How To Prepare Your Hair For A Wig Install
Hair care is so important and it is especially imperative that you take care of your hair even when you are wearing braids, weaves, or wigs. When I was on my relaxed to natural transition journey my main goal, besides converting to natural, was to ensure my hair was strong and healthy. I wore sew-ins for 10 months before I decided to stop styling my hair in a sew-in due to beginning stages of traction alopecia. I had planned to keep transitioning for another 8 months but the health of my hair was more important. I am mentioning this because many kinky curly naturals use weaves, sew-ins, and wigs as a method to help maintain their hair once they’ve fully transitioned to natural. It is obvious when you see a woman with barely there edges and their hair line starting behind their ears. You’ve seen it, I’ve seen it, it is all over the internet and it is a slippery slope. Before you apply or install your wig your hair requires preparation and care before and after you add extra hair to your head. Remember the most important tip is to come up with a hair care natural routine that is easy for you to maintain.
Make Sure Your Hair Is Clean
You always want to start with a clean head. As you already know washing your hair removes the residue from products, dead skin, etc. from your hair. Remember you are going to add an extra layer of hair to your head so you want to make sure when you are layering more on your head you want the base to be clean.
Not protecting your hair a night
Free tip please, please, please make sure your wig or weave is clean before adding it to your hair. Make sure to wash your hair when it first arrives and clean it regularly thereafter. If you don’t have time to wash your hair before installing your wig at a minimum make sure you add a layer of protection between it by adding one the best wig cap made of satin.
Click the blue button below to sign up for the release of our satin-lined wig cap 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 fitted satin bonnet without the excessive fabric. Top reasons you will want one!
- Versatile since you can wear it to sleep, under hats, and wigs!
- Light luxurious fabric.
- Handmade by local artisans.
Condition and Moisturize Your Hair
As part of your hair care natural routine washing and conditioning is part of that process. Conditioning is very important since it helps to restore, rejuvenate and repair your hair. Conditioners also help to soften your hair, protect it, and make it more manageable. Conditioners typically contain humectants, which help to promote moisture retention by attracting water to your hair. Applying oil to cover and seal in the moisture as part of your prep routine will be helpful to assist with long standing moisture retention while your hair is under a wig.
Secure Your Hair
Once your hair is clean and moisturized you’ll need to style your hair in a way where your strands are secured as close to your scalp as possible. You also want to make sure the style is uniform and doesn’t create awkward lumps and bumps under your wig. Common styles are braided cornrows, but you can also style your hair in two strand twists or a low slick pony tail. Check out our blog for style quick and easy styling ideas to prepare your hair for your wig.
Cover Your Hair
Once your hair has been styled you want to make sure you are securing it under a wig cap. We recommend our satin wig cap due to its light material that will help your hair retain moisture and still provide a protective barrier between your hair and your wig. Our wig cap is versatile since you can wear it to bed and can use under your wig as well. You don’t have to worry about needing to use a bonnet or scarf then switching out to a wig liner in the morning. All you have to do is roll out of bed, get your face together and add your hair!
Our bamboo wig liners are now available in two sizes and two colors!
Benefits:
- Luxurious light feel
- Protective barrier
- Reduces friction
- Retains moisture