How Long Do Wigs Last and How to Extend Their Lifespan?

A wonderful option to change up your look and shield your natural hair from heat damage is using wigs.  Wigs have a limited lifespan, just like anything else.  Knowing how long wigs last will help you make better informed decisions when thinking about purchasing a new one, regardless of how long you have been wearing wigs.

However, the reality is that no wig has a certain amount of time.  A wig's longevity is influenced by numerous things.  This post will therefore outline all the variables that could impact the lifespan of your synthetic and human hair wigs as well as what you can do to extend their lifespan.

How Long Does A Human Hair Wig Install Last?

1 to 6 weeks. It all depends on many kinds of elements. Like your preference, wig adhesive type, if the wig is secured well, etc.

• Wig adhesive. If worn occasionally, most wig wearers may choose to have a quick install by securing the wig with gel, tape, or a light hold glue. These offer you the option to remove it at any time and reuse the unit multiple times. If you sweat a lot and demand a wig for long-term wear, a waterproof and specialized design for long-wear hold glue is perfect for you.
• How well the wig was installed. There is no doubt that the lifespan of your wig install last depends largely on who did the installation. If you are excellent at installing a wig and know how to apply glue or adhesive correctly, the wig can secure well and last longer. So experience and practice are very critical to achieving a natural and stable installation.

How Long Do Synthetic Wigs Last

Synthetic hair wigs are affordable with shorter longevity than human hair wigs. A good quality synthetic hair wig should last between four and six months if you wear it every day with proper care. If you only wear your wig for some special occasions, it may last a little longer.

How To Make A Human Hair Wig Last Longer?

To extend the life of your unit, the key is how to wash, care about, maintain, and dry the wig.

1. Don't wear the same wig every day. Give your natural hair and your wig some break time. If you are a wig wearer daily, consider purchasing various wigs to rotate from time to time.

2. Comb your wig correctly. Go for a wide tooth comb to detangle your wig from the bottom up. Gently move the knots before washing your wig. Which can avoid shedding and prolong the life of your wig.

3. Wash and condition regularly. Human hair wigs need good washing and conditioning sessions to help retains their moisture, bounce, and shine. 

4. Use lukewarm water to wash your wig. Hot water may damage your hair cuticle and dry out your wig. It's better to use lukewarm water to wash and rinse the wig.

5. Avoid over-washing your wig. Washing your wig with the right products is a great way to keep the wig fibers in the best condition. But beware that over-washing your wig can have the opposite effect. Wash your human hair wig after 6-8 wears will be better.

6. Choose the right product. Opt for shampoo and conditioner specially designed for human hair wigs. Avoid applying clarifying shampoos as these are designed to strip buildup and oils from the hair and will cause dryness. 

7. Be gentle with your wig. Whenever washing and combing the hair, please treat it like your own and be gentle.

8. Air dry. Most of us prefer to go for a blow dryer to fasten the speed dry the hair, which also breaks your hair wig cuticle. The perfect way to dry the hair is to squeeze the excess water with a clean microfiber towel and let it air dry.

9. Decrease using heat tools. Your human hair wig won't last as long as you can imagine if you style your hair with heat tools every day. Even if the wig is made of 100% human hair, it can not absorb enough nutrients from the scalp like your natural hair would have. When using heated styling products such as straighteners and curlers, these steps can decrease your wig from getting damaged from heat.

• Make sure to apply a heat protection spray before styling your wig.
• Style your wig when the hair is damp can help wig away from getting damaged.
• Avoid using styling products near the roots of your human hair wig.
• Use low heat to style your wig if possible. 

The best way to prolong your wig lifespan is to decrease using heat tools or choose other products to replace, like hair rollers.

10. Limit chemical processing. Chemical processing like dying or bleaching the hair will shorten the wig lifespan a lot, and the hair will become crunchy and tend to get damaged. So limited chemical process can make your wig last longer.

11. Keep your wig well hydrated. Since human hair wigs can not get adequate moisture from the scalp as your natural hair, you can apply some olive oil or coconut oil before the hair dries to keep your wig well hydrated.

12. Store properly. There are several tips you need to know about how to store wigs properly.

1. Wash and condition your wig before storage.
2. Make sure your wig is completely dry when you plan to store it.
3. Most human hair wigs suppliers will ship wigs with a silk bag or cardboard box, which is a fabulous place to lay in your human hair wig. 
4. A wig stand is also a good choice to store your wig and avoid unwanted kinks or crimps.
5. Keep the wig away from direct contact with sunlight and away from damp places.

How To Make A Synthetic Wig Last Longer?

The key to making your synthetic lace wig last longer is caring for it. 

Wash: Choose the correct product to wash your wig, and keep your wig clean. Use conditioners that help soften the fiber of the wig and provide luster to the wig.

Product: Use products that are synthetic wig friendly.

Install: Be gentle when you install the wig and ensuring not to use too much force on the delicate fibers.

Storage: Place your wig on a wig stand or a silk bag, and avoid direct sunlight and a damp place.