Wearing wigs is a common practice for style, convenience, or personal preference. While wigs themselves don’t directly cause hair loss, prolonged use, improper fitting, or friction can lead to a condition called traction alopecia.
With regular care, breaks from wearing, and proper fitting, these risks can be mitigated. Below, we will look at some issues related to wig hair loss and how to combat them.
Summary
- What Are the Common Causes of Hair Loss From Wigs?
- Traction Alopecia and Wig Hair Loss
- Can I Get Scalp Damage From Wearing Wigs?
- What Are the Treatments for Hair Loss Caused by Wearing Wigs?
- Ways To Prevent Hair Loss From Wearing Wigs
- Elithair’s Advice: How To Restore Your Natural Hair?
What Are the Common Causes of Hair Loss From Wigs?
Common causes of hair loss from wigs include traction alopecia due to tight fitting, constant tension on hair follicles, leading to gradual thinning, and scalp damage from improper wig application, such as using adhesives or clips. These factors can disrupt hair growth cycles and result in temporary or permanent hair loss.
Traction Alopecia and Wig Hair Loss
Traction alopecia, commonly prevalent among individuals styling their hair in tight hairstyles, poses a significant concern, especially within the Afro-Caribbean community. Hairstyles such as box braids or cornrows are frequently chosen for their natural hair.
This condition often manifests as bald patches or thinning, primarily around the hairline, where tension is most pronounced. Its high prevalence can be observed as one in three women of African descent has reported being impacted by traction alopecia.
The connection between traction alopecia and wig-related hair loss is significant. Many wig wearers opt for flat hairstyles underneath to achieve a natural look, often resorting to twists or cornrows. Improper installation or maintenance of these styles can lead to further damage to the hair, exacerbating traction alopecia.
Moreover, securing wigs with clips, bands, or combs can intensify tension along the hairline, putting additional stress on the hair follicles and increasing the risk of traction alopecia.
Can I Get Scalp Damage From Wearing Wigs?
Wigs, whether synthetic or human hair, pose significant challenges to scalp and hair health. Tightly pressed against the scalp, wigs impede the natural functioning of sweat glands, hindering the removal of bodily toxins. When sweat, containing lactic acid, accumulates beneath the wig, it can react with hair keratin, causing damage and exacerbating hair loss.
Moreover, trapped sweat can foster bacterial growth, leading to fungal formations and unpleasant odours, further contributing to hair loss.
Glue extensions and double-sided tape, commonly used to secure wigs, can block scalp pores, damage follicles, and induce permanent harm. This can result in hair dryness, scalp irritation, tension headaches, and ultimately, thinning or bald patches.
Has my wig caused permanent hair loss?
Hair loss caused by wearing wigs can be reversible if addressed promptly. However, if left untreated for an extended period or if there’s underlying damage to the hair follicles, it may lead to permanent hair loss. If this is the case for you, you should consult a medical professional for longer-lasting solutions.
What Are the Treatments for Hair Loss Caused by Wearing Wigs?
Thankfully, there are many solutions for hair loss caused by wearing wigs. These include:
- Avoid tight wig styles to relieve tension on hair follicles.
- Choose wigs made from breathable materials to promote scalp health.
- Incorporate scalp-stimulating treatments like minoxidil.
- Practise gentle hair care routines to prevent further damage.
- Allow the scalp to rest by taking breaks from wearing wigs.
- Consult with a medical professional about hair transplants for more severe cases of hair loss.
Ways To Prevent Hair Loss From Wearing Wigs
There are also ways in which you can prevent hair loss from wearing wigs. These include:
- Regularly cleanse the scalp with a mild shampoo to remove dirt and oil buildup.
- Perform scalp massages to stimulate blood flow and promote nutrient delivery to hair follicles.
- Protect the scalp from sun exposure by wearing hats or using sunscreen.
- Stay hydrated and maintain a balanced diet rich in vitamins and minerals to support scalp health from within.
Elithair’s Advice: How To Restore Your Natural Hair?
If you are concerned about increased hair loss from your wig, it may be due to traction alopecia, or it could be related to the microbial health of your scalp. Using looser styles and ensuring that your natural hair is kept healthy should help to reduce any further damage.
For some people, the traction alopecia may have already affected them significantly, causing hair to permanently stop growing. If you’re interested in a long-term solution for your hair loss, please contact us today to book a consultation with one of our experts to find out if you’re eligible for a hair transplant.
