How To Make Your Wig Last: A Guide

When it comes to hair, we all want what we can't have. Shiny, bouncy, healthy hair seems like something only achievable by those who are born with it. The reality is that all of us can achieve the look we desire with the right tools and products, no matter our natural hair type. 

If you're looking for a way to add some length or volume to your style without damaging your hair, a wig may be the perfect option for you. 

Wigs can be made from natural or synthetic materials and come in various shapes, colors, and styles. While wigs are often considered fashion accessories, women can also use them for medical reasons, such as to conceal hair loss due to cancer treatment. Every woman knows that having a good wig is key to feeling confident — so you can feel beautiful all day, every day!

Regardless of why you wear a wig, it's important to take steps to make sure it lasts as long as possible. This guide will discuss tips on keeping your wig looking its best. Follow these tips, and you'll be rocking your new look for months (or even years) to come!

What Factors Affect How Long A Wig Lasts? 

Synthetic vs. Human Hair - Which is Better?

The quality of hair wigs has improved over the years. Even synthetic hair, presumably of lower quality, has also seen improvements. Knowing which hair type you’re purchasing is essential as this is one of the significant factors affecting your wig’s longevity.

There are a lot of benefits to wearing synthetic hair. Firstly, you can wear them immediately. Second, they’re easy to maintain and bounce back to their original shape. Lastly, they hold well in lousy weather, which is a plus since bad weather equals bad hair days. However, synthetic hair has delicate fibers sensitive to heat and styling products.

On the other hand, human hair wigs look very realistic because they come from, you guessed it, human hair! They’re stylish as you can cut, color, and recolor them as often as you like.

While human hair wigs are versatile and stylish, they’re expensive to purchase and maintain but are well worth the price and effort. They also become frizzy and tangle if not maintained well, so be sure to take care of them properly. But, if you want your hair and hairline to look as natural as possible, human hair wigs are the best option. 

How Long Do You Wear Your Wig?

Regardless of your hair type, how long you wear your wig affects its longevity. You might argue, but how different is it from the natural hair you ‘wear” every day? Your wig, just like natural hair, is exposed constantly to the elements. 

That’s the advantage of wig-wearers because they can opt to store their hair and thus protect it from the elements, ensuring its luster and composure are maintained. On the other hand, those with natural hair have the advantage of the body naturally repairing the hair. Keep that in mind because any damage to your wig may be permanent. 

The Quality of Maintenance Products

Never be a cheapskate when it comes to buying maintenance products. It should always be quality over quantity because no two products are created equally. One will always be better than the other. That being said, traditional hair grooming products do not work well with synthetic or human hair wigs. Always buy grooming products specific to wigs to keep your hair looking fabulous. 

How Often Do You Wash A Wig?

While you might think that washing your wig often is good, then that may pose a problem in the long run. Like natural hair, washing your wig often will eliminate the natural chemicals that keep the sheen and luster of hair. As for synthetic or human hair wigs, washing too often will make the strands fall out quicker and lose their lackluster. This can also decrease the density and volume of your wig. 

 

For beginners, consider these factors when purchasing your wig. They don’t come cheap, so you may want them to last longer. This brings us to the next section of the article, how to take care of your wig.

How Do You Take Care of Your Wig to Make It Last Longer?

We want our wigs to look as fresh and natural as possible, and that’s easier said than done. No matter what type of hair you have, there are universal tips you should follow to make it last longer. We’ve listed some of them down here to help you out:

Beat the Heat

Heat is the number one enemy of your wig unless it’s heat-resistant or made from human hair wigs. More often than not, curling irons or any heat styling tool will permanently damage your wig as they can’t tolerate heat as effectively as natural hair. For heat-resistant wigs, use the lowest setting for your hot styling tool and spray on thermal protectant sprays. As for human hair wigs, you can heat style them like your natural hair, but care is essential as they burn just as easily if not handled properly.  

Do Not Sleep With Your Wig On 

Waking up with your wig on does not look attractive at all. This is because your wig gets all tangled and matted up, which becomes a styling nightmare during the day. While sleeping, your scalp’s oils and sweats, coupled with the friction from your pillow, can be uncomfortable for you and may cause breakage and frizzing.

 

If you can’t help it, wear a sleeping cap or cover your head with a wrap. However, removing your wig is still the best option you can do to make it last longer. 

Brush, Brush, Brush

When removing your wig, place it on a wig stand and brush it. Making this part of your routine will help your wig last longer than usual and helps maintain its style. Be careful with brushing motions; the slower and more deliberate it is, the better. Be sure to start brushing from the bottom to smoothen out the tangles and tousles. 

Store It, Don’t Fling It

We’ve all flung our wigs somewhere after a long tiring day, and this is a big no-no. Leaving your wig anywhere other than its storage cabinet or room will shorten its shelf life. As with all things that last long, they need proper storage. Invest in storage for your wigs, such as wig stands, wig hangers, and dust covers.

Two Wigs are Better Than One  

You can even make it three or four if you want! Having more than one wig means you can rotate between them. Sure, you might have your favorite, but switching up your styles now and then can be refreshing and liberating. This can also increase longevity for any of the wigs you own since switching up means you get to store and maintain the other wigs you’re not presently using. 

A Healthy Scalp for a Healthy Wig

Remember that keeping your natural hair and scalp healthy can have tremendous benefits. This prevents dry skin, oil, and sweat from building up in your wig cap, leading to nasty odors and dirt. This can also avoid any uncomfortable feelings like itchiness. This good habit may also make it easier to wash your wig when the time comes. Keeping yourself clean can also keep your wig clean, making it feel fresher when wearing it and last long. 

Your Stylist Knows Best

You may get tired of your wig and wish for an overhaul, but you don’t have to replace it yet. Visit your stylist and see what other options she can offer to give new life to your wig. A new cut or color could make it look fresher and more pleasing to the eyes, making you twice as gorgeous as before.

 

If you want a free consultation and expert advice on wigs, book an appointment at Chavie Russell Wigs.

When Do You Replace Your Wig?

All good things come to an end. You’ve done all the tips mentioned here, but nothing lasts forever. How do you know it’s time to let go of your beloved wig? 

If your wig can’t maintain its original style even after washing or brushing it, it’s time to let go. Human hair wigs only last about one to two years, while synthetic wigs can last for at least six months. Don’t fret, as this might signal you to metamorphose into a newer, better, and more confident you. Time to buy that new hair! 

What did you think of these tips? Do they help make your wig last longer? Comment down below and let us know.  Remember that whatever you dream, Chavie Russell Wigs can make it.