Braided wigs are popular with women of all ages and races, so it’s no surprise that more and more women are choosing to make the switch from their own natural hair to braids. While braid wigs can be very liberating, they do come with their own set of maintenance requirements, especially if you want them to last as long as possible and look good while they’re at it. Here are some great tips on how to keep your braided wigs looking good as new.

Use A Shampoo & Conditioner

Braids are excellent for styling and as a protective style, but sometimes your braids need a little extra care to stay looking their best. The hair on your head will become dry and brittle if it’s not being washed regularly, so this can lead to tangles and even breakage in the braid hair. To keep the health of your scalp while maintaining the health of your braides, you should use a shampoo and conditioner designed for curly hair or natural hair that is designed specifically for protecting color-treated or fragile curls.

Wash and Comb Carefully

Washing a braided wig is simple, just use the hand in the sink method. If you have time and want to give your braids a deeper cleanse or have been sweating or swimming, this is what you need to do: Shampoo with lukewarm water, mix 1⁄4 cup of conditioner in with your shampoo, add 1⁄4 cup of apple cider vinegar (which will remove excess chlorine), section your hair into four parts and comb each section gently. Rinse your hair thoroughly until all of the condition (shampoo and conditioner) is out then wring it out in a towel.

Protect Your Wig With A Cap

Wearing a wig and having long hair does come with it’s challenges. One of the biggest challenges that I deal with is how to keep my wigs looking good. When I wear my wigs, they tend to lose their color and luster faster than my natural hair would. The best way that I have found to combat this is by using a cap while wearing my wig. This will not only protect your wig from pulling on the style too much but it will also preserve the new look of your amazing hairstyle while protecting your own hair underneath at the same time! Not only that, but when you choose one of our handcrafted knitted caps, you will know that your choosing something made with care by a woman just like you!

Don’t Use Heating Tools

If you want your braids looking nice and shiny for a longer period of time, make sure not to use any heating tools. Heat may loosen the braids and cause them to fall out or become uneven. Also, avoid hairspray as well because it will make your braids stiff and uncomfortable. Lastly, if you’re looking for a little added volume on top of your braid, use a texturizing spray instead of hairspray!

Avoid Excessive Sunlight

Once you’ve chosen your wig style, it’s important to know how best to maintain it. Excessive sunlight, for example, is one of the biggest contributors to wig damage. Be sure not to wear your braids outside in the sun, and never dye or bleach a synthetic hair-made wig. For those that do have human hair wigs, make sure not to swim often and use a heat protectant when necessary.

Do Not Brush Too Hard

Brushing is key for detangling your hair and styling it well. However, be gentle with your braids when brushing. Brushing too hard can cause breakage of the extensions in your hair. Try not to brush against any knots and always use a soft bristled brush such as boar bristles that are softer on the hair extensions and less likely to break them. Additionally, many times knots can occur due to shedding hairs coming out during washing. Brush with more care around these areas when untangling them with a comb or regular toothbrush. Follow these tips on how to keep your braided wigs looking good as new!

Sleep on A Silk Or Satin Pillowcase

Because braids need hair to stay in, braided wigs should not be worn when sleeping. Sleeping on a cotton pillowcase is ideal, but using a silk or satin pillowcase is even better since it won’t snag the hair and also has no risk of retaining body oils from sweat. If you have chosen to wear a braided wig for sleeping, make sure that your scalp does not touch the pillow because if it does then it will flatten out the topknots and cause tangles in the braids. Instead, only your face needs to rest on the pillow while propping your head up with one or two pillows.