Wig Maintenance 101

Wigs have become popular once again. They are so easy to use if you’re looking for a quick and easy hair style. And because they come in some many different styles, there’s sure to be something out there for everyone.

Proper wig maintenance will improve your wig’s appearance and longevity. And wig maintenance is not very expensive; it just requires a little bit of time and effort. Here are some important steps to follow.

1) Wig maintenance begins with detangling. First, gently brush out your wig to remove any tangles (unless the wig is extremely curly and/or it came with a tag telling you that it shouldn't be brushed). Most of the longer styles will become quite matted towards the back, and it may be necessary to separate the tangled strands gently with your fingers. Apply Simply Stylin’ Light Silk Spray to aid in brushing and easy removal of any tangles. Because it’s made of pure silicone, Simply Stylin’ is perfect for aiding in wig maintenance without drying the hair.

If you have a synthetic hair wig, it is important to use combs and brushes that are designed for use on synthetic wigs. If you are using a regular hairbrush or comb, be sure it has the rubber tips at the end of each brush bristle or tooth of the comb. This will prevent the fibers from splitting, and keep the wig from looking fuzzy and dull before its time.

2) Shampooing your wig correctly is also an important part of proper wig maintenance. When the wig is ready to be washed, fill the sink with about 2 quarts of cool water. Never use hot water, as this could relax the curl that was set into the wig during the manufacturing process. Pour about 2 capfuls of a gentle shampoo into the water and then submerge the wig. When the wig is fully wet, swish it around for about a minute and then let soak for about another minute.

3) Remove the wig and rinse in cold water until no suds remain. Then place the wig on a bath towel to completely dry overnight. It is all right to blot the wig with a towel, but don’t twist the wig or ring it out. You can use your fingers to gently separate and arrange the strands as the wig is drying, but don’t try to comb or brush the wig while still wet. The fibers could be stretched to the breaking point.

4) After the wig is dry, spray lightly with Simply Stylin’ Light Silk Spray to restore the shine and luster and aid in manageability.

5) While re-curling a wig is possible, it can be very time-consuming if it is a very curly style. Here’s how you do it.

First, dampen your wig just a bit with cool water. Then set the hair in the rollers. After rolling the hair, run HOT water all over it until it is fully saturated. Then gently squeeze each roller to remove excess water. Let the wig dry completely before removing the rollers. If you have a folding wig stand, this will speed up drying time.

Once completely dry, carefully take out the rollers and you should have a nicely re-curled wig. Please be aware the hot water actually will take the curl completely out of a wig unless the rollers are in place, as it acts as a relaxer (kind of like a perm) which softens the fibers to the point that they take on the new shape of the roller.

One word of warning: don’t ever use any type of electric styling appliance on your synthetic fiber wig, thinking that this will be quicker than the method described above. Even on the coolest settings, a blow dryer, hot rollers, and curling irons will frizz the fibers, and may even melt them, therefore ruining the wig.

6) Mist your wig with Simply Stylin' Light Silk Spray regularly to keep it looking new and fresh. You’ll find your periodic wig maintenance so much easier if you follow this important last step.