Using wigs as a protective style

The wigs of today are NOT your grandmama's wigs. No longer are they obvious and embarrassing, perched on the head of young women like a worn out bathroom rug (Kim from RHOA, anyone?). Wigs today (when applied correctly) can look flattering on anyone, even the dreaded {insert dramatic gasp} lace front wigs. Hair wigs can allow you to experiment with color and hair cuts without compromising the integrity of your natural hair thus making them an excellent protective styling option!

Popular wig choices

Lace Front / Full Lace - Wigs with a sheer "lace" base. A lace front has only has lace around the hairline of the wig to give it a natural appearance. Rather you choose to glue the lace around your hairline is your choice.

Full Cap - Standard wig; hair is sewed into wefts on the cap (some wigs are "cap less" and are considered to breathe better than the standard full cap).

3/4 wigs and 1/2 wigs - Wigs that cover half or 3/4's of the head, the wig is then blended with your hair for a natural appearance.

You can purchase wigs at your local beauty supply store, online, or even make your own! If you decide to go to your BSS, make sure to purchase fresh wigs that come in a BAG and not off of the mannequin (thank you Meg for teaching me!)

Hair Qualities

Remy or Remi - Remy hair is hair that has been aligned so that all of the hair cuticles are pointing in one direction, resulting in a shiny smooth hair. The cuticle is the outer most layer of the hair and resembles shingles on a roof. Hair that does not have flat aligned cuticles is often rough, duff and prone to tangle.

Virgin hair - Hair that has not been chemically treated in any kind of way. "Virgin" hair does not always mean "Remy", since remy implied to the way the cuticles have been aligned.

100% Human - This kind of hair is acutally human hair. It is considered a lower quality because it has been chemically treated in an acid bath to remove the cuticle and sealed with silicons to give it a silky appearance. Human hair is often a collection of hairs from different people.

Synthetic - man made fibers. Depending on the quality of the fiber, you may or may not be able to apply direct heat, such as curling irons and flat irons.

Many african american women or women with very curly and coarse hair tend to favor Brazilian, Malaysian and Indian hair. These particular ethnic groups have dense curly hair that blends easily when installed.

Wigs are made either by machine or by hand, and they come in different varieties of hair. Needless to say, the more money you invest in a wig and the better you maintain it will result in a better looking piece.

Make sure to protect and nourish your hair under the wig! Unlike a weave, wigs are easily removed and you are able to continue your shampoo and moisturizing regimen. Also you do not have to worry about tension alopecia with wigs, unless you opt for glued lace fronts which improper use can result in hair loss.


My  Nia Girl

Nia Girl is by Freetress. It is a synthetic half wig. I purchased her to protect my hair from the harsh winter air, and because my laziness prevented me from styling. I hid my hair in either a bun or a few plaits, and even used it as a deep conditioning decoy or a way to camouflage in between mini braids and twists. People assumed she was real, home grown hair! However, after about a week and a half of wear, Nia Girl started to catch a lot of nasty knots by the nape. I have since retired her, but I am not apposed to breaking her out if needed.

The wig blended with my hair. I used twists to mimic the texture of the wig.

Wig used as a "pony tail". I used a scarf to hide the wig line.

Am I the only one who finds this funny as hell? lol

Wigs come in all shapes, styles and colors.Wigs can be dramatic, or subtle. It is all up to you! Check out these helpful videos on choosing wigs, and even making your own! Happy styling!

Videos