Porsha Williams on How She Takes Care of Her Epic Wig Collection
Wigs have come a long way from being something you pull out from the back of your closet every Halloween. Today, they're high-quality, can blend seamlessly, and let you switch up your look in the blink of an eye. And no matter what your personal style, whether you're partial to a no-nonsense legal action wig or a colorful mermaid-esque unit, there is something out there for practically everyone.
Our wig obsession is reaching a fever pitch, and the celeb set is doing little to quell that. Indeed, they're actually making us even more excited about the wig world, and a few of them are even making money moves to cash in on the craze. Just ask Real Housewives of Atlanta star (and soon-to-be mum Porsha Williams, who herself is a wig pro. She owns over 40 of them, her own line of hair units called Go Naked, and even has a fancy wig room that looks like it was torn straight from the most luxurious home decor magazine. Believe us, we've seen it IRL.
And if you've seen Williams's wigs, you know they're in pristine, tip-top shape — basically the definition of wig goals. And fortunately for you, she shared with us just how she keeps her units looking like sheer perfection. Below, Williams spills the tea and gives us her unofficial crash course in how she takes care of her wigs.
ALLURE: What are best practices for washing your wig?
PORSHA WILLIAMS: When it comes to human hair, you want to try and keep the soft feel of it. Also, if you have color in your wig, you need to maintain that color, and make sure you're not washing it out every time. You have to use the appropriate chemicals for that hair type. So, if its colored hair, it's just like human hair, and you should use a color-maintenance shampoo and conditioner. I would also suggest applying a moisture mask every once in a while. Treat it as you would your own hair.
When you apply a deep treatment, put your wig upside down in a plastic cap, and then inside of a bonnet. [Use a dryer to] allow heat to penetrate through so the hair can really experience all the ingredients and benefits of your treatment or mask.
After washing, you can blow-dry it straight, but be sure to use a heat protectant so your wig doesn’t get damaged. If it’s curly, get a diffuser so you keep those curls nice.
ALLURE: How do you properly store your wigs to keep them fresh?
PW: I actually get the majority of my units curled and styled, and I put them on a wig head. Don't just let them stay balled up in a bag or a suitcase. It’s best to prep and style them before storing. The curls may fall through while they are sitting there, but at least the form is there, and it's a little easier to just pop them on whenever you are ready.
ALLURE: How do you know when it’s time to get rid of your wig? Or, do you keep them forever?
PW: When it comes to my wigs, it’s never time to get rid of them. I still have one of my first synthetic wigs. If I'm having company over and I don't feel like putting on a whole wig, I might just pop that on. If you take care of your wig, they're always going to be good to go.
Now, some wigs, depending on if you are doing the full lace-front or not, will get holes in them from time to time. I’ll admit, I’m a picker. I’ll dig my fingernail through my scalp. So when my wig comes off, my stylist is always like, “What is this hole?” It's because I've literally dug into it. So I usually have to get the inside lace redone. You can get the closure taken off, and get new closure put back on. You can also get a new lace-front put on your wig, keep the same wig, and keep the hair in the back. You can actually save money by investing in simply replacing the front of the wig, which would be half the cost of getting a new one.
ALLURE: How do you maintain your wig while working out?
PW: I've worked out before without having my wig tacked down in place, and that was a little scary. My best advice is to wear a hat or tie your wig down with a scarf to help keep it in place. The good thing about the struggle of wearing a wig while working out is the immediate removal. Once you get in your car, you can just [remove it] and cool off. It’s the best.
ALLURE: What tips do you have for keeping your hairline and edges intact while wearing a wig?
PW: Don’t always wear the combs on your wig in the same position. Because the combs, naturally, are going to be rubbing, which can result in a bald spot if you wear them all the time. You have to switch them out. At the end of the day, you have to maintain your natural hair, your natural crown. You want to make sure it's healthy underneath these styles.
ALLURE: What makes your Go Naked wigs unique?
PW: Our hair is 100 percent human hair. It's not mixed in with any synthetic hair whatsoever — it is raw hair. We also make custom units to match whatever style you like. We are also about to begin a synthetic-hair line which is going to be really fun for a girls night out type of deal. You will be able to just wear a nice, new style and [be able to] switch it out for a lower price. You can wear these in between while you're maintaining your other human hair wigs. Just put it on whether you are going to the gym or having a guy friend coming over and you want him to see a different girl. There’s a lot of versatility with Go Naked, and overall, the line has a lot to offer.
ALLURE: What advice would you give to someone who is trying a wig for the first time and is afraid of the upkeep that comes with it?
PW: Just be confident and know that we are not living in the old days. It's not taboo for a young woman, older woman, or whomever, to have on a full wig. These aren't those days. These days, everybody has on a wig. It's your hair once you purchase it. Nobody can tell me once I put my wig on, it's not my hair. I don't care if I can take it off in five minutes. Get a style that matches you. Don't put too much hair on the wig, so that [it looks] natural for you, and just enjoy it. Have fun. Switch it out.
*Note: This interview has been edited and condensed for clarity.
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