Hair replacement systems are an investment that must be maintained and properly cared for to ensure that they last for as long as possible and get the most out of them. A significant part of this routine maintenance involves washing your hair system regularly.
While washing them just as you would with natural hair is completely possible, it is important to note that there are several guidelines to follow since hairpieces are ultimately not the same as natural hair, and mishandling can potentially ruin their looks and durability.
Below is a step-by-step process of showering with your hair system on, to ensure it comes out clean and undamaged.
The preparation process
Before jumping right into the shower, there are a couple of steps you need to do to prepare your hairpiece beforehand.
First, comb it gently using a wide-tooth comb to eliminate any snarls or tangles that may be present. Once done, select the appropriate shampoo and conditioner that is safe to use for cleaning your hair system effectively.
In the shower
Keep water temperature in mind
After preparations are done, you can begin your usual shower routine. However, be mindful of your water’s temperature before drenching your hair with it. Make sure that you only use cold or lukewarm water to clean your hairpiece since hotter temperatures are certain to damage and compromise its appearance as well as reduce its overall life span.
Washing your hair with shampoo
Next, wet your head while being careful with your hands to avoid agitating the hairpiece. As a rule of thumb, do not scrub it as you would with naturally growing hair and simply let the water gently run over it instead. Afterwards, apply shampoo all over the hair system and distribute it gently with your fingers across the entire surface area.
Once fully applied, rinse gently, taking care to avoid damaging the hair system or its bond and completely removing all traces of shampoo. If the latter is not done thoroughly, a build-up of shampoo might cause irritation or compromise the headpiece.
Applying conditioner
Following a thorough rinsing, conditioning your hair system is another integral part of its maintenance. It must be done just as regularly as washing it, particularly for headpieces made with natural hair, providing it with an extra dose of moisture than usual is key to protecting and keeping it from drying out.
After the shower
Once done with a complete and thorough rinse of the hairpiece, drying it is next. Make sure that the towel used is dry and clean and proceed to pat away the wetness － make sure to avoid pulling or crunching up the hairpiece excessively to prevent damage. Also, keep hairdryers away from your hair system because, just like hot water, they too can ruin them.
Afterwards, take the time to brush your hair gently to return it to its usual appearance. Be mindful to not brush from front to back since doing so can potentially weaken the adhesive on the former side and make it come loose over time. Then, you are free to style your hair to your heart’s content and use the styling products necessary to get you the look you want. As a final tip, just make sure that these products are high-quality and safe for hairpiece usage.
Conclusion
Maintaining non-surgical hair replacement systems through regular washing is fundamental in retaining their appearance and prolonging their lifespan. Although this process usually entails regular maintenance, showering with it on normal days when there is a lack of time is also possible, provided you follow the recommended steps above.