There is no one exact answer to the question of how long do human hair wigs last.

The reason there is no one exact answer is because like everything else in the hair world, every person is different, unique and has their own lifestyle.

When addressing this question,I'm sure you know a lot about wigs.

Is the human hair wig made from 100% all natural human hair or is it a combination of human and/or synthetic or other fibers?

Human hair wigs can consist of 100% human hair or it can be a combination of 100% human hair mixed with synthetic and/or other types of fibers.

How long do human hair wigs last?

In a very general answer, 100% human hair wigs which do not contain other fibers are usually designed and manufactured to last approximately 4 months or so.

If a 100% human hair wig is babied it can last anywhere from 6–12 months.

Yes, there are a lot of ifs, ands or buts when it comes to the life of a 100% human hair wig.

A lot depends upon how often the wig owner wears the wigs as well as how the wig is cared for.

There are a wide range of factors which ultimately impact the longevity of the wigs.

Long Term Wig Care And Maintenance

A follow-up question to how long do human hair wigs last is how the wig is cared for.

Personally I own over 100 different wigs from an array of manufacturers and wig distributors.

Many of the wigs have been in my collection for several years because I don’t wear wigs very often.

The Factors Which Impact The Life Of A 100% Human Hair Wig

A 100% human hair wig, with consistent wear, may last up to 4 months.

However, if you consciously work to extend the life of your 100% wig the following factors may come into play:

1. Quality Of The Wig Hair -100% human hair which contains intact cuticles may tend to last longer than wigs without intact cuticles. Some types of human hair tend to last longer when made into wigs than other types.
2. Wig Cap- Wig caps come in a variety of materials ranging from full lace to partial lace (front or front and sides only) or what is known a machine made wig cap. Sometimes the machine wig cap is known as a mechanism wig.
   
   Lace Front Wigs - Human hair lace front wigs are wigs that have a small sheer lace panel along the front hairline attached to the front of the wig.
   
   The lace front wig provides the illusion of a natural hairline.
   
   Lace front wigs are often worn by many celebrities. The hair strands are hand-sewn into the holes of the lace.
   
   Full Lace Wigs - Full lace wigs have a base which consists of 100% lace, unlike the wig cap with only a lace front.
   
   Caps made with 100% lace are woven by hand. The caps which are 100% lace offer more versatility because they look so much more natural.
   
   Full lace wigs can be parted anywhere and look natural. They can also be pulled up into an array of braids, ponytails, chignons or similar updos hairstyles.
   
   As a result of the 100% hand made full lace cap, the 100% human hair wigs tend to be much hardier and last longer.
   
   Machine Made Wig Covers - Made 100% by machines, these types of wig covers are much heavier than either partial or full lace wigs.
   
   Machine made wig covers are heavier, less versatile, less breathable than either full or partial lace caps.
   
   Machine made caps with 100% hair wigs often are less durable than a full lace cap and 100% full human hair.
3. Wig Hair Color- The lighter the wig hair color, the more processing it requires from chemicals. Thus the lighter the hair, the more fragile the result of the wig.
   
   Ditto for highly textured (wavy, curly, coily or similar) hair used in 100% human hair wigs.
   
   Traditionally the darkest, straightest human hair used on 100% human hair wigs will last the longest.
   
   This is especially true if the wig is carefully maintained for the longest wig life.
   
   The darkest, straightest 100% human hair wigs with 100% hand made lace wig caps can last up to a year if cared for very carefully.
4. Length Of Human Hair Used In Wigs- The longer the hair used in the 100% human hair wigs, the more risk to the life of the wig
   
   Just like with real hair on human heads, hair on wigs can be damaged by combing, brushing, detangling or even the friction of the hair when rubbing against collars, clothing or human skin.
   
   Whether you brush wig hair off your face with a comb, brush or your fingers, you still will increase the wear and tear to the 100% human hair wig.
   
