Does Wearing A Wig Cause Hair Loss?

Are you a new wig wearer? Or are you going through hair loss right now? You should pay attention to this question: “Does wearing a wig cause hair loss?”

We recognize that the preconceived notions surrounding wig wear may have scared you away from buying wigs. We identify with our hair, so losing it may be devastating.

We get that. But can you lose your hair by wearing wigs?

In this article, we'll examine if wearing wigs causes hair loss, why this may be the case for you, and solutions for hair loss problems. Let's get started!

So, Is Hair Loss a Likely Result of Wearing Wigs?

No. Unlike how it is generally perceived, wearing wigs won't result in hair loss. Instead, wigs can be a stimulant for hair growth when worn appropriately.

Hair loss is caused by many factors, and wig-wearing is naturally not a part of it. That’s because wigs protect the natural hair and ease it from styling and manipulation.

However, the improper wearing or mishandling of wigs can make wearing wigs a contributing factor.

Let's look into some common causes of hair loss from wearing wigs.

Common Causes of Hair Loss from Wearing Wigs

1. Ill-fitting Wigs

Wigs that are too tight will often strain your hair follicles, particularly in the area around your hairline. On the other hand, loose wigs result in movement and friction on the scalp which can lead to irritation.

Wearing wigs that are suitable for you and are of perfect fit is crucial. If it requires you to consult a hairstylist who can take a detailed measurement of your head's contours, then do so. Your hairstylist can guarantee the best-fashioned wigs that give you comfort and peace of mind. In other words, wigs that won't cause hair loss.

2. Wrong Wig Application

Harsh adhesives and wig clips can irritate your scalp or block scalp pores, damaging your hair follicles. These clips can be dangerous for the areas of your hair that are not strong. So, if you want to use them, move the clips to the strong hair areas.

For your adhesives, go for water-soluble ones. They can dissolve easily. Also, you should avoid installing your lace frontal wigs on your hairline. That's because when uninstalling, you can rip your hair in the process.

3. Braid or Cornrow Too Tight Under Wig

To make sure the hair under the wig is well prepared, braiding and doing cornrow are the general choices for most of us, which lead to a flat and natural result after wearing the wig. However, braiding too tight can put too much pressure on your scalp and lead to hair loss.

Can You Get Scalp Damage From Wigs?

Yes, you can. If your wig is tightly secured to your hair, it can trap sweat and cause dandruff and inflammation of hair follicles, leading to hair loss. That's because sweat contains lactic acid, and when mixed with keratin in hair, it's bad.

Now that you are aware, you should take proper measures against losing your hair due to pressure, tightness, constant pulling of your hair (traction alopecia), and sweat accumulation. You can learn how to manage your hair loss caused by these reasons in the next section.

How to Manage Hair Loss from Wigs?

If you've recently experienced hair loss or are going through one presently, we're sad to hear that. Here's how you can manage your hair loss caused by wigs:

- Avoid Wearing Ill-fitting Wigs

The traditional solution and first thing to do is to stop wearing tight and ill-fitting wigs. Wigs that pull your scalp excessively or are tight without offering breathability should be avoided. You can speak with a professional to recommend comfortable and breathable wigs.

- Anti-inflammatory Injections

The anti-inflammatory injections are to cure the inflammation and irritation of the scalp. They will help the process and heal you of the inflammation.

- Scalp Stimulating Treatments

Treatments like minoxidil can help your hair to grow back. Minoxidil is used often to treat baldness in men. Women can use it to regrow their hair if they are experiencing hair thinness.

However, before you use it, consult your doctor to be sure of the causes of your hair loss and the best possible solution.

- Hair Transplant

While methods like treatments, injections, and ointments should work, if they do not, a hair transplant is another solution. A hair transplant is a procedure that transplants healthy hair follicles from a donor to yours.

The areas you once experienced hair loss will appear natural as you've never lost anything. However, this procedure is usually expensive.

Best Practices to Follow When Wearing Wigs

1. Get a good-fitting wig

Again, it's necessary to wear wigs that you feel comfortable in. You can buy from a physical store so that you can try the wigs on first. That way, you get to choose, buy, and wear wigs that are suitable and fit for you.

If you'd love to buy online, measure your head correctly and find an online store like Cynosure Hair that can customize wig caps for you, so the wig is not too small or tight, or tug on your hair.

2. Regularly cleanse the scalp

You should use a mild shampoo to cleanse your scalp whenever you want to wash your hair. The shampoo will help cleanse and remove dirt and oil buildup in your scalp. A clarifying shampoo will work once in a while as well. Since it strips, it's best to avoid using it regularly.

3. Wear a wig cap for protection

There's no need for your hair to come in contact with your wig. You can wear a wig cap to protect your tresses while it keeps the wig secured on your head as well.

4. Perform scalp massages

Give yourself a good scalp massage before and after wearing your wig. That will stimulate blood flow, promote nutrients to your hair follicles, and make your strands longer. This is a top practice you want to follow as a wig wearer.

5. Buy wigs with breathable materials

There are wigs made with breathable materials like 360 lace wigs, full lace wigs, air cap/capless wigs, etc, so opt for those. They won't prevent air from flowing to your scalp or cause the toxins to remain there. If you are unaware of what to do, a professional can assist you and help you select appropriately.

6. Avoid sleeping in your wig

It's alright to feel tired after a long and stressful day, or you prefer to wear your installed wig for some time. But, sleeping in your wig is not good for the strands. It can tangle and cause it to matte.

Your natural hair also suffers because it needs to breathe and take a break from wigs. It's best to choose a glueless pre everything wig that you can put on and take off effortlessly.

Related Read: Can you sleep in a wig

7. Avoid laying your lace on your hairline

Your hairline is sensitive, and the hair around those areas is not strong. Laying your lace on your hairline will lead to hair loss due to the glue.

While you can use water-based glues that are not harsh, avoid applying glue to your wig as well. Instead, you should brush your hairline under the wig cap and then apply the glue to the area before your hairline.

8. Keep your wig clean

Your wigs must remain clean to avoid build-up that can affect your natural hair and the wig strands. By keeping it clean, your wig can last longer, you will get to wear a fresh wig and protect your natural hair. That's good.

Before you wash, note that there are different products needed to wash the various types of wigs. It means the products you will use to wash your synthetic wigs may not be what you need for your human hair wigs.

9. Nourish your scalp

Get some good natural oils and nourish your scalp with them. Do this after you've washed your hair with a good shampoo and conditioner. You can oil your scalp once in a while after wearing your wig as well. It'll prevent scalp itching and irritation. Oils like argan and coconut are good.

10. Take Breaks

We cannot mention taking breaks enough. It's necessary for your tresses and so also your natural hair. If wigs are your go-to hairstyle, that can be hard. But make sure you can take some days off. You can alternate with scarves and turbans or style your natural hair.

11. Take good care of your hair

While you wear a wig, you can be tempted to skip your wash routines and hair care, but do not. Taking care of your hair is essential. Especially the leave out hair when you wear a u part or v part wig.

So, give it a good wash and condition it properly before going in with your oils.

12. Never wear your wig on wet hair

After washing and caring for your natural hair, make sure your hair dries properly before wearing a wig. That's because it's bad for your natural hair and wig. You can get your hair infected due to the growth of bacteria caused by the dampness of your hair. Your hair can also break since it's fragile. So, when next you want to wear a wig, wash your hair before the day and get it dry properly.

Conclusion

As we've mentioned, wigs do not cause hair loss. However, there are many causes of hair loss associated with wearing wigs. We have listed them above in this article and how you can manage your hair loss.

If you have any further questions, do let us know in the comment section.