Natural hair isn’t made for harsher treatment, yet taking the gentler approach isn’t generally a part of most people’s hair care routines!
For most of us, styling involves heat – and lots of it – with straighteners, hair dryers and curlers all common fixtures in the day-to-day care of our natural hair. Without the right protection, the continuous use of heated styling tools can take its toll on your hair and even break down follicles completely as Dyson details:
“…researchers have found that flat irons and curling irons can damage 85% of your hair’s keratin proteins, causing it to become brittle and dry. Damaged hair happens when the hair cuticle breaks down. The cuticle protects from mechanical and chemical damage, keeps hair shiny, and serves as the shield for the cortex. The cortex gives your hair strength, elasticity, and colour. When there’s a break in the shield, it allows for damage to occur.”
Excessive heat styling has been linked to hair loss and thinning due to the weakened follicles it creates. And, it’s not just natural hair that’s adversely affected by heat. Wig fibres also don’t take kindly to heat styling, with the use of any heated appliance best avoided with synthetic wigs.
At first glance, this is bad news for wig wearers looking to embrace the curly hair trend this spring. But, contrary to popular belief, you don’t need heat to curl your wig to perfection.
Whether opting for the more fashionable flexi rods, traditional foam rollers or the latest heatless hair curler headband, these accessories are great ways to achieve beautiful, heatless curls overnight. Before you get started, choose the widths of your rods and rollers wisely. Slimmer rods and smaller rollers create tighter curls; while larger, thicker alternatives create volume, waves and lots of body so don’t be afraid to experiment.
The best way to apply foam rollers, flexi rods and many other heatless curling methods is on a slightly damp wig.
Position your wig on a stand before applying a quick spritz of water or setting spray. Divide into small sections and wrap each around the rollers or rods. Now, it’s a waiting game – leave the rods or rollers in overnight for the best results. Those in a rush can remove once wig fibres have fully dried. Loosen your heatless curls with your fingers, and enjoy!
You can achieve a similar look without investing in flexi rods and foam rollers. In fact, all you need is some bobby pins or small clips. Again, after spritzing, divide your wig into sections, wrapping each around your fingers to form a loop. Secure this loop with your bobby pins or clips.
The pins or clips must be left in place overnight, or at least for several hours, to create beautiful, bouncy curls.
Braiding is another easy route to fuss-free, heat-free curls. Go loose with your braids to create a wavy finish or divide the hair into smaller sections and try tighter braids for tighter curls. Leave them overnight or until dry, and separate with your fingers to finish.
Twists can be used to create the most wonderful, heatless curls. Section wig fibres – the smaller the sections, the tighter the curls – and twist them into buns. Secure each bun with clips or hair elastics, and allow your wig to dry with the buns in place. Remove the clips or ties carefully to reveal a stunning curly look.
Do you have a heatless curling method that you swear by and that’s not mentioned above? Share it with your fellow wig wearers on our Facebook page.
