How to take care of your Wigs for posting pics on the gram

Over the past 30 years, I’ve worn every texture and pattern of hair extension pieces, custom unit system, synthetic hair fiber and human hair texture you can possibly imagine. Working for different hair extensions companies gave me the opportunity to experiment with a lot of different styles.

 I  felt it was my duty to know what it was like to wear different hair pieces to give my Clients more than an educated guess about how to take care of your hair with it but also to see if the benefits were true about wearing them.

So when I became a Surfer after moving to California, I learned a lot more experience with being in the Ocean every week having to wash my hair with wigs I've sewn on. When posting some of my looks on the gram, I looked a little rough so I had to really put into practice a lot more steps than I was accustomed to for my hair to look good.  Although, I have a head full of thick, afro healthy hair, I like and low maintenance for my busy, active lifestyle. I alternate between them and sew ins depending what my schedule looks like for that particular month. 

Some of the various reasons to wear wigs can be for any reason you want;

•  to give our hair a break between hairstyles or extensions

• don't have time to maintenance it and need to look good now

•  have that aesthetic with our outfit for the gram

• a protective style to protect from UV Ray damage and  Air pollutants 

• easy to maintain

• great for experimenting with different colors, curl patterns and lengths

Wigs can also be a bit tricky to wear

Most Clients that I’ve met over the years thought they were giving their hair a rest by wearing them regularly like you would a hair weave or hair extensions. Not so true.

• You and experience hair loss from the clips digging into the your hairline which is more sensitive and fragile. 
• If you're not consistently using hair care products underneath your wig then you will experience a lot of hair fall.
• Stocking caps can dry out your hair and cause hair shedding and dry scalp. 

 Personally, I have never worn a stocking cap underneath, I usually sew them on and remove the clips. Those things make your scalp sore by the end of the day depending on the way they’re made as well as the placement. I always suggest the soft swiss lace ones, loose netted ones for a breathable scalp. 

Starting with these methods to take care of your hair and your wig unit

A good practice is to keep your hair loosely braided underneath to be taken down every few days, cleansed, conditioned and moisturized properly.  Unless it's sewn on, then smaller braids secured with weaving thread is best. 
It is well worth gently cleansing your wig with great care as rough washing may make the wig frizz, become matted, lose hair and generally disturb the style. 

• Its best advised to wash your wig at the end of the day as you will need to leave it to dry naturally. This will take around 6 - 8 hours (remember no heated appliances or it may melt if you're using synthetic. Some are heat resistant so start with a lower temperature to gage how it will react)

• Brush your wig gently to loosen any tangles and product

• Fill a basin or wash bowl with lukewarm or cold water. Add a few drops of your sulfate/paraben free shampoo. 

• Immerse your wig gently into the water – DO NOT RUB, Swish the wig backwards and forwards a few times and leave to soak for 5 minutes. Then place your wig on a towel empty the wash water and fill the bowl with clean water.

• Fill again with clean water. Once again immerse your wig swishing through the water thoroughly rinsing off 

• Now, with a fresh bowl of water add a few drops of nourishing base essential oils like jojoba or grapeseed oil or leave in detangling conditioner through – do not comb through, tug, squeeze or brush

• Gently wrap and pat and blot your wig in a towel to remove excess water. Do not rub or role up and squeeze

• It is best to hang your wig to dry on vase or sturdy bottle.  It is not recommended to place the wig onto a head sized wig stand as this may stretch it. You may have some pins to fix it or it may just hang it. 

• Do not brush or comb until dry – your wig will reform its texture and shape 

• Use an oil free/defrizzing shine serum to lightly run thru with your fingers, I prefer to use it when the hair is still damp so that it can dry more polished. This is the secret sauce to wearing a wig that's a couple of weeks to a month old. The defrizz serums are a must. 

• When styling remember to do so when the wig is completely dry.

• Trim off any frizz or knots on the hair and reshape it if necessary. 
• Don't forget to spray some smell good scents on it.. When someone hugs you, you want the fragrance of exotic flowers to linger.. lol. or is that just me?

• If you want to save it, wrap in a net then a silk or satin bonnet in a cool, dry place. 

For more tips, check out more topics under the Beauty & Body section.