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If you’re thinking about investing in a human hair wig, you’ve probably noticed that there’s a huge range of prices out there. It can be confusing – some wigs promise to last for years, while others may be a bit more affordable but potentially come with a shorter lifespan.
So, how long can you reasonably expect a human hair wig to last?
The truth is, human hair wigs can be an amazing investment, but their longevity depends on a few key factors.
In this article, we’ll break down what factors impact a human hair wig’s lifespan and share some tips for making your human hair wig last as long as possible. We also include some first hand experience from a Daniel Alain customer who has been wearing a human hair wig for several years. You might be surprised to learn how old her first Follea wig is, and how it has held up over time!
By the end, you’ll have a clear idea of what to look for, so you can make the best choice for you.
At Daniel Alain, our team is dedicated to using carefully sourced hair and skilled craftsmanship to make high-quality human hair wigs and toppers. This experience allows us to share practical, honest advice to help you make an informed decision about your needs and preferences.
What Factors Affect How Long My Human Hair Wig Will Last?
When it comes to how long your human hair wig will last, there are a few key things to keep in mind. Let’s break down the main factors that can make a big difference in its lifespan.
What is the Quality of Hair Used in Your Human Hair Wig?
The quality of hair used in human hair wigs is one of the biggest factors that determines how long they will last, and not all wigs are created equal. High-quality human hair wigs made from virgin hair are the best choice because the hair has never been chemically treated, dyed, or processed in any way. This means it retains its natural strength, shine, and smoothness, making it the most durable and long-lasting option available.
Remy hair is another popular option for high-quality human hair wigs and offers a natural look and feel. Remy hair is carefully collected with all the hair cuticles aligned in the same direction, which significantly reduces tangling and helps the wig maintain its appearance over time.
Beverly, who has been wearing wigs for several years, emphasizes how important hair quality is: “The quality of the hair in my wig made such a difference. Even after years of wear, it still looks incredibly natural and feels soft to the touch. When people see me, they’re not seeing a cheap, shiny wig—they’re seeing something that looks real and beautiful.”
On the other hand, cheap human hair wigs are often made from non-Remy hair, which is the most processed type. Non-Remy hair has cuticles that are stripped or misaligned, making it more prone to tangling and wear, resulting in a shorter lifespan.
When you invest in a high-quality human hair wig, you’ll notice the difference in how long it looks and feels fantastic compared to cheaper options. As Beverly puts it, “Investing in a high-quality wig means you’ll be able to wear it confidently for years without worrying about it looking worn out.”
How Often Are You Wearing Your Human Hair Wig?
How often you wear your human hair wig can have a big impact on how long it lasts. If you’re wearing your wig every day, it’s naturally going to experience more wear and tear over time. Think about it – daily wear means your wig is constantly exposed to styling, brushing, the weather, and even the occasional tug or tangle. All of this adds up and can cause the wig to start showing signs of aging a bit sooner.
We’ve noticed that many of our customers like to invest in a second (or even multiple) wigs so they can rotate between them. This helps spread out the wear and tear and allows each wig to stay in great shape for much longer. By alternating between wigs, you can enjoy different styles and looks while also ensuring that each piece gets a little break, helping to extend its lifespan.
Beverly wears her wig every day and says, “I bought a second wig for a few reasons. First, I wanted to have a backup wig to wear while the other one was being washed. It also allowed me to alternate between the two, helping to extend their lifespan. Plus, having a bit more versatility is always a bonus!”
How Does Maintenance and Styling Affect How Long My Human Hair Wig Lasts?
If you want your human hair wig to stay looking fabulous for as long as possible, taking good care of it is key. Use a shampoo and conditioner designed specifically for human hair wigs, and be gentle when washing and conditioning. This helps keep the hair soft, shiny, and healthy.
A good rule of thumb for how often should human hair wigs be cleaned is about every 7 to 10 days, but this can vary depending on how much styling product you use, how often you wear it, and whether you’re sweating in your wig during strenuous exercise.
Treat your wig gently, avoid rough brushing, and always store it properly when you're not wearing it. This simple routine can make a huge difference in keeping your wig in great condition.
