It's not new that lace type wigs have become popular among women who want to change their looks and also among those who are going through the process of hair transition But, even with its popularity, it still generates a very common doubt: after all, the laces damage natural hair ?

To clarify this and other questions about this accessory, the trichologist Luciana Passoni, from São Paulo, has prepared a guide about how to use laces.

Do Laces damage natural hair: myth or truth?

According to Luciana's information, the laces impair the natural hair only if they are used in the wrong way.

Because it is fixed through a mesh on the scalp, the accessory demands a lot of attention during its use, to ensure that the hair underneath is not damaged. In addition, it requires some basic hygiene rules.

To begin with, it is necessary to let the scalp breathe when wearing the wig.

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"One of the problems of using them frequently is that your hair gets dirty, which generates the accumulation of residues and of the very sebum produced by the hair glands. This, therefore, causes the obstruction of the pores and can interfere with the healthy growth of the strands," warns the doctor.

Another important point is that you should never put the lace on while the scalp and hair are wet. Believe me: this attitude can lead to the appearance of fungus in this region!

Read also: Does washing your hair every day harm your hair?

Besides removing the wigs to wash your natural hair, it is also necessary to sanitize the laces with specific products for these strands.

"We try to indicate shampoos that have detox action, with technology to act directly on the hair root," indicates Luciana.

"And a warning: don't wear the accessory 24 hours a day and don't sleep with it on! Whether it's for personal taste or professional demands, some habits end up compromising the hair's root," she advises.

Care in applying lace

According to the trichologist, the quality of the laces and where they will be placed on you are also factors that must be taken into account.

First of all, it is necessary to pay close attention to the quality of the glue used. After all, the product can be toxic to the natural hair shaft, which can lead to hair loss.

Read also: Scalp itching: What it is and how to treat it

"It is also necessary to be very careful with the so-called contact dermatitis, which can be caused by the glue on the scalp. The patient ends up scratching and pulling the hair shaft, contributing to hair breakage," he adds.

"The distance between the glue and the hair root, to avoid allergic dermatitis, and a care routine to wash the hair frequently and keep the scalp clean, is very important!" she concludes.

Braids can also damage natural hair

Normally done to make the lace fit better on the head, braids can also offer health risks to natural hair.

This is because they are often done very tightly, damaging the scalp.

"Very tight hairstyles can be considered risk factors for traction alopecia. Partial hair loss, in these cases, occurs closer to the forehead or above the ears," explains Luciana.

Read also: Main causes of hair loss

"Boxer braids, unicorn braids, drealocks, rastafari braids, and ballerinas' bun are also commonly associated with hair damage," he adds.

In addition, it is necessary to wait until the hair is completely dry before starting to braid it.

"Headaches and flaking of the scalp are also symptoms that can occur when braiding wet hair," warns the expert.

How to remove the lace safely

After some time with the different look, the person gets tired of the lace and wants to go back to using her natural hair. What now?

At this point, it is also important to be careful and not remove the wig in a disorderly manner, much less by pulling.

"Never pull the roots when undoing braids, to avoid hair loss, and don't pull the strands to avoid breaking them. Keep in mind that they will be more fragile for having been stuck for a long time", the trichologist points out.

Another important tip is to bet on hydrating the hair with specific products to invigorate and nourish it after loosening the strands.

Source: Luciana Passoni, trichologist, from São Paulo.