Wigs: The Facts:
Washing synthetic wigs?
First, gently brush out the wig to remove any tangles (unless the wig is extremely curly and/or it came with a tag telling you that it shouldn't be brushed). Most of the longer styles will become quite matted towards the back, and it may be necessary to gently separate the tangled strands with your fingers. TIP: Apply wig spray as Lubricant to aid brushing and easy removal of any tangles.
When the wig is ready to be washed, fill the sink with about 2 quarts of cool water. Never use hot water, as this could relax the curl that was set into the wig during the manufacturing process. Pour about 2 capfuls of synthetic wig shampoo into the water and then submerge the wig. When the wig is fully wet, swish it around for about a minute and then let soak for about another minute. TIP: Leave the wig to soak in the shampoo and water for 5 minutes before washing. This will loosen any stubborn debris and require less rubbing friction. Repeat the washing process if you feel that the first wash has not fully cleansed the hair or fibre.
Remove the wig and rinse in cold water until no suds remain. Then place the wig on a bath towel to completely dry overnight, or you may place it on a folding wig stand, which will speed up the drying process. It is all right to blot the wig with a towel, but don't twist the wig or ring it out. You can use your fingers to gently separate and arrange the strands as the wig is drying, but don't try to comb or brush the wig while still wet. The fibers could be stretched to the breaking point. Tip: Always rinse the shampoo off with the water flowing in the direction of the hair fibre. Lightly spray conditioner onto the wig after towel drying to aid later brushing and to return oils lost through the washing procedure.
If you wish, you can use a spray-on conditioner on the wig while damp. Work the conditioner through the strands with your fingers, NOT a brush or comb. When the wig is completely dry, you can brush it and style it as you usually would.
If you'd like to put a bit of curl back into your wig, read on. While re-curling a wig is possible, it can be very time-consuming if it is a very curly style. The best curlers to use are soft sponge rollers, and choosing the size will, of course depend upon the tightness of the curl that is desired.
First, slightly dampen the wig with cool water and then put in the rollers. It is important to get each strand combed through before rolling it up to avoid any unsightly kinks when the curler is removed.
Once the wig is all set, run HOT water all over it until fully saturated, then gently squeeze each roller to remove excess water. Let the wig dry completely before removing the rollers.
Towel blot your wig. DO NOT PUT YOUR WIG IN A STYRO WIG HEAD TO DRY! The wig will have a tendency to stretch when wet.
Lay your wig on a towel hair side up and let dry. Turn the wig over when the fiber is dry to complete drying inside. If you place the wig outside I the sunshine, it should dry approximately in one hour. If you place your wig inside, you should leave it overnight to dry. Drying time also depends on the length and thickness of your wig. ** In humid conditions or when time is of the essence, place wig on a towel in front of a fan.
Once completely dry, carefully take out the rollers and you should have a nicely re-curled wig!
Please be aware the hot water actually will take the curl completely out of a wig unless the rollers are in place, as it acts as a relaxer (kind of like a perm) which softens the fiber to the point that it can take on the new shape of the roller. So...if you decide to just re-curl the wig in a certain spot or two, it is really important to avoid getting any hot water on the rest of the wig!!!
One word of warning: don't ever use any type of electric styling appliance on your synthetic fiber wig, thinking that this will be quicker than the method described above. Even on the coolest settings, a blow dryer, hot rollers, and curling irons will frizz the fibers, and may even melt them, therefore ruining the wig.
Washing human hair wigs?
Draw enough lukewarm water in a large pan or bowl to cover the wig or hairpiece well.
Dissolve a capful of wig shampoo, along with 1 tablespoon of baking soda.
Squeeze shampoo solution through hair gently, keeping hair going in one direction or it may tangle. If front of cap has makeup on it, it may be scrubbed gently with an old toothbrush.
Rinse wig well with plenty of lukewarm water.
Dissolve a capful or so of wig conditioner in plastic tub or pan of water to cover well. Work mixture through wig hair (remember: same direction). Rinse with fresh water. Lay wig out on towel and pat out excess water.
Pin on wig form and pick or comb out gently. At this point, a detangler may be used. If working on a long wig, start combing out the hair at the ends and work up the strand to the roots. Wig may be set in rollers if desired and placed under hood dryer, or left to dry overnight. A hot curling iron may be used on 100% human hair wigs, but on human-synthetic blend wigs, don't let the iron get too hot or it will damage the synthetic wig fiber.
Human hair or Synthetic?
Synthetic hair is not sussceptible to the elements and is less likely to lose it's style and shape, it is easier to dry and less likely to knot. Just a few things to bear in mind when making your decision.
How to wear?
Brush your hair back, and if you have one, put on a wig cap. Choose a cap closer to the colour of your wig, not the colour of your hair. Pull the two plastic hooks together and adjust to fit. Put the wig on front first and then pull over the back, align the tabs on the wig with your temples, and for a more secure fit, attach pins to pin to the wig cap. Make sure these are placed so that they are hidden.
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