FAQs
Wearing wigs is a common practice for style, convenience, or personal preference. While wigs themselves don't directly cause hair loss, prolonged use, improper fitting, or friction can lead to a condition called traction alopecia. With regular care, breaks from wearing, and proper fitting, these risks can be mitigated.
Does wearing a wig cause hair loss? ›
While wigs themselves don't directly cause hair loss, certain factors related to wig use can contribute to a form of hair loss called traction alopecia.
Will my hair grow back if I wear a wig? ›
No, wearing a wig does not stop hair growth. However, if the hair underneath your wig isn't properly protected or looked after, damage to your hair can be caused, affecting growth.
What happens to your hair if you wear a wig every day? ›
The short answer is, no, it is not bad to wear a wig every day if you take proper care of your natural hair and scalp. Your hair and skin cells will grow regardless of whether or not you cover them with a wig or accessories like hats and scarves.
What is the disadvantage of wearing a wig? ›
Damage to Natural Hair: Wig caps can damage your hairline and hinder natural growth. Uncomfortable: When worn for a long time, wigs can be uncomfortable. Not only can they feel unpleasantly hot to wear but they can cause headaches, itchiness and even rashes.
How long is it safe to wear a wig? ›
While experts generally agree that you should take a break after six weeks, don't hesitate to remove it sooner. In fact, some adhesive types are designed for short-term use only, so the maximum length of time you should wear a lace front wig depends in part on the type of adhesive you use.
How to wear wigs without damaging hair? ›
1. Invest in Quality Wigs: Opt for wigs made from natural hair or high-quality synthetic materials to minimize damage and maximize comfort. 2. Protective Styling: Before wearing a wig, style your natural hair in protective hairstyles such as braids, twists, or buns to shield it from friction and tension.
Will people notice I'm wearing a wig? ›
And while it's not likely someone will notice that you are wearing a wig, it might help to ask yourself, “Does it matter?” Whether you wear a wig because of hair loss or to change up your style, it is a valid fashion choice that many people engage in. When you choose a wig, choose one with confidence.
Do you take your wig off every night? ›
– All in all, you should only sleep in your wig if necessary and remember to give it a well-earned break! Even with the above solutions, you may find your wig is suffering from frizz, tangles, split ends, and a whole host of other problems. To keep your wig in tip-top condition, avoid sleeping in it whenever you can.
Can we wear a wig daily? ›
If I wear my wig every day, will it damage my natural hair? No, wearing a wig every day should not damage your natural hair as long as you're attaching the wig right. Make sure it is not pulling or stressing your roots. Also, allow your scalp and natural hair to breathe during the night.
Wearing wigs is a common practice for style, convenience, or personal preference. While wigs themselves don't directly cause hair loss, prolonged use, improper fitting, or friction can lead to a condition called traction alopecia. With regular care, breaks from wearing, and proper fitting, these risks can be mitigated.
What should you not use on a wig? ›
Shampoo with regular shampoo or styling products
Human hair care products can have damaging chemicals and effects on your synthetic fibers. To make sure your wig last as long as possible make sure you always use hair care products that are specifically made to be used on wigs.
What is the problem wearing wig? ›
A wig that does not fit you right will never look and feel right either. A wig of the wrong size is bound to cause you discomfort. If it is tight, you might experience itching and headaches. And if it is too loose, it might start moving and sliding, both of these things, we do not want.
How do you protect your hair under a wig? ›
Don't neglect your hairline
Stocking caps protect your hair under wigs and keep your hair flat so that the wig does not look bulky, but they can cause breakage or dryness along the hairline. To prevent damage to your edges, slide the stocking cap behind the ear.
Will people notice if I wear a wig? ›
You may worry that people will notice you are wearing a wig or that your hair looks fake. That is normal. Try to remember that most people are so consumed with their own lives that they probably won't notice changes in your appearance like you think they do.
Do all wigs shed hair? ›
Just like with your natural hair, shedding is completely normal even with hairpieces. However, there are times where you may notice that your particular hairpiece is shedding a lot more than usual or a lot more than expected. The type of base your hairpiece is could be even a major factor for this excess shedding.
Do you have to wear a wig cap when wearing a wig? ›
That is the question.
Wearing a wig cap is a completely personal preference. Wig caps act as protective barrier to a sensitive scalp and keep your wig comfortable and secure during everyday use. If wearing a wig cap helps you achieve this, then this is the way to go.
