Investing in a wig can be a big decision with many options to consider. There’s color, texture, style, and don’t forget: synthetic or human hair? ‘How long do wigs last’ is probably one of the biggest questions you’ll ask because you want to be able to rock your wig for months to come.
Generally, human hair wigs last longer than synthetic wigs. Human hair wigs can last over one year with proper care. Synthetic wigs can last up to six months. If synthetic wigs are heat-friendly, their lifespan may be shorter. Whichever you choose, the less you wear it, the longer it will last.
How Long Do Human Hair Wigs Last?
When it comes to investing in the best wig, 100% virgin, human hair wigs offer the most longevity. This is because they aren’t chemically processed, and the cuticles are still intact. As stated before, they can last for more than one year with proper care. Human hair wigs that have been colored or processed are still a great investment, but their lifespan may be shorter than virgin hair.
Besides having long-lasting locks, here are a few other pros that human hair wigs offer:
1) Natural Look & Feel: Human hair wigs are just that–human hair. As such, they look and feel amazing.
2) Abundance of Texture Options: With human hair wigs, you’ve got the freedom to choose whatever texture you wish.
3) Styling Freedom: One of the best things about human hair is that it can be styled. That means color, curling, straightening, and perms.
How Long Can You Wear a Human Hair Wig?
How long you can wear human hair wigs depends on how it’s installed and if it’s a ready-to-wear wig, a lace front wig, or a 360 lace wig. Wigs can be put on and taken off daily but won’t be as secure. If you’re looking for a more secure unit, a professional wig install is the best choice.
If you’re installing the wig yourself, you can use glue, tape, or even sew-in. Wigs that are well-secured can be worn for up to six weeks but should be removed regularly to care for your wig and natural hair.
Ultimately, how long a human hair wig lasts comes down to how frequently you wear it. The less you wear your wig, the longer it will last. It may be helpful to have 2 or 3 wigs that you rotate so that they always look their best.
Does Chemical Processing and Heat Shorten Wig Lifespan?
Whether you’re investing in a human hair or synthetic wig, chemical processing shortens the life of the wig. While human hair wigs can be styled and colored, those processes can alter the texture and quality of the hair.
Using heated styling tools can dry out the hair, while chemical processing (like dyeing the unit) may weaken the structure and damage the cuticles. This may lead to added tangling, making the wig unmanageable over time.
How Long Do Synthetic Hair Wigs Last?
Synthetic wigs are a great budget-friendly option that can really save time in styling, but how long do synthetic wigs last? Their lifespan is about 4 to 6 months, shorter than a human hair wig, but they also offer some benefits that may be worth considering.
1) No-fuss styling: One of the great things about synthetic wigs is that they keep their style. Even if you wash it, the style holds.
2) Variety in Color: Any color you want, any time. Synthetic hair gives you total color freedom.
3) Wallet-friendly: Synthetic hair is much more affordable than human hair. Even though it doesn’t last as long, you can invest in multiple to switch up your look.
It’s important to remember that synthetic wigs are best left unprocessed after purchasing. The structure and materials used to make synthetic wigs do not take well to heated styling tools or color.
Since synthetic hair is manufactured from man-made, synthetic materials, dyeing with traditional hair color will not work. Some people suggest dyeing synthetic wigs with other methods like fabric dyes, but these will likely damage the hair and make them unwearable.
How long to synthetic wigs last if they’re labeled ‘heat-resistant?’ Like other synthetic wigs, their lifespan is shorter than a human hair wig, but they are made to withstand heat better than a traditional synthetic wig. Heat-resistant fibers are made with different materials than other types of synthetic wigs. Typically, you can use styling tools that go up to 350 degrees, but want to limit the hair’s exposure time.
Be aware of synthetic wigs that say ‘heat-friendly’–these wigs will melt or get damaged when exposed to heat. Check that a synthetic wig is clearly labeled ‘heat-resistant’ if you plan to use styling tools on the unit.
Care for Your Hair to Make it Last
To extend the life of your unit, it’s important to know how to care for your wig. Determining how long a wig lasts depends on how you wash, dry, and store your wig.
Regardless of which type of wig you invest in, remember that the more you wash your wigs, the shorter their lifespan. It’s recommended to wash your wig every 6 – 8 weeks or 7 – 10 wears. With that in mind, you can use your own discretion as to whether or not you want to wash a unit before you wear it the first time.
When it comes to proper storage, you’ll want to make sure that you keep your wig in a spot out of direct sunlight, on a mannequin or wig head so that it retains its shape. It’s also important to make sure that it’s store in a cool, dry space to ensure the hair fibers don’t break down.
Choose the Right Wig for Longevity
Ultimately, the best way to ensure your unit lasts is to choose a high-quality wig made from 100% virgin human hair. How long a wig lasts is more than just synthetic vs. human hair and care instructions. It’s also about choosing a well-made unit designed to last. Check out Mayvenn’s extensive line of wigs today!
