Though expensive, real hair wigs are worth the money. In fact, when compared to synthetic fiber wigs, they resist much better to straighteners, curling irons and hairdryers. Just like synthetic wigs, real hair wigs also need to be washed regularly. As they are very delicate, it is important to treat them with extreme care.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Wash the Wig
Step 1. Brush or comb the wig starting from the ends
To begin, gently untangle the ends of the wig. Once the knots have been eliminated, proceed towards the roots. Repeat the process until you are able to pass the brush or comb without it getting caught in the strands. Use a wig-specific brush if your hair is straight or wavy, while opt for a wide-toothed or finger comb if it's curly (or afro).
Step 2. Fill the sink with cold water, then add a nut or two of shampoo
Use a high-quality shampoo that is specific to the type of hair you intend to wash. For example, if you have a curly wig, use a product designed for curly hair. If you know the wig has been dyed, try a colored hair shampoo instead.
- The shampoo should not be applied directly to the fibers of the wig. Instead, you have to wash it using soapy water.
- Do not use two-in-one shampoo with built-in conditioner. You can apply the conditioner on the wig, but don't put it too close to the roots.
Step 3. Turn the wig inside out and put it in the water
Turn the wig cap inside out, letting the fibers dangle. Put it in the water and press the fibers to immerse them completely. Gently shake the wig in the water to help distribute the shampoo on the strands.
Turning the wig upside down allows the shampoo to reach the cap more easily, where most of the dirt, sweat and sebum accumulate
Step 4. Leave the wig to soak for five minutes
Make sure it is completely submerged in the water. Don't shake it. If you move and squeeze it excessively, you risk knotting the fibers.
Step 5. Rinse the wig with cold water until the shampoo is completely gone
The wig can be rinsed in a bucket full of cold water or under running water from the tap or shower. If it is particularly thick, it is recommended to rinse it twice.
Step 6. Apply the conditioner to the wig
Pour some conditioner into your hair, then gently detangle it with your fingers. If you have a lace front or handmade wig, try not to apply conditioner to the cap. In the case of these wigs, the strands are knotted and fixed to the net. If you apply conditioner to this area, the knots will loosen and the strands will fall out. This shouldn't be a problem with regular weave wigs, as the fibers are sewn instead.
- Use a high-quality conditioner.
- If you prefer, you can also use a leave-in conditioner.
Step 7. Wait for two minutes before rinsing off the conditioner with cold water
Leaving the conditioner on for a few minutes allows the oils to penetrate and moisturize the hair, just like natural hair. After two minutes, rinse the wig until the water starts to run clear.
Skip this step if you are using a leave-in conditioner
Part 2 of 3: Dry the wig
Step 1. Turn the wig upside down and gently squeeze out the water
Holding the wig over the sink, gently squeeze the fibers by closing your fist. Instead, avoid squeezing or twisting them, otherwise you risk knotting or breaking them.
Do not brush the wig when it is wet. This can damage and wrinkle the fibers
Step 2. Roll the wig inside a towel to remove excess water
Lay the wig on the end of a clean towel. Roll it up compactly starting from the edge on which you placed the wig. Press the towel, then gently unroll it and remove the wig.
If your hair is long, make sure the strands stay straight, while avoiding bunching
Step 3. Apply the products you want
Spray the wig with taming spray to help you untangle it later. Make sure you keep the bottle about 10-30cm away from the wig. If it's curly, try applying styling mousse instead.
Step 4. Let it air dry on a wig stand, avoiding exposure to direct sunlight
Do not brush the wig when it is wet, otherwise you risk damaging the fibers. If it's curly, "scrunch up" the curls with your fingers from time to time.
- To "crumple it", create a bowl with your hand and grab a lock from below. At this point, push it upwards by squeezing it between your fingers. The curls will thus be able to define themselves and take shape.
- If you are using a Styrofoam wig head, be sure to attach it to a stable stand. If necessary, help yourself with hairpins.
Step 5. If you are in a hurry, put on your wig and use a hair dryer
First dry the cap with the hairdryer. At this point, put on the wig and secure it with bobby pins. Finish drying it this way. Set the hair dryer to low to avoid damaging the fibers.
Make sure you gather your real hair and cover it with a wig cap before putting it on
Step 6. If you want to get more volume, let the wig dry inside out
Turn the wig upside down, then attach the back of the cap to a trouser hanger. To achieve this you will have to bring the hooks of the hanger together. Hang the wig in the shower stall for a few hours so it can air dry. Avoid using the shower while drying your wig.
If you don't have a shower stall, hang the wig in a place that won't be damaged by water running from the fibers
Part 3 of 3: Styling and Taking Care of the Wig
Step 1. Brush the wig once it is completely dry
Remember to use a wig brush if it's straight or wavy, and a wide-toothed comb if it's curly. Work up to the roots starting from the tips. If necessary, apply a detangling product.
Step 2. If necessary, curl the wig again
Some wigs are made with naturally curly hair, while others have straight hair curled with an iron. The latter type of wig loses the curly effect after washing. Thankfully, recreating it is easy, just employ the same technique you would use for your real hair.
Curlers are much safer because they do not require the action of heat. If you can't help but use an iron, set it to low
Step 3. When you take off your wig, place it on a head shaped vase or wig stand
If you're using a vase, spray some perfume on a handkerchief and put it inside.
Step 4. Wash the wig again when it gets dirty
If you wear it every day, try to wash it every two to four weeks. If you use it more infrequently, wash it only once a month.
Step 5. If you wear the wig every day, take care of your hair
Covering real hair with a wig is no excuse for neglecting it. If you keep both your real hair and scalp clean, the wig itself will keep clean for longer.
If you have dry hair, keep it well hydrated. This has no relevance to the wig, but it does keep real hair healthy
Advice
- Gently untangle the wig. If necessary, use disciplining products.
- New wigs should be washed before wearing. It is indeed possible that they have been contaminated during the manufacturing, packaging and shipping process.
- If cold water has no effect on the wig, you can use warm water (but the temperature should not exceed 35 ° C).
- Choose high quality products that are free of sulfates, parabens and minerals. Look for products that contain aloe vera and / or glycerin instead.
- Wig stands and polystyrene heads can be found online and in wig stores. Styrofoam heads are also sold in some costume and DIY stores.
- If you can't find a Styrofoam head stand, make it yourself by inserting a thick wooden stick into the base of a Christmas tree.
- You can also use shampoos and conditioners designed for wigs, but check the label to make sure they are suitable for real hair.
Warnings
- Avoid applying excessively high temperatures to the wig. Although the fibers do not melt, it is still possible for them to become damaged.
- Don't use a brush to detangle a curly wig - use your fingers or a wide-toothed comb. Brushes make curls ripple.
