Five Reasons Why Human Hair Wigs Shed and How To Fix It
HOW TO STOP WIG FROM SHEDDING
Have you noticed more hair coming out of your wig than usual? Are you wondering whether the shedding is normal or if something has gone wrong?
The good news is that while all human hair wigs lose a few strands over time, excessive shedding usually comes from everyday habits you can correct.
At Daniel Alain, a brand built on decades of wig expertise, we've taken the time to investigate pieces from customers that had excessive shedding. We know how frustrating this can be, but more often than not, this shedding is indicative of improper wig care.
In this article, you'll learn about five habits that contribute to excessive hair shedding, along with the best methods to help you maintain and achieve a fuller, healthier-looking piece.
If you're wondering "why is my wig shedding so much?" read on...
IS IT NORMAL FOR A HUMAN HAIR WIG TO SHED?
The construction of a wig means some shedding is to be expected over time. In hand-tied lace wigs, individual strands of hair are tied to the lace of the wig cap a few strands at a time and secured with a knot. While this technique creates high-quality lace wigs that move naturally like real hair, some knots can eventually loosen and cause shedding, especially with improper care.
While losing a few strands here and there after brushing and washing is normal, bald spots, bare patches, or a widening part line may indicate a larger problem. Naturally, you'll want to know if there's something you're doing that's causing this and, if so, how to fix it.
Let’s take a look at the common causes of excessive wig hair shedding and share some tips to make a big difference to the longevity of your human hair wig.
REASON 1: EXCESSIVE BRUSHING OR WASHING
Wig hair, just like your own hair, is prone to tangles, particularly at the nape, where it can rub against clothing, get caught in necklaces, or become tangled by wind or sweat. Encountering tangles often results in aggressive or excessive brushing.
Even a single tangle left unattended can quickly turn into several, making tangling far more difficult to manage later. When combing or brushing your hair, you want to work in small, gentle sections, or use your fingers to gently work through any knots, a section at a time.
When preparing to shampoo your wig, it's a good idea to gently detangle your piece with a wide-tooth comb or wig brush while it's soft and dry. After washing your wig, opt for air drying and be extremely gentle with it. Unlike synthetic wigs, human hair wigs are weakest when wet.
If you aggressively comb while the wig is wet, this rough handling can damage the hair and make it more susceptible to breakage and shedding. Try a wide-tooth comb to gently detangle.
REASON 2: TIGHT HAIRSTYLES THAT PULL WIG HAIR
If you're noticing an increase in shedding from your wig, consider how it's been styled and worn recently. Are you pulling your hair back into tight, high ponytails? This is especially common with long wigs, which give you more length to pull tight. Are you often slicking it back into a tight bun or trying trendy space buns?
If you tend to brush your hair back into tight hairstyles using clips or elastics, you may want to find other styles that do not require as much pulling on the lace cap. Tight hairstyles tend to strain the hair and damage the knots' integrity. When the knots that keep the hair on the wig are loosened, they are at risk of falling out more quickly. This can seriously impact the health of your wig, leading to an increase in shedding from the lace.
What's the Solution?
Your wig is a durable yet delicate piece, especially right after you wash it. Wringing it out after washing and shampooing can do more harm than good. Instead, gently squeeze out any excess water, then wrap the hair in a towel without twisting or wringing it, and press gently to absorb the remaining moisture.
REASON 3: OVER-CONDITIONING THE CAP
When using hair care products and adhesives on your wig, be careful about how much product you use on the cap. If you use a high concentration of conditioner on the cap area, this can cause the knots to loosen over time, which can increase shedding. Using hair products on the cap can also create buildup if the wig isn't properly washed, which can also damage the integrity of the knots and affect its overall appearance.
What’s the Solution?
When conditioning, always avoid the knots. Focus on applying conditioner from the mid-shaft to the ends of the hair.
REASON 4: USING HEAT WITHOUT PROTECTION
One of the biggest benefits of having a quality human hair wig is that you can use heat styling tools and techniques to change up your look, create volume with a blow-out, transform a straight style into a curly wig, or tame flyaways.
Heated styling tools can damage your wig if no product is applied to protect the hair, especially at high-temperature settings. Because the hair on a wig is not naturally regenerating, the damage will not grow out. Instead, it will become weak and brittle, ultimately leading to breakage, excessive shedding, and a shortened lifespan.
What's the Solution?
For proper care, it's vital to use a low-heat method and apply a heat protectant before using a flat iron or curling wand. Without a heat protectant spray to seal the hair strands, it will take a lot of damage and become prone to frizz.
It's a simple and quick technique to add to your styling routine to protect your wig, keep its movement smooth and natural, and help extend its life.
REASON 5: SCRATCHING YOUR HEAD
Perhaps the most innocuous reason for hair shedding, scratching your head with your wig on will lead to an increase in shedding. While you may not think that a quick scratch will do much harm, consider the vigorous motion that accompanies scratching. Digging your nails into the wig cap and rubbing them against the knots will weaken the tightness of the knots. It could also lead to hair falling out right then.
What’s the Solution?
If you have an itch you need to scratch while wearing your wig, consider patting the spot instead to avoid irritating your skin. This can alleviate any itchiness. If you find that your cap is bothering you consistently, it may be time to consider a wig with a different cap.
PROPERLY CARING FOR YOUR NATURAL HAIR WIG
After reading this article, you should have a better idea of what causes wigs to shed excessively and how to prevent it. Generally, any activities that can potentially damage the strength of the knots or each strand itself can lead to an increase in shedding. Even activities like sleeping in your wig at night, with your hair rubbing against a rough pillow, can shorten your wig life.
A human hair wig is an excellent investment for someone who is looking for a long-term solution to their hair loss. However, this hairpiece requires diligent and delicate care to ensure that your piece keeps its beauty for a long time to come. Every wig wearer should develop a consistent care routine to minimize wig shedding and protect their investment.
At Daniel Alain, we want you to love your human hair wig. If you're still unsure about the best way to fix problems, we encourage you to read about some best practices for the maintenance of your human hair wig. In our blog, we have an array of articles and videos that can help you better understand how to properly care for your human hair wig and avoid many common issues that may arise.
With so many options on the market, no matter how much you spend on your human hair wig, following these tips can help increase its lifespan. Ready to find the perfect wig and learn more about the quality wig-making technology and craftsmanship behind the pieces we offer here at Daniel Alain? Set up a consultation to speak with a specialist who can answer all of your questions about wearing wigs.
