How to Keep Your Scalp Healthy Under A Wig?

How do you keep your scalp safe and healthy under a wig?

Discussions like this immediately require listing the various ways to keep your scalp healthy under a wig, and yes, that's correct.

If you've noticed your scalp becoming itchy, buildup on your scalp, or hair loss after wearing wigs, this post offers solutions. Proper scalp care changes everything!

Let's see the ways you can make that happen.

8 Ways to Keep Your Scalp Healthy Under a Wig

Wigs have become a popular hair trend. However, it is no longer fun if we have to battle for our lives after putting them on. I mean experiencing discomfort, dryness, or traction alopecia.

These issues are some people’s reality when wearing wigs, but that doesn’t have to be the case for you. And you can say goodbye to them if you have already experienced some of them.

Here are some practical ways to keep your scalp healthy under a wig.

1. Cleanse Your Hair and Scalp

Sweat and products can easily accumulate on your scalp, causing it to itch over time. It could also lead to damage to your hair follicles. But regular washing and moisturizing frees your hair and scalp of them.

So, don't take it lightly. Wash your hair and scalp gently once a week or after 10 days to get rid of oils, sweat, and products in your hair.

You can use a sulfate-free shampoo to begin the washing process. This is an effective way to keep not only your scalp healthy under a wig, but also your natural hair.

Make sure to wash in circular motions to prevent stripping your hair of its natural oils and avoid pulling or scrubbing aggressively. Once you've washed for about a minute or two, rinse thoroughly with warm water, then go in with your conditioner and rinse out.

You can dry with a microfiber towel and moisturize with lightweight oil or any moisturizer of your choice afterwards.

2. Wear a Wig Cap

Do you know that your wig cap protects your scalp and hair from the wig material? Of course, it does. It acts as a protective shield that reduces friction between your hair and the wig. In other words, less irritation and friction, and more humidity management. There wouldn't be microbial growth; instead, it would even promote ventilation.

But your wig cap has to be made of a good material. I wouldn't advise nylon wig caps. You can go for mesh wig caps or any other soft material as alternatives. They are breathable and won't dry out the hair. Also, pay attention to the size. The caps you choose to wear should not be too tight because any cap that is too tight can put a lot of stress on your hair follicles.

Related Read: How To Put On A Wig Cap

3. Go for Protective Hairstyles

Protective hairstyles cause low tension, prevent breakage, minimize manipulation, and allow you to access your scalp easily. There are simple protective styles like cornrows, braids, and flat twists that keep your scalp and hair healthy even when you put on a wig.

Related Read: How To Hide Hair Under A Wig

My go-to style whenever I want to style a wig has been simple all-back cornrows, and you can do that too. It keeps your hair secured and flat under, and also allows air to reach your scalp more easily. The best part is that the style also promotes hair growth and helps protect your edges.

However, avoid styling tight braids, as they can place tension on your hairline and scalp. Always keep it clean instead, and not too tight. You'll discover that you will feel more at ease and enjoy the style.

I always like my braids to be uniform and follow my natural hair growth direction. And once I'm done, I apply oil to my scalp.

👉While braids and protective hairstyles are great to keep your scalp healthy under a wig, avoid wearing them for too long as well.

In addition, you can also opt for a healthier wig style like u part wigs, v part wigs, headband wigs, half wigs, or glueless wigs that's friendly for your scalp cause they don't need to apply any glue or gel that may damage your hairline.

4. Don't Skip Scalp Maintenance

Many risks come with skipping scalp maintenance. I know some people might be wondering what scalp maintenance is all about, but it's actually just exfoliating your scalp and oiling it afterwards. It's a simple step that can make all the difference. It can improve your scalp health and make it balanced.

Simply use a scalp scrub to unclog follicles. But first, wet your hair. Once you do, apply the tool and massage your scalp gently. This will prevent dandruff and irritation whenever you wear a wig. Next, go in with a lightweight oil to moisturize your scalp. You can  use jojoba oil for this.

This will alleviate any itching, remove dandruff and buildup, and give you a healthy, clean scalp. If you're already dealing with any discomfort and issues, incorporating scalp maintenance into your hair care routine will tackle the issues before they become bigger conditions.

