How to Prep Your Natural Hair Before Putting on a Wig
If you’re planning to wear a wig, whether it’s for style, convenience, or hair loss, getting your natural hair ready beforehand is just as important as choosing the perfect wig. At Innovative Hair Solutions, we work with clients every day who are looking to keep their natural hair healthy and thriving under their hair replacement piece. And guess what? It all starts with proper preparation.
In this guide, we’ll break down exactly how to prep your natural hair for wearing a wig, including washing, braiding, moisturizing, and everything in between. Whether you’re wearing a wig for a day or every day, these tips will help you protect your natural strands while rocking your look confidently.
Key Takeaways
- Start with clean hair using sulfate-free shampoo and deep conditioner.
- Deep condition and moisturize, focusing on the ends, and seal with natural oil.
- Choose a protective style like braids, flat twists, or low buns, ensuring it’s not too tight.
- Always use a wig cap; options include nude stocking caps, mesh, or silk-lined caps.
- Secure the wig carefully, avoiding direct glue/tape on natural hair and adjusting evenly.
- Establish a nighttime routine with silk/satin scarf and pillowcase, applying light oil.
- Take regular breaks from wearing wigs to let hair breathe.
- Trim ends every 6-8 weeks, massage scalp regularly, and avoid product overload.
- Wash natural hair every 1-2 weeks, adjusting based on needs.
- Protect and moisturize relaxed or color-treated hair.
- Address itchy scalp with clean hair, breathable cap, and scalp spray/oil.
- Re-braid hair as needed, ensuring the scalp stays clean and comfortable.
Why Prepping Your Hair Matters
Wigs are more than just a fashion statement, they’re also a protective style. But for your wig to actually protect your natural hair, you have to start with a solid foundation. Skipping the prep work can lead to dryness, breakage, and even scalp issues. That’s why we always tell our clients: how you wear your hair under the wig matters just as much as the wig itself.
Here’s what proper prep helps with:
- Preventing scalp irritation
- Retaining moisture
- Reducing breakage
- Supporting healthy hair growth
Creating a smooth base for a natural-looking fit.
Step 1: Start With a Clean Slate
Clean hair = happy hair. Before putting on your wig, make sure your natural hair is clean and free from product buildup, dirt, or oils that can clog your scalp and stunt hair growth.
What to do:
- Use a sulfate-free shampoo to gently cleanse the scalp and strands.
- Follow up with a deep conditioner to restore moisture, especially if you’re natural or prone to dryness.
- Rinse thoroughly to avoid any residue, which can cause itching under the wig.
At Innovative Hair Solutions, we recommend a gentle cleansing and moisturizing routine, especially if you’ll be wearing your wig long-term or during warmer months when sweating is more common.
Step 2: Deep Condition and Moisturize
Wearing a wig can trap heat and moisture, which sounds good at first, but it can also lead to a sweaty scalp or brittle ends if your hair isn’t properly hydrated.
Tips for moisture:
- Use a leave-in conditioner or lightweight moisturizer.
- Focus on your ends, as they tend to dry out the fastest.
- Seal in the moisture with a natural oil like jojoba, castor, or argan oil.
Pro tip: Avoid heavy products that leave residue, as they can weigh your hair down and make your scalp feel greasy under the wig cap.
Step 3: Choose a Protective Style That Works
What’s the best way to wear your hair under a wig? That depends on your hair length, texture, and how long you plan to keep the wig on. The goal is to keep your hair flat, tangle-free, and low-manipulation.
Here are a few protective style options:
- Braids: Great for long-term wear, tight braids keep hair flat and evenly distributed.
- Flat Twists: Ideal if you want something quick and less tight than braids.
- Low Buns: If your hair is short or medium-length, two low buns can work under most wigs.
- Loose Braids or Twists: For quick daily wear, a few chunky braids or twists can do the trick.
Just make sure the style you choose isn’t too tight. Tension can cause hairline breakage and damage your edges—especially with repeated wig wear.
