Wigs are a fun and easy way to play around with different styles and instantly enjoy the mane of your dreams. They can also prevent your own hair from getting damaged, so you look great while you’re waiting for your hair to grow back. If you want to use wigs as a way to grow your hair out, we’ve got all the information you’re looking for! This article will walk you through everything you need to know about keeping your hair healthy and growing underneath your wig.
Wash your hair regularly
Despite what you may have heard, an unwashed scalp does not help your hair grow more quickly. In fact, under-washing your hair can cause scalp inflammation and lead to clogged hair follicles. Regularly cleaning your hair removes dirt, oil, and leftover products, creating the perfect environment for hair growth. How often you should cleanse your hair depends on your preferences but try to wash it at least once a week.
Massage your scalp
Massaging your scalp is an easy and relaxing way to boost your hair growth. Scalp massages increase your scalp’s blood and oxygen circulation, which keeps your follicles well-fed and healthy. They’ve even been scientifically proven to help your hair grow faster and thicker! Want to get the most out of your scalp massages? Try to massage your scalp for at least four minutes daily to see some serious growth.
Try hair growth-promoting oils
Some oils have been shown to help your hair grow longer, fuller, and faster with regular use. This is because many oils are a rich source of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and fatty acids that nourish your hair and scalp and keep them healthy. Want to make your oil even more effective? Massage it into your scalp to kill two birds with one stone. Here are some of our favorite hair-growth boosting oils.
- Jamaican black castor oil
- Rosemary essential oil
- Amla oil
- Sesame oil
Don’t forget to condition
With your hair neatly tucked away under a wig, it’s easy to forget that it still needs plenty of TLC. Conditioners moisturize, smooth, and repair your hair, which is crucial if you plan on growing it out. Make sure you finish each wash day with a hydrating conditioner, and use a deep conditioner on your hair as often as once a week.
Don’t wear your wig to sleep
Not only will wearing your wig to sleep shorten its lifespan, but it can also damage your hair! When you toss and turn in your sleep, your hair rubs against the wig’s rough interior material. That can cause breakage and stunt your hair growth. You also want to give your hair and scalp time to breathe, and before bed is the perfect time to slather on some nourishing hair cream or oil. While you can get away with wearing your wig to sleep once or twice, try not to make it a habit.
Be careful with edge control
We get it – baby hair enthusiasts everywhere feel like their hairstyle isn’t perfect until they’ve laid and slayed their edges. However, as you slick your edges back, the repetitive tension can lead to significant thinning. Additionally, edge control products contain harsh ingredients that have been linked to scalp issues and hair loss. While you might not be willing to give up laying your edges completely, try to limit your use of edge control products and opt for gentle alternatives whenever possible.
Ensure you’re wearing the correct wig size
Wigs are not one size fits all and wearing an improperly fitting wig can be highly detrimental to your hair. You can prevent damage by ensuring your wig is the right size to fit your hair and head comfortably. While you want your wig to fit snugly, it shouldn’t be so tight that it causes discomfort. Avoid tight-fitting wigs, or the constant friction can lead to breakage and thinning edges.
Always wear a wig cap
Wig caps create a physical barrier that protects your fragile strands from the rough material your wig is made out of. They also keep your hair nice and flat, so your wig installation looks more natural. There are various types of wig caps, each with a unique set of advantages and disadvantages.
Try glueless wigs or headband wigs
One way to protect your natural locks is to be strategic with the wigs you pick. Although gluing your wig down usually gives you the most natural look, glueless wigs and headband wigs can look natural and save your skin and scalp from damaging adhesives. Play around with different styles, and switch between wig types, so you aren’t applying glues, gels, and holding sprays every day. In addition to saving you time, glueless and headband wigs will protect your delicate hairline.
Wear your wig correctly
As we mentioned earlier, wigs aren’t a protective style if you wear them incorrectly. Make sure you are following the best wig-wearing protocol. That includes making sure your wig is secure and fits well, limiting the amount of time it spends on your hair, and remembering to care for your natural hair as well.
Be careful when braiding your hair down for a wig
While you want to braid your hair tight enough that your wig lays flat, be careful not to overdo it. Braiding your hair too tightly will cause breakage and lead to thinning around your hairline. In fact, tight braids are one of the leading causes of traction alopecia.
Place your wig in front of your hairline
Most of the damage associated with wearing wigs stems from how they are applied. Always position your wig in front of your hairline rather than on top of it. That keeps your delicate hairline out of harm’s way. This is particularly if you’re going to install your wig with glue or gel. Glue can rip out your strands and cause hair loss, so you should never apply it directly to your hair.
Don’t wear your wig over wet hair
Wigs and wig caps can make you sweat excessively and then trap the moisture and sweat against your scalp. Unfortunately, those damp, dark conditions create the perfect environment for fungus and bacteria to breed and grow uncontrollably. You can prevent this by making sure your hair is completely dry before you put your wig on.
Try a satin bonnet or scarf when sleeping
Hair care never stops, even when you’re sleeping! Wearing a satin bonnet or scarf to bed will protect your strands from drying cotton pillowcases and reduce friction-related breakage. Satin is far less drying than cotton and keeps moisture and oils where they are needed most: on your hair.
Take breaks from wigs every now and then
Regardless of your hairstyle, wearing your hair the same way every day can lead to hair loss and thinning. Give your hair a break every now and then by removing your wigs and taking down your under-wig hairstyle. Cleanse, condition, and moisturize your hair while it’s loose to make sure each strand is getting the attention it needs.
Develop a solid, consistent hair care routine
Remember, hair care doesn’t stop just because your natural locks are out of sight. Find out what works for your hair and use that to develop a healthy hair regimen. Stick to it as much as possible, and you should start to see your hair flourish in no time!
So there you have it! Although wigs are an excellent way to try out a new look and reduce your styling time, you’ll have to be careful not to neglect your own hair. Just follow the tips we’ve gone over in this article, and your hair will thank you by growing long and strong. We hope the information we’ve covered is precisely what you were looking for!