Can Wigs Really Last a Year or More?
(Wig shown above: MUSE WIG BY RAQUEL WELCH)
How long do wigs last? This is a common question, and it is easy to see why. We put money, time, and hope into our wig purchases, and it’s an important question. Unfortunately, the answer is not a bottom-line one, and there is no exact length of time for any wig. So much depends on so many things. Let’s review a few factors that can make a difference.
In most cases with proper care, human hair wigs last longer than synthetic wigs. As a rule, human hair wigs (again--with proper care) can last a year to three years if one wears them “lightly” meaning not every day, ten hours a day maybe, but likely 2 to 3 times longer than synthetic. Synthetic wigs generally last up to six months with proper care and everyday wear. If synthetic wigs are heat-friendly, their lifespan may be shorter if you use heat on them regularly. Also, the more products you use, the more you need to wash them, which is more wear on the wig. Remember too that with a bit of talent or an agreeable hairdresser, an aging wig can be trimmed and re-styled in a lot of cases, and you can get extra months of wear out of it.
How long will your wig last, and by last, we are all thinking “how long will our wigs stay looking good” depends on what kind of wig, how often you wear it, and how you care for it. There is no getting around the fact that just like bio hair, human hair wigs and synthetic fiber wigs must be cared for. Treat them as carefully as you do or would your bio hair.
As noted above, for many, a human hair wig, with the proper care, can last more than a year when worn daily and up to three years when worn occasionally, so say many experts in the field. All wigs are not created equal, so a lot depends on the quality of the hair just as it does on the quality of fibers in a synthetic wig. Know your brand, do your research, and get feedback from other wig wearers on the WigStudio1 Facebook site, their consultants, and the great ladies who do the reviews.
The experts seem to agree that Synthetic wigs can comfortably last between four and six months when worn every day on average, with the shorter ones lasting on the higher end of that timeline (due to lack of constant friction of fibers on clothes). I have had shorter wigs that last up to a year and look good, even the heat-friendly ones if I rotate them and treat them kindly. In general, synthetic wigs tend to have a shorter lifespan than human hair wigs as they are prone to tangling which affects their day-to-day resilience, and of course, if you use heat and a lot of products, it means more washing as noted above. We must remember that synthetic wigs are not hair, they are fibers. Fibers weaken, fade, and wear out.
In summary - Tips to get more wear out of your wigs:
A human hair wig doesn’t receive the oils and vitamins from the scalp like your natural hair would to keep it rejuvenated after styling and daily life. So, remember to wash your human hair wig with extra attention and be sure to always follow the manufacturer’s instructions. This goes for heat appliances, blow-dryers, shampoo, conditioner, and the right comb and brush. Remember the individual strands of hair are attached to the cap. Overuse of heat, over-conditioning, etc., can loosen the knots.
Synthetic wigs, especially heat-resistant ones, can look as natural as a human hair wig when you care for them properly. Again, think about heat, correct care products, and wash only when needed.
Wig rotation is a great thing! Not only do you leave the house in perfect hair and different styles and colors if you wish, you can also rotate your wigs and wash them less to prolong their life.
And—just as important: wig care doesn’t end with just the obvious as noted above. Putting your wig on improperly or taking it off improperly can damage the lace front, over-stretch the cap, and might loosen your fibers. Treat them with care. Also, storage is important, especially when traveling and long-term storage. Make sure they are stored properly. Again, take advantage of the Wigstudio1 Facebook page for some great and imaginative tips on wig storage. There are some resourceful people on that site!
Until next time, me and my Muse in Shaded Cappuccino, that I have had for over a year.
Vickie Lynn
