5 Things You May Be Doing That's Damaging your Wig's Life

May 06, 2018

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5 Things You May Be Doing That's Damaging your Wig's Life

Wigs Are a Big Part of History!

Initially, wigs were made from horsehair, human hair, feathers, wool, yak hair, buffalo hair, and synthetic materials. They were worn on the head for fashion or other aesthetic and stylistic reasons, including cultural and religious observance. Egyptians shaved their heads due to the hot desert sun; they were unable to maintain their natural hair. Bald heads did not have the same appeal as someone with hair, so they decided to use wigs. While everyone wore them, there were differences between the upper and lower class wigs. Upper class could afford wigs made from the various material, while the lower class did not have that luxury or options.

Now, in the 21st century, the thoughts towards wigs and extensions have completely changed. They are a great option when you are looking to switch up your look without making a permanent change to your hair. Wigs are here to stay, and the maintenance is as important as taking care of your hair. There are common mistakes people make when attempting to take care of them. So let's be sure you aren't damaging your wig life with five things you may be doing!

Different Hair Types of Wigs

Human hair wigs are made from human hair or human hair mixed with animal hair such as (angora rabbits, sheep, and horses). On the other hand, synthetic hair is made from nylon or acrylic fibers, differentiating the difference will play a factor in deciding how to maintain your wig. Always be sure to pay attention to the maintenance instructions attached to your wig or be sure to ask your retailer about how to take care of the wig.

Human Hair Wigs

When details of construction and processing are important, human hair is usually the highest quality. With proper care human hair wigs can last for years, they are thicker, can be styled with heat and often look more real. Therefore they are known to be more expensive compared to synthetic wigs. Although some human wigs are expensive, some companies like Private Label Hair Extensions do allow a bit of wiggle room with pricing, to ensure quality and affordability! Human hair wigs also can be dyed with semi-permanent or permanent color.

Synthetic Hair Wigs

Synthetic wigs are both affordable and have a great appearance as well. These type of wigs are less likely to tangle when taken care of. Depending on the material they tend to wear out after 3-6 months when maintained correctly and aren’t worn daily. Synthetic wigs retain their style and shape, even after washing, they seem to be cooler than human hair. The disadvantage of synthetic wigs is there is no versatility in styling, i.e., curling with hot tools and coloring it.

Production of The Wig

The way your wig is produced plays away in care as well. There are two types of production methods, hand tied and machine made. Most wigs will specify their production type on the packaging.

Hand-tied Wigs

A hand-tied wig is when individual hairs are attached to the wig cap by hand. The process is labor intensive but has a more natural result; they are less likely to tangle due to the flow if the hair is going in the same direction. These wigs allow hair to be styled effortlessly and parted in different ways.

Machine Made Wigs

Machine made wigs are sewn to the hair into a cap or nylon strips using wefts of hair.

Construction of The Wig

Wigs can either be full caps, partial cap, or open cap. Full cap wigs hairs are machine sewn onto a mesh cap, and they provide complete coverage of the hair.

Partial Cap Wigs

Partial cap wigs are used to enhance one’s real hair; they are usually in the form of a clip-on or an elastic structure. They make the hair appear fuller, thicker, and longer. A ponytail or bun hair accessory can be made and used to create an updo. Partial wigs also are full in the back of the head and stop short of the forehead. It allows you to blend your natural hair or bangs with the wig.

Open Cap Wig

These wigs are produced using nylon strips machine-sewn onto hair is placed on. The gaps between each strip serve for flexibility and ventilation.

5 Things You May Be Doing That's Damaging your Wig Life

Now that we have gotten all the logistics out of the way let’s talk about the five things you may be doing that's damaging your wig life. There are huge do’s and don'ts when it comes down to ensuring your wig last as long as it possibly can! Synthetic and human hair wigs are not one in the same, so we will list out five things for each type of wig to help you out with your wig life!

Using shampoo/conditioner not specifically made for synthetic wigs.

Yup! There are shampoo/conditioners especially made for wigs. You should invest in the products because the chemicals in regular shampoos and conditioners are too hard for wig hair, and even more for synthetic wig hair. Regular shampoo/conditioners ruin the hair texture and at times leaves the hair matted and tangled. Your technique used while washing your wig should be different too, soaking is ideal for a shampoo and water combo while combing the shampoo and conditioner gently throughout the hair. Do not massage or rub the wig. Rinse in cool water, detangle, and let it air dry.

Using hot tools on your synthetic wig can be hazardous to our synthetic wig.

Due to the fibers, they will melt due to the heat. Also, use caution while cooking in your synthetic wig. Opening the oven door, standing over boiling water, or barbecuing over a drill, can damage the wig due to the high temperatures and may cause damage.

Using hairspray or hair shine on your synthetic wig can cause damage to the fibers.

Continuously spraying your wig with different products can cause the wig to become unmanageable and have product build up which will make the fibers greasy. Avoid shine spray all together.

Not keeping your hair clean can damage your wig life.

Our scalps create sebum when it gets hot and sweaty underneath the wig. So keeping your hair clean will reduce how often the wig will need washing. Washing your wig too often may shorten its lifespan after 15-20 wears are ideal.

The way you store your wig may damage your wig as well.

Not having your wig placed on a proper wig stand when it is not in use will help maintain its wigs and shape and style. Wearing a wig cap also helps protect both the wig and your hair from damage.

5 Damaging Things You May Be Doing

Using shampoo and conditioners can cause damage.

Sulfates take away the necessary oils that cause the sheen needed and make them appear frizzy. Be sure to use shampoo and conditioners made to moisturize the hair.

Using excessive heat or styling products on your wig may be causing damage.

If you use dryers and flat irons, use a heat protectant spray on the wig. Use heat and styling products sparingly, styling products form a layer of products on the wig and may make it look greasy and unwashed.

Wearing the incorrect size can cause damage

If the wig is to tight, it may cause effects on your hair, such as breakage and hair loss. If the wig is too loose, it may slip off, look misplaced, or ride up. It is recommended to have the crown of your head sized by a professional before ordering a natural hair wig.

Wearing your wig all the time can damage the wig and your hair

Don’t forget about your real hair underneath your wig. Be sure to remove your wig from time to time, use the time to take good care of your scalp and hair.

Styling your curly natural piece

Remember to style your curly hair while it is we. Styling the wig dry will result in frizz and undefined curls just as your natural hair wig.

Maintenance for Colored Wigs When your wig has been colored damaging them can be ten times easier due to the process of coloring the hair making it weaker than naturally colored pieces. Here are a few things you may be doing to damage your colored wig.

Not using a safe color shampoo

Be sure to use a safe color shampoo. These shampoos do not contain sulfates or alcohol and use extra moisturizers.

Too much sun can cause damage to your colored piece

Heat plays a significant factor in how well your color will maintain itself. Be sure to use a heat protectant with UV protection included.

DIY’ing may cause damage

Hire a professional to maintain your wig to be assured it is cleaned and styled correctly with the correct products for longevity. Let us commence the slaying of wig wearing.

Fall in Love

Hair pieces give the opportunity to revamp our look over and over again without having to worry about making drastic changes to our real hair. They are protective styles that provides versatility while allowing us the opportunity not to worry about our hair daily. Keeping these five damaging behaviors in mind when maintaining your wigs will allow you to get a longer lifespan with your wigs! Now let’s slay the day away with this wig life!

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