If you want to talk about a controversial question, this by far is one! Many women are looking for alternatives from the everyday wear, tear and stress that naturally happens with the hair grooming process. It is not easy to protect the hair 100% from the daily elements that we are exposed to as well as life changes that we have no control over for example; menopause, working out and cold and dry elements that affect the hair.
Wigs have truly evolved since back in the day when the idea of a wig automatically made you think about your grandmother, or maybe that’s just me. In all honesty I have never personally worn a wig but I have come across enough women who do to know that some love them and some absolutely despise them. But, the question still remains, where do they stand in regards to protective styles? Before I go into the answer, let me say that wigs are so fancy now you literally can not always tell that a person is wearing a one. That’s pretty amazing that craftsmanship has come around so much! I know you are wondering, if I think they are so amazing, why haven’t I tried one yet? Well let’s just say I’m a creature of habit and I haven’t evolved as quick as time.
Ok, back to the question at hand. To wig or not to wig? Unfortunately, it’s just not that cut and dry! It should come as no surprise that since wigs have changed so much from the old grandma wig that sits on your head like a hat, to laying so flat and seamless that you can’t even tell it didn’t grow out of the scalp. However; the base in which they are constructed on play a big part in how they protect the hair or contribute to damage. You probably knew that already, but for those that do not here is some more insight on wig bases and if they are beneficial to protecting your tresses. Naturally, the softer lighter the base cap is the more gentle it will be to your hair. However; that does not mean it has to be full lace or very expensive in order to be soft and gentle.
Here is a little more insight on cap bases and how they are constructed. Nowadays, caps are made with a combination of materials to give natural looks along with durability. There use to be a time when synthetic hair just looked synthetic and was constructed on hard, rough mesh material. Now you can buy synthetic wigs made on higher quality bases giving you a more natural look and better protection for the hair. The synthetic fibers are lighter as well which are contributing factors for what will aid in protecting the hair (better).
Don’t be fooled by categorizing wig bases as just lace or non-lace, there are other factors involved as well such as; the type of lace play’s a big part in how protective is will be. Swiss lace is softer than french lace but because of the softness it doesn’t hold up as well.
Ideally a full lace wig may be one the best wigs you can protect the hair with, it is airy, soft and has no mesh or netting to rub on the natural hair, but it is also expensive, and may not be practical for someone who wants to have a protective style but can not afford it. Therefore the next best thing is to purchase a wig that is constructed allowing you to have the best of all foundations where it is most important.
another option to consider with so many options in wigs, is using a cap that is soft and light such as this cap made of nylon material reinforced with a mesh lace cap that allows you durability and breath-ability.
hand stitched cap
This is a wig that I made for my daughter, when it was completed I removed the combs so that it could be more protecting against here hair without the pulling that the comb attachments sometimes create.
don’t forget you can alter your wigs by taking out the attachments such as combs, clips and clamps. If you need extra reinforcements you can simply use the elastic bands or have a stylist or extension specialist create a wig that works best for you and protecting your hair. Sometimes you may just need a customized fit to make it more protecting. If you have wig that has a good protective base but it is not fitting therefore you reinforce it with combs, clips and elastic that may create unnecessary tension on the hair making
it less beneficial.
Here is another look at a very soft breathable cap material that is not the finest of lace, but is still give you the flexibility and softness. hair is sewn onto the cap creating a custom unit that is cost effective and made just for the wearer!
In a great big nut shell, wigs can be protective in fact that can be very protective. when on the right base style. It can be lace, full lace, mesh or nylon but it must be light and breathable with minimal rubbing on the edges and top. A custom fit would be ideal because your technician should have access to some of the better cap foundations and it can be fitted allowing less reinforcement with elastic,clips, clamps and combs that often rub too much on the hairline.
other tips:
In addition to protecting your hair with wigs, keep in mind that too much of anything can eventually bring about wear and tear. You should not wear a wig everyday forever. Give the hair time to breath. Never wear your wig with out restricting your natural hair to move underneath. The way to do this is by plating or braiding it down if it is not long enough a stocking cap will suffice. Oil your scalp and maintain good scalp care underneath. Shampoo when necessary.
Thank you for reading and sharing my blog! I hope you have found this information helpful.
