You put a lot of time and money into your wig install, so naturally you want to know: How long does a wig install last? Several things can affect how long your wig lasts, and you can improve the longevity of your install by following a few simple tips. Here’s what you need to know about keeping a natural-looking hairline and beautiful locks or curls.
How Long Does a Wig Install Last on Average?
The average duration of a wig install is about two to six weeks. After this point, you would remove the wig and then re-install it. The different materials used for making wigs and installation techniques all impact the length of time.
Wig Materials
What your wig is made of influences its longevity. Human hair wigs have a longer lifespan than synthetic wigs, often lasting over a year with the right maintenance and care. A synthetic wig might only last six months, and heat-friendly options have a shorter lifespan. The quality of materials impacts how long do wig installs last before needing replacement.
Installation Techniques
How you secure your wig on your head is another important factor in the lifespan of an installation. There are adhesive and non-adhesive options.
Wig Glue
Wig glue is an adhesive specially formulated for skin contact. These heavy-duty seals last between three to six weeks. The high-quality adhesive is both waterproof and sweatproof, improving the longevity of the bond.
Glue Spray
There are adhesive options that weren’t specifically formulated for use with wigs but are still commonly used by wig wearers. Got2b Glued Spray is a spray option for holding on a wig, but it typically only lasts for one week at a time before needing reapplication.
Wig Tape
Instead of glue, you can use special wig tape to secure the wig to your scalp. Typically, though, a wig install lasts for a shorter length of time with tape. While quality tape should give you two to four weeks of a firm hold, a lower-quality tape could allow your wig to slip as early as two weeks.
Non-Adhesive Options
Not everyone’s lifestyle or skin is right for adhesives, so there are wig installation options that don’t use heavy-duty tapes or glues. Wig grips, wig clips and adjustable straps will hold your wig on your head. However, these don’t always have the same security as a quality adhesive. On the other hand, you can easily adjust and remove the wig by removing the clips.
Sewn-In Wigs
Sewn-in wig requires someone to sew the wig onto your own natural hair in several areas using a needle and thread. This type of installation can last about four to six weeks before you need to remove it. When done right, the chances of any slippage are minimal, and sewn-in wig installs can stay in place for as long as three months.
The Personal Factors Impacting How Long a Wig Install Lasts
In addition to the wig and installation materials, factors individual to you and your wig install make a difference in longevity.
Installation Experience
The experience of the person installing your wig impacts how long a wig install lasts, whether you decide to do it on your own or turn to professional salon services. Any misuse of adhesives could weaken the bond and cause slippage, while improperly sewing in the threads can cause the wig to slip out prematurely. Wig clips can also come out unexpectedly if poorly anchored.
Lifestyle Factors
How active you are affects how soon your wig could start to slip. Sweating a lot can weaken the hold of an adhesive, but it also impacts the longevity of a sewn-in wig. In addition to loosening the hold, sweating can increase your risk of developing mildew or old growth and scalp irritation.
The Recommended Timeline for Wearing a Wig
Even if you take good care of your wig and invest in high-quality materials, there are several reasons why it’s not a great idea to leave a wig on for longer than six weeks:
- Moisture gets trapped underneath the wig and causes mildew or mold growth.
- An accumulation of scalp flakes and sweat leads to scalp irritations and skin damage.
- Your natural hair can dry out, becoming brittle and dull.
In hot weather, these symptoms can get worse as sweating increases. A poor-quality wig or adhesive that slips can lead to rashes and itchiness as the wig moves across the head and mixes with sweat. Even if your wig looks great, you should remove it after six weeks for your hair and scalp health.
Tips for How To Make a Wig Install Last Longer
While you shouldn’t have it installed longer than six weeks, you can help your wig look great and fit comfortably during that time. If your wig install doesn’t usually last that long, these tips can help you get more out of your next installation.
Be Gentle
Being rough on your wig will shorten your installation. Rough combing or yanking on the hair can lift up the edges of the piece and weaken the seal holding your wig in place.
Avoid Moisture
Air with too much moisture can weaken the effectiveness of the adhesives holding your wig in place. It can also contribute to mold growth or scalp irritation. You may have to prematurely remove the wig to stop these conditions. Scalp care is important when wearing a wig for long periods of time.
Avoid Tangling
By minimizing tangling, you can be more gentle when brushing out your wig. You should oil or moisturize your wig, avoid going to bed with a wet wig and protect your wig from friction by sleeping in a satin or silk bonnet.
Our Solution for a Wig Install That Lasts
With the professional wig install services from Hair Fetish Atlanta Salon, you don’t have to wonder how long does a wig install last. Our salon team uses quality materials and years of experience to provide a wig install that lasts for weeks. Book your appointment today for a gorgeous new look.
