How to Use Wig as a Protective Style For Your Natural Hair

How to use wigs as a protective hairstyle

We encourage naturalistas to rock their natural hair without the use of extensions, wigs, and other attachments added to the hair. However, we also understand that there are several factors that can determine when naturalistas would use either wigs or extensions. Some of these reasons could include;

The need to rock a different hairstyle without using heat tools on the natural hair
The versatility of wig styles
Having a tight schedule without ample time to tend to one's own (Although you should follow a regular routine for great results)

What other reasons do you use wigs? let me know in the comments below.

That being said, we would talk about how to use wigs as a protective hairstyle for your natural hair, and in the next blog post, we would address the use of extensions as a protective hairstyle.

How Wigs are Damaging Your Natural Hair!

Wigs can cause immense damage to the in terms of traction alopecia hair when they are;

Worn/installed the wrong way
Stay on too long
Rest tightly on the head
Worn without a wig cap

If you have to use wigs, here are a few steps you can take towards using the wig protectively as opposed to in a damaging way.

The wig should never be worn directly on your natural hair. Instead, a soft wig cap must be used before all wig installations.
Ensure the elastic band of the wig cap does not sit on the edge of your hair, else, you risk your edges being eaten up slowly.
Your wig itself should not have bands that are too tight around the edges as well. This would put tension on the edges causing rapid breakage.

Do's and Don't of Using Wigs

Naturalistas who truly want to do right by their hair can actually adopt the Green House Method even while wearing a wig. Also, don't just use the wig to cover up unkempt hair, your hair should be in a healthy state before a wig installation.

To save your edges, do not use hair bond or glue directly on the frontal of your hair to obtain that natural look or feel. We advise using a wig that has a pre-installed frontal, which you can simply wear without damaging your edges both during installation and removal.

How to Restore Your Hair After Wig Damage

If your hair has been damaged by the wrong use of wigs, you can bounce back. With careful routine, patience, and the right products, your hair can gradually regain its volume, curl, and length.