PRE-WIG/WEAVE

A Scalp Treatment

If either you don’t know what a scalp treatment is or you can’t remember the last time that you got one — it’s past time for you to put this on your priority list. Honestly, whether you rock wigs or weaves or not, it’s a good idea to go to a (reputable) salon to get your scalp professionally massaged and exfoliated because the massaging will increase blood circulation to your scalp (which makes your scalp and hair healthier) and the exfoliating will help to remove scalp build-up, unclog your hair follicles and get rid of any dandruff flakes that you may have.

Plus, a thorough scalp treatment can reduce your chances of experiencing hair thinning or loss from your wigs or weaves — and you definitely need to stay on top of that. That said, if you’d prefer to do a scalp treatment at home, some cool recipes can be found here. It’s a good idea to give yourself one 3-5 days before installing your wig or weave.

A Moisturizing Shampoo

Remember how I said in the intro that your scalp typically ages at a much faster rate than the rest of your skin does? A part of that is because scalps tend to be parched — and that’s because we’re not proactive enough about providing it with the moisture that it so desperately needs.

One way to hydrate it is to wash your scalp and hair with a deeply moisturizing shampoo. Those are dope because not only do they not strip your scalp of its natural sebum, they also help to keep the pH balance of your scalp where it needs to be. Amazon has a wide variety of hydrating shampoos listed here.

A Tea Tree and Lavender Oil Blend

I really hope that you don’t forego the scalp treatment tip (especially if you plan on wearing your wig or weave for more than a few days at a time); however, if you do, definitely make sure to create a blend of tea tree oil, lavender oil and a carrier oil — all of these work together to nourish and protect your scalp. Tea tree oil is great because it contains anti-inflammatory and antifungal properties that can reduce bacteria and help to prevent scalp irritation from occurring.

Lavender oil is awesome because it has antimicrobial properties that can reduce itching, inflammation and dandruff. A carrier oil like rosemary will increase blood circulation to your scalp while one like avocado oil can deeply moisturize your scalp. Apply it to your scalp before your installation and keep it on tap for “touch ups” (where you can reach your scalp) along the way as well.

A Silk-Lined Wig Cap

When it comes to wigs, specifically, make sure that your wig cap is one that comes with silk lining. Not only will that help to reduce the friction of your wig (which could lead to frizz and even breakage of your natural hair), it can also help to keep your natural hair from drying out (which can also cause breakage over time). As a bonus, a silk-lined cap is a breathable fabric that can “cushion” your scalp, so that it doesn’t become irritated and inflamed by your wig. A variety of options to choose from are located here and here.

A Quality Wig/A Professional Weave

Wigs these days have come a LONG way, chile. I mean, just think about it — some of them can stay on your head for as much as 4-6 weeks at a time! And that is why it is so important — crucial, even — that you only invest in quality wigs: ones that are lightweight, fit well and are customizable. Some other things to look out for are wigs that shed very little and are advertised to last 1-3 years (if it’s human hair) and no less than 3-6 months (if it’s synthetic). All of these tips will not only help you to get the most out of your wig — it will keep your scalp in tip-top shape for a longer period of time too.

As far as weaves go — listen, YouTube and TikTok will have you out here thinking that you can build a house let alone install a weave. Still, for the sake of your scalp’s overall health and well-being (especially if you plan on keeping your weave in for several weeks at a time), invest in having a professional do it. They can recommend the best hair to use, they are trained to install your weave in a way that is comfortable on your head (and doesn’t pull too tight on your edges and nape) and typically know how to give your scalp some “breathing room,” so that you can care for it while your weave is in.

POST-WIG/WEAVE

A Scalp Detox

If there has been a wig or weave sitting on your scalp for weeks at a time, you absolutely need to detox your scalp once you remove it. Back in the day, I actually wrote an article on this topic entitled, “Treat Your Scalp To A Little Bit Of Detoxing This Weekend.” However, I can also give you some quickie tips here: after taking off your wig or weave, wash your hair and scalp with a clarifying shampoo (to remove any sebum, sweat or product build-up); apply a scalp mask (to deeply cleanse your scalp); rinse your hair and scalp with an apple cider vinegar mixture (to restore your scalp’s pH balance), and consider steaming your scalp (in order to deeply hydrate it).

A Scalp Massage

With a wig or tracks in the way, it’s hard to really get to your scalp — and that’s why it’s always a good idea to either get or give yourself a scalp massage once you remove your “other” hair. Scalp massages are super beneficial because not only do they reduce stress and tension, they also help to get the blood circulation going in your scalp, so that your hair follicles are able to receive even more of the nutrients that they need in order for your hair to be/remain healthy and strong.

Another bonus that comes with a scalp massage is it helps your scalp to produce natural sebum which can condition that part of your body as well. Plus, they feel amazing.

A Hot Oil Treatment

While you’re in the process of getting or giving yourself a scalp massage, it will serve you oh so very well to apply a hot oil treatment to your scalp too. Aside from the fact that hot oil treatments feel wonderful, they can help to reduce hair frizzing, they encourage blood circulation to your scalp and they are ideal for removing scalp flakes that may have made their way to your scalp while you had your wig or weave on.

And which oils should you use for this particular treatment? Jojoba oil helps to balance your scalp’s sebum levels. Castor oil helps to protect your scalp’s follicles. Grapeseed contains antioxidants and vitamin E that can help to heal your scalp. Essential oils like peppermint and ginger help to stimulate your scalp and encourage hair growth and strength.

A Zinc Spray

Zinc is a mineral that can benefit you in a myriad of different ways. It can boost your immunity. It can reduce the stress that is within your system. Due to its powerful anti-inflammatory properties, it can also help to speed up the healing process of acne as well. And when it’s in the form that’s known as zinc pyrithione, the antifungal, antibacterial and antimicrobial properties that are in it can help to clear up any fungal or bacteria-related issues that may have transpired on your scalp while you were wearing your wigs or weaves.

So, whether it’s in the form of a shampoo or spray, you can’t go wrong with applying zinc pyrithione to your scalp (if you’re not allergic to it, that is).

A Thorough Wig Cleansing

I once heard someone say that getting back with an ex is like hopping out of the shower and putting the same underwear back on. SMDH. LOL. While that is semi-debatable (I mean, check out “I'm Thrilled That Ryan Destiny & Keith Powers Are Back Together. 5 Things Before Reuniting With Your Ex, Tho.”), I won’t lie — that is exactly what came to my mind when I thought about this last tip: because what’s the point in following all of these scalp care tips — if you’re just going to turn around and put a dirty wig back onto your clean scalp? RIDICULOUS.

So yes, definitely make sure that you take out a couple of hours to really — and I mean, really — cleanse your wig. There are some videos that can help you out here, here, and here.

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Are wigs and weaves considered to be protective styles? They are. However, what’s the point in using them for that purpose if your natural hair and scalp are suffering in the process?

Hopefully, these tips will help to prevent that from ever being an issue — because, in the long run, a wig or weave is only as beautiful as the hair it protects. Straight up.

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