7 Reasons Why your Hairpiece is Shedding and How to Avoid it

Just like with your natural hair, shedding is completely normal even with hairpieces. However, there are times where you may notice that your particular hairpiece is shedding a lot more than usual or a lot more than expected.

The type of base your hairpiece is could be even a major factor for this excess shedding. So with that said, Superhairpieces is taking a look at seven possible reasons your hairpiece could be shedding — including the most common cases by base — as well as tricks to avoid this from happening.

First, we’ll take a look at common factors your hairpiece could be shedding regardless of the type of base it is.

#1 Water damage

A soaked base can be a major reason for hair shedding. That’s because the water — whether it’s from a shower or a swim — can cause swelling on the base, especially if it’s a skin base. This, in turn, makes the grip power of the hair looser and ultimately leads to shedding. Avoid touching your hair immediately after it gets wet and wait for it to be completely dry.

Another factor is the water hardness level. Hard water is water that contains a buildup of minerals like calcium and magnesium and is usually found in mountainous states and regions. When it makes contact with your hair when you're washing it, hard water produces a film which makes it difficult for moisture penetration. The end result? Your hair is dry and prone to breakage and shedding. Consider a hard water softener or filter for your shower.

#2 Oil damage

The oil produced naturally by your scalp as well as the slippery, oily coating from silicone-based shampoos and conditioners can also cause hair shedding. This oily film acts as a lubricant as while it makes your hair smoother, it also loosens the knots to the base and leads to hair fall.

One way to combat this is to use non silicone-based shampoos and conditioners such as Naked. Additionally, spray-on leave-in conditioner prevents your roots from making contact with any silicone ingredient.

You can also use a scalp protector to decrease the amount of oil you produce while deep cleaning your scalp can also take away the oils from your pores.

#3 Physical force

You may be causing the hair shedding yourself depending on how much force you are putting on your hairpiece. Things like scratching your head, how you’re sleeping (the material of your pillow rubbing against the hair), wearing a tight hat, tying or braiding your hair, forcing it to be combed or stretching the base can all weaken your hair and cause it to fall off.

To counter this, notable best practices are to never wear a hat when you have a hairpiece on, invest in a silk pillowcase, never comb your hair after a shower when it’s still wet and to never — or try to reduce — how much you sleep with a full cap wig or long hair hairpiece as this can cause your hair to tangle and shed.

#4 Heat

Heat can also cause hair shedding. Factors such as where you live will play a role, but other factors such as blow drying your hair the wrong way, overdoing it or not protecting your hair before applying heat can either overdry your hair or cause it to be brittle.

That’s because heat will break down the hydrogen bond which makes up a third of your hair’s strength. Instead, air dry if possible or use the cold setting on your blow dryer. You can also invest in heat-protection creams or sprays that are designed to protect your hair when you apply heat.

#5 Chemicals

Like hydrogen bonds, sulfur bonds also hold together the protein structures of your hair. And they can be affected by chemical agents like perms, bleach, relaxers and coloring among others.

If you can avoid it, try not to use these chemical agents on your hair to prevent hair shedding. But if you absolutely require it, you will have to accept that you will experience hair fall.

#6 Light

UV (ultraviolet) light can also cause your hair to fall. If your hair has prolonged exposure to the sun, the UV rays can damage your hair whether by discoloration, thinning, frizziness or causing split ends or dry and brittle strands. So if you’re out and about for much of the day, try and avoid exposure to the sun as much as possible.

Your lights at home can also contribute, however. Fluorescent lights usually emit a small amount of UV light and could potentially cause discoloration or damage to your hair. Instead, invest in UV-reducing or UV-free light alternatives.

#7 Manufacturing

If you find that none of the previous points apply to you, then it’s more than possible that your hair is shedding simply because of its manufacturing. This can be because of poor hair material being sourced, hair processing causing the hair to become weak or poor knotting.

It should also be considered that there is usually a trade-off with hairpieces. The stronger the knots, the more durable it is. That said, it looks less appealing and natural in the process. So depending on where you’re buying the hairpiece from, if it looks very good, the chances are it will be very expensive but won’t be as durable. If it’s durable, it likely won’t look as natural looking.

At Superhairpieces, however, because we have no middleman, we are able to lower the price of our hairpieces compared to other manufacturers. In correspondence to this price reduction and increased affordability, we are able to make our hair pieces more natural looking and beautiful while compromising slightly on durability.

------------------------

Now let’s take a look at the common causes of hair shedding in specific bases.

Skin base - Water damage

As skin bases are the thinnest bases, they aren’t as long-lasting as some of the other bases on the market. It makes up for this by being more natural looking. However, they are also prone to water damage and one thing to remember is to never touch the hair on your skin base immediately after a shower.

Lace base - Oil damage

For lace bases, the common cause for hair shedding comes from oil damage. Oil — whether it’s from a product or your scalp — will contribute to loosening the knots in the base which results in it slipping away and falling. Avoid silicone-based shampoos and conditioners and also consider scalp protectors.

Mono base - Friction damage

When it comes to mono bases, the damage mostly comes from friction damage. Monofilament lace is made from very thin but very strong monofilament fibers which are very sharp. Because of this, when you rub the hair on this base, it is the equivalent of cutting your hair so make sure to avoid rubbing it.

Full cap wig - Sleep damage

As far as full cap wigs are concerned, shedding can arise when you sleep with it on. Unlike toupees which you can easily sleep with, full cap wigs can be damaged in a matter of a couple of nights if you choose to sleep with it on.

Women’s hairpieces - Chemical damage

With women’s hairpieces, there are a number of reasons for hair fall. This can range from chemical agents such as perms, dyeing or colouring; sleeping while the hair is wet leading to tangling and damage; or the wrong way of applying heat.

Hopefully, this guide has thoroughly explained why your hairpiece may be shedding.

------------------------

If you are interested in learning more or purchasing a wig, toupee or any other hair system for yourself, contact one of our Superhairpieces consultants today at 1-866-814-7879 or email at sales@superhairpieces.com to set up your virtual appointment.

Be sure to subscribe to our email list to ensure you get all the product information you need.

Need further information? Browse through our website at www.superhairpieces.com (US & International) or superhairpieces.ca (CAN)

Don’t forget tag us at @Superhairpieces and #Superhairpieces on your social media channels to get a shoutout!