One of the first questions I got when I started wearing a hair piece was about my comfort level. Did it hurt, was it pulling at my natural hairline, and yet again, was it painful to wear a wig. The answer to all is no, but it can be uncomfortable if you don’t take the proper steps. Below are are the most common reasons wig wearers experience scalp pain; and a few ways to get past that pain.
Things That Cause Scalp Pain
The list of what may cause wig pain or wig problems is quite extensive. Below I outline 2 of the most common, but there are several others that may not cause pain but may be a contributing factor to your discomfort. First of all being not wearing a wig that breathes. Many wigs advertise that they fit tight, so to look more natural, but this is terrible for scalps.
You want a wig that has an open wefted cap that allows for air to flow in and out so that your scalp doesn’t get overly hot or sweaty causing oil buildup. The other common contributing factor is the use of adhesives on hairlines. Though we all want our wigs to stay in place, using glue on your hairline improperly can cause pain and discomfort and may even damage your hairline.
Wig Fit
One of the biggest culprits in turns of wig pain is wearing an ill fitting wig. One of the things I do to try to combat this is that - when possible - go to a wig shop and get sized by a professional just like with anything else you might wear. I also am sure to take my wig to my stylist the first time. That way, I can see where I might need help with styling and making sure the fit and placement is correct. Wearing a wig that is too small can restrict your scalp and cause pain, irritation, and a host of other issues. See our video for how to measure your head for wigs below for more help:
Don’t forget to take a break
Like any other piece of clothing or accessories, you should remove your wig at the end of the day. Your skin and scalp will get tired and the pain you are feeling may just be exhaustion. Also take those opportunities as wash days to give your natural hair and scalp some love.
Though these are not the only causes, they are the most common. Regardless, if you are feeling any kind of wig pain, take it off and give your scalp room to breathe.