All wigs shed no matter what you do to them, and a little shedding is normal.
Here are some of the reasons why your wig may be shedding more than usual.
CAUSES
Rough handling - Wigs are vulnerable to shedding when they’re handled too roughly. To put things simply, the more you tug on your wig’s hairs, the more shedding you may experience.
Excessive tension: Tugging, pulling, or combing the hair too aggressively can cause stress on the knots and lead to shedding. Handle the wig with care to avoid unnecessary tension.
Bleached knots - The lace part of wigs is especially fragile, with loose hairs hand-tied to the lace base. Whenever these knots are bleached, they can weaken, and the hairs may shed. Bleaching the knots can compromise the integrity of the knot. Bleached knots may give a more undetectable hair line it also causes the wig to shed faster. Knots can be disguised and concealed with scar tape on the inside of your cap, or a light concealer powder as it extends the longevity of the wig and often looks more realistic.
Lack of nighttime protection - When you wear your wig to bed without protection, the hair rubs up against your pillow and covers, leading to tension and friction which results in excessive shedding.
Wrong products - When you use harsh products on your wig, the hair begins to lose moisture and brittleness begins to set in. Shedding won’t be far behind.
Chemical damage: Harsh chemicals, such as those found in certain styling products or improper washing solutions, can damage the hair and weaken the knots, causing shedding over time.
Heat damage: Excessive heat from styling tools, such as flat irons and curling irons, can damage the hair and contribute to shedding. Use heat styling tools sparingly and with a heat protectant.
Improper washing and conditioning: Using the wrong shampoo or conditioner, washing too frequently, or not conditioning properly can lead to dryness and breakage, resulting in shedding.
Incorrect installation: If the wig is not installed correctly, with the use of adhesives, tapes, or other securing methods, it may cause tension on the hairline and lead to shedding.
Environmental factors: Exposure to harsh weather conditions, such as extreme heat, humidity, or prolonged sun exposure, can affect the quality of the hair and contribute to shedding.
Age and wear: Like natural hair, human hair wigs can experience wear and tear over time. Aging, friction from clothing or accessories, and frequent styling can contribute to shedding.
Lack of maintenance: Failing to maintain the wig properly, including regular washing, conditioning, and detangling, can lead to increased shedding.
Storage conditions: Improper storage, such as folding or crushing the wig, can cause tangling and contribute to shedding.
PREVENTION
Preventing shedding in a lace wig involves proper care and maintenance. Here are some tips to help minimize shedding:
Combing technique: If you’re used to combing your wig from roots to ends, this tip is for you. When you comb from roots to ends, you put unnecessary pressure and tension on the wig’s roots. You’re also more likely to rip through the hair strands. To minimize shedding, you should comb your wig from the tips to the roots. Combing from the ends allows you to gently remove knots as you move upwards toward the roots. As you pull the comb through your hair, you should also hold the hair near the roots to keep it from being pulled.
Detangle your wig often; Another thing that you can do to keep your wig from shedding excessively is to keep it detangled. Experts say that you should brush your wig every day to keep it from developing knots and tangles. This is extremely important because once your wig gets matted, especially at the nape of the neck, detangling it will be much harder and cause more shedding.
Seal your wig knots; The most vulnerable area on a wig is the lace. Knots are where individual hairs are tied to the lace base. Those hairs are the most prone to shedding. Sealing these knots with a clear, flexible sealant (like a knot sealer) can help prevent them from loosening and reduce shedding. This is done by simply turning the wig inside out and lightly spray the sealer on the lace. Allow it to completely dry before wearing. The sealer should be applied after every wash and/or conditioning.
Gentle handling: Handle your lace wig with care. Avoid pulling or tugging on the hair when combing or styling. Use a wide-tooth comb or a brush designed for wigs to prevent unnecessary stress on the hair.
Try not to scratch; Scratching your scalp through your lace can loosen up the wig’s knots and cause shedding. So, whenever your scalp itches, instead of scratching, gently pat your head. It may not give you quick relief, but it will take the edge off of the itch. If your scalp itchiness is severe, you should examine your scalp’s health and treat any underlying issues there. It could be scalp dryness or dandruff.
Minimize heat styling; Heat styling is damaging to your wig. And when you use it too much or apply it directly to the lace, it can burn the lace and cause the wig hair to shed. To minimize shedding, don’t apply heat directly to the lace, and try your best to space out your heat styling sessions. Whenever you use heat to style your hair, keep the heat setting as low as you can. If you need to use heat, set your styling tools to a moderate temperature, and use a heat protectant spray before styling.
Use of greasy products: You may think that using greasy products on your wig is helpful when trying to achieve certain styles. But the problem is that products like these tend to accumulate on the strands and cause buildup, which leads to excessive tangling. This will require you to do more detangling, and each time you detangle your wig, there will be some shedding.
Keep your wig clean; As previously mentioned, buildup can lead to tangles and eventually shedding, to prevent that, make sure that you keep your wig clean. On average, we recommend washing your wig every 15 wears. However, depending on how often you wear the wig and which products you use on it, you may need to wash your unit more frequently. Anytime your wig feels sticky or dirty and seems to be getting more difficult to detangle, it may need a wash.
Proper washing and conditioning: Wash your wig with a sulfate-free, wig-friendly shampoo and conditioner. Avoid using harsh products that can strip the hair of its natural oils. Gently detangle the hair while washing and conditioning.
Keep the hair moisturized with deep conditioning treatments; A dry wig is more likely to shed than a moisturized one, so it’s in your best interest to keep your wig hydrated. Wigs don’t get natural moisture from the scalp, so you’ve got to give your wig the oils it needs.
Secure installation: If you're using glue or adhesive to secure the wig, ensure that it's applied correctly and does not pull on the hair when removing the wig. Consider using wig clips or adjustable straps for a more secure fit without adhesive.
Store properly: When not in use, store your lace wig on a wig stand or mannequin to help maintain its shape. Avoid folding or crushing the wig, as this can lead to tangling and shedding.
Protect your wig at night: Protecting your wig at night can greatly reduce shedding. The best-case scenario is to take your wig off every night and place it on a mannequin head. But if you’d rather not take your wig off daily, you can do the following to keep shedding at by:
Professional maintenance: If you're unsure about caring for your lace wig, consider seeking professional maintenance services from a wig specialist. They can reseal knots, repair any damage, and provide guidance on proper care.
Remember that preventing shedding is an ongoing process that involves regular care and attention.
By following these tips, you can help prolong the life of your lace wig and minimize shedding.
Comments