How Long Do Wigs Last

Wig lifespans can vary depending on the type of wig you are using. There is no one single answer to the approximate lifespan of wigs due the diversity of options. Because there are several umbrellas of classifications of wigs, it will help to distinguish wig lifespans between two basic divisions of wigs: natural human hair wigs and synthetic wigs. 

Nature’s Creation Made To Last

Human hair is made of the same material as your nails: keratin. This protein is responsible for lining your hair and giving that stable protective structure which allows it to withstand external factors such as moisture and heat. That is why even in harsh conditions, human hair can endure a lot. 

Even when made into wigs, human hair wigs can last up to a year of daily use or even two years if used less frequently.  Though the natural material itself is rather strong, over the course of time it will degrade as do all organic material especially since it no longer receives the oil and nutrients from its original source. You can extend its lifespan by avoiding elements and circumstances that make it deteriorate faster. 

When styling human hair wigs, do so when it is wet so that the brushing or combing does not damage the strands. Combing the hair or applying pressure to it while it is dry tends to break it because it is more brittle without moisture. Without the natural oils to coat it, you may want to be more delicate with using hair styling equipment such as blowers or curlers.

They do tend to require more styling than the synthetic options but its key winning point is the longevity.

The Synthetic Alternative

Synthetic wigs, although there are now options for sturdier materials, will last as short as four months to as long as seven months of daily use. It all boils down to care and management to prevent early shedding of the strands from repeated use. 

Synthetic wigs are usually made of man-made materials such as plastic, acrylic, or nylon. Because these type of wigs are already fixed in their structure, they do not require a lot of time and effort for styling. You can even say they are already pre-styled for the user’s preference. You may even purchase a collection of different styles of synthetic wigs so that you can choose a style for a particular day. 

Compared to human hair, the synthetic wigs are made of materials that are easier to produce and scale so it will not cost as much as harvested human hair which needs careful selection and processing. The lower cost of production makes synthetic wigs a much more affordable alternative.

Use On Rotation for Extension

Depending on what your budget is, it is recommended to have more than one set of wigs so that you can rotate around them to extend their lifespan. This is especially helpful if you encounter a situation where you need to change wigs immediately because it got messed up or got caught in an accident.

Keeping Clean and Storing Well

The above mentioned range of lifespans for wigs are a general consideration. You will be surprised how much longer you can actually continue to keep and use your wigs depending on how well you maintain them and store them.

Avoid storing in extremely dry environments because the strands can get too dry and brittle. Though the synthetic versions may offer heat-resistant varieties, it is still best to consider a dark and cool containment that prevents the wig from degrading faster. 

If you treat them well, they will serve you for a rather long time. 

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Scroll to Top