A proper lace wig install is essential if you want a natural-looking hairline and overall look. But professional wig installs are extremely expensive, and if you do the wig install yourself, you’ll likely be spending hours on it. So, whether you go the professional route or choose to DIY, you won’t be able to install your wig every single day. That’s why every wig newbie wants to know, “How long does a wig install last?” In this article, we’ll not only tell you how long you can expect your wig install to last, but we’ll share expert tips for how to keep your wig looking fabulous in between installs. Let’s get right into it!

How Long Can You Keep a Wig Installed 

A wig install will last anywhere from 1 to 6 weeks. After that time, you’ll need to remove your wig and re-install it from scratch. If you’re wondering why there isn’t an exact duration for wig install longevity, keep on reading because several things affect how long your wig install will last.

The Wig Adhesive You Use

When it comes to wig adhesives, you’ve got several options, but the most commonly used adhesives include got2b glued freeze spray and professional-grade adhesives like Bold Hold or Ghost Bond. If you use got2b Glued Freeze Spray to secure the lace portion of your wig, you can expect it to stay on for a few days up to a week. But if you go for a heavy-duty wig adhesive, expect it to stay put for 3 to 6 weeks.

How Much You Sweat

For wig installs that utilize adhesives that aren’t waterproof, you’ve got to be careful how much you sweat. Every time you sweat excessively, the longevity of your wig install decreases. So, if you’re an active person who regularly sweats in their head, you can’t expect your wig install to last as long as the average person’s.

How much you sweat doesn’t matter if you choose a waterproof wig glue or adhesive. So, if you’re trying to stretch out your wig installs and you practically live in the gym, we urge you to go for a waterproof adhesive.

How Well the Wig Was Installed

It’s no question that the longevity of your wig install depends largely on who did the install. For instance, not everyone knows how to cleanse the skin before applying the gel or how much gel to apply for maximum hold. Expertise and practice both increase the chances that you’ll end up with a natural, secure wig install. And the more secure your wig is at the start, the longer it will last.

For anyone who’s new to wig-wearing, a professional install from a stylist in your area could be your best bet for a long-lasting install. But if you decide to go that route, you should ensure that the stylist has direct experience in wig installation. Before you go to a new stylist, check their reviews and talk to them about the wig installation process.

If you want to do your wig install yourself, you can! Just do your research and read our Guide on How to Put On a Lace Front Wig. The first time you install your wig, it may not last very long, but as you get better and better at wig installation, you’ll notice that your wig install lasts longer.

What Happens If You Wear a Wig Too Long

If you try to wear your wig for longer than 6 weeks at a time, you won’t be able to adequately care for your wig or your natural hair. A wig should be removed and washed every few weeks, especially if you’re wearing it every day without removing it. If this isn’t done, your unit may develop a bad smell and be more prone to tangling and breakage.

Your natural hair will also suffer if left under a wig for more than a few weeks without care. And as it grows out under 

the wig, it will start to get matted; the longer you wear your wig, the more matted your natural hair will get. Your natural hair needs to be washed, conditioned, detangled, and moisturized regularly to maintain its health. So, we encourage you to avoid wearing your wig for abnormally long periods.

How to Keep Your Wig Looking Great Between Installs

Once you get a wig installed, chances are you’re wondering how to keep it laid and in place for as long as possible. Unfortunately, if you’re not taking calculated steps to help your install last, it won’t look its best. This section will give you some valuable tips to help you slay in your unit as long as possible between installs.

Comb and Brush Your Wig Carefully

Use one hand to hold the lace down whenever you comb or brush your wig. Doing so will reduce the amount of tension put on the lace - that way, your wig is less likely to lift prematurely.

Minimize Moisture Exposure

For wigs installed with waterproof glue or adhesive, there’s no need to avoid moisture for the sake of preserving your install. But if the adhesive or glue you used is not waterproof, moisture is your worst enemy. In that case, avoid heavy workouts and always put on a shower cap before hopping in the shower. Whenever you feel your body temperature rise and think you might sweat, cool yourself down so you won’t ruin your installation.

Avoid Tangles

When your wig is damaged, it will need more detangling sessions - and if it becomes excessively tangled, the detangling sessions may be extensive. Each time you detangle your hair, you could end up accidentally tugging on your lace and loosening up your wig. So, it’s wise to take the following steps to reduce the chances of your wig becoming tangled:

• Wrap your hair up at night. If you let your wig flow freely as you toss and turn at night, it’ll be more likely to tangle.
• Keep your wig moisturized.  A dry wig is much more likely to tangle than one that’s hydrated. So, every once in a while, apply a light oil to your wig and never skip your conditioning sessions.
• Ensure that your hair is 100% dry before going to bed.  Going to sleep with a wet wig is the perfect recipe for a mess of tangles and even matting. 

Take a Break

Wig installation takes a lot of effort, and no matter how hard you work to make your hair look good, you’ll still need to remove the wig after a maximum of six weeks. This is totally fine for some, but if you are looking for a low-maintenance, throw-on type of wig, we recommend glueless wigs or headband wigs. These can be installed and removed whenever you want since they don’t require glue or adhesives.