We should know firstly what will influnence the lifespan of the wig and what you shouldn't do to shorten the time for using, and how to store the hairpiece when you take it off.
What Influences the Lifespan of Wigs?
1 Hair Material
One of the most crucial factors affecting the lifespan of wigs is hair material. On average, the lifespan of human hair wigs is much longer than synthetic wigs, and if you wear them daily and take good care of them, the lifespan of human hair wigs is 8-10 months or even more than one year and that of synthetic wigs is only 3-4 months. Wigs made from human hair are less likely to get tangled and shed and would not require lots of maintenance, because they have not undergone any chemical processing and the cuticles are intact. Synthetic wigs which are made from synthetic materials have a shorter lifespan, but, of course, they are a budget-friendly choice.
2Base Material
Base material also has a significant impact on the lifespan of wigs, and among the most common base materials, monofilamentand silk bases contribute to a longer lifespan. A tight weave of monofilament base and layered structure of silk base make wigs more durable. By contrast, the lace base is lightweight and breathable but the soft material and single-layer structure make wigs less durable.
3Maintenance
Apart from intrinsic factors that determine the lifespan of wigs to a large extent, extrinsic factors can affect the durability significantly. The way you take care of wigs will determine how long they will last, and if cared for properly, your wigs may last beyond the normal lifespan. The durability of wigs mainly depends on maintenance in two aspects, namely washing and storage.
HOW TO WASH YOUR WIG PROPERLY?
The lifespan of a wig is affected greatly by the washing frequency, so you should have great control of the frequency. Remember, over-washing and improper washing will definitely reduce the lifespan of wigs. The frequency of washing a human hair wig is normally once every 6-8 weeks, and as for a synthetic wig, you can wash it once every 4-6 weeks.
Five specific steps from making preparation to drying are taken to wash a wig properly:
Step 1: Making preparations
Before starting the washing process, it is essential to make some preparations. Knots should be removed gently by using a wide-tooth comb or a wig brush which is specially designed for detangling wigs
Step 2: Rinsing
The washing process starts from rinsing by putting the wig under the faucet, but keep in mind that hot water should be avoided to prevent damage to your wig. If the hair is short, you can rinse your wig under faucet in the washbasin with running water at room temperature. If the hair is long, it is suggested that the wig should be rinsed under the faucet of your shower to avoid tangling the wig in the basin. After that, to get rid of excess water, you should gently squeeze the wig with your hands instead of twisting it.
Step 3: Shampooing
The next step is the shampoo application process that aims to make your wig clean. Start with applying a small amount of shampoo to the palms of your hands, and then gently massage the shampoo into your wig by following the order from the root to the tip. As in the previous step, then rinse your wig from the top down to the bottom to remove all shampoo and squeeze excess water gently with your hands. The rinsing process at this step should also be gentle enough to prevent any damage to your wig.
Step 4: Conditioning
It is essential to add nutrition to your wig as you do to your natural hair in order to ensure that your wig is full of life. Spread a small amount of hydrating conditioner on the palm of your hand, and apply the conditioner evenly into your wig. Be sure to remember that conditioner should not be applied to the base of the wig as it could lead to the loose of knots on the cap. After leaving the conditioner in the wig for around three to five minutes, you can move to the rinsing process. Make sure that all the conditioner is rinsed thoroughly before removing excess water gently with your hands- avoiding twisting likewise.
Step 5: Drying
Here comes the final step- drying. After blotting your wig gently with a dry towel, leave your wig air dry which may take a few hours but contribute to a longer lifespan of the wig. Place your wig on a wig stand for air-drying to hold its shape. The key to the drying process is allowing your wig to dry naturally, so blow-drying that could cause damage to wigs should be avoided or at least minimized.
HOW TO STORE YOUR WIG PROPERLY?
Do you know that the storage method also has a certain impact on the lifespan of your wigs? You don’t wear a wig 24 hours a day no matter how much you love and need a wig. If you expect a longer service life of your favorite wig, you must store it in the right way! The best way of storing a wig is to place it on a wig stand, which can guarantee shape holding of the wig. If stored flat on the table or in a box, your wig would have creases and ridges resulting in a less natural look, and the wig hair would probably get tangled or damaged. Moreover, since UV radiation could cause damage to hair or cause fading, wigs should be stored out of direct sunlight. Proper storage will be favorable for maintaining both the shape and style of your wigs.
Wig Care Tips:
- Use a wide-tooth comb or a wig brush specially designed for detangling to remove knots
- Avoid hot water to wash your wig
- Use shampoo specially made for wigs
- Avoid applying conditioner to the base of the wig
- Avoid twisting
- Avoid blow-drying
- Avoid storing the wig flat or under direct sunlight
CHOOSE A HIGH-QUALITY VIRGIN HUMAN HAIR WIG FOR LONGEVITY
Undoubtedly, a high-quality human hair wig could have longer lifespan if cared for properly. But lifespan of a wig is more than just related with whether it is made from human hair or synthetic hair. Virgin human hair, remy hair and non-remy hair are the three types of human hair used in wigs, among which virgin human hair would definitely contribute to the highest quality and the longest lifespan because it is cut from a person who has never had her hair chemically processed. Thus, to find the perfect wig, you should know about the specific type of hair used for making the wig. Virgin human hair will also allow you to achieve the most natural-looking look and the most comfortable wearing experience.