Preventing Dry Hair in Your Hair Replacement System
The human hair in your hair replacement system needs more care and attention than your natural hair growing from the scalp. Hair growing from the scalp is continuously moisturized by the natural oils, whereas the hair in your system, it is not. Your hair only gets what you put on it.
When you add in exposure to things like shampoo, hot water, and chlorine, the integrity of your hair system can begin to deteriorate. Long hair, considered 10" or longer needs even more care. The extra length makes your hair more susceptible to breakage and damage, so it’s important to be mindful of how to take care of the hair in your hair replacement system.
Prevention is the key to longevity. Practicing the tips below will become second nature and over time, will help to extend the life of the hair in your hair system.
Easy Tips for Great Hair
Avoid hot water: Hot water opens the hair shaft and causes dryness over time, and contribute to tangling. Cool or cold water closes the hair shaft, resulting in smoother, glossier hair. It’s for this reason we recommend using the cool water possible whether you are washing your hair in a basin or shower.
Keep the hair flowing in the same direction: To avoid tangling, comb the shampoo and conditioner through the hair with a wide-tooth comb with the hair flowing in the same direction. Always keep the hair flowing in the same direction whether you are washing or conditioning your hair to avoid tangling. This is especially important for long hair and especially wet hair of any length.
Avoid chlorine: Chlorine in the water can damage the hair in your hair replacement system. Chlorine gradually changes the hair color and because of the dryness, the hair becomes prone to breakage, frizzing and tangling. We recommend to our customers that they can swim and participate in water sports, but as soon as you can, shampoo and condition the hair. To help protect your hair while swimming or participating in water sports, wet your hair and liberally apply leave-in conditioner. The hair absorbs the conditioner and can better withstand the chlorinated water. Also, braid the hair or wear a swim cap.
Shampoo infrequently: You don’t need to shampoo your system very often. Since your hair system doesn’t receive natural scalp oils the way your growing hair does, the hair in your system won’t need to be cleaned as often. But the downside is that it won’t be naturally moisturized like hair growing from your scalp. Eventually, you will find a washing schedule that works for you. Rather than a wash and condition, we recommend a condition wash. Shampoo the hair no more than once a week or twice if you use a lot of hair products.
Condition and moisturize as often as possible: You can never condition or moisturize your hair enough. You may condition your system daily or between washings. If your hair is curly, wavy or blond, we recommend you condition every day. Use a leave-in conditioner one to two times a day to help keep your hair soft and tangle-free.
Always comb before you brush: Always comb before you brush unless you’re using a wig vent brush. Comb the tangles out with a wide-tooth comb. While this is recommended for both long and short hair, it may not apply to very short hair systems that a vent-style brush can easily pass through.When combing out knots or tangles, apply leave-in conditioner. Then start at the ends and work your way up the length of the hair.
Heat styling
Limit the amount of heat styling, straightening or curling. Use a low setting. Always use a thermal protection product before heat styling to protect the hair. If you choose to blow dry or heat style often, your hair replace systems will need to be replaced more frequently.
Protect your hair while you sleep: For our customers wearing one of our glueless products, their wigs last much longer. But for those how sleep in their hair system, we suggest you use silk, satin or high-thread-count Egyptian cotton pillowcases that will not absorb moisture from your hair or cause it to tangle or mat while you sleep. These fibers don’t pull on hair cuticles like traditional cotton can. Don’t sleep on a flannel pillowcase, as this will ruin your hair system over time, causing it to excessively tangle, mat and dry out.
Protect your hair from sun and oxidation: Sun and light exposure will gradually oxidize your hair to a lighter, warmer color. Protect your hair by using products with UV filters. Wear safe hats during prolonged sun exposure, such as when gardening or at the beach.
Divas Lace Wigs offers custom mage wigs, toupees and hair systems online, over the phone or in person at our boutique. We look forward to getting to know you and your hair needs and hope you will give us the opportunity to serve you in the near future. When your hair looks good, you feel good and we are here to make that happen for you.