How to Care for Your Real Hair Under a Lace Wig

Wigs look great and we enjoy the versatility which comes with wearing them. The different colors, textures, and lengths which they come in offer us several hairstyling options.

All wigs have their own style and create their own beauty, but there is no doubt that lace front wigs are the preferred type for most shoppers. They look the most natural, and once they are properly installed the hair literally looks like it is coming from your scalp. They are also affordable and come in all types of colors, lengths, and textures.

What is a Lace Wig?

A simple description would be a unit with added hair made from a cap which has lace in certain areas. There are different types, and they type you have may be determined by 2 things. Your styling preferences and your budget. The more lace that is on the unit, generally the higher the price of the wig.

Installation Tips

There is a right way and a wrong way when it comes to installation. If you install incorrectly, you may be left with the permanent loss of your edges. You would not want to lose your edges, especially permanently so if you are not familiar with how to properly place a wig, seek the help of a professional.

Placement can be done by using wig glue and tape. You need to be very careful when you are applying any type of adhesive substance near the hairline. If you are not a hair novice, you would know that hair and adhesives do not mix. This is why it is very important to ensure that when it is done, it is done in a safe manner.

Save Your Edges

Never let adhesive touch the hair around your hairline. Adhesives can have lots of sticking power to keep your wig down and as a result can be a disaster if they get stuck to your real hair. Since the baby hair around the circumference of your head is normally thinner, shorter, and less dense than the hair on the rest of your head, it would not take much to rip it right out of your scalp. That sounds painful right? But that is exactly what would happen if you go about it incorrectly, possibly causing permanent damage.

When you are installing it, be sure to completely avoid the hairline. The wig should be installed in front of your hairline not on it. When you prep your hair to receive the wig, make sure that the prepping process covers all strands of hair, including those right at the edge of the hairline. When removing, be sure to use a good quality solvent that will soften adhesives properly to protect the skin from being damaged.

Washing Your Hair After Removing the Wig

After removal you may notice some residue around the area where the wig was glued or taped down. Be sure to remove all traces of adhesive from the skin before wetting your hair. In addition, always use a detangling product to soften the hair and detangle gently to prevent breakage.

When Washing:

• Always detangle hair before wetting

• Never brush your hair when wet

• If you must comb your hair while wet, use a wide tooth comb

• Always start combing from the ends and work your way up to the root whether wet or dry

• Avoid wringing and over manipulating the hair

• It is best to use a moisturizing shampoo and a rich conditioner

• A leave-in conditioner is always good to use as an added layer of protection for the hair

Drying Tips:

• Always apply heat protectant before drying hair

• A hood dryer is always the best option but if you must, blow drying on a medium or low setting can work

• Use no combs or brushes when the hair is wet, let the blow dryer do its job first

• Once the hair is half dry, then you can use a detangling brush, starting at the ends and working toward the root.

Tip: A good quality dryer brush will save drying time, seal moisture into the hair strands and partially straighten the hair while drying. The Revlon One-Step Dryer is a really good one so check it out a beauty supply near you.

Styling

Applying a glosser or a light hair oil will add moisture and sheen to the hair. Be sure not to forget your scalp, after all your scalp needs moisture too. Add heat protectant and make sure you cover all hair strands well. You are now free to heat style your hair to your liking.

Conclusion

Wigs are cute and all, but you still need to care for your real hair under the wig. Properly installing it will make sure that you keep your edges in-tact. When you remove it, make sure to thoroughly remove all adhesive residue from your scalp before wetting and shampooing. Always use a moisturizing shampoo and a rich conditioner to infuse moisture in the hair. Always use heat protectant before heat styling and remember to moisturize your scalp as well.