Guest Post
Wigs are considered invaluable because of the many things they can do for the wearer. Cancer
patients and sufferers of alopecia and thinning hair use wigs to help hide their condition or give a boost of self-confidence. Wigs can also be used for fashion as they can instantly add volume, length or color to the hair without bleaching or coloring it.
If you want to keep your wig looking fresh and new, there are certain things you can do for maintenance. Wigs are often exposed to heat and styling products as well as the oils in the scalp. Those substances can get trapped in the strands and cap of the wig.
One of the best ways to get rid of the oil and grime is to wash your wig. Beginners may find this type of wig care intimidating, but it is important. Below are some tips you should check out.
Types of Wigs
There are various types of wigs available, and they have different price points. If you’re a beginner, it can be difficult to know what’s best for you.
Some of the most expensive wigs on the market are made with real human hair. Making human-hair wigs is a painstaking process, thus the higher price. While they are a little hefty for those on a budget, they look the most natural. They’re easier to style because they look and feel just like the hair on your head.
Another common type of wig is the synthetic one. There is a wide range for this category as it can span from Halloween wigs, which are cheap and shiny, to cosplay wigs, which are easier to manage.
It’s not recommended to use heat tools for budget wigs because the strands will melt and ruin the wig. Before attempting to style synthetic wigs, make sure to look at the wig package for directions about how much temperature it can take.
Detangle Wig First
Now, on to the washing part. Before you wash the wig, you need to prep it first to preserve it as much as possible. Wigs are made to mimic real hair, so they have a tendency to tangle and form knots. You need to undo all these using a detangling brush, wire wig brush, or a wide-toothed comb. You may also use your fingers for curly textured wigs.
When detangling, remember to start at the ends first. Once you can brush the tips smoothly, you can proceed to detangle the upper part. The goal is that you’ll be able to brush the wig without snagging.
Carefully Wash Wig
Wigs have different levels of wig-care needs. For human-hair wigs, hold them by the cap and run them with water under the faucet. Go from roots to ends, and avoid rubbing or combing the wig as it can loosen strands or tangles.
Use wig shampoos, the gentle variety, and work it through the wig. If the wig cap or lace is particularly dirty, use circular motions to take off the dirt and gunk.
You can also submerge the wig in a sink with a mixture of cold water and some shampoo. Allow the wig to soak for a few minutes before rinsing it with cold water. If you are using a normal conditioner, repeat what you did with the shampoo step and rinse after several minutes. A leave-in conditioner can be applied to this step as well.
Air-Dry the Wig
Once you’ve managed to get the suds out of the wig, gently squeeze and press the wig. Never wring or twist the strands, or else it may cause breakage or tangling. You can also use a towel to remove excess water. Use blotting motions.
Once the wig is no longer dripping excessively, you can put it on a wig stand or mannequin head. Allow it to air-dry as much as possible. For human hair, you can use the cold setting on a blow dryer. Remember to only comb or style a wig when it’s completely dry.
Bonus: Take Care of Your Own Hair
It is better to wash wigs less often, so it is important to keep it clean. If you’re using wigs daily for medical reasons or fashion, you need to maintain the cleanliness of your hair and your scalp as well.
What do you think about the steps for proper wig washing? Share your thoughts in the comments.
