Wigs are a go-to for a reason. They give way for versatility and freedom because sometimes, you just need to switch it up without the commitment.
Maintaining healthy, strong hair under the wig is essential for long-term hair health, and the key to this is keeping the scalp clean, hydrated, and protected. The right products not only help care for your natural hair but also support the longevity of your wig by keeping it clean and free from oils or buildup that can affect its fit or feel.
Here’s how to wear hair under a wig while not compromising the health of your hair, reaping the benefits of a true protective style.
How Often Should Hair be Washed Under a Wig?
When it comes to washing hair under a wig, over-washing can strip natural oils, leading to dryness and irritation, while under-washing will leave buildup you tried to get rid of. Hair under a wig should be washed at least once a week.
- First, use Cécred’s Clarifying Shampoo & Scalp Scrub. It combines gentle exfoliation with scalp-hero ingredients like fermented purple willow bark, tea tree, and niacinamide
- To clarify and remove buildup. For heavier buildup, use Cécred’s Detoxifying Shampoo to eliminate extreme buildup, oil, or dirt in 1 wash.
- Follow up with Cécred’s Hydrating Shampoo, which restores moisture to the scalp while promoting visible hair health with our antioxidant-rich African oil blend, hydrating hyaluronic acid, and moisturizing Phyto-Collagen Complex.
- If you’re in between wash days, apply Cécred’s Scalp Refreshing Spray directly onto your scalp with the custom targeted nozzle. It instantly dissolves hard buildup while neutralizing odor. Just make sure not to use it on adhesive-bonded styles.
Cécred Pro Tip: Hydrating Shampoo can also be used to cleanse your human hair wig, keeping both your hair and wig fresh.
How to Take Care of Your Hair Under a Wig?
When wearing hair under a wig, moisture and strength are key to preventing irritation and breakage. After washing, follow up with treatments that hydrate and repair.
- Refresh. For an instant refresh in between wash days, try Cécred’s Scalp Refreshing Spray. This no-rinse spray breaks down buildup, soothes itchiness, and keeps your scalp feeling clean without disturbing your wig or protective style.
- Repair. Cécred’s Reconstructing Treatment Mask is designed to deliver deep repair strength, especially for hair that’s tucked away under wigs for protection. It contains our patent-pending Bioactive Keratin Ferment, which includes an ethically-sourced wool keratin that mimics the natural structure of hair proteins. Through the fermentation process, the keratin becomes more bioavailable, meaning it can penetrate the hair shaft more effectively. Do not use it on the same day as the Fermented Rice & Rose Protein Ritual.
- Strengthen. Cécred’s Fermented Rice & Rose Protein Ritual delivers the power of fermented rice water, instantly. This water-activated protein rinse is a 2-step treatment that fortifies hair and delivers powerful defense against shedding caused by hair breakage, allowing for length retention. Do not use it on the same day as the Reconstructing Treatment Mask.
- Moisturize. After either treatment, follow up with Cécred’s Moisturizing Deep Conditioner, which is infused with 12 butters and oils, including our African oil blend, shea and murumuru butter. After conditioning, apply Cécred’s Nourishing Hair Oil to your scalp to protect against dryness.
Cécred Pro Tip: If you’re removing braids before wearing your wig, prep your hair with Cécred’s Detangling Spray to soften buildup, release tangles, and reduce breakage. Spray generously onto your braids and unravel them, gently detangle with a Wide Tooth Comb, then proceed with shampooing and treatments for a smooth transition into your next style.
What Do You Put on Your Head Under a Wig?
First, before applying a wig, it’s important for hair to be fully dry to prevent moisture buildup. If the hair isn't fully dry, moisture can get trapped, which creates a breeding ground for bacteria and mildew.
Start with a clean, moisturized scalp and oil your scalp with Cécred’s Nourishing Hair Oil to lock in hydration. Next, the best way to braid hair under a wig is to create small, neat cornrows that lie flat against your scalp. This keeps your wig sitting flat and secure while minimizing tension on your natural hair. Make sure the braids aren’t too tight to avoid stress on your edges and scalp.
After that, use a sheer wig cap to protect the braided hair and reduce friction between the wig and your natural hair. The cap not only prevents breakage but also ensures the wig fits securely without causing irritation. This protection supports hair under a wig and keeps it healthy, strong, and ready for any style.
For added scalp protection and moisture retention while wearing a wig, try applying Cécred’s Hair & Scalp Balm. Warm a small amount between your fingers and apply it directly to your scalp before braiding or any time the scalp feels dry. This balm softens the hair, tames flyaways, and creates a protective barrier on the scalp.
Do not use synthetic wigs or wigs bonded with any type of adhesive.