9 Top Tips To Protect Your Natural Hair Under A Wig

When it comes to expressing our personal style and experimenting with different looks, wigs have become an incredibly versatile tool in our beauty arsenal. They allow us to effortlessly switch from short to long, straight to curly, and blonde to brunette, all within a matter of moments. But while wigs offer an array of creative possibilities, it’s essential not to overlook the care and protection of natural hair under wig. In this guide, we delve into the key strategies to ensure that your natural hair remains as stunning as ever, even under the magical disguise of a wig. Whether you’re a seasoned wig enthusiast or just starting to explore the world of hairpieces, these 9 invaluable tips will help you maintain the vibrancy, strength, and beauty of your own locks.

Protect Natural Hair Under Wig Tip #1 - Massage Scalp

Your scalp is the key to healthy hair. Increasing the blood flow to your scalp means more oxygen and nutrients are delivered to your follicles. Tightly having a wig sit on our head or even a well-fitting wig can constrict the blood flow to your scalp. Massaging your scalp can overcome this drawback, as it promotes healthy blood flow and encourages your hair to grow. Try and make massaging a habit, doing it every time you remove your wig.

When massaging, work your fingers all the way across your scalp, covering the entire area. Aim to do it for at least 5 minutes each time, 3 or 4 times a day. Do this every time you take off your wig to overcome this drawback and protect hair under the wig better. You can learn more tips to take care of your scalp HERE!

Tip #2 - Don’t Sleep in Your Wig

When you go to bed with a wig on, it can cause hair breakages so we do not recommend this. Even if you don’t sleep all crazy, there is a lot of rubbing that your natural hair gets exposed to while you’re catching your zzzs. Having a wig on while you sleep can amplify the damaging effects of all that friction on your natural hair. Sleeping in your wig can drastically reduce its lifespan because of the fibers’ friction, your pillow, the matting, and the tangling this causes.

So, take your wig off, comb or brush it out, then place it on its wig stand for the night. By taking off the wig, you are giving your hair and scalp a little breathing room and you’ll also avoid the inevitable knots and tangles you’d have to suffer through the following day. Besides, protect your natural hair with a silk or satin bonnet or pillowcase to not only reduce friction but also retain moisture.

Protect Natural Hair Under Wig Tip #3 - Shampoo Your Hair

The key to healthy hair is keeping it clean. Even if you’re wearing a wig every day, it’s extremely important to make sure you are shampooing your hair at least once a week, but this varies depending on how hot or sweaty your scalp gets throughout the day. Sweat and product can build up over the course of a few days, so you should make sure your hair is always clean before putting a wig on. This is healthy care maintenance that shouldn’t be ditched when wearing a wig!

Read Now: How Often Should You Wash Your Hair?

Tip #4 - Keep On Top of Trimming

It can seem logical that because you’re wearing a wig every day, you don’t need to trim your hair as much as you usually do. This couldn’t be further from the truth. Regular trims remove damaged hair and split ends. Trimming your hair keeps it healthy and promotes growth. Generally, hair should be trimmed every 6 to 8 weeks.

Protect Natural Hair Under Wig Tip #5 - Invest in a Wig Cap

Wig caps are a great way of protecting your natural hair. A wig cap mimics the shape of your head in the same way that a baseball hat does. Although they’re optional, it’s highly recommended that you use them because they create a protective barrier between the wig and your hair. These are relatively inexpensive items that greatly reduce the amount of rubbing the wig does against your hair and scalp. This reduced rubbing will result in less breakage and greater length retention. They’re excellent at keeping your hair in place beneath the wig and effective way of protecting your natural hair.

Tip #6 - Don’t Wear A Wig Over Damp Hair

Having damp natural hair under a wig is not only extremely uncomfortable but can also promote the growth of nasty bacteria. The moisture mixed with body heat and extra warmth from the layer of wig can cause the growth of mildew and germs. Besides, when hair stays wet for too long, it tends to weaken the strands, and weak strands combined with the rubbing of your wig is a sure recipe for hair breakage. Therefore, at all costs, you have to avoid this!

Protect Natural Hair Under Wig Tip #7- Be Careful When Braiding

Braiding your natural hair, with or without extensions, is a good way to keep it flat against your scalp. This helps your wigs to fit better and to look more natural. But, there is the danger of too-tight braids leading to excessive tension. So try not to braid your hair all the time. And when you are braiding, You should opt for looser styles, including loose cornrows and flat twists, instead. Besides, along with being uncomfortable and distracting, a wig that is either too big or too small will rub on your hairline and could lead to traction alopecia.

Tip #8 - Keep Your Hair Moisturized

Your hair will be dry after wearing a wig. Dry hair tends to be brittle, leading to excessive split ends and breakage – a real danger when your hair is constantly being rubbed by the wigs you wear. To combat this, try using hair oils, moisturizers, or treatments to restore moisture. This will ensure that your hair remains nice and healthy throughout wig wear. Deep conditioning and the use of a leave-in conditioner can help.

Protect Natural Hair Under Wig Tip #9 - Take Breaks

If you have natural hair under a wig for a long period of time, it can be good to give your natural hair a break for a few days. This gives it a healthy dose of air and sunshine that can contribute towards keeping your hair healthy.

Conclusion

In conclusion, safeguarding your natural hair under a wig is not just about maintaining your hair’s health, but also about boosting your confidence and enhancing your overall appearance. These 9 top tips we’ve discussed can be your guiding light on this journey. By following a regular hair care routine, investing in high-quality wigs, and implementing protective measures, you can enjoy the best of both worlds – the freedom to express your style with wigs while ensuring your natural hair thrives and remains healthy. Remember, your natural hair is unique, and it deserves the utmost care and attention, whether you’re rocking your locks or flaunting a fabulous wig. So, protect your natural hair with these tips and embrace the versatility and beauty of wigs with confidence.