Maintaining your natural hair under a wig is crucial for keeping it healthy and promoting growth. Wearing a wig for an extended period can cause brittle, dry hair due to friction and may result in hair breakage, scalp irritation, and hair loss. To prevent these issues, it is important to protect and nourish your natural hair and scalp while wearing a wig.

General Hair Care Tips:

1. Balanced Routine: Establish a hair care routine that includes washing, conditioning, and moisturising at least once times a week. Choose a specific day, play some music, and make it an enjoyable self-care ritual.
2. Gentle Cleansing: Use a gentle shampoo to wash your hair, massaging your scalp to increase blood flow and promote hair growth. Rinse with lukewarm water.
3. Conditioning: Apply a moisturising conditioner for 5-10 minutes, then rinse thoroughly. Lock in moisture with a lightweight hair serum or your preferred moisturiser. Air dry or blow dry on low heat.
4. Scalp Care: If you have a dry and flaky scalp, apply a medicated or natural hair oil to combat irritation and keep your scalp healthy.

Tips for Wearing Cane Rows Under a Wig:

1. Washing Braids: Even with braids, you can wash your hair. Wet your hair and apply a generous amount of shampoo to your scalp. Massage thoroughly between the rows of braids, ensuring all areas are cleaned. Rinse with lukewarm water.
2. Conditioning Braids: Towel dry and apply a leave-in conditioner, preferably a spray formulated for braided hair and scalp. Repeat this once a week and apply oils as needed. Cooling oils are particularly beneficial for braided scalps.

Vital Steps for Everyone:

1. Let Your Hair and Scalp Breathe: Regularly remove your wig to allow your hair and scalp to breathe. This promotes a healthy scalp environment, essential for hair growth.
2. Protection with Wig Cap or Braids: Use both a wig cap and braids for maximum protection. Flat and neat cane rows provide a stable foundation for your wig, while a wig cap protects your hair from friction and damage.
3. Avoid Sleeping in Your Wig: Do not sleep with your wig on to prevent damage from friction against cotton bedding. If you must sleep with your wig, use a silk pillowcase to minimize friction.
4. Nourish Your Edges: Lightly spray your edges with water and seal in moisture with an oil or hair serum. This keeps them hydrated and healthy.

Additional Considerations:

• Tension Management: Be mindful of the tension on your scalp from tight braids, high ponytails, and heavy or tightly braided hairpieces. Excessive tension can cause thinning edges, bald spots, and weakened hair follicles.
• Natural Look: Style the baby hairs of your wig and, where possible, leave your edges out to maintain a healthy hairline and create a more natural appearance.

By following these steps, you can ensure that your natural hair remains healthy and vibrant while enjoying the versatility and convenience of wearing a wig.