Wigs are an awesome technique for improving the health of your hair when worn correctly. Within months, you should start seeing thicker and longer hair from keeping your hair nicely put away under the wigs. However, a solid wig regimen is required to achieve these things as they are not automatic benefits to wig wearing. Check out these tips to establish a wig regimen for healthier hair!
Wash Day:
I wash and condition my hair in the same manner even if I was not wearing wigs. I always pre-shampoo to give my hair some tender loving care before moving on to shampooing, deep conditioning and applying my leave-in conditioner.
Air Drying and Stretching Hair:
Tension blowing drying or using CWK SSS Plates are two great methods for drying and stretching the hair. Stretching simply means to stretch out the kinky, coily, curly sections of your hair. In the case of relaxed hair, stretching refers to the new growth. In the case of natural hair, stretching refers to the entire strand from root to tip.
Braiding the Hair:
I cannot cornrow so I opt for 6-10 individual braids, often referred to as celie plaits. I pin down the braids as flat as possible to my head when done.
Moisturizing Throughout the Week:
I leave my hair pinned down for the week. I make sure to spritz it twice daily with something really moisturizing. I’ve had great luck with Annabelle’s Perfect Blends Leave In Spray and Cantu Shea Butter Coconut Oil Shine and Hold Mist. Over the past six months, Shea Moisture Coconut and Hibiscus Hold and Shine Moisture Mist stole my heart and is what I’ve been using exclusively.
Occasionally, I will take down my braids throughout the week and give my hair a good moisturizing with Annabelle’s Perfect Blends Hair Creme or Cantu Beauty Creamy Hair Lotion.
Sealing Throughout the Week:
I seal on wash day only. I do not seal throughout the week.
Wig Caps:
Nylon stocking caps are way too drying. I’ve been using a spandex cap with a nylon stocking on top for a smooth, snug fit. UPDATE: I have tried a number of caps from dome caps, to du-rags to spandex caps. My favorite of all is the dome cap. It’s stays put and in place and is very gentle on the edges, nape and hair.
I use the stay on satin hair bonnet or a silk swig cap under my wigs. I put it over my “Celie” braided hair which is one year into a transition to natural and leave out some in the front that I wet and twist and set on silk covered foam rollers or the flexirods to blend with curly/wave wigs. Try the stay in satin bonnets or the silk swig cap.
Hi HauteLegalDiva (super cool name!), I’ve been eyeing the swig (silk wig cap) but reviews suggest it’s oversize. Is that the one you use? Great tips on the rollers. That’s a perfect way to blend my leave out. I totally didn’t think of that…thank you so much.
Thank you for sharing your regimen. It is very similar to mine, but I need to spritz my hair more often especially my edges and nape. I use a similar type doo rag but it doesn’t have the extra tail.
Hi Kristel, thanks for the info. What do you use for your spritz? And, what’s your favorite wig? I’m always in the market for another.
*Bookmarks this post because I might be purchasing my first wig this weekend* Thanks for sharing!
Anytime!!!
These are great tips, and I loved the idea of using the stocking cap over the doo rag!
Hopefully it may help you…
It just might. I went today to look at a wig that I was eyeing last week, but the beauty supply store was getting ready to close. It was a bit pricey, but if it looks natural enough when I try it on, I just might buy my first wig! 🙂
Ohhhhhh I can’t wait. Once you bite and get a taste of this life, let me tell you, it’s so hard going back. I have no desire to fool with my hair right now. Real talk.
LOL! I can’t wait!
Right on!