Wigs have stood as an iconic fashion symbol for millennia, with a history dating as far back as 3,000 BC. However, it was not until the 17th and 18th centuries that the trend truly caught on. While initially associated with nobility, wigs later garnered tremendous popularity among the masses primarily for their lightness and ease of wearing. They also blended seamlessly into different ensembles, enabling wearers to rock them to various events.
Note that the 17th and 18th centuries were also characterized by widespread stigma due to diseases like syphilis and lice. Wigs addressed these stereotypes quite effectively, allowing wearers to mingle freely without revealing their bald or lice-infested scalps.
Ironically, wigs have hit deadlines in the recent past for their association with hair loss. For a fashion trend whose popularity is rooted in its ability to conceal baldness, it’s unfathomable that wigs can induce or accelerate that very condition.
So, how accurate are those claims? Here’s a comprehensive guide to how wigs might cause hair loss.
1. Wrong Wig Size
Like most wearables, choosing an improperly fitted wig will most certainly cause problems for your scalp. Many people experience wig hair loss from wearing overly tight wigs.
When a wig wraps too tightly around your hairline, it can exert undue tension on the adjacent tissues and cause your hair follicles to break. This leads to a type of baldness known as traction alopecia.
Traction alopecia typically affects the hairline and temples, mainly where much of the tension is concentrated. To prevent the condition, choose a wig that fits snugly (but not tightly) around your hairline. It should be neither uncomfortably tight nor too loose to fall off while walking easily.
Note that traction alopecia may also be due to other tighter hairstyles like weaves, braids, and cornrows. So, proper diagnosis is critical before implementing the right intervention.
2. Improper Wig Application
Most wigs are attached to the scalp using special clips or adhesives. However, using harsh securing mechanisms may also exert tension on adjacent hair follicles and potentially cause traction alopecia.
The best way to apply a wig is to start by preparing the remaining part of your natural hair. Then, gently secure the hairstyle using the provided wig cap, aiming for a snug (rather than a tight) hug.
Remember to also adjust the wig properly on your head to ensure it aligns with your hairline. Take a few steps to feel for any discomfort, then reposition as necessary.
Only use an adhesive if required.
3. Sweat Accumulation
There’s no direct correlation between sweating and hair loss. However, multiple studies have established a close relationship between frontal fibrosing alopecia (FFA) and sweat build-up.
So, where do wigs come in?
The space enclosed by a wig can easily warm up, particularly during hotter months. As your scalp heats up, it secretes sweat and oil. Most of these secretions are trapped against your skin, causing chemical reactions that may weaken hair follicles and inhibit their growth.
Besides, sweat and sebum buildup can lead to inflammation (and eventual damage) of hair follicles.
4. Irritation and Scratching
Perhaps one of the immediate effects of sweat and sebum accumulation is persistent skin irritation. Irritation occurs when both sweat and sebum clog your skin pores.
Blocked skin pores may lead to aggressive scratching, causing hair loss in the surrounding areas.
The most effective way to prevent this problem is to invest in a wig designed from high-quality, breathable fibers like cotton and wool.
Shun synthetic wig materials like acrylic and polyester. While synthetics are remarkably cheaper than their natural counterparts, they’re unsuitable for wigs due to their poor breathability.
5. Nutritional Malabsorption
Did you know that tight clothing can inhibit how your body absorbs nutrition? While overly tight clothes may not prevent you from consuming a nutritious meal, they’re a significant risk when it comes to naturally available nutrients like vitamin D.
The same principle applies to wigs.
Wearing tight-fitting wigs creates a barrier that can inhibit your scalp’s ability to absorb essential nutrients for healthy hair growth, such as iron, zinc, and selenium.
Besides, using harsh adhesives can affect nutritional absorption by interfering with your skin’s natural barrier.
6. Full-blown Infections
Wigs, particularly those made from unbreathable materials like polyester, can lock sweat, oil, and dirt onto your scalp. If not cleaned soon enough, these compounds can create a breeding ground for bacterial and fungal growth.
Before you know it, you’re down with a full-blown skin infection.
Common microbial skin infections are due to the bacteria Staphylococcus or Streptococcus, both of which thrive in moist and dirty environments.
If you’re suddenly suffering from impetigo, cellulitis, folliculitis, or acne after starting to wear a wig, you may need to either update your hairstyle or implement proper wig care.
7. Neglecting Scalp Hygiene
Wearing a wig isn’t an excuse to skimp on scalp care.
On the contrary, it underscores the significance of implementing more robust scalp hygiene.
Note that wigs can trap sweat and oil, increasing your susceptibility to skin issues. Neglecting proper scalp care may lead to infections like dandruff, which only worsen hair loss.
A good practice is to clean your scalp with a gentle shampoo at least once daily. Then, apply a dermatologically approved moisturizer to combat dryness and irritation.
8. Improper Handling
Like most hairstyles, wigs should be handled with kid gloves.
Never pull or tug at your wig aggressively. Instead, use a special wig brush or a wide-tooth comb to gently detangle the hairstyle.
While detangling a wig, start from the extreme ends and work your way up to its roots. Not only does this preserve the hairstyle itself. It also minimizes undue friction to the scalp, which is a leading cause of traction alopecia.
Remember also to wash your wig using a sulfate-free shampoo and hair conditioner. Then, air-dry it on a wig stand as opposed to squeezing it.
The Bottom Line
While wigs may cause hair loss in certain situations, they’re more of a remedy than a trigger for baldness. Note that wigs themselves don’t induce alopecia.
Hair loss linked to wig wearing typically results from poor wig selection and handling, as well as improper scalp care. Therefore, addressing these concerns will effectively allay the fears of wig-induced baldness.
Start by buying a wig that’s made from high-quality, breathable materials. Natural fibers like cotton and wool are highly preferable.
After getting a quality wig, follow a proper wig care and scalp maintenance plan. This includes handling the hairstyle gently, using a wig cap to prevent friction, minimizing the use of adhesive, and cleaning both the wig and your scalp regularly.
More importantly, only wear the wig when you have to.
Also read: Everything You Need to Know About Hair Loss
