The Wig Care Tips I Always Use
Wig Shown Above: Bliss Wig by Tressallure in color Sugar Brulee
Yes, we love our wigs, and we don’t want them to age, or ever look anything but perfect. But we live in the real world, and we know that everything ages, and our wigs are no exception.
As most of us know, and all new wig wearers will learn in time, the popular synthetic wigs suffer from friction. Yes, those clumpy, frizzy ends show up one day, seemingly overnight. The longer wigs are especially subject to the wear and tear friction causes. They are in constant contact with our clothing, neck/shoulders, and every movement causes friction.
The Tip: Spray those ends with products made for synthetic hair. Spray, brush and dry. A hand-held steamer will do wonders to smooth out those ends and a lot of wig wearers also sing the praises of the flat/curling iron. There are many great videos available by the reviewers about wig care. Do a quick search on YouTube and you are bound to find a few to help you.
Wig security is another issue a lot of new wig wearers ask about and worry about.
The Tip: Do what feels right for you. Every person has an opinion about this because we will have different needs based on what feels most secure and comfortable to each of us. Related to wig security is how the wig itself fits on your head. Every head is at least a little different in size and shape. There are combs, glue, grips, tape, and all manner of things to try. Some people (me) don’t use any wig security items, not even a wig sock/cap. I was lucky to find a brand and several wigs that fit me so perfectly that I always feel secure wearing them.
Is it worth the time and money to take your wig to a stylist? Again, that’s a personal decision. I don’t wear longer wigs now, but I did at one time. I took my first wig to a stylist and was very happy with the results. When we go to a stylist with our bio hair, they shape the cut to our individual faces and head. Making your wigs more “you” can start with tweaking the bangs or more drastic steps like trimming and thinning it. Some of us are very talented in this area but a lot of us are not (me).
The Tip: Don’t try this at home unless you are sure of your skills. Seeking help from a trained stylist can help you make the wig look less wiggy and more natural. They have an eye for style, face shape, and what cut works best for you. It is well worth the money, in my view.
How often do I wash my synthetic wig? This is a question I see a lot. Wig wearers are concerned about product buildup. But every time you wash your wig you shorten its life a little. But the good news is that there are tools we can use to help smooth those frayed ends and add back that healthy looking shine.
The Tip: There is no one rule for everyone. How long each day you wear you wig? Does your head sweat? Do you use a lot of products? Are you out in hot weather a lot? Do you wear a wig cap? All of these things can make a huge difference in how often you should wash your wig.
Wig washing rules:
1. Make sure your wig is tangle free.
2. Make sure you have shampoo and conditioner made for wigs.
3. Look at your manufacturer’s instructions, but most will say, use cool to very slightly warm water, *soak for five minutes, and rinse in tepid water. *Note that for hand-tied caps, most prefer a non-soaking wash where you use your fingers and pour the water over the fibers instead of soaking them. This will help prevent the knots from coming loose.
4.Use a conditioner and follow the instructions. Some are rinse out, some are leave on.
5. Place wet wig on towel and pat out excess water, rather than rubbing or twisting.
6. Run your fingers through it to straighten any kinks and clumps, but don’t use a brush or comb until totally dry. **For human hair, please see your brand’s instructions.
Until next time, happy holiday wig shopping and wig wearing.
VickieLynn
