Are Wigs Itchy? [ANSWERED]


Are you suffering from extreme itchiness whenever you wear a wig? Well, you’re not alone because this is a common issue that most wig-wearers suffer from. I’ve done some research into why wigs cause such itchiness and how you can relieve this itch!

Not all wigs are itchy and uncomfortable, in fact, itchy wigs are generally wigs that are made from low-quality synthetic fibers that irritate your scalp. That said, high-quality wigs made from human hair or modern synthetic materials should not be itchy unless you have a particularly sensitive scalp.

The itchiness from wearing a wig can be really embarrassing, especially when you have to scratch your head in the middle of a conversation! Keep on reading to learn more about the causes of the itch and how you can manage it.

Reasons Your Wig is Itchy

There are several reasons as to why you may find yourself constantly scratching your head, and it’s important that you understand exactly why this is happening so that you can nip it in the bud!

Your wig may feel itchy due to the fact that it is poorly maintained. As your wig is exposed to wear and tear, the strands begin to break through the base, causing an itchy sensation. You can combat this by regularly brushing the hair carefully and checking for stray loose hairs and removing them as they occur.

Here are some reasons why your wig is itchy:

  • The hair underneath is dirty. Having dirty hair underneath your wig is definitely going to cause your head to be itchy. The build up of old hair products, grease and oils, dirt and dead skin cells will irritate your hair follicles. This irritation will cause inflammation and create an intense itching sensation.
  • Your scalp is too dry. You may be experiencing itchiness due to your scalp being too dry. The lack of moisture to your scalp from wearing a wig or from the products you are using on your hair may be irritating your scalp and, again, causing inflammation that results in itchiness.
  • You have dandruff. Dandruff usually looks like little white specks/flakes near the roots of the hair. Dandruff can also cause inflammation at the roots of the hair and can result in an itching sensation. Dandruff can be caused by an overgrowth of yeast on the scalp, irritated skin on the scalp, dry scalp and skin irritations caused by products.
  • You have a shampoo allergy. It is also possible that you have an allergy to the shampoo you’re using. The allergy could result in irritation and inflammation to the scalp and hair follicles which again could cause the itchiness you’re experiencing.
  • You have mildew growing on your scalp. If you have too much moisture on your scalp and not enough air flow you could be growing a type of fungus called mildew. The excess moisture could be due to you sweating a lot or if your hair is damp underneath your wig.
  • Your hair has been pinned up incorrectly. If your hair has been wrapped up or pinned up too tightly underneath the wig, it may be pulling at the hair follicles and causing inflammation which could be the cause of the itchiness.
  • You may have lice. If none of the other reasons listed above seem plausible in your situation, you may be suffering from lice. Lice are parasitic insects that feed off blood and live near the scalp on the roots of the hair. They are usually white in colour and the size of a sesame seed. Most people are allergic to the lice saliva which can cause extreme itchiness.

8 Tips for Reducing Itchiness

Now that you know exactly why your head is itching, it’s time to tackle the important part and that is how to reduce this uncomfortable, itchy sensation.

The best way to reduce itchiness from your wig is to brush your wig hair and remove any loose strands that may be sticking through the wig base and causing an itchy sensation. A wig cap is a great alternative, as it reduces friction between your hair and scalp. You can also apply some zinc to your scalp to fight infections that may be causing the itch.

Here are 8 tips for reducing itchiness:

1. Keep your hair clean underneath the wig. It is so important to wash your hair regularly even though it won’t be seen under the wig! Washing your hair regularly will remove and avoid product build up. Make sure that when you are washing your hair you are rinsing it properly and removing all of the shampoo and conditioner.

If you are struggling to remove the build up, try using a clarifying shampoo once a week to fully cleanse your scalp. Tea tree oil is also a good alternative as it can help to unclog your hair follicles.

2. Keep your scalp moisturised. If you suffer from a dry scalp it is important to treat it using moisturising products. I would recommend going for products containing coconut oil or shea butter as these ingredients have moisturising properties.

Try not to overheat your scalp by using a high heat setting on the hairdryer as this could also dry your scalp our further. Rather let your hair air dry and reduce having heat applied directly to the scalp.

3. Use anti-fungal shampoo. If you suffer from dandruff either use a shampoo specifically designed to treat dandruff or use an anti-fungal shampoo from the drugstore.

If you are looking for a more natural alternative, coconut oil is often used to eliminate dandruff as it has many anti-fungal and moisturising properties in it.

4. Stick to natural products. If your scalp is very sensitive to shampoos and and often has an allergic reaction, perhaps it is worth changing to a more natural range of products. I would recommend using products that are paraben and sulphate free as they are less likely to irritate your skin.

5. Dry your hair properly. If the cause of your itchiness is excess moisture it is important that you allow your hair to dry properly before wearing your wig. By allowing enough airflow through your hair and drying it properly you are reducing the likelihood that mildew will grow as mildew grows in damp places.

If the excess moisture is caused by sweat, consider investing in a dry shampoo. Dry shampoo is perfect for absorbing excess oils on the scalp and on the hair in between washes. Just be careful not to let this product build up in your hair too!

6. Invest in a wig cap. Wearing a wig cap can soothe some of the discomfort you may experience when wearing a wig as it acts as a protective barrier. Seasoned wig-wearers recommend a 100% cotton wig cap as it will balance the moisture on the scalp.

Wig caps can absorb the excess moisture but also prevent the scalp from drying out too much. Some wig caps even contain moisturising ingredients such as argan oil which will further reduce the irritation on the scalp.

7. Pin your hair up carefully. It is imperative that you wrap or pin your hair down tightly before putting on your wig. You should focus on the ends of your hair being pinned down and ensure that they are laying flat against your head.

Itchiness is often because the hair underneath the wig is not secure and it irritates and pokes the head. If the ends of your hair are not secure, they may poke your head when you wear your wig and this could cause inflammation and more itchiness.

8. Treat lice infestations. If you determine that you are suffering from a lice infestation it is important that you treat it straight away. Lice are highly contagious and can spread like wildfire if not treated immediately.

There are many different lice shampoos on the market that will kill the lice, however, as you wear a wig it is important to ensure that there are no lice or nits (lice eggs) on the wig.

Related Questions

Is scratching my head dangerous?

Yes, if you scratch your head continuously and aggressively you could cause serious abrasions to the scalp. These tears in the skin could easily get infected and cause more serious issues.

Will scratching my head cause hair loss?

Yes, If you scratch your head too much and with too much force you can cause damage to the skin and the hair follicles and cause temporary hair loss. The good news is that the hair will most likely to grow back once the area has healed.

Jodie

Hey, I’m Jodie, the gal behind CraftyHairHacks. I have a deep passion for hair extensions, hairstyles, and almost anything that has to do with hair, which leads me to the writing and research I do for this website daily. Our site is still small, however, we’re pushing to get the best hair hacks out to as many as people as possible. ENJOY!

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