Care instructions for synthetic hair wigs and hair pieces
Synthetic hair has come a long way in the past ten years. Today’s synthetic hair wigs and hair pieces are light weight and easy to style and care for.
First, a few things to remember:
- The color on a synthetic wig cannot be changed. What you order is what you must live with. Also, there are a limited number of colors and color combinations available and not all wigs come in all colors.
- Heat and friction are the main cause of damage in synthetic hair. Some of the newer fibers can be curled with hot rollers, curling irons but one still must use very low heat and specific cooling processes. Heat damage comes in ways one might not think of such as cooking in an oven and opening the door to check the food, NEVER let your wig get close to the oven when you open the door. The initial heat that rushes out of the oven is enough to burn your bangs. Sometimes this damage can be repaired but there is no guarantee that the process will work.
- Friction damage results when the wig is brushed too vigorously with inappropriate utensils. Use a brush with plastic teeth not too close together or a wig brush. Also, be aware of friction caused by the wig brushing against your collar. Usually a blouse collar poses no threat, but jackets and coats can damage the fibers. As with heat damage sometimes repair is available.
You can expect your synthetic hair to last 8 months to 1 year with good care.
- You should wash your wig every 7-12 time you wear it. His means if you wear it every day, once a week to week and one half is sufficient. Always use cool water. The steps are as follows:
- Gently brush out tangles before washing the wig.
- Put small amount (1tablespoon) of cleaner or mild shampoo in a basin/sink of 1-2 gallons of cool water.
- Immerse the wig in the soap/water and let soak for 5 min. Then gently swish the wig through the water.
- After shampooing rinse thoroughly in cool water from the faucet, always letting the water run downward on the fiber. Do not manipulate the wig causing tangles.
- You can follow with conditioner but I prefer to use a leave-in spray conditioner after towel drying the wig.
- Once the wig is rinsed wrap it in an absorbent towel and wring out the entire towel and wig together. Sometimes I put the towel on the floor and step on it to absorb as much water as possible.
- After towel drying, shake the wig vigorously, let it hang to dry. Do NOT let the wig dry on a Styrofoam head as this can stretch the base. Your wig should be dry in about an hour. If you need to hurry the process, let the wig dry outside.
- Once the wig is dry you can either style it on your head or on a Styrofoam head.
Products made for human hair are ok for synthetic but try to avoid too much alcohol as in many hair sprays. I use Paul Mitchel Fast Dry Pump hair spray, and their lightest leave-in conditioner, but products specifically for wigs are available through me or at Sally’s Beauty Supply.
Remember all wigs should be cut by a stylist to look most natural and this is one facet that most licensed professionals have NOT had training in. Be very certain whoever cuts and styles the wig has experience.
There are a variety of ways to make wigs feel more secure, some may cause hair loss. Please feel free to discuss this with me if you need help.