Taking cover

From wearing them to shield a balding head to placing them over a real head of hair for a change of appearance, wigs are a beauty accessory we all love. Follow these tips on how to care for yours.

Over the centuries, wigs were worn as a protective cover, a status symbol, a sign of royalty and, in the 18th century, as part of the court uniform of Britain’s judges and lawyers. During the 19th century, wigs as a luxury item went out of fashion and were largely abandoned. In the 20th century, celebs like Tina Turner and Diana Ross brought them back in vogue. No longer were they targeted at the privileged few. They became a fun, wearable item for everyone.

Today, many people wear wigs daily for convenience as they can be styled in advance. Wigs are made from human and animal hair, as well as synthetic fibres. They can be worn by sewing hair into one’s natural hair (semipermanent wigs). Or, you can simply put on a wig in the morning and take it off at night (temporary wigs).

TIPS TO CARING FOR YOUR NATURAL HAIR WHEN YOU WEAR WIGS

Caring for your own hair when you wear a wig regularly is of utmost importance. Here’s how:

1. Wrap your natural hair under the wig to protect your hairline against friction that could result in hair loss. This is crucial if you wear synthetic wigs.

2. Shampoo hair at least once a week. Use an uplifting shampoo to reduce dandruff and flakes. Alternate with a sulphate-free shampoo to keep your natural hair softer and more manageable.

3. Moisturise hair at least three times a week. Apply a leave-in conditioner before wrapping your hair, then put on the wig. This will penetrate into the hair for maximum moisture and help to relieve itchiness. Use a product that won’t cause build-up as this causes your scalp not to breathe and brings on itchiness.

4. Apply overnight treatment every day. This is particularly important if you wear a wig daily.

5. Do not share your wig with anyone. You wouldn’t share your toothbrush, right?

HOW TO MAINTAIN THE CONDITION OF A WIG

Many women are choosing to wear wigs temporarily over wearing weavein extensions. Caring for your on-off wig is essential. Here’s how:

Wash

Brush out tangles first.

Place wig in a basin of lukewarm water, and then shampoo it. Choose a shampoo and conditioner that are suitable for the type of hair you’re washing.

When lathering the wig with shampoo, ensure that the strands flow the same direction to avoid tangling.

Rinse thoroughly.

When applying conditioner, avoid the wig cap – put the product on the hair only.

Dry

Carefully pat dry with a towel. Avoid using a brush to detangle the hair after towel drying. Use a wide-tooth comb instead.

For human hair:

It’s preferable to use a hairdryer on a medium-heat setting.

Take hair in small sections, starting from the nape and working your way up, instead of trying to dry the entire wig at once. Use a bristle brush or round brush.

Work the hair in a downward direction for a smooth effect.

For synthetic hair:

Let the wig air dry on a wig stand.