Human hair wigs are quite expensive, but worth the quality. Because they are made from real hair, they are much more difficult to straighten, curl, and color than synthetic fiber wigs. Just like synthetic wigs, wigs made from human hair should also be washed regularly. However, since these wigs are quite prone to damage, you have to be careful when doing this.
Step
Method 1 of 3: Washing the Wig
Step 1. Comb or trim the wig starting from the ends
Comb the wig gently starting from the ends. Once there are no clumps of hair, comb it towards the roots until you can pass through the section smoothly. Use a special wig wire brush for straight or curly wigs, or a wide-toothed comb for curly wigs (including natural/afro-textured wigs).
Step 2. Fill the sink with cold water, then add a few drops of shampoo
Use a high-quality shampoo that matches the type of hair you want to wash. For example, if you wash curly wigs, use a shampoo made specifically for curly hair. If you know the wig has been dyed, use a shampoo that is safe for hair dye.
- You should never apply shampoo directly to the wig. However, use a shampoo that has been mixed with water to wash it off.
- Don't use a 2-in-1 shampoo that contains conditioner. You can use conditioner for the wig, but don't let the liquid get close to the roots.
Step 3. Turn the wig so that the inside is facing out, then put it in the water
Use your fingers to flip the inside of the wig out so the fibers hang down. Place the wig on the surface of the water, then press until the fibers are submerged. Gently twist the wig so that the shampoo spreads throughout the strands.
Turning the inside of the wig out will make it easier for the shampoo to seep into the wig holder, which is often a hotbed of dirt, oil, and sweat
Step 4. Soak the wig for 5 minutes
Make sure the wig is completely submerged in the water. Do not move the wig during this process. Excessive scrubbing, wringing, and stirring of the wig can cause the fibers to tangle.
Step 5. Rinse the wig with cold water until the shampoo is gone
You can rinse the wig in a bucket of cold water, in the sink, or in the bathroom shower. Large wigs may need to be washed more than once.
Step 6. Apply conditioner to the wig
Drop a small amount of conditioner into your hair, then comb it gently with your fingers. If the wig has lace in the front or is ventilated, be careful when removing the stand. Each strand of hair is connected to the lace. When you apply conditioner, the clumps of hair will come off and the tangled strands will straighten again. This won't be a problem for a regular wig because the strands are sewn in.
- Use a high-quality conditioner.
- You can also use a leave-in conditioner if you prefer.
Step 7. Wait for 2 minutes before rinsing off the conditioner with cold water
Leaving the conditioner on the wig for a few minutes will allow the ingredients to seep into your hair and hydrate it – just like real hair growing on your head. After 2 minutes, rinse the wig thoroughly.
Skip this step if you use a leave-in conditioner
Method 2 of 3: Drying the Wig
Step 1. Turn the inside of the right side of the wig and squeeze it gently to remove the water
Hold the wig over the sink, then squeeze the fibers with your hands. Do not pull or twist the fibers of the wig to prevent it from being damaged or untied.
Do not comb a wig that is still wet. This can damage the fibers of the wig and make it tangle
Step 2. Cover the wig with a towel to remove any excess water
Place the wig in a clean towel. Roll the towel tightly, starting from the part that holds the wig. Press the towel, then gently unroll the towel to pick up the wig.
If the wig is long enough, make sure every strand of hair is trimmed and doesn't clump together
Step 3. Apply your signature product to the wig
Spray hair softener to make the wig easy to style; make sure you spray it from a distance of 25-30 cm. For curly wigs, try applying hair gel instead of the spray.
Step 4. Let the wig dry on its own on a mannequin or in the sun
Do not comb a wet wig as the fibers can be damaged. For curly wigs, use your fingers to "twist" the hair every now and then.
- The term "twist" refers to the movement of the hand to twist the hair from the roots, pull it up, and then twist your fingers inward. This movement can make curly hair expand and beautify its shape.
- If you are using a Styrofoam wig mannequin, make sure it is attached to a stable wig stand. Secure the wig with safety pins, if necessary.
Step 5. Dry the wig with a hairdryer if you are in a hurry
Use a hairdryer to dry the inside of the wig first. Once the inside is dry, place the wig on your head and secure it with bobby pins. Complete the process of drying the wig on your head. Use a low heat setting to avoid damaging the fibers.
Make sure you attach the clip to your natural hair and cover it with the wig holder before attaching the object
Step 6. Let the wig dry upside down if you want more volume
Flip the wig over, then secure the inside of the wig with tongs to hang the clothesline. You'll need to bend the clothespins slightly to do this. Hang the wig in the shower for a few hours to dry; do not use the bathroom first during this process.
In addition to the bathroom, you can also hang it in another place that can catch water droplets from the wig fibers
Method 3 of 3: Trimming and Caring for Wigs
Step 1. Brush the wig once it dries
Again, you should only use a wire comb for straight or wavy wigs. For curly wigs, use a wide-toothed comb. Comb from the ends of the hair to the roots. If necessary, use anti-frizz hair care products.
Step 2. Curl the wig again, if necessary
Some wigs are made from naturally curly hair. However, there are also wigs made of straight hair that are curled by a machine. This type of wig will lose its shape when washed. Luckily, you can easily get it back in shape using the same technique as when curling real hair.
Hair curlers (rollers) are the safest option because they do not use heat. If you want to use a vise, use a low heat setting
Step 3. Leave the wig on a vase or on a mannequin when not wearing it
If you are using a flower vase, put a tissue that has been sprayed with perfume in it.
Step 4. Wash the wig again when it gets dirty
If you wear your wig every day, wash it every 2 to 4 weeks. If you don't wear wigs often, just wash them once a month.
Step 5. Treat your natural hair even if you often use wigs
Wearing a wig doesn't mean you can ignore the condition of your own hair. Keeping your hair and scalp healthy will keep the wig clean.
If your hair is dry, dampen it. This doesn't affect the quality of the wig, but it can keep your natural hair healthy
Tips
- Be careful when straightening a tangled wig. Use plenty of anti-wrinkle liquid, if necessary.
- Wash your wig before first use. Even if you buy a new wig, it can become contaminated during the manufacturing, packaging, and shipping process.
- If cold water doesn't work on your wig, you can use warm water with a maximum temperature of 35°C.
- Selection of high quality products that are free from sulfates, parabens, and various types of minerals. Buy products that contain aloe extract and/or glycerol.
- You can buy wig stands and mannequin heads made of Styrofoam at a wig shop. Some costume and craft shops also sell these products.
- If you can't find a wig stand, make one yourself by attaching a wooden rod to a Christmas tree stand.
- You can use shampoo and conditioner made specifically for wigs. However, first check the packaging to make sure the product is safe for human hair wigs.
Warning
- Don't use a hairbrush for curly wigs; use your fingers or a wide-toothed comb. Using a hairbrush to straighten curly hair will only make it tangle.
- Do not use excessive heat on the wig. Even if the fibers won't melt, they can be damaged.
