The great thing about synthetic wigs is that they require very little care and maintenance. Synthetic wigs allow you to have perfect hair every day with almost no effort. Caring for your synthetic wig could not be easier. This being said, it is important to care for your wig properly in order to extend the life span and get the most wear out of it.
This guide will cover how to properly wash, condition, style and care for your synthetic hair wig.
How to Wash Your Synthetic Wig:
Pre-Wash
Gently brush the wig thoroughly with a wig comb or brush to remove all tangles.
Shampooing Your Wig
Add one tablespoon of wig shampoo to a sink or basin filled with cold water. Immerse wig for one minute and agitate gently. Do not rub. Run your fingers over the inside of the cap where it meets your forehead to remove oils and sweat. Be particularly gentle on any hand tied areas of the wig cap as this area is the most fragile. Rinse the shampoo out of the wig in cold clean water until thoroughly rinsed. Your wig can be rinsed in a basin of cold water or under cold running water. Blot the wig gently with a towel. Do not squeeze or wring.
Conditioning Your Wig
After you have washed your wig, you are ready to condition it. While it is still wet, apply a small amount of wig conditioner to your hands and rub together. Carefully work the conditioner through the hair, avoiding the cap. You want to keep conditioner away from the cap. On hand tied areas especially, the conditioner can cause the hand tied knots to become untied, resulting in hair loss. Thoroughly rinse the conditioner from the hair over cold running water. Instead of using regular conditioner, an alternate method is to very lightly spray your wig with conditioning spray, spraying 10-12 inches from the hair.
Drying Your Wig
Blot excess water with a towel. Do not squeeze or wring. Air dry your wig on a wig stand. Do not use a hair dryer and do not brush the wig while it is wet. Wig stands are ideal for drying because they allow air to circulate, reaching all surfaces of the wig. If you do not have a wig stand, you may place your wig on a tall slender object (such as a can of hair spray) covered with a hand towel. Do not dry your wig on a styrofoam head as this will stretch out the cap. You may gently shake your wig and lightly work the hair with your fingertips, but wait until the wig is dry to style. Do not allow your wig to dry in direct sunlight. If you wash your wig in the early evening, it should be dry by morning.
Washing Frequency
For maximum life, it is recommended that you wash your wig every 6-8 wearings. Washing your wig more frequently will stress the fibers and decrease its life span. Washing it less frequently will allow sweat and oils to build up inside of the cap, which will break down the fibers and adversely affect longevity.
How to care for Your Synthetic Hair Wig:
Hair Products
Use only hair products that are specifically designed for synthetic wigs. Do not use regular human hair shampoo, conditioner, hair spray or gels on your wig as they will cause build up on the wig, shortening its life span and dulling the hair fibers.
Exposure to Heat
Synthetic wigs should not be exposed to heat as this will permanently damage and singe the hair fibers. Do not use heated styling tools such as curling irons, flat irons or hot rollers on your wig. Be cautious when cooking. Keep your head away from hot ovens, stoves or barbecue grills. The only exception are synthetic wigs that are specifically labeled as "heat friendly".
Brushing Your Wig
Do not brush your wig when it is wet. This will stretch and permanently damage the hair fibers. Use only brushes and combs that are designed specifically for synthetic wigs. Your regular hairbrush or comb is not will stretch and stress the fibers.