Wig oxidisation (or oxidation) is a natural process where human hair wigs lose colour vibrancy and start to become brassy or faded over time. This happens due to exposure to environmental factors such as ultraviolet (UV) rays, heat, pollution, sweat, and water (especially chlorinated or salty water). All processed human hair wigs will experience some degree of oxidisation, but the speed and severity vary based on how well you care for your wig and where you live.
Oxidisation cannot be completely stopped, but it can be slowed down by regular care—like using products with UV filters, limiting sun exposure, and scheduling periodic colour refreshes and conditioning treatments.
Think of your wig as an investment that requires regular upkeep, similar to servicing a car to keep it running smoothly.
What is Wig Oxidisation (Oxidation)?
Wig oxidisation is a chemical process where the hair fibres in a wig react with oxygen and environmental factors like sunlight, heat, and pollutants. This reaction causes changes in the hair’s colour and texture, often leading to fading or brassiness in dyed wigs and a duller appearance overall. Essentially, oxidation results from the hair losing electrons or combining with oxygen, similar to how metals rust, and is a natural part of wig ageing that can be managed with proper care.
How Long Will a Real Hair Wig Last?
The lifespan of a real human hair wig ranges broadly but generally lasts between one to four years with proper care. High-quality human hair wigs made of Remy or virgin hair, which maintain intact cuticles, tend to be more durable to wig oxidisation, resisting tangling and shedding better than lower-quality options.
Key factors affecting lifespan include:
- Quality of the wig hair and craftsmanship: Premium hair and skilled manufacturing extend durability.
- Frequency of use: Daily wear leads to faster wear and tear, while rotating wigs prolongs longevity.
- Care and maintenance: Gentle washing with sulfate-free products, consistent conditioning, careful styling, and proper storage on wig stands.
Lower-quality human hair wigs or those worn daily without proper care may need replacement in under a year, whereas well-maintained high-end wigs can last beyond four years.
Common Causes of Wig Damage and How to Avoid Them
Wigs, especially natural hair wigs, can suffer damage from improper use and insufficient care. Understanding these causes will help you protect your investment and keep your wig looking fresh:
- Excessive heat: Styling with high heat can weaken hair fibres and cause dryness and breakage. Always use heat protectors and moderate temperatures.
- Aggressive brushing: Rough handling tangles and breaks the hair. Use wide-tooth combs and start detangling from the ends upward.
- Improper washing & products: Harsh shampoos strip natural oils; use gentle, wig-specific shampoos and conditioners.
- Wearing tight or ill-fitting wigs: These can cause traction alopecia (hair thinning/loss) and scalp irritation.
- Long exposure to sun and pollutants: UV rays and pollutants degrade colour and fibre quality; store wigs away from direct sunlight and use protective sprays.
- Neglecting moisture: Wigs can become dry and brittle without proper conditioning.
How Long Does a Good Wig Last?
A good wig, taken to mean a high-quality human hair wig with responsible care, typically lasts 2 to 5 years. Synthetic wigs usually have a shorter lifespan of 4-6 months with daily wear, but can last longer with infrequent use.
To maximise your wig’s lifespan:
- Invest in premium wigs made from Remy or virgin human hair.
- Rotate between a couple of wigs if worn frequently.
- Follow a careful maintenance routine including gentle washing, conditioning, and protecting from heat and UV.
- Avoid frequent chemical treatments on wigs.
- Store wigs properly on stands away from moisture and sunlight.
Final Tips for Wig Care
- To prevent wig oxidisation for as long as possible, schedule regular professional wig maintenance, such as conditioning and colour refreshes, every 3-6 months, depending on wear.
- Use products specifically designed for wigs, especially those with UV and heat protection.
- Allow your scalp wig-free time and keep it clean and moisturised to avoid scalp issues from wig wear.
- Handle your wig with care, treating it gently as you would your own hair to maintain softness and prevent breakage.
By understanding wig oxidisation and practising mindful care, your wig can maintain its beauty and last for years, making it a worthy investment for your style and confidence.
The Hair to Ware Difference
We know and understand that it takes time to get perfection. We work professionally and slowly, and never get scissor-happy (it won’t grow back!) to achieve this for you.
Our team only works on alternative hair purchased from us. Why? Because we know the hair well, we are assured of the quality, plus we have received full training from our educators, suppliers and manufacturers. This ensures a consistently high professional result that will cause no damage or breakage to your purchase.
- We will never use bleach on any alternative hair.
- We conduct colour strand tests on every human hair wig or topper before it’s coloured.
- We do not use any nasties or cheaper alternatives in-house
- We never use parabens, silicones or sulphates
- All our colourists are highly trained professionals with qualifications and ongoing training in both hairdressing and alternative hair
Investing in a real hair wig can be a big decision with many options to consider. There’s colour, texture, style, length and, of course, the price. Rest assured that we have both the products and the expertise to guide you through what can often be a difficult decision. We can also assure you that our team understands the emotional rollercoaster you may be on – and we’re here to support you every step of the way.
Contact us for more information or simply to answer any questions you may have.
