Synthetic hair has undergone many technological advances in recent years. When held, the synthetic hair texture will feel like human hair and the appearance will be similar to real hair. In addition, synthetic hair can also be used directly, unlike human hair which usually has to be styled first. The waves and curls in synthetic hair are practically "permanent" so the curls will return to their original shape without needing anything to do with it, and won't become stiff or limp in humid weather. However, synthetic hair has different properties than human hair and must be treated differently in order to last as long as possible.
Step
Part 1 of 4: Washing Synthetic Hair Extensions
Step 1. Buy a gentle shampoo
The shampoo used to wash synthetic hair must be made specifically for that hair type. Shampoo for synthetic wigs can also be used to wash synthetic extensions. However, if you have trouble finding a shampoo specifically for synthetic hair, just use a mild shampoo.
- Not all shampoos are labeled as gentle or harsh, so look for a shampoo that doesn't contain "sulphates" because sulfates are harsh cleaning agents. Shampoos without sulfates are much gentler on hair, and usually have a “sulphate free” label on the front of the bottle.
- You can buy shampoo for wigs and synthetic extensions at a beauty supply store or wig shop. (Try to use only conditioner if possible).
Step 2. Gently comb the tangles with a wide-toothed comb
A wide-toothed comb won't get caught in the hair like a fine-toothed comb. Start combing slowly from the ends of your hair and work your way towards the roots as you work to untangle the tangles. In other words, comb your hair from the bottom up.
- To make combing easier, wet your hair with a spray bottle filled with water or an anti-tangle liquid. Then, comb the hair.
- If your hair has very tight curls, use your fingers to run it through. Fingers are softer, won't tug at the hair and won't damage the curls like a comb.
- If you're using a wig or bobby pin, it's easier to remove it before combing it.
Step 3. Fill the basin with water
Use cold or warm water, don't use hot water. Make sure the water is not too hot, as this can change the pattern of your curls or waves. Fill the basin with water so that all of your hair is submerged.
If the extensions aren't attached with bobby pins or you don't want to take them off for washing, skip step 4 which asks you to wet your hair and shampoo as usual
Step 4. Mix a cap of a shampoo bottle made specifically for synthetic hair into the water
If you have a lot of hair, mix two caps of a shampoo bottle in the water. Use your best judgment to decide if you need a shampoo bottle cap or two. Too much shampoo will cause the cleaning agents to dissolve the layer that gives it shine or change the appearance and texture of your hair.
- Using too much shampoo or harsh shampoos can make your hair look dull.
- Again, if you want to wash your hair while the extensions remain on your head, wet your hair as usual. Then, apply about a cap of the shampoo bottle directly to your hair and smooth it all over your hair.
Step 5. Soak the wig or hair extension in the water
Hair should be completely submerged. Make sure the hair absorbs the water. Press the hair into the water if necessary. If your hair isn't wet enough, the shampoo won't clean it effectively.
If you're using extensions, skip step 6 and massage your hair with shampoo to get it completely clean
Step 6. Flick your hair in the water to the left and right
This method can remove shampoo from hair without scrubbing it. Then, dip your hair up and down. Alternately flick and dip your hair until your hair is completely clean.
If you are using extensions, massage your hair gently, don't rub it. You have to keep your hair from getting tangled. Massage the shampoo all over your hair for a few minutes until your hair feels clean
Step 7. Rinse hair with cold water
In human hair cold water serves to close the hair cuticle, while on synthetic hair cold water will not damage the hair layer or change the pattern of the curls like hot water. So, rinse your hair with cold water thoroughly until all the foam is removed and the rinse water runs clear.
Part 2 of 4: Moisturizing Hair
Step 1. Purchase an anti-wrinkle conditioner
You should try your best to keep your hair from getting tangled. If your hair is tangled, you'll need to work it out with some effort so you don't damage the texture, curl pattern or waves. Conditioner won't moisturize synthetic hair as much as natural hair because synthetic hair can't absorb it.
- Conditioner is usually labeled according to type. So, the conditioner will list moisturizing, volumizing, or frizz-proofing on the front of the bottle.
- If you're still having trouble finding a tangle-free shampoo, look in the children's section. Several companies produce anti-wrinkle shampoo and conditioner for children.
- If you want to restore shine to your hair, buy a conditioner that contains natural oils like avocado or jojoba oil.
Step 2. Refill the basin with water
Use cold water. Cold water temperatures are best for synthetic hair. Pour enough water to cover all of your hair when you put it in the basin.
If you keep the extensions on your head, they will still be wet after you rinse out the shampoo
Step 3. Add a cap of a bottle of conditioner to the water
Again, if you wash and moisturize your hair a fair amount use your best judgment. You may need two bottle caps of conditioner, but don't overdo it. Too much conditioner can make hair sag due to weight.
If the extensions stay on your head when you intend to moisturize them, apply a cap or two of a bottle of conditioner to your hair, then smooth it all over
Step 4. Flick your hair back and forth
Gently rock your hair back and forth in the water, as you did before. You just need to let a little conditioner on your hair and moisturize it. Too much conditioner will make your hair sag and look greasy because synthetic hair can't absorb conditioner like natural hair. Keep tossing your hair in the water for a few minutes until your hair is sufficiently damp.
If the extensions remain on your head, spread the conditioner all over your hair by scratching it with your fingers
Step 5. Let the conditioner sit on your hair
Don't rinse it off right away. The conditioner should stick to your hair even if you don't use a leave-in type of conditioner. Or, you can use a leave-in conditioner if you prefer. Use a water-based no-rinse conditioner, which is usually sold in a spray bottle.