   The shorter the hair on the 100% human hair wigs, the longer the wig will last.
5. Frequency Of Wig Wear- Like anything else in life, the more you wear and use your 100% human hair wig, the faster it will wear out.
   
   The more you wash it and style it, the faster the life of the wig will be ended. The more frequently you wear a wig, the fast it will wear out. That’s the truth, plain and simple.
   
   Most people who wear 100% human hair wigs will buy multiple wigs in either the same color and styles or the same color or different styles. It can help you extend the life of each wig by alternating wear of each version on different days.
   
   Minimizing the cleaning cycles also helps to extend the life of every wig.
6. Overall Maintenance Wig Care- Start with the best 100% human hair wig maintenance and care by following all of the wig manufacturer’s suggested care.
   
   Some wig manufacturers suggest that their customers use a special wig shampoo and/or condition. Some wigs also require the application of a special hydrating cream or lotion.
   
   Follow all suggested combing, brushing and styling suggestions. Comb, brush and style from the bottom up in small sections. Never pull or tug the wig’s hair unnecessarily.
   
   Move slowly and carefully when combing, brushing or styling.
   
   If the wig is textured (wavy, curly, coily or similar) use the recommended styling tool.
   
   Store all wigs, when not being worn on an appropriate wig frame.
7. Consider Environmental Factors - Protect your wig againstunnecessary exposure to excessive heat or smoke or similar external environments which would shorten the life of any type of hair.
   
   Remember that any environment which is damaging to regular hair will be damaging to 100% human wig hair.

Wash 100% Human Hair Wigs According To Manufacturer’s Suggestions

Wet and dry wash your 100% human hair wigs according to wig manufacturer instructions.

Always detangle wigs very carefully before wet washing.

Carefully remove all tangles. Work from the bottom to the top and take your time. Speed is not of the essence.

Lukewarm Water Is Key

Use lukewarm, never hot water, to wet wash.

Most manufacturers suggest gently moving the 100% human hair through water in a sink or similar bowl mixed with special wig cleaners.

Avoid stir, swishing or dragging the wig through the water or it can become tangled or develop wrinkles or kinds. Gently tap the wig with your hair in the water.

Rinse carefully, but well, to remove cleanser.

100% Human Hair Wigs Need Conditioners Too

Apply suggested conditioner evenly with your fingers.

Leave the conditioner on the wig for 10–20 minutes, depending upon the manufacturer’s suggestions.

Rinse well in lukewarm to cool water.

Wrap wet wig with a clean 100% all cotton t-shirt or shammy. Avoid ruffling the wig hair. Carefully blot excess water from wig surface.

All0w the wig to air dry in a cool, well-ventilated place so that it can dry naturally.

Do not use heat on a 100% human hair wig unless specifically approved by your professional wig stylist or manufacturer.

The Bottom Line To Understanding The Life Of A Human Hair Wig

A 100% all human hair wig, made from a 100% full lace cap (handmade and entire cap) which has short, straight and the darkest color of hair, which is properly maintained and worn through a rotation system could potentially last for up to one year.

You Get What You Pay For

If you are serious about wearing the highest quality of 100% human hair wigs which look the best, work with a professional wig consultant who can help you pick the very best wig for your lifestyle goals.||

Not All Wig Manufacturers And Distributors Are The Same

It is absolutely true that all wig manufacturers are not the same. Neither are all wig distributors.

The differences between some of the manufacturers and distributors is vast.

After 25+ years of studying, wearing and dealing directly with a range of wig manufacturers and distributors, I am very suspicious of all claims which are made about wigs.

I have to see the wigs in person, do my own research, talk to wig specialists I trust and then I form my own opinion.

A Great Wig Is A Major Investment Of Money And Time

Keep in mind that some of the finest 100% human hair wigs, hand made on 100% all lace caps with the very best quality hair can cost many thousands of dollars.

When you make that type of investment its important to do your research and do your very best to extend the life of your treasured wig as long as possible.

Best wishes to all.