When Should I Replace My Wig?

Not even the best taken-care-of wigs last forever. Even though there isn’t a specific expiry date, there are some obvious signs that’ll let you know that it’s time to replace your human hair or synthetic wig.

6 Signs that You Should Replace Your Wig

Regularly worn wigs tend to wear out faster, as well as those that aren’t taken care of or maintained properly. So here are some tell-tale signs that it’s now time for your wig to retire.

Lacks Sparkle and Shine

Natural hair shines because of a regular supply of natural oil and sebum from our scalp. Unfortunately, wigs don't get this supply of lubrication and nutrition. As a result, human hair wigs lose their luster with time. That’s why experts recommend applying leave-in conditioners and serums to help human hair wigs soft and shiny.

An obvious sign that your wig needs replacement is that you need to apply serum and conditioner more regularly because either the wig is over a year old, or it simply looks dull even after treatment. When you’re not getting the compliments and praise you always got for your wig, it may be time to bid farewell to it.

Doesn't Retain its Style

You probably need to replace the wig for human hair wigs when you start noticing that it becomes difficult to get curls to stay, and even straightening doesn’t deliver good results. You might even consider buying a new wig if you're looking for a different style or prefer to change the color or overall look.

Fiber Dried Out

A freshly unboxed wig features extremely soft fibers.

However, a wig close to retiring looks and feels fizzy, tangled, and dry. You probably need hours to detangle it, and even that to no avail.

Tips are Frayed

A repeatedly worn wig, especially a human hair wig, starts to become frayed and develops split-ends. This is especially common for wigs that are ironed and blow-dried often.

Rather than immediately replacing the wig, you can trim the hair and deep-condition the wig during washing. However, as time passes, the frayed areas will crawl up to the roots. And when this happens, it’s a definite reminder to replace your wig.

No Longer Fits Right

A new wig’s cap feels snug and secure when it fits on your head.

But with time, the wig becomes loose and needs frequent adjusting and securing. Also, the adjustable straps lose their elasticity. So, once your wigs begin stretching so much that they don’t fit securely onto your head, it’s time to purchase a new one.

Begins Losing Hair

Even the thickest of wigs shed hair and become thinner with daily combing and wearing. But if the wig begins losing extensive hair and starts thinning substantially, it might be a sign to replace it. Moreover, hair breaking off also makes the wig looks shorter.

However, shedding can be fixed by most experts and wig retailers by adding more hair to the thinning areas. But if this isn’t possible, you’ll ultimately need to buy a new wig.

Final Thoughts

When your wig starts showing some or all of the signs above, it’s time to replace or donate it. Always remember to adopt a good wig-caring routine to keep your wig looking and feeling fresh and fragrant. Using the right products to wash and style your wig will add one to two years to human hair wigs and a year to beautiful synthetic wigs.

However, wigs don’t always have to be replaced! Instead, you can have them trimmed, spruced up by an expert, or dyed. Feel free to contact us at [email protected] for advice on whether your wig needs to be treated, repaired or replaced.