Five Reasons Why Human Hair Wigs Shed and How To Fix It
How to Stop Wigs 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 is usually caused by everyday habits that can be corrected.
At Daniel Alain, we have 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 so you can learn the best methods to prevent shedding from happening to your 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 method a wig is constructed means a little shedding is to be expected over time. Hand tied lace wigs have hair that is tied to the lace of the wig cap a few strands at a time. The hair is secured in place with a knot. While this is an excellent technique to make high-quality lace wigs that move in a realistic way like a natural head of hair, some of these knots may come loose and shed, 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 natural hair, is prone to tangles, particularly at the nape from friction against clothing fibers, gets caught in necklaces, or tangled by the wind or sweat. Encountering tangles often results in aggressive or excessive brushing. When you comb or brush your hair, you want to gently brush it in small sections or consider getting any tangles out with your fingers, gently working through them 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 brush while it’s soft and dry. After washing your wig, you want to be extremely gentle with it. Hair is weakest when it is wet. If you aggressively comb your hair while it is wet, this can damage the hair and make it more susceptible to breakage and shedding. Try a wide-tooth comb to gently detangle.
What’s the Solution?
Your wig is a durable yet delicate piece, especially after washing. If you are wringing out the wig after washing and shampooing, you may be doing more harm than good. Instead, when drying your piece, gently squeeze any excess water from the hair before transferring it to a towel. Then, carefully wrap the hair in a towel, without twisting or wringing it out. When the hair is wrapped, gently squeeze.
Reason 2: Tight Hairstyles That Pull Wig Hair
If you’re noticing an increase in shedding from your wig, consider what styling habits you’ve been incorporating. Are you pulling your hair back into tight, high ponytails? 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, 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 lead to an increase in shedding from the lace.
What’s the Solution?
To prevent this from happening, consider leaving your hair down or cutting back on the frequency of wearing these styles. If you need to brush hair back, consider looser and lower styles to decrease the amount of pulling on the hair, and be aware of the types of elastic hair ties you use. A fabric scrunchie will be far less aggressive versus a tight elastic band.
Reason 3: Over-Conditioning the Cap
When using hair care products on your wig, be careful of how much is used 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.
What’s the Solution?
When conditioning, avoid the knots, focusing mainly on working conditioner into the mid-shaft to the tips of your 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 tools and techniques to change up your look, create volume with a blow-out, add curls or tame flyaways. Heated styling tools can damage your wig if no product is applied to protect the hair. 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 is vital that before using a flat iron or curling wand, you use a low heat method and apply a heat protectant to your wig. Without a heat protectant spray to seal the hair fibers, it will take a lot of damage. It’s a simple and quick technique to add to your styling routine to protect your wig, keep it in pristine condition, 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. 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 can cause wigs to shed excessively and methods to prevent this. Generally, any activities that can potentially damage the strength of the knots or the hair itself can lead to an increase in shedding. Even activities like sleeping in your wig at night can shorten its life.
A human hair wig is an excellent investment for someone who is looking for a long-term solution to their hair loss. However, it requires diligent and delicate care to ensure that your piece will stay in its beautiful condition for a long time to come.
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 maintaining 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.
If you’re considering investing in a quality human hair wig, following these tips can help increase the lifespan of your wig. Ready to learn more about the quality of wigs 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.
