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Wigs and hair extensions open up a whole new world of hair creativity. Unlike styling your own hair into crazy colours and intricate looks, with a wig or extensions, you’ve got the full freedom of knowing nothing is permanent.
Whether you’re completely new to wearing wigs and extensions or just want to brush up on your knowledge, this blog is here to make you an expert in just nine steps.
Discover the ins and outs of wig and hair extension care, maintenance, styling and storage.
1. CHOOSE THE RIGHT HAIRPIECE FOR YOU
Extensions and wigs can be costly investments, so you must make the right choice for you. With so many options out there, it can be difficult to make a decision. Before committing to a wig or a set of extensions, consider your lifestyle, budget, and maintenance needs.
Natural or synthetic?
The material your wig or extensions are made of is a big factor when it comes to their cost, care, and styling versatility.
Synthetic wigs tend to be more affordable and require less maintenance. They require a different approach to styling than natural hair and are often not compatible with heat styling, which can be restrictive.
Human hair wigs and extensions, on the other hand, can be heat styled, dyed and bleached, making them great if you like to change up your look often. However, they can be more expensive, and require a more rigorous care and maintenance routine.
Wigs or extensions?
Wigs come in many different forms. The cap of a wig can be full lace, lace front, or just a basic cap. While full lace wigs look the most natural and provide the most styling freedom, lace front wigs can be more affordable, and still give a natural look to the hairline. Basic cap wigs, on the other hand, tend to be the most affordable choice but offer limited styling options and can look considerably less natural than lace options.
When it comes to extensions, your options are even more varied:
Clip-extensions
Clip-in extensions are a great choice if you have little time on your hands, or are trying extensions for the first time. These quick-install strands are ideal for a temporary change and are easy to install and remove by yourself at home. They’re removed before sleep, so are easy to maintain and require little upkeep aside from proper storage.
Tape-in extensions
Tape-ins are almost as easy as clip-in extensions. They’re discreet and lightweight, delivering a natural result. They’re installed using adhesive tape, either at home or in the salon, and can last up to eight weeks. If you’re not confident, we definitely recommend getting a professional to install your tape-ins, as poor installation can leave them looking bulky and unnatural.
Sew-in extensions
Sew-ins are an incredibly popular form of extension that is favoured by black women, as they are woven onto braids using a curved needle and weaving thread. This is a gorgeous way to elevate afro hair, adding length and texture, with a range of styles to choose from.
Sew-in or weave-in extensions are faster to install than a full head of braid and last for up to three months, meaning less time spent in the salon chair, and more time enjoying your new look. However, they can be more expensive than other types of extension as they work best with high-quality human hair, and require a lot of dedication to maintenance.
Fusion extensions
The fusion extension installation technique uses keratin bonds that are applied to each individual strand of hair, and then sealed using heat. Offering an ultra-natural look with a hefty price tag and a six-month lifespan, fusions are a favourite choice with celebrities.
Creative colours or a natural look?
Wearing wigs and extensions gives you the freedom to experiment with your look, without committing to a permanent change. Both hair extensions and wigs come in a wide range of colours and styles. While some can be bleached, dyed, and heat-manipulated to create a curly, wavy, or straight look, others are less versatile.
Consider how often you might want to alter the look of your hair when choosing the right wig or extensions for you. Commit to a bold contrast with coloured extensions, or simply enhance your natural hair with a matching set.
2. TURN DOWN THE HEAT
Whatever wig or extensions you choose, you’ll want to make the most of them with creative styling – just make sure you take the material of your hairpiece into account before you start.
Synthetic hair can be durable to many conditions, but it’s often easily damaged by heat. Always check the manufacturer’s guidance before heat-styling your synthetic wig. If it is recommended, or if you’re styling a human hairpiece, always turn down the temperature. This is where CLOUD NINE’s Revive Mode™ and Variable Temperature Control features come in handy – try them on with the Wide Iron Pro, which makes styling longer, thicker hair like than with extensions added, much quicker. Don’t forget to protect your hair extensions or wig before heat styling with CLOUD NINE Magical Potion.
3. HANDLE WITH CARE
Now that you’ve chosen the ideal hair piece for your needs and preferences, you need to know how to take good care of it.
Just like the hair on your head, your wig or extensions, whether made from synthetic or natural human hair, must be treated with gentle care if you’re to keep it in tip-top condition.
Maintain your synthetic hair’s shine by brushing gently using a specialised wig brush or a wide-toothed comb, carefully working out knots and tangles. If it’s particularly tangled, work from the ends up to through the lengths, brushing gently downwards as you go to avoid damaging the fibres, which can result in tearing.
Natural human hair extensions and wigs require even more TLC. Each time you’ve styled them, brush out tangles carefully using the method described above. This can also be done while conditioning for an even more gentle approach – perfect for curly wigs and extensions.
4. CLEAN AND CONDITION
You wash your real hair often, so why wouldn’t you do the same with your hairpiece?
There is a common misconception that wigs and hair extensions can’t and shouldn’t be washed. The truth is that cleansing your extensions or wigs should be a carefully considered part of your haircare routine.
It’s worth noting that excessive washing and conditioning of wigs and extensions can damage them, and reduce their lifespan – but once a fortnight is the perfect balance. This is especially important to remember with keratin-bonded extensions, which can become easily damaged with rough washing.
Make sure to read and adhere to the manufacturer's instructions as no two wigs are the same. That being said, wig-specific shampoos and conditioners for synthetic or human hair are usually a safe bet. They’re designed to remove dirt and product build-up, without damaging the strands.
Once washed and conditioned, allow your wig or extensions to air dry naturally on a wig stand, or laid out on a towel to prevent tangling.
