Synthetic Wig Care

Tap to Read ➤ Suketu Mehta

Wigs come in a variety of types. However, certain types come with specific care instructions. Enlisted here are some care tips to ensure that your wig lasts for a long time.

People use wigs to enhance their look. The two commonly found types are the ones made of synthetic fiber or human hair.

The synthetic ones are simpler to take care of compared to the human hair type. While you might be using normal hair care products for human hair wigs, the synthetic type will require you to use specific products. These types of wigs generally last for about six months.

When it comes to wig care, you need to know how to wash, style, and store it correctly. This will ensure that it lasts for a long time. There are a few products specifically made for synthetic wigs like shampoo, conditioner, and hairspray. Use only these products while washing or styling.

Washing

• Before washing the wig, you have to untangle it. Remove all the tangles with your fingers, or use a wire brush to brush it out. Do not use any other brush as it could spoil your wig.

• Fill a bowl large enough to hold the wig with cool water and put one teaspoon of the specified shampoo in it. Do not use warm or hot water, as this could damage the hairpiece. • Keep the wig in this bowl for a minute, and see whether it has soaked the contents. In case it hasn't, let it stay in the bowl for some more time.

• Remove it from the bowl, keep it under flowing water in the sink, and wash it thoroughly. • Squeeze it gently and get rid of all the excess water. Be gentle while squeezing to avoid damage. • Use a towel to dry it completely. • Place it on a stand until it becomes completely dry. This is essential as you cannot style a wig which is wet.

Styling

• Styling involves combing. For this, untangle the wig using your fingers, and then use a wig brush to comb it.

• Use T-pins to pin the hairpiece on the stand, and then start combing. • Apply a setting lotion on it. Leave it on the stand for a minimum of 24 hours. • After it has completely dried, style it as you desire.

Storing

• Whenever you store your wig, ensure that you do so with the hair net on. This will minimize tangling.

• For longer hairpieces, tuck the ends carefully inside the hair net while storing. • To prevent any dust from settling on your wig, cover it with a scarf whenever you leave it on the stand. • Another way to store them is by turning them inside out, placing a cap on the outside, and keeping them in plastic bags.

Care Tips

• Wig fibers tend to get damaged when exposed to high temperatures. Avoid this and protect the fibers from getting damaged.

• Style or brush your hairpiece only when it is dry.

• Using blow dryers, curling irons, or hot rollers on synthetic wigs is a very bad idea, as excess heat will destroy the fibers. • Only specific products are to be used while washing or styling the wig. This helps in maintaining its natural look for a longer time.

• Never rinse, bleach, or color a synthetic hairpiece. • Only store it on a proper wig stand. If you do not have one, place it on any vertical cylindrical-shaped items like spray cans or bottles. • Avoid washing your wig very often. Ideally, it should be washed after you have worn it for about 15 to 20 times.