Do Half Wigs Damage Your Hair?

Half wigs promise quick transformation and a “just stepped out of the salon” look and many wig lovers are finding out about this wig variation. While there is a lot of interest around half wigs there is also confusion related to how they effect your real hair. There is a myth surrounding half wigs that they can be damaging for your real hair due to their unconventional wearing mechanism.  

So before you buy a half wig lets clear the air. This guide will cover what half wigs are, why they’re unique, and most importantly debunk the myths associated with this hair system and help you figure out if its right for you or not.  

What are Half Wigs? 

A half wig is exactly what it sounds like a wig that covers only a part of your head. Usually leaving a section of your natural hair at the front or the sides of the head. Half wigs are designed to blend your natural hair with a wig giving the illusion of volume, length, and texture without a full installation.  

The charm of half wigs is clear they are light weight compared to full wigs and they are easier and faster to install. You can wear, style, and leave out a section of your hair and you are good to go. It is tempting for people that want to let their real hair shine through even when wearing a wig.  

Modern half wigs are usually prestyled with curls, waves, or even braids. But when you know all these advantages it is important to know the reason for misconceptions related to this lightweight wig type. When researching about half wigs you might come across some forum posts expressing concerns related to these wigs. But the truth is that just like any hair styling product you have to use half wigs properly to get all the benefits and avoid risks. We are going to take a deeper look at some of these myths and concerns in the next section and debunk them once and for all.  

Half Wigs Related Myths Debunked 

Wearing half is a carefree and safe way to blend your natural hair with a hair piece to get volume and styling versatility. However due to their unique construction installing them can be tricky and you still need to take care of your natural hair when wearing half wigs. Here are the common myths surrounding half wigs and how you can avoid them: 

Myth 1. Half Wigs Cause Hair Thining and Breakage 

Half wigs are secured to your natural hair because they are designed to blend with your natural hair. So naturally a half wig is going to need a careful installation so the tension from the wig is distributed evenly throughout your hair.  

The combs or clips used to secure the half wig to your natural hair should hold hold the hair gently and not tug on it. Uneven tension due to overly tight installation can result in hair breakage but a proper installation makes sure the half wig isn’t putting excessive strain on only one section of the hair.  

Solution: Always wear a wig cap to prevent friction and install the wig’s elastic band or drawstrong until it is snug but not too tight. Always insert the combs gently into your braided base and avoid attaching them to loose hair.  

Myth 2. Half Wigs Cause Buildup 

Wearing a half wig doesn’t mean that you no longer need to take care of the natural hair underneath. Many people think that since half wigs are breathable there is a lesser need for washing your natural hair. So when they reduce the washing frequency the buildup speeds up and half wigs get all the blame for a lack of proper care. 

The unwanted buildup can even cause itching or flaking which is often termed as “wig irritation” but it is actually caused by not washing your hair regularly.  

Solution: Luckily this problem can be solved by maintaining a regular wash routine. Cleanse your natural hair every 2-3 days using a mild sulfate free shampoo. Doing so makes sure that you don’t get wig irritation from wearing a half wig.  

Myth 3. Half Wigs Can be Worn All Day Long 

Half wigs have many qualities and one of them is their convenience and lightweight. But the convenience can lead because people to wearing them from morning to bedtime without any breaks. Wearing any wig whether half or full can result in scalp irritation and half wigs get the blame because they are much more likely to be left on longer. 

Your scalp need time to breathe and prolonged wear traps heat and moisture which also leads to irritation and in some cases mild fungal growth.  

Solution: Wear a half wig no more than 10 hours a day and always take it off before sleeping to prevent any damage to your scalp or hair.  

Are Half Wigs Worth it? 

By now it should be clear that the common myths related to half wigs are nothing more than assumptions and they can be avoided by taking some basic care. Half wigs found their niche because they have something that beauty lovers crave: instant transformation with less effort compared to full wigs or weaves. So as far as their transformative abilities are concerned half wig is without a doubt a worthy type of wig. 

The biggest challenge with half wigs has to be the blending. As long as you can bridge the difference between the natural texture and wig’s texture by straightening, or curling the wig to blend in you can get flawless results from a half wig. 

With that said half wigs do come with some styling limitations and some ladies might not want to leave their natural hair out. For those looking for better protection and more styling freedom there are always alternative options. 

Alternatives to Half Wigs 

Sew Ins 

If you want a breathable semi permanent option that still looks natural then hair bundles for sew ins are the perfect alternative. Sew-ins allow you to create a full or partial look that matches your personal style and with bundles you can control the density, length, and texture making it easy to achieve a personalized style. You can wash sew ins without taking them off and they distribute the weight evenly without straining your natural hair.  

Human Hair Lace Wigs 

A human hair lace wig offers unmatched protection without the need to blend or leave out your natural hair. You can switch between styles, textures, and parts with ease and high quality HD lace wigs still offer the breathability that many wearers admire about half wigs.  

Hermosa Hair’s full lace human hair wigs are made from real hair and move naturally, can be heat styled, and you get to style them anyway you want.  

Conclusion 

There is nothing wrong with half wigs but sometimes the simplicity of these wigs can cause the wearers to stop following a regular care routine.  

So if you are concerned about straining your natural hair you can get a fuller coverage by going with a full lace wig. Your natural hair will thank you for being so careful about its health.  

*This is a collaborative post