Sofia Martinez
Plastic wigs, also known as synthetic wigs, are a great, low-maintenance option for those experiencing hair loss or simply wanting to switch up their look. To maintain the lifespan, shine, and quality of your wig, it is important to wash it correctly. This involves using lukewarm water, a shampoo designed for synthetic wigs, and a gentle approach to avoid tangling and fibre damage. The process includes detangling, washing, rinsing, conditioning, and drying the wig, with some specific steps and products to consider for optimal results.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Water temperature | Lukewarm |
| Water level | Enough to cover the wig |
| Shampoo | A small amount, specialist wig shampoo or baby shampoo |
| Soaking time | 2-3 hours |
| Rinse method | In the direction of the hair to prevent tangling |
| Rinse water temperature | Cold for the final rinse |
| Conditioner | Small amount, avoiding the roots |
| Drying method | Air dry on a wig stand or towel |
| Drying time | A few hours |
| Frequency | Every 2-3 weeks, or after 20 wears |
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What You'll Learn
Detangling
Step 1: Prepare the Wig
Place the wig on a mannequin head or rest it gently on a flat surface. Using a wide-tooth comb or a tangle teezer-style brush, gently brush the wig, starting from the ends and working your way up. Be careful not to pull or stretch the hair fibres. Pay special attention to the nape of the neck area, as this is where tangles tend to form more frequently due to friction from garments or scarves.
Step 2: Spray a Detangling Product
Hold a detangling spray, such as René of Paris Revive Liquid Enhancement Spray or an oil sheen spray, about 10-12 inches away from the wig. Spray the product onto the tangled areas, starting with a small amount and adding more as needed. These sprays help to eliminate static, minimize tangling, and restore curl patterns.
Step 3: Brush and Smooth
Gently brush the wig again with the wide-tooth comb or tangle teezer brush, working through any knots without yanking or pulling too hard on the fibres. Use your fingers to separate any knots and hold down the top of the wig to prevent pulling. Make sure to detangle both the outer and inner layers of hair.
Step 4: Spray with Conditioner
If the wig is still tangled or matted, spray a liquid conditioner for synthetic wigs onto the hair. This will help to smooth out flyaway hair and further detangle the wig. You can also brush the strands and then smooth them out with your hands.
Step 5: Use Heat (Optional)
For more stubborn tangles, you can use heat to help detangle the wig. Direct warm air from a blow dryer onto the wig fibres while gently pulling the wig taut with a comb or brush. Be careful not to pull or stretch the fibres too much. Once the wig is mostly untangled, you can use hot water (up to 85°C or 185°F) to straighten the wig. Pour the hot water over the desired area, avoiding the bangs and the top of the wig to prevent flattening.
Step 6: Finish and Style
Allow the wig to air dry before brushing it again. If there are still waves or curls, you can repeat the process with slightly hotter water or use a hairdryer or flat iron to finish styling. Remember to always use heat-safe tools and protectant sprays when applying heat to your plastic wig.
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Shampooing
Next, fill a basin or bucket with lukewarm water. Add a small amount of shampoo designed for washing synthetic wigs, such as Rene of Paris Wig Shampoo, or a mild baby shampoo. You can also use a small amount of dish soap. Swish the water to create suds.
Now, it's time to wash the wig. Dunk the wig into the water and let it sit for a few minutes. You can also gently rub the wig fibres between your palms to work out any dirt or makeup, being careful not to scrub or rub the wig. If your wig has a lot of buildup, you may need to shampoo it a couple of times.
After shampooing, gently rinse the wig by running it under lukewarm water until the water runs clear. Be careful not to squeeze, wring, or rub the wig, as this can cause tangling. You can use your fingers to manoeuvre the hairs so that the water reaches all parts of the wig.
Finally, blot the wig gently with a towel to remove excess moisture. Place the wig on a wig stand or lay it flat on a towel to air dry. You can also use a blow dryer on a low setting, but it's important to never use hot water or heat styling on a synthetic wig, as it can damage the fibres and affect the style.
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Rinsing
When rinsing, it is crucial to avoid soaking the wig, as this can lead to tangling and damage. Instead, focus on gently rinsing the hair from roots to ends, ensuring that all shampoo is removed. If you're using a sink or a basin, make sure to refill it with clean lukewarm water before the conditioning step.
After rinsing, gently squeeze any excess water from the wig. You can do this by holding the wig over a sink and gently pressing, or by placing a towel under the wig to catch any drips. Be careful not to wring or twist the wig, as this can damage the fibres. Once most of the water has been removed, you can then move on to conditioning the wig, which will help keep it soft and manageable.
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Conditioning
There are various conditioning methods and products available for plastic wigs. One popular method is to use a leave-in conditioner, which can be sprayed onto the wig and combed through. This type of conditioner is excellent for detangling the wig between washes. When using a leave-in conditioner, it is essential to hold the bottle about 20 cm away from the wig and then brush the product through the hair gently.
Another option is to use a standard wash-out conditioner. After shampooing your wig, apply a small amount of conditioner to the hair and work it through gently. Allow the conditioner to sit for a few minutes before rinsing it out with lukewarm water until the water runs clear.
Deep conditioning treatments are also available for plastic wigs that have become dry, damaged, stiff, or brittle. These treatments can help restore shine and body to the wig. Deep conditioning products include intensive reconstructor treatments, wig masks, and conditioning sprays.
When conditioning your plastic wig, it is important to use products specifically designed for wigs. Avoid using fabric softener or regular hair conditioner, as these products may damage the wig fibres. Instead, opt for conditioners containing moisturising ingredients like aloe vera, tea tree oil, and Jamaican black castor oil.
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Drying
Blot Excess Water
Use a microfiber towel or a tea towel to gently blot the excess water from your wig. Avoid wringing, squeezing, or rubbing the wig, as these actions can damage the wig fibres and encourage tangles. Instead, gently press down on the wig with the towel to absorb the water. You can also wrap the wig in the towel and gently squeeze it a few times.
Shake Out Remaining Water
Turn the wig upside down and shake it a few times to get rid of any remaining excess water. This step helps to remove water from the roots and base of the wig, ensuring that it dries more thoroughly and quickly.
Air-Dry
The safest and most recommended method for drying a plastic wig is to let it air-dry. Place the wig on a wig stand or a towel in a well-ventilated area and leave it to dry naturally. You can enhance airflow by positioning a fan nearby, but be sure to set it to a gentle speed to avoid tangling the wig fibres. Alternatively, you can hang the wig upside down using a wire hanger or hanger clip in an area with good air circulation, such as on a showerhead with the bathroom window open.
Synthetic wigs typically take 3-4 hours to dry completely, but this can vary depending on factors such as the density of the wig and environmental conditions like humidity and temperature. It is important to plan ahead and build in time for your wig to dry thoroughly before wearing it or styling it with heat.
Avoid Direct Sunlight
When air-drying your plastic wig, avoid placing it in direct sunlight or near a source of heat. Direct sunlight can cause colour fading and damage to both synthetic and human hair fibres.
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