Shuyun I have grown to appreciate braided wigs since I enjoy experimenting with various hairstyles. They are adaptable, low-maintenance, and useful on terrible hair days. However, to ensure they look fantastic and last a long time, braided wigs need to be properly cared for just like any other hairpiece. Following are my top five suggestions for looking after your braided wig:
Start with a clean wig
It’s crucial to make sure your braided wig is clean before wearing it. In addition to making your wig look dull and ugly, dirt, sweat, and accumulation can irritate and itch your scalp. Start by detangling your wig with a wide-tooth comb or your fingers before cleaning it. Then, add a small amount of mild shampoo to a sink of lukewarm water. Swish the wig around lightly in the water without rubbing or scraping. If required, repeat the procedure by rinsing with clean water. The wig should then be patted dry with a towel to eliminate any remaining water before letting it air dry on a mannequin head or wig stand.
Avoid excessive heat
While utilizing heat styling products like flat irons, curling irons, and hot rollers to create different hairstyles might be successful, they can also harm your braided wig by causing frizz, breakage, and even melting.
Synthetic hair strands may melt or suffer other harm when exposed to heat. This is so because plastic materials, which are used to make synthetic hair fibers, are not meant to resist high temperatures. Therefore, utilizing heat styling products on your braided wig may result in permanent harm, giving it a lifeless and dull appearance.
To avoid damaging your braided wig, avoid using heat styling products at all costs. Instead of applying heat, you can accomplish a number of styles by braiding, twisting, or pinning your wig. These designs not only protect your wig but also offer it a distinct and individualized appearance that distinguishes it from others.
Braids and twists are a great way to achieve a variety of looks without requiring heat. Depending on your desire, you can create various braids such as box braids, micro braids, or cornrows. By unraveling the twists once they’ve set, you can create a twisted updo or a twist-out style.
Pinning your braided wig is another way to create a variety of styles without using heat. You can pin your wig into a bun, a half-up, half-down style, or even a braided crown. The options are endless, and you can get creative with different pinning techniques to achieve a unique and personalized look.
If you must use heat styling equipment on your braided wig, use a heat protectant spray and set the temperature to a low setting. Heat protectant sprays form a protective barrier between your wig and the heat, preventing damage. Setting the temperature to low decreases the danger of damage and guarantees that the heat is not too powerful for the fibers of your wig.
Protect your wig while sleeping
When you sleep in your wig, it can cause tangling, frizz, and even damage to the braids. Consider purchasing a satin or silk bonnet or pillowcase to protect your wig while sleeping. These materials are kind to your hair and reduce friction, which keeps tangles and frizz at bay. To keep your wig neat and tidy, braid it into two or three loose braids before night.
Keep your scalp and wig clean
Maintaining your braided wig requires keeping both your scalp and wig clean. As you wear your wig, oil and perspiration may build up on your scalp, resulting in itching, odor, and even the formation of bacteria. These problems, if ignored, can have a negative impact on your wig’s appearance and durability in addition to being uncomfortable.
It’s critical to use the correct items to keep your scalp and wig clean. Regular hair products contain harsh chemicals that might harm your wig’s synthetic strands, making it appear dull and lifeless. Instead, use a light scalp cleanser or witch hazel to refresh and clean your scalp. These products are made to be gentle on your scalp and wig, keeping them clean and fresh.
You can use a dry shampoo designed specifically for wigs in addition to using a scalp cleanser to remove extra oil and odor from your wig. On hectic days when you don’t have time for a thorough wash, dry shampoos might come in in to help refresh your wig in between washes. When using a dry shampoo, be sure to carefully follow the directions and refrain from applying too much product as this can lead to buildup and leave your wig looking lifeless.
It’s crucial to be cautious when cleaning your braided wig and to avoid scratching or scrubbing the fibers. To clean your wig, use a gentle wash and warm water; do not use hot water as this could harm the fibers or cause them to melt. After washing, make careful to pat your wig dry with a towel rather than wringing or twisting it, as doing so could distort the braids.
You can also use wig-specific wig spray to keep your wig smelling good. Between washings, these sprays are made to help eliminate odors and keep your wig smelling fantastic. To ensure that it doesn’t include any harsh chemicals that could harm the fibers, be sure to use a spray that is specifically made for synthetic wigs.
Store your wig properly
Your braided wig must be stored carefully while not in use to avoid tangling, frizz, and damage. To start, comb or brush your wig to get rid of any knots and tangles. The wig should then be set on a mannequin head or wig stand to maintain its shape and keep the braids from deforming. To shield the wig from dirt, dust, and other environmental elements, wrap it in a scarf or hairnet. Finally, keep the wig out of the sun and away from heat sources in a cool, dry location.
Conclusion
It takes time, patience, and proper care to maintain your braided wig. You can keep your wig looking fantastic and prolong its lifespan by paying attention to these suggestions. Remember to maintain your scalp and wig clean, avoid using too much heat, protect it when sleeping, and store it correctly. With these suggestions, you won’t have hair be concerned about damage or frizz when wearing your braided wig in any of the many styles it offers.
