Afro Hair Guide: How to Rock Wigs
Contributor: Rhonda (RHair, @rhair_beauty)
Wigs are a great protective style as they are generally easy to maintain, but they can be a handful when they have a frontal as well. There are a few products and recommendations for your daily morning and night routine wearing a wig.
MORNING
It’s the morning and you’re ready to get on with your day. Wigs are particularly handy if you’re always in a hurry in the mornings. They can be popped on with minimal effort.
But what if your wig looks and feels a bit dry? Just put a pea size amount of oil in your palm and apply it to the wig to bring back the lustre and shine.
I’ve included some of my favourite oils and mist recommendations here. They all help with managing frizz and adding some shine:
- got2b Oil-Licious Tame & Shine Styling Oil
- Advance Techniques 360 Nourish with Moroccan Argan Oil Leave-In Treatment
- Chi Silk Infusion
- Palmer's Olive Oil Formula Weightless Shine Dry Oil Mist
- Tresemme Keratin Smooth Shine Oil
You need to spend a bit more time if your wig has a frontal – i.e. if it’s not a glueless unit. You don’t want to walk out of the house feeling fly, but your wig is letting you down! It’s important to follow the tips below to make sure your wig is fully fixed and to avoid awkward situations later in the day!
Here are 3 options to get your frontal wig sorted in the morning:
1. Apply a glue such as Ghost Bond which allows your wig to stay on for up to a week, on normal to dry skin it can last even longer. It’s long lasting but a bit trickier to take out later in the day.
2. Use a freeze spray (e.g. got2b Glued Blasting Freeze Spray) which secures your wig firmly; the benefit is that it’s light and easy to take off at night.
3. Apply a mousse to secure your baby hairs and hair glue gel on top of the baby hairs to secure your lace; the great thing with this option is that you don’t have to glue your whole wig down but remember to be gentle with your baby hairs. Also, make sure you choose a mousse that doesn’t contain alcohol as this can lead to your lace lifting (not a good look!). My favourite mousses are: Lottabody Coconut & Shea Oils Wrap Me Foaming Mousse, Creme Of Nature Argan Oil Style Shine Foaming Mousse, ORS Olive Oil Wrap/Set Mousse, or Motions Versatile Style & Create Foam Wrap Styling Lotion.
Following some of the above steps should make your morning wig routine a lot smoother. You’ll also feel ready and confident to go about your day without the worry of your wig blowing away. You’re ready to head out and conquer your day!
NIGHT
Your day is over and you’ve accomplished all things on your to do list (we hope!). Now it’s time to take your wig off and let your hair breathe.
If you have used glue to fix your wig, make sure you take time to remove your wig carefully. Try not to rush this so you don’t damage your hair under the wig.
Follow these three simple but important steps to take your wig off carefully:
1. Apply lukewarm water on all parts of your hair where there is glue. Your wig will start to lift slowly.
2. Once your wig is off, apply some alcohol on a cotton pad and wipe your skin where the glue was applied. This step will ensure a deeper cleanse so your scalp and skin stay clean and healthy.
3. Finally, use warm water and alcohol to rub the glue off your wig lace. Avoid using a brush if you can, as it may tear the hairs out of your closure. Your wig will be ready to be used the following day or whenever you next choose to wear it.
It’s important that we don’t neglect our hair underneath wigs – after all, a wig is a protective style so we need to nourish our hair when we don’t have a wig on. If your hair is in cornrows, apply some water and nourishing oils. Also, treat your scalp to some love and care with a massage to conclude your night time routine. In addition to making you feel good, a head massage is also beneficial for hair growth.
Recommendations for hair oils:
1. For thick or dry hair – Castor oil
2. For thinner hair – Grapeseed oil
3. For all hair types – Jojoba oil, Almond oil, Coconut oil
These steps should help you tackle an easy but effective routine for wearing a wig regularly, with product recommendations that are bound to have you looking your best, effortlessly. Don’t forget to have fun with your wigs! Try different styles and colours if that’s your thing.