Whether you're trying to cosplay on the weekends, or just wearing it every day, wigs can get tangled. However, don't just throw a tangled wig in the trash! With a few inexpensive products (and some patience), you can get your wig fixed. You can even make your wig look like new again by setting up the repair process, combing it, and letting it dry.
Step
Part 1 of 3: Supporting the Wig and Preparing the Conditioner
Step 1. Prepare the equipment
The advantage of this method is that the equipment needed is easy to find and inexpensive. All you need is a comb, a spray bottle filled with water, and a little conditioner. A mannequin head to support the wig can also help, but is not essential. Just prepare the following equipment:
- Wig comb or wide tooth comb
- A fine-toothed comb (if there are bangs on the wig)
- A spray bottle whose volume is filled with water
- Conditioner
- Mannequin head to support wig (optional)
Step 2. Place the wig on the support
Place the wig on the head of the mannequin. Or, if possible use a camera tripod (or other tall object) to make it easier for you to untangle the wig. These supports are especially helpful if the wig you have to comb is very long.
If you don't have a mannequin head for a wig (or a tripod), simply place the wig on a table or kitchen counter
Step 3. Prepare the conditioner
Fill the spray bottle until it is about of its volume filled with water. Next, add conditioner until the bottle is full. Make a mixture of conditioner and water in a 1:3 ratio. Beat this mixture until smooth.
- You can also use a leave-in conditioner or a product specially formulated for untangling wigs. Products like this no longer need to be diluted with water.
- To fix a synthetic wig, you can also try using fabric softener. As with conditioner, use a mixture of fabric softener and water in a 1:3 ratio.
Part 2 of 3: Combing Wigs
Step 1. Soak the wig
If the wig is very wrinkled, you may need to soak it in warm water. For that, fill the sink with warm water. Remove the wig from the head of the mannequin (if used), and let it soak in the water for 10-15 minutes. Gently squeeze the excess water out of the wig then return it to the mannequin.
If the wig is very dirty, you can add a little shampoo to the water. However, if you do use shampoo, be sure to rinse the wig thoroughly with clean water before combing it
Step 2. Saturate the ends of the wig
Take a spray bottle and spray the water and conditioner mixture onto the ends of the wig until the bottom of the wig is completely saturated.
If the conditioner starts to separate from the water, shake the bottle again
Step 3. Comb the ends of the wig
Use a wig comb (or wide-toothed comb) to start combing the ends of the wig to a length of 7-12 cm. Hold the wig firmly with one hand (just above the combed area) while combing with the other hand. If the wig is very tangled, you may have to comb through it a little at a time until the underside is neat again.
Step 4. Continue to spray conditioner and comb the wig up
After about 7-12 cm at the end of the wig has finished combing, saturate the next 7-12 cm with a mixture of conditioner and water and then comb again. Continue this process until the entire wig has been combed.
- Depending on the length of the wig, this process can take some time (up to 1 hour).
- Be careful not to grab the wig as it will only make it tangle even more. It's a good idea to comb the tangled wig carefully.
Part 3 of 3: Styling the Wig and Allowing It to Dry
Step 1. Comb the bangs and trim the wig
If there are bangs on the wig, use a fine-toothed comb to smooth out the tangles, then position them as you wish. While the wig is still wet, adjust the position of the hair according to the style you want.
Step 2. Spray water all over the wig again
If you've applied a lot of conditioner (and especially if your wig isn't a synthetic wig), you may need to spray clean water all over the wig to loosen any remaining conditioner while reducing stickiness.
Step 3. Leave the wig for a few hours while combing it every 30 minutes
Gently comb the wig every 30 minutes, and within 2-3 hours the wig should be dry.
- If you are in a hurry, use a hairdryer that is set to a low temperature. However, be careful because wigs are very easy to damage when utensil dried.
- For best results, allow the wig to dry on its own.