5. MOISTURISE AND SMOOTH
As wigs and extensions aren’t rooted to your head, they don’t benefit from all the wonderful natural oils your scalp produces. In the case of human hair installations, this can lead to dryness, which can make the hair brittle and breakable.
To replace that missing moisture, turn to hair oils designed to keep human hair wigs and extensions smooth, shiny, and easy to style.
Argan oil and macadamia oil are favourites, but there are so many out there to choose from. Just like choosing a hair oil for your own hair, the type of oil or moisturiser that best suits your extensions will depend on the hair type they’re made of. Choose one that is rich enough to moisturise, but gentle and lightweight enough to prevent product build-up, which can weigh the hair down.
6. SET YOUR STYLE
You’ve perfectly cleaned, conditioned, dried and styled your new wig or extensions – now you need to make sure it stays in shape all day long.
For human hair wigs, it’s important not to overuse hair products, as, just like with the hair on your head, this can lead to product build-up which leaves it looking lank and greasy – not the look you want. Apply mousses, sprays and serums sparingly, and make sure to wash regularly if you’re using products often.
Synthetic wigs, on the other hand, usually come pre-styled. This gives them the benefits of a built-in shape, but this can often drop over time. To keep your synthetic hair looking as fresh as the day you bought it, apply a wig-friendly hair spray or mousse, but avoid those that contain alcohol, sulphates and other harsh chemicals that could damage the colour and fibres of your wig.
7. SLEEP ON SILK
If you’ve opted for the kind of hair extensions you don’t take out overnight, you’ll need to care for them while you sleep too.
Don’t worry, this doesn’t involve anything too arduous – in fact, it’s quite a luxurious experience.
Sleeping on a silk pillowcase, or wrapping your hair and extensions up in a silk scarf before you drift off for your beauty sleep is the ideal way to make sure you wake up fresh and tangle-free.
Silk provides the perfect environment to prevent dryness and reduce friction, decreasing your chances of frizz and damage. If you don’t have a silk pillowcase, simply brush through with a soft-bristle brush, tie a silk scarf around the circumference of your head, cross it over the back and knot it at your forehead. This keeps the hair going in the same direction and leaves no lumps and bumps to disturb your rest. Sweet dreams.
8. ENHANCE WITH ACCESSORIES
Just like every other hairstyle, extensions and wigs look better with accessories.
When it comes to human hair and synthetic wigs and extensions, adding accessories can help to make the overall effect even more natural. Try headbands, clips and bobbles to add your own unique twist to your new, volumised look.
Take your new extensions into the workplace with a neat up-do or slicked-back bun, perfectly complimented with a matching scrunchie or hair bow.
For a bridal look, opt for a delicate comb, regal tiara, or boho flower crown for the perfect finishing touch. As extensions add that extra thickness and texture, they’re ideal for creating a braided half-up-do that will wow your guests.
Heading off on holiday? Protect your extensions from the sun by tying them up in a chic silk scarf, or rocking a retro-style wide-brim sun hat.
The choices are endless.
9. STORE SENSIBLY
So you’ve fallen in love with your new hair extensions or wig, but it’s time to give your hair a break.
Caring for your hairpiece when it’s not on your head is just as important as treating it well when styling and wearing it.
The most important thing to consider when it comes to storage is sunlight. Like the hair on your head, wigs and extensions are susceptible to UV damage, which can dry them out, fading the colour and compromising the condition. Store your extensions and wigs in a cool, dry, place away from direct sunlight – a cupboard is ideal.
You may also want to mount your wig on a wig stand to ensure it keeps its shape. When travelling use a specialist wig case or hair extension carrier to keep them in the best possible condition and prevent damage in transit.
WIGS AND HAIR EXTENSIONS: FAQs
If you’re still at a loss on how to style, care for, or choose the perfect wig or set of hair extensions, browse our FAQs to get all your burning questions answered.
Who are wigs for?
Anyone can wear wigs. Whether your hair is straight or curly, thick or fine, long or not there at all – there’s a wig out there for you.
Wigs offer a range of benefits for different people. For those with afro hair, they offer a protective styling choice that gives the natural hair a break from tight braids. For those suffering from hair loss, wigs can offer a valuable confidence boost. For others, wigs are just a fun opportunity to get creative with style.
How often should you style a synthetic wig?
You can style a synthetic wig as often as you want, as long as you’re gentle and avoid using high heat.
How long should a synthetic hair wig last?
A synthetic wig, if properly cared for, should last between four and six months. This is not as long as a human hair wig.
Do hair extensions prevent my natural hair from growing?
Hair extensions do not prevent your natural hair from growing. In fact, hair growth is one of the reasons you need to get your extensions removed or replaced regularly, as the natural hair grows out and pushes the tape, seam or bond of your extensions further down your head, making it noticeable. If you maintain and care for your hair properly while wearing extensions, it will continue to grow at its normal rate.
How long do extensions last?
The length of time your hair extensions last will depend on the installation method you choose, and the care you put into maintaining them. Clip-in extensions are best for short-term wear, but if cared for well and taken out before sleep, can be used again and again. Tape-in extensions can last a little longer at up to eight weeks, while sew-ins can last for three months. If you’re looking for a longer-term solution, opt for fusion extensions, which can last up to six months.
Can I exercise while wearing a wig or extensions?
You can exercise while wearing a wig or extensions – just be sure to properly clean your hairpiece afterwards. Keep both your own hair and your installed hair moisturised and friction-free by securing it with silk scrunchies before exercising. High-impact, frequent exercise could reduce the life span of your extensions.
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