How to Prevent Human Hair Wigs from Tangling
A Guide to Keeping Human Hair Wigs Soft and Tangle Free
Keeping human hair wigs soft and tangle free can sometimes be tricky. Wind, rain and humidity create an environment that is less than ideal for a shiny, smooth head of hair. However, the good news is that with the correct care you can achieve those shiny, A-list locks. And so long as you choose decent human hair wigs, they should last a year or more (the exact lifespan depends on their construction type). This five minute guide explains how to prevent human hair wigs from tangling, leaving them soft, shiny and manageable.
How to Prevent Human Hair Wigs from Tangling
You should wash and style your wig as little as is necessary in order to keep it in good condition, prevent it from tangling and ensure that it lasts for as long as possible. When you do, follow this process:
- Gently tease out the tangles, ends first, using a wide-toothed comb or stiff-bristled brush. You could use a specially designed wig comb or brush if you prefer. If the wig is extremely curly and/or came with care instructions saying specifically not to brush it, don’t.
- Wash the wig in cool to lukewarm water. You could either do this in a sink or under a shower head, pinning the wig to a poly head before you begin.
- Rinse the piece with water and apply a small amount of shampoo. You could either use a normal but good quality, alcohol-free shampoo or a special wig care product.
- Gently comb the shampoo through the hair using small downward strokes, one section at a time. Take care not to tug or scrub at it.
- Rinse with cool to lukewarm water, starting at the top and working your way down. Don’t forget to wash the inside of the cap.
- Apply a good conditioner – either a decent quality, alcohol-free, regular conditioner or a special one for wigs – and gently comb through and rinse as you did the shampoo. If your hair is really dry and damaged, leave on for up to five minutes and/or try MoroccanOil.
- Pat hair gently with a soft towel to remove excess moisture. DO NOT rub it vigorously.
- Lightly comb through using a wide-toothed comb and leave to air dry naturally.
- If you wish to style it, apply a little protective spray, mousse or serum and use a hairdryer, curlers, rollers and/or straighteners. Keep the heat setting on low – like natural hair, styling at a high temperature causes damage, but unlike natural hair, it won’t replenish itself once damaged. Even better, style using leave-in foam rollers and set with a little hairspray.
If split ends begin to emerge, why not take your wig for a professional trim? This will also help prevent further tangling and keep your wig looking and feeling fabulous.
Other Tips for Keeping Human Hair Wigs Soft and Tangle Free
If your wig tangles at the nape, this is caused by friction rub, i.e. the hair rubbing against the back of your neck and/or shoulders. It’s most commonly seen in synthetic wigs, but can also occur if you have a human hair wig that is long, thin or of poor quality. Use a leave-in conditioner after washing your wig and leave it on a wig stand overnight and when not in use.
Shorter styles – those that are collarbone-length or shorter – are the easiest to maintain and prevent from tangling, so if you’re pushed for time these might be best.
However, by opting for a decent quality wig you can eliminate most of these problems at their root (no pun intended). Choose a wig that hasn’t been overly processed, as this is a common cause of wiriness, frizziness and tangles.
The best way to ensure optimal quality is to choose a human hair wig from a popular brand such as Feather Premier, Revlon or Raquel Welch, and to buy from a reputable supplier like Simply Wigs. Beware of cheap wigs that seem too good to be true – they probably are – and at all costs, avoid these increasingly common online wig scams.
I hope you now have a clear picture of how to prevent human hair wigs from tangling so that you can keep yours soft, shiny and frizz-free for longer. If you have any further questions or concerns, again, I recommend the helpful staff at Simply Wigs. Alternatively, Alopecia World is a great place to get advice and support from other people experiencing hair loss.