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The beginning of a new look
A flawless wig installation begins with how you prep your hair underneath, and healthy hair requires TLC. So, if your goal is to start your wig installation right and promote healthy hair, you are in the right place.Â
As you follow these seven steps to prep your hair for a wig install, along the way, you will learn more about hair. So, this is the time for you to get started because I know you can’t wait to put on that wig.
Table of Contents
1. Wash Your Hair
It is always best to start fresh, especially if you plan to keep a hairstyle in for at least a month. Handling dirty hair can make the process longer, and over time, there will be a lot of build-up on the scalp. So, when you prep your hair for a wig install, always wash your hair first.
Scalp Care
The key to healthy hair is a healthy scalp, and washing your hair is the first step in the right direction. Also, you want to wash your hair with a shampoo that has beneficial ingredients.Â
To get a good clean, you should use a clarifying shampoo. Below are some great shampoos to consider.
With your preferred shampoo, you should massage the shampoo onto your scalp. Ensure you are scrubbing all parts of your scalp, and you will repeat this twice.Â
Afterward, you can follow up with a conditioner of your choice, wash it out, and move on to the next step.
2. Do a Protein Treatment (Optional)
Depending on the type of protein treatment you choose, this step can either be one or two. For example, you are doing a homemade protein treatment with eggs, an avocado, and mayonnaise. This type of protein treatment will be step one because it needs to be washed out.Â
If you are using a store-bought product, you can follow this step-by-step process as is.
A Little Bit About Hair
A protein treatment may not be necessary, but there is a benefit to doing it. Hair is composed of 95% keratin (a type of protein), and sometimes, the cuticle can get damaged from styling, tight hairstyles, and various other factors.Â
Another thing that can damage the cuticle is when you prep your hair for a wig install. From detangling to braiding your hair, the hair may take a hit in this process.Â
So, giving your hair a protein treatment will create a layer of protection for your hair, which is beneficial.
Protein Treatments to Try
- SheaMoisture Manuka Honey & Yogurt Hydrate + Repair Hair Mask
- Rice Water Conditioner Bar for Hair Growth
Now, you can rinse out the protein treatment and prepare your hair for the next step.
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3. Deep Condition
At this point, your hair should be clean, detangled, and have a slight shine from the deep conditioner. Now, it is time to add a leave-in conditioner.Â
This step may be a little controversial because some braiders/hairstylists prefer you not to add any products because they can interfere with braiding the hair.Â
Sometimes, we can be a little heavy-handed when adding product to our hair, and that extra product mixed with braid gel/jam can cause white residue.Â
I think it’s best to always protect your natural hair, and moisturizing your hair should not be a problem if you do not overdo it.
Great Deep Conditioners You Can Try Out
- SheaMoisture Intensive Hydration Hair Masque Manuka Honey & Mafura Oil
- Camille Rose Algae Renew Deep Conditioner
- As I Am Classic Hydration Elation Deep Conditioner
If you think that was enough moisturizer, you thought wrong because it’s time to add more.
4.Moisturize
When washing my hair, I must follow up with a deep conditioner. Healthy hair is all about moisturization, and this treatment does that.
Some shampoos can dry out the hair, so you should use a deep conditioner to replenish the hair. You should also deep condition your hair because the other steps on this list can dry out the hair.Â
For example:
- Using heat can dry out your hair
- Some braiding jams/gels contain alcohols that can make the hair dry
Also, if you plan to keep the installation for the month, you will not have access to your hair during that time. Which means you cannot moisturize your hair. So, prep your hair with a deep conditioner to help it get a head start.
What You Should Know
When moisturizing your hair, you do not need to do the LOC, LCO, LOCS, or LCOS methods because you will only focus on the C part – Cream.Â
A creamy leave-conditioner will provide extra nutrients your hair will benefit from. At the same time, you will not over-saturate your hair with oils because that will be added later.Â
When applying the leave-in conditioner, try to make the sections of hair large to ensure you don’t over-saturate your hair. Also, give your ends extra product because they need it the most.Â
You want a leave-conditioner that makes your hair feel soft and shiny. Here are some products that will do that.Â
- Camille Rose Curl Love Moisture Milk
- As I Am Leave-In Conditioner
- Melanin Hair Care Multi-Use Softening Leave-in Conditioner
The hair is perfectly moisturized and it is ready to be dried.
5. Dry Your Hair
Before you start braiding, the hair needs to be dry and stretched. It is easier to work with stretched hair because you don’t have to worry about the hair tangling too much, and you can make cleaner parts faster.
When drying your hair, you don’t have to use direct heat (e.g. a blow dryer with a comb attachment). You can also dry your hair using one of these methods:
- ThreadingÂ
- Braids
- Banding
- Tension Method
The first three can be done by air drying or sitting under a hooded dryer. As for the last one, you will need a blow dryer without an attachment.Â
This is one of the times to add some oil to your hands and run it through your hair.Â
So now, your hair smells great and feels light, soft, and fluffy. Enjoy it for now because your hair will be tucked away.
6. Braid
Finally, you have reached the significant part of prepping your hair for a wig install – braiding your hair in cornrows.Â
If you are wondering why braids – it’s because it is the perfect style that lays flat on the head. Also, it lasts a lot longer than other choices (low bun/ponytail).Â
The main reason is that it provides a flat base. If you want a realistic-looking wig, then you need to make your braid small/medium. Braids that are too big can ruin the overall look of the wig because it will look like a hair helmet.Â
So, be mindful of the size of the braids, but also make sure they are not too tight. They should not cause a headache! From here, you can be done, or you can move to the last and final step.
7. Oil Scalp (Optional)
This is an optional step, but many people prefer to do it. Sometimes, the scalp can look a little dry in some places, and the oil can add some shine to it. Also, some oils carry ingredients that promote hair growth.
If you are thinking of adding some oil to your scalp, here are a few oils you can use:
- Olaplex No. 7 Bonding Oil
- Wild Growth Hair Oil
- Mielle Scalp & Hair Strengthening Oil, Rosemary Mint
Now you know all the steps to prep your hair for a wig install! So, your hair is ready for an easier and more beautiful wig installation. Before you go, here is a recap of all the steps:
- Wash Your Hair
- Do a Protein Treatment (Optional)
- Deep Condition
- Moisturize
- Dry Your Hair
- Braid
- Oil Scalp (Optional)
I hope this how-to guide was helpful. So, since you are ready to install a wig, you should stay tuned for the next post to learn how. If you want a heads-up, subscribe to our newsletter to be informed.
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