Do's Don'ts of Wearing Wigs for Hair Loss

Wearing Wigs When You Have Hair Loss

Hair loss for women has become so prevalent among women of all ages.  We now experience hair loss due to aging & our environment in our 30’s!  This is at least 10 years earlier than women used to experience hair loss just 15 years ago! Of course aging and toxins aren’t the only reasons for hair loss… Alopecia is very common and we all know how cancer is affects the hair. Thank goodness for alopecia and cancer wigs!

Did you know actress Keira Knightly has worn wigs for over 5 years because of damage from hair loss. But she’s not the first celeb to turn to wigs as the answer to hair loss, damaged hair, or alopecia like Christina Aguilera who wore them for years after extensions left her with bald patches and now wears them to create amazing looks.

In the last decade more and more women are embracing the type of quick versatility that comes with wigs. Such a easy solution but there are a few things to keep in mind to get the best experience out of wig wearing: 

Drew by Jon Renau

Don’t wear a wig straight from the package. sometimes they pick up the shape of the box… definitely not attractive;)

Do Wash it first to get the most natural shine and make sure to style it or take it to a hairstylist.  You may even want to have it shaped to suit your face.

Do get the most natural looking wig in a modern style and natural colors.

Don’t go for outrageous colors and be careful with retro styles—unless you’re Nicki Minaj or a former Supreme!

Do go for a natural looking hairline. If any part of the forehead is showing… you want to get a Lace Front wig. This is key!
Don’t skimp of this feature. It makes all the difference.

Don't go too bulky at the part line or crown. A pouty top is like wearing a shirt that says “Hey, I’m wearing a wig… and a bad one”

Do Try to get a monofilament top wig as this allows you to get the most natural looking scalp/part.  

Matrix by Ellen Wille

Do try a half-wig or a topper hair piece if you don’t want to jump in to a full wig right away (although they really are so much easier) but make sure the texture matches your natural hair for the most realistic look.

Do be mindful to use wig products specifically made to treat either synthetic hair or human hair processed for wigs or hair extensions. It is a different hair with unique needs. Follow regular care instruction but be gentle. 

Do keep your natural hair smooth and flat underneath and covered with a wig cap. Mesh caps are a bit cooler but nylon will keep short curly hair flat a little more effectively.  

Do choose a lace front wig for a very natural look to make your wig wearing undetectable. 

The Big Mistake Women Make 

Upstage by Raquel Welch Wigs

Many women try to extend the life of their wig too long. The hair starts to separate and not move naturally. Washing and conditioning can only work for so long and then you will just look like you have a wig on - even if it was a great quality wig to start.  

Synthetic wigs (a good quality one) should last 3-6 months depending on the regularity of wear and the care you give it.  no wig can every last forever they must be changed/replaced. 

Human Hair wigs should last a bit longer 9-12 months with the proper care. If you wear any wig daily you should definitely count on a smaller amount of time for the best results. 

Things NOT to Do With Your Wig 

Carrie by Jon Renau

Wigs are completely natural looking these days but don’t get carried away… it is still a wig… treat it right!

Don’t jump in the pool wearing your wig…it just won't work!

Don’t sleep with your wig on.  Talk about a nightmare!

Don’t try to dye your wig.  There are so many colors to choose from...so go ahead and buy the color you want!  Even human hair wigs shouldn’t be chemically treated.  When it comes to processing and coloring human hair, the wig already endures so much chemical processing that further dying or processing it will usually not work out well.

Whiteout by Hairdo

There are so many advantages in both human hair wigs and synthetic wigs! Find which type of wig fiber will best suit your needs by reading: Synthetic vs. Human Hair - Which One is Better for You?  We hope our expert tips help you make the most of just stay aware of the do’s and don’ts of wearing a wig to get the best look and experience.   

Let us know what you think of our tips!  Leave your comment below.