Wigs have been used since the times of ancient Egypt as a way to protect your hair and scalp from sun damage, and for ancient Egyptians, head lice. While some wigs may protect your hair and scalp from UV rays and pollution, that doesn’t mean they’re going to be good for your scalp or your hair. It is about how you wear the wig, hold your hair in place beneath it, and how you take care of the hair piece.
With proper care and wearing habits, your wig can be both a fabulous way to express your style and provide your hair and scalp with some needed relief if you overuse heated tools or wear hairstyles that pull on your scalp and follicles like tight braids for sports. Here's some of the ways to enjoy wearing a wig while reducing the potential for scalp and hair damage.
Avoid Scalp Irritation
One of the most common problems with wearing wigs is irritating your scalp. Irritation can lead to scratching which breaks hair and scratching your scalp to relieve the itch can damage hair follicles. Once the follicle is damaged, it may not be able to grow hair as fast, as thick or healthy, and may take up to four years to start regrowing.
Scalp irritation can happen with a wig because the wig or cap is pulled to tight and it rubs against your skin, the wig cap is itchy and has a rough surface (especially true with Halloween wigs), from bobby pins being used to secure it to the cap, and the adhesives used if you are allergic or they aren’t cleaned off completely after use.
Clean and Use Adhesives Correctly
Wigs, hair extensions, and glues go hand-in-hand, and the adhesives need to be used correctly. Glues can clog and block hair follicles causing damage, and the adhesives can cause irritation to your scalp if you’re allergic to them or if they aren’t cleaned off completely after you remove the wig.
Not to mention glues get stuck to your hair which may break it when you go to remove it. So always remove hair glue gently and follow the instructions on the package.
Wrap Your Hair Loose Underneath
One of the advantages of a wig is that you can still wear a style with curls and flare while not having to use heated tools that damage your hair. Under your wig use a loose hairstyle so your hair and scalp can have some downtime from heated tools and pulling.
Instead of tight styles like a top bun or tight braid, go for a loose, messy bun. The lack of pulling on your scalp lets it heal, and the American Academy of Dermatology recommends that you do this if you normally wear braids, ponytails, and other tight hairstyles for multiple months at a time.
You’ll also want to try hair ties like TELETIES instead of elastic for similar reasons. There may be less friction and pulling on the strands with a hair coil, and because of our technology in the design of the spiral hair ties with the stopper, it’ll stay in place with a strong-grip, no-rip, comfortable hold.
Wash Your Wig Regularly
Wigs trap in heat, sweat, and your body’s natural oils like sebum. If you don’t clean the wig as instructed by the manufacturer and remove this, the wig will turn into a breeding ground for bacteria and fungus which can damage your hair and scalp.
Bacteria and fungus can make your scalp itchy, cause dandruff, and a plethora of other health issues. When you clean and wash your wig, make sure you also use a clarifying shampoo as the surfactant's are stronger if you need to break up and cleanse a lot of build up.
Fun fact: Sulfates are not bad in shampoos, and in fact there could be benefits, so don’t avoid a shampoo because it doesn’t say sulfate free.
When worn properly and you have proper hygiene routines for the wig, your hair, and your scalp, you can enjoy the confidence a wig can bring while also letting your hair and scalp have a chance to heal. It’s all about taking the extra time to reduce irritation by using products that work with your skin including fasteners, caps, and adhesives, and keeping the hair piece and your head clean.
