Here are the 3 best tips for putting on wigs, approved by experts – Essence

April 2024 was the warmest April on record 175-year-old NOAA recordMeanwhile, May was the twelfth month in a row record weatherAs temperatures proceed to rise this season, wig sweating becomes a significant concern in the face of increased heat and humidity.

“Proper preparation is key to a successful installation,” says mentor and founding father of Yummy Extensions, Delicious Oh says ESSENCE. “The pre-installation process helps optimize the health of the hair and create the perfect foundation for installation, ensuring durability and natural-looking results.”

Below, O shares her three most significant tips for a protracted-lasting wig.

Prepare your braid

From sew-ins to lace fronts, prepping your natural hair is essential to any installation. “We start by washing your scalp with a cleansing cleanser to make sure your natural hair is clean and free of any product or oil buildup,” says O, ensuring to strengthen the foundation. If your hair is just too moisturized or brittle, “both the braiding process and the weight of the braids will likely break your hair.”

WITH bald braid trends and Rihanna spotted in a loose braid, the prep under wigs is now more visible than before. “To care for your natural hair and avoid breakage, you need to fortify your hair with protein and moisturizer,” she says. “Then we would continue to deep condition your natural hair to ensure it is moisturized and detangled.”

Choose the right wig

“Choosing the right wig requires understanding factors like hair texture, style preferences and desired level of maintenance,” she says. While lace frontals may be the hottest installationtraditional sew-in with leave-in can provide you with a more natural, secure look. “By leaving some of the natural hair along the edges, parting, and perimeter, we achieve a seamless integration of the client’s hair with the extensions, mimicking the natural hairline and scalp.”

In high temperatures, it’s possible you’ll also want to contemplate wearing wigs with curlier hair to assist with humidity. “Textured hair requires special attention to achieve a seamless connection,” she says. “We recommend lace-front wigs to match the client’s natural hair texture and density for a flawless, natural look.”

Use sweat-proof products

Although moisture is usually a threat to your ironed silk, using products corresponding to Amika’s The Shield Anti-Moisture Spray AND Oribe Impermeable Moisture Control Spray will help keep your hair blendable. “This technique allows for versatile styling options, enhancing the overall natural look and feel,” says O. Wearing sew-ins may also be easier to put in than a lace front, which can require bleaching, plucking, cutting the lace and personalizing, amongst other things. However, using the right lace front adhesive (corresponding to Bold Hold Active Lace wig glue) can significantly reduce the risk of sweating.

For curly hair with a heavy texture, O recommends using Miss Jessie’s Pillow Soft Curls Curl Cream for long-lasting curls or Mielle Rosemary and Mint Strengthening Hair Mask“Proper maintenance is essential to prolonging the life of your hair and ensuring it maintains its shine and shape,” she says. “In addition, wig caps and stands are useful accessories for storage and styling.”