Braided Wig for Beginners: Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Braided wigs are a great way to achieve a stylish look without spending hours at the salon but for beginners, some common mistakes can make the wig-wearing experience less than ideal.
Whether you’re new to wig-wearing or a seasoned wig-wearer, understanding these pitfalls and how to avoid them will ensure you make the most out of your braided wig.
Here’s how to switch things up!
6 Braided Wig Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Here are common mistakes and how you can avoid them to get the most from your braided wigs:
1. Choosing the Wrong Braided Wig Style
For beginners, it’s easy to get caught up in the aesthetic of a particular style without considering what works best for your face shape, lifestyle, or comfort level.
As we already know, braided wigs come in various braid types, lengths, and thicknesses, including box braids, cornrows, Senegalese twists, faux locs, and more.
To avoid choosing the wrong braided wig style, one of the first steps to a successful braided wig experience is selecting the right style.
When choosing a braided wig, it's important to know your face shape, as different styles can either enhance or detract from your natural features. For example, box braids can elongate a round face, while long faux locs are ideal for complementing an oval-shaped face.
Additionally, consider your lifestyle when selecting a braid style. If you're active, smaller and lighter braids might be more convenient, as they won't interfere with physical activities. However, if you're seeking a bold, dramatic look, thicker braids could be a better option.
Also, decide whether you prefer a synthetic or human hair braided wig. Synthetic wigs are more affordable and require less maintenance, but they may not offer the same versatility as human hair wigs.
2. Not Properly Preparing Your Hair
Whether you're wearing a wig for a protective style or simply for fun, it's essential to properly prepare your natural hair before installing a braided wig. This mistake is often overlooked by beginners who think the wig can just be thrown on without any preparation.
To avoid the mistake of not preparing your hair properly, you need to clean your hair by washing and conditioning it to remove any product buildup, dirt, or oils. This ensures a clean base for your wig installation.
If your natural hair is long, consider braiding or twisting it down before wearing your wig, as it helps the wig lay flat against your scalp.
For shorter hair, using a wig cap can keep your hair in place and prevent bumps or lumps from showing through the wig.
3. Skipping Wig Cap
Beginners often neglect this step, thinking it’s not necessary or that it won’t make a significant difference. Without a proper cap, the wig may slide around or look unnatural.
To avoid this, choose a wig cap that fits properly. A tight wig cap can cause discomfort, while one that’s too loose may not secure your hair properly.
Opt for a breathable mesh wig cap, as it helps keep your scalp cool and prevents sweat buildup, which can cause itching or discomfort.
4. Ignoring Wig Maintenance
Just like your natural hair, braided wigs require proper maintenance to avoid losing its shape or becoming damaged over time.
To avoid this, wash your wig regularly, typically every 1-2 weeks, depending on how often you wear it. Use a mild shampoo and conditioner to avoid damaging the braids or wig fibers.
To prevent heat damage, avoid exposing braided wigs, especially synthetic ones, to excessive heat. Do not use flat irons or curling irons unless the wig is labeled as heat-friendly, and always follow the care instructions provided by the manufacturer.
When not in use, store your wig in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight. Hanging it on a wig stand can help maintain its shape while tossing it in a drawer can cause tangling and deform the braids.
5. Not Blending the Wig with Your Natural Hairline
For your braided wigs to look their best, you need them to blend seamlessly with your natural hairline.
To avoid the mistake of not blending your wig to our natural hairline, you might want to customize the hairline of your wig if necessary.
Also, many braided wigs come with a pre-plucked hairline that mimics natural hair, but if yours doesn't, take the time to gently pluck some hairs along the hairline to achieve a more natural, blended look.
For a seamless appearance, apply a little foundation or concealer along the wig’s hairline and part to match your natural skin tone. This helps the wig look as though it’s growing directly from your scalp.
To tame flyaways, use a wig-friendly gel or mousse to smooth down any loose strands along the edges, creating a sleek, polished look that helps the wig blend effortlessly with your natural hair.
6. Overloading on Styling Products
While it’s tempting to use a lot of products to keep your braided wig looking shiny and sleek, beginners often make the mistake of overloading the wig with styling products, which can lead to product buildup.
To avoid the mistake of overloading styling products, you need to use them sparingly by applying light amounts of leave-in conditioner or oil specifically designed for wigs.
Using too much product can weigh down the braids and make them look greasy or stiff. Also, you should choose wig-specific products, as some are made for either synthetic or human hair wigs.
Look for lightweight sprays, conditioners, and oils that won't damage or overwhelm your braided wig.
Avoid heavy gels and sprays, as they can cause the fibers to clump together, making the braids appear heavy and unnatural.
Conclusion
By avoiding these common mistakes, you can ensure that your braided wig looks flawless and lasts for a long time. And if you're looking for high-quality braided wig options, Express Wig Braids is your go-to destination.
You get a wide range of braided wig styles from both synthetic and human hair, with options to suit all budgets and preferences.
Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned wig-wearer, Express Wig Braids has you covered.