Step 4: Always Use a Wig Cap
A wig cap acts as a barrier between your natural hair and the wig itself. It helps flatten your hair, protect it from friction, and keeps everything in place throughout the day.
Types of wig caps:
- Nude stocking caps: Popular for blending with the scalp.
- Mesh wig caps: More breathable and great for longer wear.
- Silk or satin-lined caps: Ideal for minimizing friction and protecting moisture.
Whichever cap you choose, make sure it fits snugly but not too tight. You should be able to move your head comfortably without the cap slipping or causing discomfort.
Step 5: Secure and Adjust Your Wig Carefully
Once your hair is prepped and your wig cap is on, it’s time to put on your wig. Whether you’re using adjustable straps, combs, or adhesive, be gentle with the process.
Quick reminders:
- Don’t use glue or tape directly on your natural hair.
- If you use wig clips or combs, be sure they’re not tugging on your roots.
- Adjust the wig evenly across your hairline to avoid uneven pressure.
At Innovative Hair Solutions, we offer custom wig fittings and education sessions to make sure your unit fits just right—no slipping, no stress.
Step 6: Don’t Forget Your Night Routine
Yes, your wig may come off at night, but your natural hair still needs care. Creating a nighttime routine helps retain moisture and avoid tangling.
Here’s how to sleep wig-free and worry-free:
- Wrap your braids or twists with a silk or satin scarf.
- Sleep on a silk or satin pillowcase to reduce friction.
- Reapply a light oil or moisturizer every few nights.
If you’re sleeping in your wig, make sure it’s secure and that you’re using a breathable cap and pillowcase combo to prevent sweating and scalp irritation.
Step 7: Take Breaks and Let Your Hair Breathe
We love a good wig moment, but your hair deserves some fresh air, too. If you wear wigs daily, be sure to take regular breaks and give your scalp time to breathe.
When to take a break:
- After a long week of wig wear
- If your scalp feels itchy or irritated
- When you start to notice more shedding than usual
Use your downtime to do a clarifying wash, a deep condition, or even a hot oil treatment. Your hair will thank you!
Bonus Tips: Wig-Friendly Haircare Habits
Want to keep your natural hair thriving under wigs? Here are some extra tips straight from the experts at Innovative Hair Solutions:
- Trim your ends every 6–8 weeks to prevent split ends from traveling up the strand.
- Massage your scalp regularly to promote blood flow and stimulate hair growth.
- Avoid product overload—less is more when it comes to buildup under a wig.
- Stay consistent with your wash days, even if no one sees your real hair daily.
Remember: a wig is only as good as the care beneath it.
Prep Now, Slay Later
At Innovative Hair Solutions, we believe that prepping your natural hair is the foundation for healthy hair growth and confident wig-wearing. Whether you’re new to wigs or a long-time enthusiast, proper care under the cap makes all the difference.
Your wig should enhance your beauty, not compromise your hair health. With a little prep work, the right products, and a consistent routine, you can enjoy the best of both worlds—fabulous style and thriving natural hair.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How you treat your wig or extensions after a workout is just as important as what you do during exercise.
Q: How often should I wash my natural hair if I wear wigs every day?
A: Every 1–2 weeks is a good rule of thumb, depending on your scalp’s needs. If you sweat a lot or use heavy products, aim for weekly wash days.
Q: Can I wear a wig if my hair is relaxed or color-treated?
A: Absolutely! Just be mindful of moisture and breakage. Wigs can be a great protective style for chemically treated hair, as long as you keep it moisturized and avoid tension.
Q: What’s the best way to prevent an itchy scalp under my wig?
A: Start with clean, well-moisturized hair and choose a breathable wig cap. You can also use a scalp spray or light oil to soothe irritation between washes.
Q: Do I need to rebraid my hair every time I take my wig off?
A: Not necessarily. If your braids or twists are still neat and flat, you can re-wear them for a few days to a couple of weeks. Just make sure your scalp stays clean and your hair feels comfortable.
Need help finding the perfect wig for you? Contact us today to schedule an appointment.