For many women, wearing a wig or a weave is a style choice
that allows them to provide protection for their hair and minimize the length
of their hair routine each day. While wigs can be a big commitment, the
flexibility that they provide offers many individuals a creative outlet for
self expression; a way of styling their hair more easily and without as much
damage to the natural hair. For those who are trying to grow their hair and
preserve it during that period, a wig can either make or break that period
while the hair and scalp heal from prior damage. With proper care, the hair and scalp can be
healthy and experience normal growth beneath a wig. You can enjoy your favorite
hair styles without the damage that can shorten the hair and prevent it from
experiencing the growth you desire. Since your own hair will not be subject to
breakage caused by styling and manipulation, it can become easier to manage
over time.
However, improper use and wearing of wigs and weaves can
cause harm to the hair and scalp. If you don't take the necessary measures to
care for the health of your scalp, you could find that growth will slow, hair
may become dry and damaged, and other issues can occur. No matter the reason
that you choose to wear a wig, proper care and maintenance is very important.
It is a process that can require a good deal of attention, but ultimately, a
good regimen will promote hair growth and overall health. There are a number of
steps that you should consider taking to ensure that you avoid the pitfalls of
wearing a wig or weave.
Tips for Optimal Hair and
Scalp Health While Wearing Wigs
First, the way that you wear your wig is important. Making
sure that your hair is arranged properly will allow it to sit the way it is
meant to, as it will not fit right if your hair is bunched up or folded beneath
your wig. Bunching your hair causes a great deal of breakage, and it is less
comfortable that neatly wrapping or braiding it. While braiding takes more
time, it is ideal, especially for those with longer hair. Inverted braids for hair
that reaches the shoulder is typically ideal, and more dense hair requires
small braids that allow the wig to sit flat on the scalp. Additionally, making
sure that your wig is professionally fitted to your head will keep it from
causing damage to your hair from an uncomfortable or incorrect fit.
Choosing a wig that allows your scalp to breathe is also
important. Proper breatheability in the materials will keep your scalp
comfortable and dry. This is important to keeping the scalp healthy; there must
be some air flow. Netted wig caps and
integrated holes are great options that will not dry the hair as cotton and
nylon do. Proper hygiene and keeping the scalp dry is important; wet or damp
hair can cause bacteria and fungus to grow, which can cause irritating
conditions and unpleasant odor. Those who sweat more often will need to take
care to shampoo their hair more frequently, allowing it to dry thoroughly.
While it is important to keep the scalp dry and free of
excessive product buildup, it is incredibly important to keep the hair well
moisturized. This can be done naturally and with minimal product, which is
ideal to prevent buildup on the scalp. Scalp buildup can clog the pores, which
is not healthy for hair growth.
Build up on the scalp can be managed with an occasional
rinse with apple cider vinegar, or a Scalp Cleaner designed for use with
weaves and wigs. Keeping the scalp build up free and using Scalp Stimulant
products will keep your hair growing steadily. Your hair stylist should be able
to guide you to the procedures that you need.
Periodically, you will need to do protein and deep
moisturizing treatments. This should be done approximately every four to six
weeks, and these treatments will serve to reinforce the strength of your hair
and keep it manageable. Strong, healthy hair encourages growth, so keeping
these treatments in your routine will ensure that breakage is minimized and the
scalp is active. You will also want to
establish a hair trimming schedule, which should be between six and eight
weeks.
The Benefits of Wearing
Weaves
Wearing a weave allows you to preserve the health—and
length—of your hair while giving you the option to easily experiment with other
styles. For those that wish to sport a longer style, weaves can provide the added
length you want while your natural hair grows underneath. You can also try on a
shorter style, allowing you to transition from short to longer styles
seamlessly without the anxiety or drastic change. It also gives your hair a
chance to grow while taking the focus off of your natural hair growth, for
those that are less patient.
If you want the flexibility to style and manipulate the hair
more frequently than once a week, wearing a weave is an ideal option that
limits the stress upon your hair. This offers much more variety, especially if
your weave is made entirely of human hair that can be heat styled. Most weaves
will be easier and less time consuming to style as well.
Wearing a weave also allows you to wear your hair loose
without having to wear a protective hairstyle. The freedom of wearing these
styles can be very appealing, but for those that prefer up-dos and ponytails,
care should be taken to keep these styles loose so they will not pull on the
tracks.
Suggestions For Wearing and
Caring for You Hair With a Weave
Finding the right stylist to help you put in your weave and
help you care for it will be beneficial for your natural hair and the longevity
of your weave. An expert will be able to show you examples of their work with
confidence, so choose carefully.
Application method used is very important, and asking your
stylist about their methods is key. Some people use glue instead of thread to
anchor the wig as a weave, which is not recommended, especially where scalp
health is concerned. Glue can cause stress to the scalp, temporary hair loss,
and even traction alopecia, which is caused by pulling. If you ever experience
scalp irritation, it must be addressed.
The quality of your tracks should also be considered. Tracks
that are stiffer tend to cause more irritation and even hair loss, so softer
tracks are ideal. Lesser quality tracks can cause scabbing and scarring over
time, so choosing good quality tracks from the beginning is important. The bulk
of the wefts applied to your hair should never be too dense or heavy, and
should always be done with the health and strength of your hair in mind. Too
densely applied wefts can weigh down the hair, causing headaches and hair loss
For the health of your weave, you will want to treat it with
the same care as natural hair when combing. Begin at the ends and work slowly
to the root of each track gently to prevent breakage and shedding. Using
products like you would on your natural hair is important as well, especially
if your weave is human hair. You will want to make sure that it doesn't become
dry or tangled. While weaves are less susceptible to breakage than natural
hair, it is still helpful to sleep with a scarf or hair cap and a satin
pillowcase to reduce friction on the hair during the night.
To keep your scalp healthy, and free of mildew and bacteria,
tea tree oil, vinegar, and grapefruit see oils can kill and unpleasant growth.
Because the scalp doesn't get the same circulation that it would normally get,
it is important to monitor the scalp and treat where necessary.
While wearing a weave can protect the hair, it is important
to consider giving the weave a break from time to time to reduce stress on your
hair. Excessive weave use is hard to maintain, even when you make all of the
proper measures. Wigs can be a less stressful option, while they can also be
quite a commitment care wise.
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