Introduction
Wearing wigs is fast gaining fashion acceptance for one reason or the other – whether it is to change appearance with ease without having to make actual cutting sessions, to possibly protect hair that is practically receding or is experiencing thinning among many other uses. So, if you have purchased a quality wig, then you do not need to worry that the hairpiece will become dry, tangled or mased after a few wears. The most crucial aspect when it comes to caring for your wig is washing and conditioning it to ensure its style, shine and durability. See this guide below to know how to clean your wig, how to choose the right products and how to make the fibers shiny and bouncy.
Assess Your Wig Fiber Type
Consequently, both the products applied on the wigs, and the washing techniques depend on the type of hair fibers it consists of. Human hair wigs can be washed more thoroughly while for wigs that have been manufactured using synthetic fibers one has to be very careful. Here are the most common wig types:
Human Hair – They are made from actual human hair these wigs move, feel and even style like natural hair and normally have the longest lifespan. It may be washed with shampoos and conditioners that are tailor made for human hair.
Synthetic Fibers – Produced from nylon, acrylic or polyester fibers. They keep their style appropriately but must be cleaned with cosmetics that do not accentuate the metal. Kanekalon and futura are famous synthetic fibers and are used widely.
Blended Fibers bot This one consists of both human hair and synthetic hair hence an affordable wig that is treated as both human hair wigs and synthetic hair wigs. It is important to know the fiber ratio before washing the sample.
Gather Your Supplies
First of all, gather the correct type of cleansing and conditioning agents that will be necessary for the washing of the wig depending on the fiber. You’ll also need:
- Wide-tooth Comb: For various uses – both before and after washing – to untangle fibers. Do not use fine teeth comb that may entangle the wig hair.
- Wig Stand or Styrofoam Head: As used for air drying and wagging of wig after washing it.
- Large Sink or Basin: To wash and submerge wig hair without the issue of water droplets falling all over the place.
- Towels: Pat and blot dry after washing and treatment with conditioner.
Wig Cleansing
Here are the steps for properly washing your wig:
- I am grateful that I could brush through the fibers using the wide-tooth comb, without risking to damage any hair.
The last step is to wet the fibers, but first ensure the comb separates any knots or tangles from the bottom up. Even more so be careful with synthetic wigs because ruining them means that they will require replacement. - Rinse with Lukewarm Water
Wash wig under running lukewarm water either in the sink or basin to ensure it’s wet through. Don’t use hot water that can cause shrinkage or damage of some fibers used in these fabrics. - Apply Wig Shampoo
Pump a quarter size of the shampoo for your type of fiber between the palms and rub through damp hair. Formulate a lather as thick as foam building up starting from the root all the way to the end or tips. - Rinse Thoroughly
Rinse the wig under lukewarm water until water that comes out of the wig is clear. Make sure you wash off all the shampoo so as to don’t leave sticky deposits all over the body. - Repeat if Needed
When washing human hair wigs especially those which are used frequently, make sure to run it through another cycle of washing. - Pat Dry with Towel
Take a towel and press it lightly on the fabric so that the waterlogged material will release some of the moisture. Liquids such as water should not come into contact with wig because if it does, curl or twist the wig this causes tangling of the wig. - Air Dry on Stand
Wash, comb wig fibres flat at a stand or a head form of Styrofoam. This is because the nature of wigs allows air drying to be more beneficial than heat drying for retaining style.
Conditioning Your Wig
It accents on improving the firmness, softness and reducing tangling of wigs’ fibers all of which are achieved by frequent conditioning. Here are tips for effective conditioning:
- Conditioner has to be applied on mid lengths or ends of hair only.
When human hair wig is washed, squeeze a quarter of liquid hydrating conditioner into palm. But evenly distribute we focused only from mid-lengths to ends. - Let Sit for 2-3 Minutes
The conditioner should stay on the hair fibers for a few minutes before it is washed off. Synthetic wigs do not need much conditioning as the natural ones but for a shorter time. - Rinse Thoroughly
Wash in clear water at a lukewarm temperature until the water that comes out is clear. One should ensure that there is no trace of conditioner left behind. - Air Dry Properly
Likewise while washing, make sure you don’t rub synthetic or human hair wig with towel but you just blot it to remove any moisture. Reform fibers and let hair dry in the air on the wigs stand to prevent addition hair heat stress. - Detangle with Wide-Tooth Comb
Finally, don’t wash the hair again, and instead, you can use a wide-tooth comb to detangle the hair after washing it. Cleaning synthetic wigs; comb through each wig gently, eliminating tangles each strand at a time.
Tips for Wig Longevity
Clean your wig according to how frequently you wear it – this will be determined by the type of wig. Depending on how frequently hair wigs are used, daily use might require weekly washing while sporadic use may only require washing after once a month.
It is important that whether your hair is real human hair or synthetic fiber wigs, they should always be conditioned to prevent hair strands to become dry and tangled overtime. But avoid over-conditioning.
Finally, merely wash it gently with a wide-tooth comb after every use and then let it dry on a wig stand.
Hair appliances such as blow dryers, curling irons negatively affect synthetic wig fibers gradually. Let it dry wide open instead whenever possible permitting the air to circulate around the surface entirely.
– style the wig properly on a head stand instead of hanging the wigs in order to stay clear of creasing or warping.
The right home care is adequate for retaining the beautiful looks of a human hair or synthetic wig and is wearable for multiple times. It is recommended that fibers should be washed and conditioned frequently so that they do not become scorched or tangled. Here is a guide on washing and conditioning depending on the kind of fibers in the wig. Adequate care is essential if you are to keep your wig looking as hot and bouncy as it was, right from the time you purchased it.