When it comes to styling, using heat styling tools can cause damage over time. If your wig starts to feel dry or loses its luster, you might wonder how to make a human hair wig silky again. A high-quality human hair wig can be brought back to life with a deep-conditioning treatment or hair mask specifically made for human hair wigs. This will help restore softness and shine.
Beverly agrees, noting that,”I take good care of my wigs. I’ve had my first one for about seven years and the second for about three years. I brush them gently, use a heat protectant spray before styling, and store them properly. Regular maintenance helps keep them in excellent condition.”
Low-quality human hair wigs are often treated with a silicone coating to make the hair feel softer and more silky at the time of purchase. This gives them a deceptively smooth appearance, but once the wig is washed and the silicone is removed, the true texture of the hair is revealed. This can often leave the wig feeling coarse, dry, and prone to tangling. Unfortunately, there isn’t much that can be done to improve this type of hair, and these wigs typically don’t last as long as their high-quality counterparts.
How Do Environmental Factors Affect My Human Hair Wig?
Just like your natural hair, your human hair wig can be affected by the environment around you. Sunlight, humidity, and pollution can all play a part in how long your wig stays looking its best. Spending too much time in direct sunlight can cause the color of your wig to fade, making it look dull over time. Humidity can be another culprit, causing your wig to become frizzy or feel dry. And let's not forget about pollution – all those tiny particles in the air can settle on your wig, affecting its texture and shine.
The good news is, by protecting your wig from these harsh elements whenever possible, you can help keep it looking fresh, healthy, and beautiful for much longer!
4 Tips to Make Your Human Hair Wig Last Longer
We've already covered a lot of ground on how to care for your human hair wig, but here’s a quick recap of the most important tips to help you keep your wig looking its best for as long as possible:
1. Proper Washing Techniques
Washing your wig the right way makes a big difference. Aim to wash it about every 7 to 10 wears, but adjust as needed based on how often you use styling products or how much you wear it. Always use sulfate-free shampoos and conditioners designed for human hair wigs. These products are gentler and help keep your wig soft, shiny, and healthy.
2. Styling Tips
When it comes to styling, always use a heat protectant spray before using any heat tools like straighteners or curling irons. Try to avoid excessive heat whenever possible, and use the lowest heat setting if you do style your human hair wig. Also, be gentle when brushing – start from the ends and work your way up to prevent unnecessary pulling or damage.
3. Storage Recommendations
Proper storage is key to keeping your wig in great condition. When you're not wearing it, store your wig on a wig stand or mannequin head to help it keep its shape. If you’re traveling or need to put it away, use a satin or silk bag, which helps prevent tangling and frizz. And always keep your wig out of direct sunlight when storing it, as this can cause the color to fade over time.
4. Rotating Wigs
If you have more than one wig, consider rotating between them. This gives each wig a little break and reduces the amount of wear and tear on any single piece. It’s a great way to extend the life of your wigs and keep them looking fresh for longer!
So, Exactly How Long Does a Human Hair Wig Last?
While it’s difficult to give an exact number, in our experience, low-quality human hair wigs might only last from a few months to less than a year. In fact, we’ve seen some cheaper wigs become unwearable after just one wash, turning into a tangled, matted mess.
On the other hand, good quality human hair wigs can last a couple of years with proper care and maintenance.
At Daniel Alain, our wigs typically last 2-4 years, and with the right care, they can often last even longer. Beverly has enjoyed her first Follea wig for seven years (and counting!) and it still looks as beautiful as ever.
“Seven years in and the wig still has so much life left in it. It still looks and feels amazing. The quality has held up incredibly well, and I feel that I made a sound investment,” she says.
How Can I Make Sure My Human Hair Wig Lasts as Long as Possible?
Wondering if buying a human hair wig will really give you the quality and longevity you deserve? The key to getting the most out of your human hair wig is choosing high quality, caring for it properly, and protecting it from daily wear and environmental factors.
If you’re ready to invest in a human hair wig that offers lasting quality, consider the importance of working with a hair loss specialist to find the perfect wig for your needs. Our expert team is here to help you find the perfect wig and guide you through the best care practices to make sure it lasts as long as possible.