore five crucial ways to maintain your hair under those fabulous wigs, ensuring that when the wig comes off, your natural curls look just as good!

 Over Manipulation of Edges

Your edges are the delicate baby hairs that frame your face, and they require gentle care. Over-styling or tight pulling of these hairs can lead to breakage and thinning, which is the last thing you want. To prevent this, minimize the use of heavy gels or edge controls that can cause buildup and dryness. Read the product ingredients for your gels. Many of them contain the wrong kind of alcohol and other drying ingredients. Instead, opt for lightweight, nourishing products that promote edge growth. Using gel too frequently can cause your hair to dry out overtime and impact your body’s natural ability to reproduce the ability to replenish natural oils.

To learn more about how to read product labels check out this video

Your edges are the delicate baby hairs that frame your face, and they require gentle care. Over-styling or tight pulling of these hairs can lead to breakage and thinning, which is the last thing you want. To prevent this, minimize the use of heavy gels or edge controls that can cause buildup and dryness. Read the product ingredients for your gels. Many of them contain the wrong kind of alcohol and other drying ingredients. Instead, opt for lightweight, nourishing products that promote edge growth. Using gel too frequently can cause your hair to dry out overtime and impact your body’s natural ability to reproduce the ability to replenish natural oils.

Read more about how to read product labels

Preserving the health of your edges not only maintains your hairline but also allows for more versatility in styling, both with and without your wig. I personally wear wigs when I travel for work. I get it. It is a convenient and easy. Especially, if you are dealing with a bad hair day. However, I never want to rely on wigs because I HAVE to.  Taking care of YOUR hair helps to avoid that issue.

The benefit of a low-tension protective style minimizes the risk of hair loss and breakage, promoting overall hair strength and growth.

Click these words if you want some low-tension protective hair styles for hair growth.

When you get into a routine you tend to make it a habit. While habits are a good thing making a habit out of wearing your wig in the same location or not switching up the direction of your protective style under your wig is not a good habit. It is tempting to stick with the same hair pattern beneath your wig because it’s familiar and easy. However, repetition can lead to stress in specific areas of the scalp. Mix it up by changing your braid or twist pattern occasionally. This practice ensures that no single part of your scalp bears constant tension.

You won’t see the issues with keeping the same hair pattern or tight styles for a while. The benefit of altering your protective styles not only prevents tension spots but also promotes even hair growth and reduces the risk of developing weak areas. Trust me you don’t want to wait until you see issues to make a change. I remember when I decided to wear sew-ins to jumpstart my relaxed to natural journey. After 10 months of wearing sew-ins, and a lot of money later, I decided to stop wearing when I noticed the begging sigs of thinning edges. My hair health is more important than a hair style. My hair started thinning due to the tightness of my braids. It took 10 months for me to see a slight change in one small spot. Think about if I were to have kept the same habits and wore my sew-in for the planned 1.5 years! The damage started a long time before I saw the evidence.

 Proper Breaks Between Wig Wear

Your scalp and hair need to breathe. Much like your skin, your hair benefits from exposure to fresh air and a break from constant coverage. Make it a habit to go wig-free for certain periods, whether it’s during the evenings at home or on relaxed weekends. I personally think it is best to wear wigs that you can remove daily or weekly. If you need lotion on your skin each day to remove the ash, then how do you think your hair feels after multiple days without moisturizing?

Reposition Wigs to Reduce Tension in the Same Spot

When you wear wigs, it’s crucial to vary how and where they sit on your head. Similar to switching up the direction of your braids or twists, constant pressure in the same spot can lead to traction alopecia over time. I know you have a specific spot that looks best and a favored part that gets the hair to lay perfectly on your head, but doing this only helps you in the long run. Secure your wig in slightly different positions, and always ensure that clips and/or bands are not too tight.

 By repositioning your wigs, you ensure a reduced risk of hair loss and maintain an even distribution of tension across your scalp. Think about when you carry a heavy bag on your dominate shoulder for long periods of time you shoulder gets tired and you have to switch your strap to your hand or put it on your other shoulder. Wearing a wig in the same spot day in and day out will do the same thing to your hair. Remember the priority is the health of our hair underneath the wig.

 

Embrace Hair Health Beneath Your Wig

While you enjoy the versatility and style that wigs provide, don’t forget the importance of the health of the hair that lies beneath. To further protect your hair, choose a moisture-retaining wig liner instead of a nylon one-time-use stocking cap. These liners help maintain your hair’s natural moisture, preventing dryness and breakage. Remember, the key to rocking any wig confidently is the health of the hair underneath it.