We all know the advantages that come with wearing a wig if you are a wig wearer. The pros of wearing a wig can be varied for each individual but can range from using it as a protective style, or to disguise any form of hair loss or could just be simply for convenience.
If you are a regular wig wearer-which is totally fine to wear your wigs daily, then you might want to know if wigs can really damage your natural hair.
Can wigs really damage my hair?
The answer to this depends on how you wear your wig and how you maintain it. If you follow proper hair care rituals and take the time to take care of your natural hair and your wig, then the risk of wigs damaging your hair is minimal. It's important to also note that if your wigs aren't worn properly, it can cause traction alopecia.
Traction alopecia is a form of hair loss that is caused by constant pulling or applying too much pressure on the hair follicles. This usually is caused by wearing certain types of wigs and not following the right routine.
What types of wigs can cause damage to your hair?
Any wig that is way too tight can cause damage to your hair. The bands on wigs can also cause irritability for anyone who has sensitive skin. Lace front wigs and clip-on wigs however offer complete coverage for your natural hair.
8 Tips to wear your wig that won't cause damage to your hair
#1. AVOID USING ADHESIVES SUCH AS GLUE
Using glue on your hair and wig can generally irritate the skin, as well as cause an itchy scalp and because glue doesn't naturally come off easily, it can also cause your pores to block. A combination of all three can lead to traction alopecia but If you can avoid using adhesives then we recommend not using them at all.
Wigs that are usually best to wear to avoid using glue are glueless wigs. As the name suggests these types of wigs require no use of glue. Another alternative to hair glue is the wig fix which is a breathable and lightweight silicone headband that secures your wig while protecting your scalp and promoting natural hair growth underneath.
#2. AVOID WEARING TIGHT WIGS
Your wig should never be too tight. A wig that is too tight can cause headaches and cause breakage to your natural hair. The breakage won't start instantly but if you do this over time, naturally the tension around the hairline can lead to hair loss.
It's important to get the right measurements for your wig, this will ensure you have the right and most comfortable fit. Wig sizes usually come in a small, medium or large cap.
The signs your wig is too small is if it feels tight at the temple or if it slips back on your head, revealing your natural hairline.
To ensure you have the right cap measurement, always make sure you have a tape rule handy and measure around the circumference of your head to get the most accurate number. Ensure you get the most accurate measurement if you are ordering a customized wig because custom wigs usually can't be returned.
#3. CHOOSE A BREATHABLE WIG
Lace front wigs are made using natural lace as the name suggests. The lace material is very soft, and delicate and covers a large portion of the wig. These wigs are usually made with this method by having the lace hand-tied to the front part of the wig which allows for natural movement and creates a nice transition from the forehead to the hairline. The lace on this is usually breathable and allows for air intake which is great during hotter seasons when one tends to sweat a lot.
#4. WEAR A WIG CAP
Always ensure you wear a wig cap under your wig. This will act as protection between your real hair and your wig and also beneficial for people with sensitive skin. The benefit of wearing one is that it prevents your hair from breakage when the wig rubs against your scalp and hairline. Plus, an extra benefit is that provides comfort to your hair and holds your hair nicely in place.#5. WEAR WIGS WITH A SOFT LACE
To protect your natural hair, wear soft lace wigs as opposed to hard lace especially if you have sensitive or easily irritable skin. A hard lace front means there is no likely ventilation through the wig.
Swiss lace is the most popular type of lace and this kind of lace is soft to touch, easy to apply and breathable. It's very durable too and available in a variety of colours such as transparent, light brown, medium brown and dark brown lace.
#6. GIVE YOUR HAIR A MUCH-NEEDED BREAK
If you are a lover of wigs, we know it might be hard to take a break from it but it's essential. It's particularly important because wearing wigs often can cause tension in your hair and naturally this can cause damage over time. The constant pulling at your scalp doesn't help either. Give your hair time to breathe, this could be for a few days, weeks or even a month and give yourself the freedom to rock your natural hair.Try as well not to sleep in your wigs if you can avoid it, why? Because when you sleep just like normal hair- wigs can cause pressure to your hair and scalp and cause damage to them by causing frizz, split ends and tangling. You don't want that!
#7. MAKE SURE THE APPLICATION IS RIGHT
You can put your hair in a bun, do a flat twist or a cornrow style in preparation for wearing your wig. Ensure this is not too tight. We always recommend wearing a wig cap because as we said this will act as a barrier between your hair and the wig. Wear your wig right away and this is one of the quickest application process for wearing your wigs. Always do it right.
#8. GIVE YOUR WIG SOME MUCH-NEEDED LOVE
Sometimes we tend to neglect our wigs but wigs are made from real hair too and it needs the care and attention you give your natural hair. They need to be conditioned, shampooed, dried properly and protected from heat tools if possible. The best way to dry your hair wig is by air drying it and not towel drying cause this can cause breakage. This method is not necessarily the quickest method but will ensure you have a long-lasting wig. After all, when you have an expensive one like a human hair wig-you will want it to last long.Make sure to wash the lace part of the wig to allow for longevity and the number of times you wash depends on a few factors such as the type of hair, the life span of the hair, the quality of the hair, and how often you wear it.
In Conclusion
Ensure to follow the necessary tips and especially get the size of your wig right, wearing tight wigs won't do your scalp any good. Use a wig cap and ensure you practice the right application method at all times. All of the above if done right wouldn't cause damage to your hair.
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