Using Wigs As Protective Styles: Top Tips
It’s no secret that wigs make for a great protective style while still letting you try out different looks as much as you want, but getting a wig is only the first step in making it a rewarding protective style. Making sure you’re making the most of your wig and encouraging your natural hair underneath to grow stronger and healthier is the second step so we’ve rounded up a list of the top tips to keep in mind if you plan on using wigs as protective styles.
1. Decide Between A Full Wig or Half Wig
The point of protective styling is all about keeping your natural hair protected. This means minimising its exposure to the elements, styling it less often and generally just messing with it as little as possible.
So to make your wig as protective as possible, opting for a full wig with a closure or frontal is the best choice as it means all of your hair is covered whilst wearing your wig and also means less daily maintenance. Because unless your chosen wig matches your natural hair to a T, you’ll most likely have to style any leave out on a U-Part/Half Wig more often which is not always the best way to true protective styling.
2. Prep Your Natural Hair
Before installing a new wig, ensuring your natural hair is clean, freshly deep conditioned, moisturised and away in neat cornrows or twists is crucial. Not only does this allow the wig to lay flat to avoid a bulky look (not what you want) it protects your natural hair from breakage and excessive manipulation. Cornrows also make it easier to regularly keep your scalp conditioned so it’s a no brainer, really!
3. Get The Right Wig Cap
Wig caps are great not just because they act as a barrier between the wig and your scalp to prevent potentially painful snags that can lead to breakage, they can also help extend the life of your wig.
Avoid those made with heavy, restrictive fabrics and opt for something lightweight to keep your hair AND wig protected.
4. Reconsider Your Attachment Methods
Combs, clips, tape and bands are the most popular wig attachment methods but just because they’re popular, doesn’t mean they’re the best.
Even when being careful, these options can cause strain and irritation to natural hair over prolonged periods of time which can lead to dry, brittle and broken hair not to mention the upkeep can be expensive in the long run.
To avoid these pitfalls, consider switching to a gentler alternative like The Wig Fix. Not only does it hold your wig better than any other method without being harsh on your hair, the nodes on The Wig Fix gently massage the scalp to promote blood circulation and induce hair growth. Its soft silicone also helps hair retain moisturise and natural oils to help reduce breakage and split ends!
5. Give Your Natural Hair Daily TLC
It can be easy to forget about the natural hair underneath your wig when you’ve been wearing one for extended periods of time but regular care for your natural hair goes a long way and is non-negotiable.
A few minutes a day to moisturise your natural hair with cream or a leave-in conditioner like Creme of Nature’s Argan Oil Strength & Shine Leave-In Conditioner will keep your natural hair healthier over time.
Don’t forget about your edges! Massaging some castor oil into your edges doesn’t just promote growth but it’s also very relaxing after a long day. We especially love Sunny Isle’s Jamaican Black Castor Oil.
6. Look After Your Unit
To make sure your wig lasts, make sure you wash it at least once every two weeks or once every week if you have a particularly active lifestyle with a suitable shampoo. This will keep your wig looking fresh and lets your natural hair underneath breathe more by making sure daily dirt isn’t transferred from your wig to your natural hair.
What do you think about wearing wigs as protective styles and how do you get the most out of them? Let us know by commenting below or leaving us a message on our social pages!
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