Hair is a significant factor when it comes to self-perception. Hair has become a part of women's identity. And you know it's true, just think about all the times you instantly felt better after you got your hair done!

So here's a safe way to ensure you can grow your hair using wigs. These tips are important to help you avoid setbacks when retaining length.

Paying attention to your natural hair is essential for achieving your hair goals.

The key is to keep it simple and treat your hair like a plant; water it, oil it, massage it, and speak life unto it (we'll get into that later). For many women, there's nothing better than seeing some new growth and doing a length check. So let's get into these easy ways to retain length while wearing a wig.

Have a Routine

The best way to be consistent with anything is to have a routine. I'll give you my very own routine.

Before the Wig:

Wash day doesn’t need to take all day, girl! A simple wash day can go in this order: section, detangle, shampoo, deep condition, & finally, blow dry/ stretch while using a moisturizing cream, oil, and heat protectant. Whether you're DIY-ing your wig install or getting someone else to do it, please wash to ensure you start on a clean scalp and moisturized hair.

During the Install:

Any protective style not done right can be damaging. Therefore, if your hair density is fine, opt for flat twists instead of corn rows. Personally, ever since I switched from cornrows to flat twist, my hair has been easier to take out and detangle. Plus, if your cornrows are too tight, you might lose hair. Once you've flat-twisted or cornrowed your hair, massage some oil into your scalp. It doesn't matter what kind of oil you use, you just want to give your scalp some food to munch on while it's under the wig, which can prevent the urge to excessively "pat yo weave baby" - Thanks Beyonce.

After the Wig:

Unless you want to be edgeless...PUH-LEASE do not snatch that wig off if you used glue! But, your edges, your choice. After the wig, you looking for growth, so use lace glue remover or some oil. For others, alcohol works, but for me, it previously caused bumps and bleeding so I stopped using it. Just know what works best on your skin. One size does not fit all!

Once you've got the wig and wig cap off, carefully take down the cornrows or flat twist. You don't want to be snagging at your hair, causing tangles, and then damaging the ends. Then go back to "Before the Install".

Reasons Why Your Hair Isn't Growing.

DISCLAIMER: If you believe these do not apply to you, speak to a specialist who can diagnose you and give you steps for what's best for your body.  I am not a doctor. These are just common reasons.

Vitamins

If you aren't getting the necessary vitamins from your eating, consider taking some vitamins for 90 days and monitor your results. Biotin gummies are my fav. When I slept in my car (a whole nother story), I took these vitamins that helped my hair grow.   

Your Hair is Dry

Yeah, experiment a little with your hair and see what works best for you to retain moisture. Ima be real, you might need some extra moisture. Remember 3 years ago when everyone was doing the maximum hydration method? 

More tips & tricks.

Keep Your Edges While Wearing Wigs

Love on your hair, and it will love you. Girl there should be no reason why you manhandle your edges.

For example: snatching your wig off at 2 am.

Don’t rip out your edges for a lack of patience.  One thing I will ALWAYS advise is to speak life unto your hair.  If you've seen the Rice Love/Hate Jar Experiment, then you KNOW the power of life and death is in the tongue. That's biblical.

Trim Split Ends

Don't cut just because the ends are not all the same length, that doesn't always mean it needs to be cut. It just means your hair strands have different growth cycles (mind-blowing, right?!). With natural hair, it can be difficult to see that we need a trim. If you don't go to a hairstylist, you can honestly do it yourself (and if you haven't noticed by now, I am definitely a DIY girlie).  I typically do this once or twice a year. I get close and identify the split ends.

Flaunt Your Hair

I saved the best tip for last. I don't know about you....but me??? Give your hair a break and show off. Why not? Surprise the folks who think you are bald under the wigs, most importantly, love on YOU, and your hair will grow whether you wear a wig or not!

When the hair grows, I flaunt the fro! I've been using wigs to grow my hair for about a year now and have seen inches! Currently at bra strap length. Wigs don't necessarily "grow" your hair, but they forsure help to retain length!