- You can also let your hair soak in the water mixed with the conditioner for 10 to 15 minutes if you wash your synthetic hair in a basin.
- If you're moisturizing your synthetic hair on your head, just spray on a leave-in conditioner. Let the conditioner sit on your hair.
- If you use too much conditioner on your hair, spray your hair with a spray bottle filled with water to partially rinse off the conditioner.
Part 3 of 4: Drying Hair
Step 1. Squeeze hair to remove excess water from hair
You simply put the hair in the palm of your hand. Then, clench your fists into fists to squeeze out the excess water. Do this from the ends of your hair and work your way up while continuing to wring it out. Don't rub your hair with a towel, and don't wrap your hair in a towel as you normally would with natural hair.
This method also applies to hair extensions that are attached to your head when you wash them
Step 2. Place the hair extensions on the towel
Place each hair extension on the towel at a certain distance so they don't overlap. Hair will take a long time to dry if it is stacked. Don't tamper with your hair by brushing or combing it while it's still wet.
- If you dry your wig, place it in a wig holder to let it dry on its own.
- If you're blow drying your headband, simply press it down with a towel. For best results, use a microfiber towel. This towel will dry your hair without tangling the strands.
Step 3. Let the hair dry by itself
Do not use a hairdryer. Drying your hair with a blow dryer can permanently change the pattern of your curls and waves. Maybe some synthetic hair is specially made to be heat resistant, but most are not. You can tell whether synthetic hair is heat resistant or not from the information listed on the packaging.
- For best results, allow your hair to dry on its own, even if you are not prohibited from using a blow dryer on your hair.
- This method also applies to hair extensions that are attached with clips or without clips.
Part 4 of 4: Styling Hair
Step 1. Comb your hair with a wide-tooth comb
Using a wide-toothed comb ensures that you don't tug on your hair too much when you're combing it. If the curls are too tight, use your fingers to run through the hair. For this purpose, using a finger is the best option.
Do not brush curly or wavy synthetic hair with a brush made of animal hair. Brushes like this can mess with the pattern and texture of the hair
Step 2. Spray hair with water before combing it
Moisturizing your hair with water is especially helpful if your hair has certain curls, waves or textures. Water helps make hair slicker so you can comb it more easily. If you want your hair to be even shinier, add a little leave-in conditioner to the water in a spray bottle. You can also buy wig spray to make it easier for you to brush your hair.
Many synthetic hairs are made with very tight texture and curls because straight natural hair is difficult to style like synthetic hair. However, synthetic hair is generally sold in a straight state. Synthetic hair creates a better texture than natural hair. The curls and waves on synthetic hair can also last longer. So, if you want to style your synthetic hair in curls or waves and want it to last longer, spray your hair with water and comb it with your fingers
Step 3. Set the styling tool to a cold setting
If you have synthetic hair that can be styled with a heat-generating tool, make sure you use a cool setting for the straightener or curling iron. Otherwise, the hair may melt. In addition, hairstyles that you create using heat-generating tools can permanently change your hair. So, be careful when using a straightener or curling iron.
- You can also curl straight synthetic hair in hot water. Roll your hair with rollers, or whatever you're using as rollers, then dip your hair in very hot water, or spray your hair with hot water if synthetic hair is on your head. Lay your hair on a towel to dry or let it air dry. Once the hair is dry, remove the rollers. Do this only if you really want to change your hairstyle. It's best not to curl your hair and then try to straighten it again. You can't change your synthetic hairstyle over and over again, as this will damage it.
- If the package doesn't say that synthetic hair can be styled using a heat-generating device, don't use it. Hair can be damaged or melted.
Step 4. Trim the stiff ends of the hair
Uneven, tangled, and knotted ends can make spliced hair look damaged and messy. When the appearance of the hair starts to look ugly, trim the ends. This will refresh the appearance of your hair and make it look better.
Step 5. Apply a small amount of oil to synthetic hair, then comb it
When the extensions start to look dry or lose their shine, apply a light oil like jojoba to the hair evenly. Leave it for an hour, and then gently wipe off the excess oil with a towel. If necessary, remove excess oil with a small amount of mild shampoo, then rinse.
Step 6. Remove the hair extensions before they look shabby
Connecting hair tends to move up the hair shaft after six weeks of application, making it look loose or uneven. Even if you take good care of it, the extensions will still need to be removed after a while. Synthetic hair doesn't last forever. So you should schedule a visit to the salon to get a new extension.
Things You Need
- Spray bottle
- Water
- Anti-wrinkle spray (optional)
- Wig spray (optional)
- Gentle shampoo
- Anti-wrinkle conditioner or leave-in conditioner
- Towel
- Microfiber towel (optional)
- Rare tooth comb
Tips
- If your synthetic hair is monofiber or thermofiber, you can use a styling tool that emits heat, such as a straightener, curling iron or blow dryer on a cold setting. The maximum temperature that synthetic hair can withstand should be stated on the packaging. If you exceed this temperature, the hair will melt.
- If you use long hair, do not comb it with a brush, use a comb with care. Otherwise, the hair will become stiff.
Warning
- If you're not careful when combing the extensions, you can break the fibers, causing them to become tangled or stiff.
- Do not use heat-treating tools or blow dryers on 100% synthetic hair.
- Daily maintenance for extension hair will take time. Take at least half an hour to do this.
