Opting for Wig as a Protective Style Can Be a Great Boon for Natural Hair Growth
Why Choose a Wig as a Protective Style
In the realm of protective hairstyles, Bantu knots, knotless braids, and soft locs are highly regarded on our list. However, if your styling abilities are insufficient or you lack the time to visit the salon, there’s an alternative: wigs. Wigs will not only provide relief for your curls, but they’ll also reduce valuable styling time. To demonstrate this, we consulted celebrity hairstylist and author of Get Out Of Your Own Way, Monae Everett, to respond to all your inquiries about sporting this protective style.
Continue scrolling for our comprehensive guide on using wigs with natural hair.
Types of Wigs
Not all wigs are the same, indicating that there isn’t a universal solution. When deciding which wig is ideal for you, it’s important to take into account your budget, individual taste, and whether you are a beginner with wigs. Although synthetic wigs are cheaper and need less upkeep than human hair wigs, they are also less flexible in terms of styling and may appear less natural. “Everett states that full human hair wigs are his choice for protective styling.” “It will ensure all of your hair is safeguarded, instead of needing leave-out to be styled and merged with the wig.”
Regardless of the wig type you choose, ensure that you shield it from heat styling. “Everett recommends roller-setting your leave-out and smoothing your edges when wearing a U-part wig or half wig.” “I utilize Sebastian Mousse Forte for all of my roller sets, twist sets, or smoothing sets.” It contains a heat protectant and aids in merging your natural hair with the wig.
Not all wigs are created equal, so finding the right wig as a protective style involves considering your budget, preferences, and wig experience. Here’s a quick guide:
- Synthetic Wigs: More affordable and require less maintenance but are less versatile and may not look as realistic.
- Human Hair Wigs: Preferred for protective styling as they fully cover your hair, avoiding the need for leave-out and blending.
Everett advises protecting your wig from heat styling. For U-part or half wigs, roller set your leave-out and smooth your edges using Sebastian Mousse Forte, which provides heat protection and helps blend your natural hair with the wig.
How to Prepare Natural Hair
Donning a wig doesn’t imply that you can ignore the natural hair beneath. You must continue to manage it; otherwise, you might cause more damage than benefit. Similar to conventional protective hairstyles, braids and twists are your most reliable options. Indeed, in this case, size is important. “Thinner cornrows help the wig sit more flat against the head,” states Everett. Additionally, ensure they are done loosely to avoid any undue tension, which may harm both the hair and scalp.
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“Everett explains that traction alopecia results from hair being pulled excessively tight.” At times, individuals may braid the hairline too tightly, resulting in soreness in that area. Certain individuals experience small white bumps or an enlarged scalp. These are clear indications that your braids are overly tight and should be redone with reduced tension. Placing a wig over a sore and irritated scalp may lead to damage to the hairline and potential breakage. Luckily, avoiding traction alopecia is simple: braid with more care, advises Everett. “Braiding and cornrowing need not be uncomfortable.” Keep in mind that it is a common myth that tighter braiding makes the hairstyle endure longer.
Additionally, don’t misunderstand it. Even if your hair won’t be visible to others, it doesn’t mean you can forgo wash day. Even if your natural hair is hidden, it’s still an essential aspect of your routine. “Everett recommends shampooing your natural hair at least every seven to ten days to maintain cleanliness, health, and moisture, emphasizing that hair must be thoroughly dry before wearing your wig.” Otherwise, you might find mildew developing — along with that mildew odor — on both the hair and scalp. Indeed, wow.
Even with a wig as a protective style, your natural hair still needs care. Proper prep is essential to avoid damaging your hair. Follow these steps:
- Braid or Twist: Smaller, looser cornrows or twists are best to ensure the wig sits flatter and to prevent tension on your scalp.
- Avoid Traction Alopecia: Braiding too tightly can cause soreness, white bumps, or a swollen scalp. Gentle braiding is key to avoiding damage and breakage.
- Maintain Cleanliness: Shampoo your hair every 7 to 10 days and ensure it is completely dry before applying your wig to prevent mildew growth and odor.
Wig Styling and Maintenance
Proper maintenance of your wig as a protective style is crucial for its longevity and appearance:
- Washing: Clean both synthetic and human hair wigs after several uses. Use conditioner for human hair wigs and avoid heat styling on synthetic wigs to prevent damage.
- Storage: Store your wig on a wig head or in a silk or satin bag to maintain its shape and quality.
Conclusion
Embracing a wig as a protective style can offer numerous benefits, from reducing styling time to protecting your natural hair. By following these expert tips, you can ensure your wig remains in great condition and your natural hair stays healthy.