Braided hairstyles are making a serious comeback, so it should come as no surprise that sales of braided wigs are soaring. Traditional braiding can take hours of hard work, whereas a braided wig can change your look in an instant with very little hassle. The only difficult part is deciding which style of wig is right for you and knowing how to wear your braided wig in the most natural way.
A little bit of knowledge goes a long way when it comes to wearing braided wigs. This comprehensive guide will cover everything you need to know, from choosing the right wig to applying the wig properly, styling techniques, and maintenance advice. With these tips, you should be able to choose the best braided wigs so your buyers can rock their new look with ease.
Table of Contents
Why choose a braided wig?
Types of braided wigs
How to choose the right braided wig for you
How to wear a braided wig for a natural look
Styling braided wigs
Caring for your braided wig
Why choose a braided wig?
There are several reasons so many people are turning to braided wigs instead of having their natural hair braided. One of the biggest draws is convenience. Traditional styling can take ages at the salon and it can be uncomfortable. A braided wig can be worn immediately and instantly give you a new hair color, length, and braid style.
Braided wigs can also protect your natural hair and scalp. The wig creates a barrier from UV rays and pollution. In addition, you don’t have to use harsh styling tools on your natural hair if you’re planning to cover it with a wig.. You also don’t need to braid your natural hair if you’re opting for a wig (although you can if you like), so you can avoid the tightness or tension from the natural braids on your scalp.
You may even be able to save money with a braided wig. Natural braids require constant touch-ups at the salon, and that can add up over time. A braided wig is a one-time purchase that should last you anywhere from a few months to a year with proper care and maintenance.
Types of braided wigs
Part of the fun of shopping for braided wigs is that you have so many styles to choose from. You can opt for a low-key look with loose, goddess-style braids or an elaborate wig with intricate patterns and tight designs. These are some of the most common types of braided wigs:
- Box braids: If you’re looking for a classic braided look, box braids are the way to go. This style originated in Africa thousands of years ago and is now popular around the world. It consists of square-shaped braids made with three strands of hair. The braids typically start at the scalp and follow through to the ends of the hair. They come in a variety of sizes and can be worn down or styled in an updo.
- Goddess braids: Flirty and feminine, goddess braids are similar to box braids except they have pieces of loose hair that flow freely at the ends. This gives them a more natural appearance than box braids, which can be very structured and rigid looking. You can get goddess braid wigs with curly or straight hair at the bottom and they come in a wide range of colors.
- Cornrows: Cornrows are another classic style of braiding that is deeply rooted in African culture. The braids are made close to the scalp in a way that creates individual raised lines. The lines can go straight down the scalp or follow patterns around the head. With cornrow wigs, the braids are typically attached to a lace wig cap that shows the scalp, making the braids look more natural.
- Twist braids: While many braids are made with three strands of hair, twist braids are made with two pieces of hair that are twisted and wrapped around one another. This creates a unique pattern and gives more volume than typical box braids or cornrows. If you’re looking for something eye-catching and alluring, twist braid wigs are a good way to go.
- Faux locs: Inspired by dreadlocks, faux locs are braids that add volume and give a natural, boho look. They’re typically created by adding synthetic hair to natural braids with a crochet-like technique. But why go through the hassle of sitting for hours in a salon when you can have instant faux locs with a braided wig?Just apply the wig and you’ll have a dreamy, textured look without the long-term commitment or damage to your natural hair.
How to choose the right braided wig for you
There are a few different things to consider when choosing a braided wig. First, you want to find a length and braid style that flatters your face shape. For example, if you have a round face, you may want to opt for longer box braids to create a slimming effect. Square or angular face shapes can benefit from softer braid styles like faux locs or goddess braids. You also want to make sure that the color of your braided wig complements your skin tone.
When shopping for wigs, you will come across two main types of wigs: full lace wigs and lace front wigs. Full lace wigs have hair that is connected to a lace wig cap that covers the whole head. These types of wigs are typically very breathable and can be styled numerous ways. They tend to have a more natural appearance because it looks like the hair is growing from the scalp.
Lace front wigs only have lace in the front and the hair is attached to a wig cap made from a different material. These types of wigs tend to be cheaper than full lace wigs, although you may be more limited in your styling options. Depending on the material, they may or may not be breathable. However, the lace front does allow air to flow to the scalp.
How to wear a braided wig for a natural look
Applying a wig is a pretty simple process, but there are some steps you can take to ensure it looks and feels as natural as possible. These are some tips for applying your wig comfortably and securely for a realistic look:
- Start with clean hair: You always want to have clean hair under your wig so that excess oil and dirt doesn’t cause breakouts or seep into the wig. Shampoo and condition your hair, then detangle it so knots don’t get snagged in the wig or cause lumps.
- Consider using a wig cap: Some wigs can be uncomfortable if you wear them directly on your hair and scalp. A wig cap can create a protective barrier and flatten your natural hair to create a smooth base for the wig.
- Create cornrows: Another great way to create a smooth base is to braid your natural hair into thin, flat cornrows that sit flush along your scalp. This works best if you have longer hair.
- Apply the wig: When it’s time to apply the wig, place it over your head and line it up with your natural hairline. You want it to be in a comfortable position that also looks properly aligned like your natural hair would.
- Secure the wig: Some wigs have straps that you can secure at the back of your neck. Tie the straps tight enough that the wig stays in place, but not so tight that it will cause you discomfort. Other wigs have small combs or clips that you can secure to your natural hair or the wig cap.
- Blending techniques: If you’re using a lace front wig, you may want to use a bit of foundation or powder to blend the edge of the lace with your skin tone. You may also want to trim the lace front so that it’s not as obvious. Additionally, you can pull some baby hairs through to disguise the edge of the lace.
Styling braided wigs
One of the great things about braided wigs is how versatile they are. You can wear your braids down or sweep them up at the top of your head. You can tie the braids into a high ponytail or braid small braids into a larger braid. You can also add accessories like beads, shells, or feathers. Full lace wigs are great for styling because the lace cap tends to look natural all over the head. Lace front wigs may be less natural-looking because the wig cap material may show through if you put the braids up.
Caring for your braided wig
Take good care of your braided wig and it could last for months or even years depending on the quality of the wig. Washing is the first step to keeping your wig looking fresh. A general rule of thumb is to wash your wig after about seven days of wear. Start by detangling any snarls, then gently wash the wig in warm water. Use a gentle sulfate-free shampoo and a mild conditioner to keep it hydrated. Blot the wig with a towel and then let it air-dry naturally.
Proper storage is also important. You never want to throw your wig in a drawer or cramped space because it can warp the shape and cause unwanted kinks. When you’re not wearing your wig, place it on a mannequin head or a wig stand. Make sure the cap isn’t being stretched out of shape while it’s on the stand. Keep the wig in a cool, dry place out of direct sunlight.
Final thoughts
Braided wigs are a fun way to switch up your style without committing to a long-term, permanent hairstyle. They can also save you time you might otherwise spend in a salon and even money over the long-run. A braided wig is a great investment, but you want to make sure you choose one that best suits your looks and style. In addition, knowing how to properly wear your wig and care for it is essential for getting the most out of your braided wig.
