Best ways to prepare your hair for a wig
When I decided to start my natural hair journey I never realized that I would I would lean on wigs as a method to maintain my hair. I know there is some debate about if a wig is actually a “protective” style. Regardless, of what everyone thinks, it is for me. While I don’t believe that a wig is something you should use as your every day of the year hairstyle I appreciate the value it provides to me in my hair care journey. Protective styles have been the cornerstone of my natural hair care routine and growth! They’re so beneficial because you don’t have to waste time to style your hair each morning. It is also helpful to reduce manipulation since you don’t have to worry about tugging on your strands throughout the day. My main goal is to have healthy hair and a wig is a tool I use to assist but I never want a wig to be a requirement because my hair is so damaged that I can’t wear it out in public. Keep reading for tips on how to protect your hair while wearing a wig.
Make sure your hair is clean
Prior to wearing a wig as a protective style you want to make sure your hair is clean and conditioned. Just like any hair style your hair responds better when it is taken care of, soft and hydrated. Although your hair will be in a protective style under your wig, you want to make sure you take care of your natural hair. It is so important to take care of the hair that belongs to you and it starts with proper maintenance.
Style your hair in a protective style
Once your hair is clean you can either use twists, braids, etc. to pull your hair as close as you can to you scalp. The point of this is to allow your hair to be as low and smooth allowing you to fit a wig over your head. Whatever style you choose make sure your hair is pulled back firmly but not too tight. Pulling your hair too tight can lead to damage, balding and traction alopecia.
Moisturize your hair
Make sure you oil your scalp and moisturize your hair regularly while wearing your protective styles, even when you are wearing a wig. I know some people opt to have their wig sewn to their hair but if you can remove your wig everyday it will allow your hair to breathe and easier accessibility to natural hair care products to replenish your hair. It takes more effort to moisturize curly, kinky hair since oil has to travel through turns to travel from root to shaft. Therefore you have to ensure it is moisturized regularly. Use a moisturizer that has water as the first or second ingredient on the list. You can oil your scalp up to 3-4 times a week, depending on your hair’s needs. You can moisturize your stands every day depending on your hair type an needs.
Add a protective layer between your hair and wig
Do not, I repeat, do not plop a wig directly on to your hair without adding a layer between your hair and your wig. Just like when you sleep at night you wear a scarf or bonnet on your hair. If you aren’t we need to talk! You should add a protective layer between your wig and your hair. It is ideal for the protective layer to be light and breathable. Just like when you tie your hair up at night silk or satin is best to protect and help your hair retain moisture. There are so many benefits to wearing something made out of these fabrics. Another post for another day. Bamoo is a good option that is thin to allow proper airflow and will help your hair retain moisture, not soak it up like cotton or another fabric. Check out our bamboo wig liner for more details it is the perfect layer to help keep your hair healthy. It does the job and is extremely versatile. I even wear it under hats. Yes, even when you wear a hat you should protect your hair and this wig cap gets the job done. You can think of it as a mixture of a satin beanie and fitted cap in a bonnet style without the excessive fabric. To be the first to know when our hair care natural bamboo wig liner product launches. Click here.