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1. Set up a regular hair washing routine
Natural hair growth needs a solid care regimen starts with clean tresses. This is where your wig wearing routine should begin. It is imperative that your hair be free of product build-up which could lead to breakage from follicle blockage and scalp problems.
Choose a shampoo that is sulphate-free and gentle to avoid stripping the hair of it’s necessary natural oils. Sulphates are detergents (Sodium Laureth Sulphate, Sodium Lauryl Sulphate, or Ammonium Laureth Sulphate) and can be harsh on natural hair, resulting in tangling and excess drying out of the hair.
Some sulphate-free products I personally love are:
Alikay Naturals Black Soap Shampoo
This shampoo is made from natural Raw Black Soap and removes product build-up so well. It has a pleasing tropical scent and contains Coco Seed Powder, Plantain skins, and Tea Tree oil. If you have naturally oily hair, this is a great option for you. I tend to have hair that gets dry easily (high porousity) and found that using this product more than once a week dried my hair out. It’s a great option if your hair tends to be more on the oily side, and I would recommend testing it out and adjusting your wash day schedule based on your results.
Shea Moisture Jamaican Black Castor Oil Strengthen, Grow & Restore Shampoo
The product description says this shampoo “… a match made in hair-growing heaven. Our SheaMoisture Jamaican Black Castor Oil Shampoo is a sulfate-free hair cleanser and clarifying shampoo. Formulated with just the right balance of cleansing and hydrating ingredients, this shampoo removes buildup, while infusing hair with nourishing moisture. Perfect for those who regularly color, straighten, perm or heat style their hair. It can do wonders for kinky, curly or wavy natural styles, and it’s an especially good shampoo for those who wish to grow hair longer and stronger. Black Castor Oil is a well-known hair strengthener, and we’ve blended it with other quality ingredients that foster improved hair resiliency while providing thorough cleansing.”
I have to agree that this shampoo really did leave my hair feeling soft and clean without being stripped. Definitely would recommend.
Taliah Waajid Protective Style Regimen
A whole Protective Style regimen that will “keep your own hair healthy, moisturized and conditioned while you are having fun wearing your wigs”. These are my current go-to’s and I absolutely love the Thick And Full™ Bamboo And Coconut Milk Moisturizing Mint Shampoo which is part of the ‘Regimen Care For Under Wig Care’ product line.
2. Moisture Matters for Natural Hair Growth
Afro-textured hair is known for for being hydration-deficient and needing all the moisture it can soak up. Our unique curl patterns make it harder for the natural oils to slide down our zig-zag strands, which can lead to excess dryness and breakage. As a result, extra attention should be given to keeping our locks as moisturized as possible. Water is always the best moisturizer, but will quickly leave high porosity hair if not sealed in. YouTube is a great resource to find help on how to seal in moisture for every hair texture imaginable. I particularly liked Nasia James’ videos and her channel is worth checking out:
3. Give your natural hair a rest from the wigs
Your scalp is a living organ and needs to get plenty of sun and oxygen, just like healthy skin. Give your scalp and hair opportunities to flourish by taking breaks from wig and extension wearing regularly. When at home, take your wig off and develop a nightly routine of scalp massages, applying oils and wearing satin bonnets/head wraps to keep the moisture levels on point.
4. Properly apply and secure your wig to promote natural hair growth
Poor wig application can prohibit natural hair growth by causing tension points on the scalp resulting in hair breakage. Wig combs are notorious for rubbing against the hair and scalp, causing irritation and pulling of the hair. Our wigs do not have combs, but rather elastic bands that fit snugly around the nape/back side of the head. This design eliminates the need for combs while keeping the unit snugly fit to the head.
Tapes and glues, although great at securing the wigs for extended periods of time, are also villains at causing hair loss when not applied correctly or are used frequently. It is useful to remember that these also contain chemicals that can be absorbed into the skin and body. Chemical use of any kind should be considered carefully and in moderation. It is advisable to do your research regarding ingredients before committing to daily/frequent use of chemical products.
It is best to apply your wig starting with the back of the head, and positioning for desired fit, working towards the front of the head. Putting a wig on wet hair is always a no-no as this can cause fungus and mold to grow underneath. Be sure that your hair is dry before putting your unit on.
I hope you received benefit from these tips and learned something new. Developing a healthy hair routine that you can commit to, is important to having healthy natural hair while enjoying your wigs and extensions.
Healthy, beautiful hair is always the goal, inside and out!
