Wig installs are known to be expensive and time-consuming, whether you do them yourself or have them professionally done. So, to verify whether getting a wig install is worth it, it only makes sense to confirm how long wig installs last.
Here’s a hint – wig install longevity varies based on several factors. In this article, we’ll tell you how long wig installs last, the factors that affect their longevity, and reveal how to make your wig installs last longer. Let’s get right into it!
How Long Does a Wig Install Last?
A wig install can last approximately 2-6 weeks before it needs to be removed. However, the specific duration of the wig installation may vary depending on various factors, such as the quality of the wig, the type of hair, the installation method used, and the level of maintenance provided.
For instance, human hair wigs may last longer than synthetic wigs, while a sew-in installation may last longer than glued lace front wigs.
Proper maintenance is essential to keep the wig looking great and prolong its lifespan. Shampooing, washing, and conditioning the wig every week is recommended to ensure that the hair remains healthy and clean.
Regular maintenance can help prevent tangling, shedding, and other issues from extended wear. Ultimately, it is essential to pay close attention to the condition of the wig and remove it promptly if any signs of damage or wear and tear are present.
By taking good care of the wig and monitoring its condition, it is possible to enjoy a comfortable and stylish wig installation for an extended period.
Factors Affecting How Long a Wig Install Lasts
You now know the general longevity range for wig installs; let’s narrow it down to get to a more targeted answer. There are several factors in play when it comes to wig installs, and each of them affects how long your wig install will last. In this section, we’ll fill you in on the most important factors determining how long your wig install will last.
How You Secure Your Wig
The most integral part of installing a wig is securing it on your head, and that’s usually done with one of several adhesives.
Here are the ones normally used for wig installs and how long they tend to last:
- Wig glue – Wig glue is a specially formulated adhesive to be used only for installing wigs. These wig adhesives last anywhere from 3 to 6 weeks at a time. Bold Hold and GhostBond are the most trusted wig glues out there for wig installs. They not only create a heavy-duty seal between your wig and your skin, but they are sweatproof and waterproof, and they can be used by those who live in super hot climates. Other wig glues may not have as much staying power as Bold Hold or GhostBond; if you use those, your wig install won’t last very long.
- Got2b Glued Spray – Got2b glued spray is another popular wig install adhesive. In case you weren’t aware, Got2b Glued Spray was not initially created to be used for installing wigs, but that doesn’t stop people from doing it. Either way, the spray can keep your wig in place for up to a week at a time. After that, the wig will begin to separate from your hairline. You’ll have to take the wig off, clean the hairline, clean your skin, and reinstall it after that.
- Tape – If you use wig tape to secure your wig, you’ll get 2 to 4 weeks of wear out of your wig install. But you should know not all wig tapes are created equal. Some don’t perform as advertised, in which case, you could notice slippage before 2 to 4 weeks.
Non-Adhesive Wig Installs
Not every wig install utilizes heavy-duty adhesives – they don’t work well for everyone’s skin or lifestyle. If you decide to go the glueless route and use adjustable straps, wig clips, or wig grips, your wig install will last until you take off the clips and take the unit off.
Sewn-in wig installs are a little bit different. They involve someone sewing your wig down in multiple places using needle and thread.
Since your wig will be anchored to your own hair, your wig will stay secure for up to three months. The chances of your sewn-down wig coming off prematurely are slim to none.
Your Lifestyle
Your lifestyle also influences how long your wig install will ultimately last. First, if you sweat a lot and have secured your wig with an adhesive, you may find that your wig shifts earlier than you expected.
But even if you choose to forego an adhesive and sew your wig onto your hair, sweating a lot in your head can shorten your wig install’s longevity. The more you sweat in your head, the higher your chances of developing scalp irritation or even mold and mildew growth.
The Skillset of the Person Who Installs Your Wig
The final factor affecting how long your wig install lasts is who installs your wig. If you’re new to installing wigs and decide to do your install, you may miss some important steps along the way.
Misusing adhesives can lead to a weak adhesive bond, a thread that’s improperly sewn in can come out prematurely, and poorly anchored wig clips can pop out unexpectedly.
Basically, if the person installing your wig knows what they’re doing, you can expect your wig install to last longer. If not, don’t expect your wig install to last.
What Happens if You Leave a Wig on for Too Long?
No matter which products or techniques you use to install your wig, it’s never a good idea to leave a wig on your head for more than 6 weeks.
You could run into enormous problems, like:
- Mold and mildew growth from moisture becoming trapped underneath the wig
- Hair dryness from not having access to your natural hair to care for it
- Scalp irritation from accumulated sweat, scalp flakes
- and much more.
So, it’s not advised to leave your wig installed for longer than 6 weeks, no matter how much work you put in to install it.
How to Make Your Wig Install Last Longer
Have you tried to install your wig before and found that you couldn’t make it last? You’re one of many people who haven’t yet found their stride with wig installation.
You’ll be glad to know that there are some things you can do next time to make your wig install last longer, and we’ll go over them in this section.
- Stay away from moisture. Moisture may not only lift up any adhesives you used to secure your wig, but it can also irritate your scalp and expose your scalp and hair to nasty mold growth. All of these things could lead to your install not lasting very long or you having to remove the wig yourself prematurely. So, staying away from excessive moisture makes a lot of sense.
- Be gentle with your wig. One of the most preventable ways to ruin an install is to be rough with the wig. Yanking, rough combing, and more can lift up the edges of your unit and break the seal keeping your wig secure. Even if you use alternative methods to secure your wig, constantly pulling at the wig can ruin your install in a hurry and even damage your hair in the process. When combing your wig’s hair, hold the unit at the base to keep it from lifting up.
- Minimize tangling. It’s hard to be gentle with your wig when it’s tangled all the time. So, minimize tangling at all costs. Sleep in a silk or satin bonnet to minimize friction with your sheets and covers, oil your wig here and there to keep it moisturized, and never ever go to bed with a wet wig.
Should You Get a Professional Wig Install?
If you’re a wig newbie looking for a wig install that’ll last, a professional wig install could be the way to go. When you’re just starting out, the only thing that’s for sure is “you don’t know what you don’t know.”
If you feel confident in your ability to pull things off, you certainly can try things out on your own. But if you don’t, it makes perfect sense to get your installation done professionally.
So, there you have it- everything you need to know about how long a wig install lasts. We hope that you found all the information you were looking for. We wish you the best as you experiment with wigs!
Kenneth Byrd holds a BS in Accounting and Management Information Systems and an MBA from the University of Alabama at Birmingham. He is a serial hair blogger that has been writing about hair care since 2008, when he co-founded Curl Centric® and Natural Hair Box. Curl Centric is a website operated by a husband and wife team that encourages healthy hair care. At Curl Centric, we aim to help our readers take control of their hair care journey and make good decisions about products, hairstyles, and maintenance techniques. We also have strict editorial integrity; here’s an explanation of our editorial guidelines and how we make money.