5. Moisturize Your Scalp

@radiantky a flaky scalp? i don’t know her!🫧♥️ @SheaMoisture #sheamoisturepartner #protectivestyles #naturalhair #scalphealth #flattwists ♬ Refreshing cafe & bossa nova with flute(1249042) - Sumochi

Apply a lightweight moisturizer or a scalp serum on your scalp to prevent itching and dryness. It will also help you fight flakiness.

While it isn't necessary to use a moisturizer every day, especially if your scalp is not prone to dryness, keeping the scalp hydrated is still important. This is because it helps prevent dryness.

Natural oils or serums are the best to keep your scalp hydrated. Since they mimic the scalp's natural sebum, they keep the hair and scalp moisturized without clogging it.

6. Avoid Wearing Wigs on Heated or Damp Hair

This is simply an act of defence against bacteria and infection. Wet hair or heated hair can develop mildew on your scalp, irritate your scalp, and cause odor and bacteria.

To ensure your scalp doesn't become a breeding space for bacteria, always dry your hair completely and avoid styling with heat when you want to wear your wig.

I know I said it is important to cleanse your hair, but drying your hair properly before putting on a wig is just as important. So, give your hair time to dry, then moisturize, and braid before wearing the wig. You can prevent infections like folliculitis and avoid the growth of bacteria.

7. Always Massage Your Scalp

@allegiancetobeauty Every day when I apply my hair serum, I do a 5 minute scalp massage. It helps increase blood flow, which can support healthy hair growth. In this video I’m using the @THE OUAI scalp serum. I’ve been using it for about 4 months now and I honestly love it (not sponsored btw). #scalpmassage #hairgrowthtips #lengthretention #hairgrowthjourney #atlantabeautyinfluencer ♬ original sound - Alexus

Are you aware that wearing your wig for long can restrict blood flow and oxygen to your natural hair follicles? It can deprive it of the necessary nutrients, which will cause thinning, hair loss, dryness, and even an itchy scalp. But massaging your scalp can improve that. This step is to increase blood circulation and reduce any irritation and tension.

So, always massage daily, even if it's just for four to five minutes. You will bring the necessary nutrients and oxygen to your hair follicles and make it produce stronger hair strands.

Besides doing this when you want to wear your wig, I'll urge you to incorporate it into your routine for good scalp health.

8. Do not Over-Oil Your Scalp

I’ve said that it’s important to hydrate your scalp with a serum or oil. However, nothing that is overly done ends well. Over-oiling your scalp can lead to excess buildup and clogged pores. It could also cause hair loss, especially if it becomes a habit.

So, while it wouldn’t be good to have a dry scalp, your scalp mustn't have too many products as well. Be sure it is balanced. You can use lightweight oils like jojoba oil. Those moisturize your scalp and keep it healthy without causing inflammation and itching.

I use a nozzle tip bottle when applying oil to my scalp. This is because I can control the amount and avoid applying too much. Serums also come with applicators, and those work, too. You can use the correct amount without mistakenly applying too much.

Note: Do not let the dropper or applicator touch your scalp to avoid contaminating it.

Once you've applied the product, massage it in for a few minutes.

A Quick Scalp Care Routine Before Putting on a Wig

This is a hair care routine you can follow to keep your scalp healthy under a wig:

- Cleanse Your Hair

If your scalp and hair are dirty, take some time to deeply cleanse with a sulfate-free shampoo and conditioner. This will help remove every dirt, sweat, and buildup that could cause irritation and itching when you wear your wig.

Note: Avoid using the conditioner on your scalp. It is meant to hydrate your hair.

Rinse out with lukewarm water and do not pull or squeeze the hair.

- Hydrate with a Moisturizer

Follow up with a lightweight oil, serum, or moisturizer after washing your hair. You don't need to apply too much. Just a few drops of oil are okay, then massage it with your hands for a few minutes.

- Dry Your Hair

Now, use a microfiber towel to pat your hair dry. Wait until it's completely dry before wearing your wig.

You can go ahead to braid, then wear your wig cap.

Conclusion

Sometimes the best method for keeping our scalp healthy while wearing a wig is to let it breathe for a while. Take a break between wears and don't wear them to bed. You can give your hair some time to enjoy the air again. This will help strengthen your hair and reduce tension on your scalp.