How Wigs Can be used As a Protective Style for natural hair growth
Introduction
It's no secret that wigs are an excellent protective style that allows you to experiment with different looks as much as you like, but purchasing a wig is simply the first step toward making it a satisfying protective style. The second step is to ensure you're conveying the most out of your wig and encouraging your natural hair underneath to grow stronger and healthier.
So we've compiled a list of the top things to keep in mind if you intend to use wigs as protective styles:
Select a Full Wig or a Half Wig
The pursuit of a protective style is to keep your natural hair safe. This includes limiting its exposure to the weather, styling it less frequently, and overall tampering with it as little as possible.
To make your wig as protective as possible, choose a full wig with a closure or frontal, as this covers all of your hair when wearing your wig and requires less regular upkeep. Unless your selected wig perfectly matches your actual hair, you'll have to style any left out on a half wig more frequently, which isn't usually the greatest method to provide protective styling.
Condition Your Natural Hair
Before putting on a new wig, ensure your natural hair is clean, deep conditioned, moisturized, and in tight cornrows or twists. This not only allows the wig to lay flat to avoid a bulky look that you do not want, but it also protects your real hair laid from breakage and excessive manipulation.
Obtain the Appropriate Wig Cap
Wig caps are useful because they provide a barrier between the wig and your scalp, preventing potentially unpleasant snags that can lead to breakage, and they can also help your wig last longer. Avoid those composed of thick, tight materials in favor of something lighter to protect your hair and wig.
Rethink Your Attachment Techniques
The most common wig attachment methods include combs, clips, tape, and bands, but just because they're popular doesn't mean they're the best. Even with caution, these solutions can create strain and irritation to natural hair over time, resulting in dry, brittle, and damaged hair, not to mention the cost of upkeep in the long term.
Take Care of Your Natural Hair on a Daily Basis
When you've been wearing a wig for a long time, it's easy to forget about the natural hair underneath, but consistent care for your natural hair goes a long way and is non-negotiable. A few minutes a day of moisturizing your natural hair with the cream helps keep it healthier over time.
Take Care of Your Unit
To ensure that your wig lasts, wash it at least once every two weeks or once per week if you have an especially busy lifestyle, using an appropriate shampoo. This keeps your wig looking new and allows your real hair underneath to breathe more freely by preventing daily debris from being transmitted from your wig to your natural hair.
Conclusion
What are your thoughts on wearing wigs as protective styles, and how do you make the most of them? Please let us know by posting a comment or a message on our social media platforms.
