So we are heading into lockdown number two for a month and as per the government guidelines, the salon has had to close its doors again. I might not be physically working, but I’m still going to be here, giving you plenty of advice, tips, and help on all things haircare during the next few weeks.
Today, here’s a blog for all of you beauties who wear a wig. You might decide to have a break from wearing your wig during lockdown, and if you do, it’s the perfect chance to revive and refresh it so it looks amazing the next time you get to head out!
Here’s how to revive and refresh your wig during lockdown.
Give it a good clean
Start your wig maintenance routine by giving your wig a deep clean. Ideally use a sulphate-free shampoo and conditioner; they don’t container any harsh chemicals or others nasties that can dry out the hair. Fill up your bathroom sink with lukewarm water and submerge your wig for a few minutes. Wash and condition your wig and rinse off products under the tap. Rather than rubbing your wig, blot it with a t-shirt or similar to remove any excess water and either lay it flat or hang it on a wig stand and let it air dry.
Make dry shampoo your friend
While it’s good to give your wig a good clean, you shouldn’t wash it too much as it can dry the hair out and leave it looking lifeless. Wash your hair every 5-10 wears unless you wear it every day and use styling products. In this case, washing your wig once per week is okay.
Instead of over washing your wig, spritz it with dry shampoo between washes to absorb oils and refresh it.
Strategically use products
Just like with natural hair, the strategic use of products to nourish your wig will bring it back to life. A leave-in conditioner is a good choice for detangling and moisturising the hair, and a light hair oil like Argan oil can add strength and shine.
Give it a break from the heat
Just like natural hair, wigs can also get damaged if you use too much heat on them. Use the next few weeks to give your wig a break from heat styling.
If you have a Zoom meeting beckoning and you want to heat style your wig, put your styling tools on the lowest setting and use a heat protection spray.
Take the next few weeks to give your wig some tlc then when we emerge from lockdown, you’ll be able to step out looking gorgeous once again.
A word on caring for your scalp
A healthy scalp is the foundation of healthy hair. Just like a plant needs good, healthy soil to grow, hair needs a healthy environment to grow in too. When changes occur in the scalp and hair follicles, thinning and other hair issues can occur.
Our scalp is skin so we should nourish and protect it, not treat it any differently than the rest of our skin.
Aveda’s answer
Practitioners of Ayurvedic medicine in India have used medicinal plants to treat issues with the scalp and hair for hundreds of years, and Aveda have harnessed this with invatiTM, a 3-step solution for thinning hair and a healthier scalp. The range, that includes a shampoo, conditioner, masque, scalp revitalizer, and products for men, is 98% naturally-derived and is made from a patented bio-fermented blend plus Aveda’s own Ayurvedic herb blend with ginseng and certified organic turmeric to invigorate the scalp when massaged in.
Encouraging natural hair growth while you’re taking a break from your wig.
Looking after your scalp is a big part of the story, but there are other things you can try to encourage healthy natural hair growth.
Indian scalp massage- It can improve circulation and stimulate the scalp to encourage healthier, thicker hair growth.
Aloe vera- It soothes the scalp and hydrates the hair as well as reducing dandruff and clearing blocked hair follicles. You can either use hair products that contain it or apply pure aloe vera gel to the scalp a few times per week.
Coconut oil- It contains fatty acids that nourish the hair. You can massage it into your hair or use it as a leave-in treatment if your hair is dry.
Viviscal- It’s a natural hair growth supplement containing vitamins, minerals, and other complexes thought to regenerate hair follicle cells.
Fish oil- It is rich in Omega fatty acids that nourish the hair. Hair can appear thicker and hair loss is reduced. Your general health will be better if you take fish oils too as they boost heart health and the immune system.
Ginseng- Is thought to stimulate the hair follicles and promote hair growth.
Onion juice- It may be smelly but it’s thought to improve circulation and blood flow to the hair cuticles. Blend a couple of onions and apply the juice to your hair. After 15 minutes, rinse the hair thoroughly and shampoo as normal.
Rosemary oil- This essential oil is known to encourage hair growth and reduce hair loss. Mix a few drops with an appropriate carrier oil and massage it into the hair and scalp then rinse. Do this a few times per week. You can also add a few drops to your shampoo and conditioner.
Geranium oil- This oil improves circulation and encourages hair growth. Add it to your shampoo and conditioner for strong, hydrated, and revitalised hair.
Lemon- Lemon juice or oil can keep the scalp healthy and promote hair growth. Fresh lemon juice should be applied as a pre-wash treatment and left on the scalp for 15 minutes. You can also add it to a carrier oil and use it as a nourishing hair mask.
Give the natural remedies a chance to work but if you don’t get the results you want, speak to your doctor about hair loss tonics and medications that are available on prescription like Minoxidil.
Need help or advice with haircare during lockdown?
I’m doing virtual appointments over the next few weeks over Zoom. Get in touch or check out my Facebook page to find out more.
Thinking of buying your first wig or want something that’s brand-new and tailor-made for you?
At Salon La Reine, we are specialists in hair loss solutions like wigs, toppers, and hair systems, that can help you disguise any hair thinning or loss while your natural hair grows back.
We also custom make colour wigs and we’re super excited to announce that we’re adding a ‘build your own wig’ page to our website very soon! You’ll be able to make your wig to fit the exact proportions of your own head and choose any colour you like. Watch this space!
