Grow Out Your Hair Using WIGS

How to Grow Your Hair While Wearing Wigs (Without Sacrificing Your Edges)

Hair plays a powerful role in how we see ourselves. It’s tied to confidence, identity, and let’s be honest, those instant mood boosts after getting your hair done.

Wigs can be an incredible tool for protecting your natural hair when done correctly. The goal isn’t just to “wear wigs,” it’s to retain length, protect your edges, and keep your scalp healthy underneath.

If you’ve ever wondered why your hair isn’t growing despite wearing wigs, this guide will walk you through a simple, sustainable routine that actually works.

Think of your hair like a plant:
water it, nourish it, massage it, and speak life into it. Growth follows care.

Let’s get into it.

Have a Consistent Hair Care Routine

Consistency beats complexity every time.

Constantly switching products and methods makes it hard to know what your hair actually responds to. Your routine doesn’t have to look like anyone else’s, nor do you need to buy every product your fav influencer promotes. It just needs to be repeatable and gentle.

Before the Wig Install: Start With a Clean, Moisturized Base

Wash day does not need to be an all-day affair.

A simple, effective wash routine looks like this:

• Section and detangle

• Clarifying shampoo (1–2x if there’s heavy buildup)

• Moisturizing shampoo

• Conditioner (rinse with cool water to help close the cuticle)

• Prep hair for braid down or twists

I personally use a 21-in-1 leave-in conditioner, a hair moisturizing butter, and castor oil, then blow-dry about halfway. My goal is hydrated hair—not bone dry, not soaking wet.

Whether you’re installing your wig yourself or seeing a stylist, always start on a clean scalp. Healthy installs begin before the wig even touches your head.

During the Install: Low Tension Is Non-Negotiable

Any protective style done incorrectly can cause damage.

If you have fine or fragile hair, consider flat twists instead of tight cornrows. Since switching to flat twists, my takedowns are easier, detangling is gentler, and my hair sheds less.

Once your hair is braided or twisted:

• Use a braid spray or some moisturizing/hydrating mist. 
  

• Massage oil into your scalp to lock the moisture in.

• Choose any oil your scalp tolerates well

• Focus on nourishment, not suffocation

This step helps reduce dryness and that urge to constantly “pat yo weave, baby.” (Thank you, Beyoncé.)

After the Wig: Removal Matters More Than You Think

If you’re using glue and want to keep your edges, don’t snatch that wig off.

Use:

• Lace glue remover

• Oil.

Or you can choose to simply not use glue, because it can be damaging in the long term. 

Some people use alcohol, but it can dry out your hair, causing breakage over time. 

There is no one-size-fits-all; listen to your scalp.

Once the wig and cap are removed:

• Gently take down braids or twists

• Avoid snagging or rushing 

  • (Mist a bottle of water and conditioner can help reduce breakage during take down.)

• Then return to your Before the Install routine

Growth happens in the cycle, not the shortcut.

5 Common Reasons Why Your Hair Isn't Growing.

DISCLAIMER: Disclaimer: If these don’t apply to you, consult a licensed professional. While I am a licensed natural hair care specialist,  I’m not a doctor, just sharing common causes.

Vitamin Deficiencies

If your diet lacks key nutrients, hair growth can stall. Consider supplementing for 90 days and monitoring changes.

Biotin gummies are a favorite of mine.

Chronic Dryness

Dry hair breaks before it grows.

If moisture isn’t lasting, you may need:

• More frequent hydration

• Layered moisture (water + cream + oil)

• A simplified routine

Remember the maximum hydration method era?
The lesson still applies—hydration matters.

Additional Tips for Hair Growth

Protect Your Edges While Wearing Wigs

Love on your edges. There is no reason they should be manhandled.

Snatching wigs off at 2 a.m. is not self-care.

Patience protects length. And yes, speaking life into your hair matters. The power of the tongue is real, and it’s biblical.

Trim Split Ends (But Don’t Panic Cut)

Uneven length doesn’t always mean damage. Hair grows in cycles.

If you’re natural and not seeing a stylist, you can trim yourself (carefully). I typically trim once or twice a year, depending on the level of maintenance styles I've been doing. 

Flaunt Your Hair Sometimes

Give your hair and yourself a break from the wigs.

Wear it out. Show it off. Surprise the people who swear you’re bald under your wigs. Loving your hair in every stage encourages confidence, and confidence fuels consistency.

I’ve been using wigs intentionally to retain length for about 2 years and I’ve seen real progress.

Wigs don’t magically grow your hair. But when used correctly, they protect it long enough for length retention to occur.

Care for what’s underneath, and the results will speak for themselves.

Shop beginner-friendly glueless wigs designed for hair health