Regularly cleaning your wig is essential for maintaining its quality and longevity. However, it’s not just about cleaning it regularly, but also about cleaning it the right way. If you clean your wig carelessly, it can lead to tangling and shedding, so it’s crucial to clean it gently and properly.

Why Does My Wig Shed?

Reason 1: Incorrect Washing Method

Washing your wig regularly is an important step to maintain its quality and health. However, it’s not just about washing it frequently; it’s crucial to wash it correctly. If you wash your wig carelessly, it might get tangled or shed hair, so it’s important to handle it gently while washing.

Correct Wig Washing Method: Use a gentle shampoo, lightly massage the wig, and rinse it with cold water. Avoid rubbing or wringing the wig to prevent tangling and shedding.

Reason 2: Lack of Detangling

Ideally, you should detangle your wig before and after wearing it to prevent it from getting tangled and shedding. Before washing your wig, it’s especially important to carefully detangle it, or the washing process might make it worse, and nobody wants that.

Solutions to Wig Tangling:

• Use a wide-tooth comb
• Work in small sections
• Start detangling from the ends and move upwards

However, over-brushing can also lead to shedding. Besides regular necessary brushing, try to avoid brushing your wig too often if it’s not needed, or you might risk causing more shedding.

Reason 3: Improper Wig Storage

Storing your wig improperly can also lead to tangling and shedding. Don’t just toss your wig into a drawer or place it loosely on a mannequin head after wearing it.

Proper Wig Storage Method: It’s best to store your wig on a wig stand or in a wig bag. Satin-lined bags are particularly useful as they are gentler on the hair and can help prevent tangling, matting, and shedding. Before storing the wig, make sure it’s thoroughly detangled. For longer wigs, consider loosely braiding or tying them in a low ponytail to minimize shedding.

Reason 4: Using Too Many Hair Products

Contrary to popular belief, using too many products on your wig can actually damage it. Don’t overload your wig with styling products; instead, keep it to a minimum and only use the products your wig really needs and only when necessary.

Example: Your wig might not need hair oil every day. If it’s a daily wear wig, applying it 1-2 times a week is sufficient. If you use glue to secure your wig, be cautious with the amount, and make sure to remove it correctly to prevent shedding. Consider using a wig repair product that won’t harm your hair or the delicate lace of the wig.

Reason 5: Excessive Heat Styling

Just like using too many products, too much of anything can be harmful, and this includes heat styling for wigs. Continuous heat styling can lead to wig breakage and shedding.

Correct Styling Method:

• Use a heat protectant spray
• Set your styling tools to the lowest temperature needed to achieve your desired style
• Combine heat styling with non-heat methods: for instance, if you curl your wig during the day and want to keep the style for another day, use rollers or a curling iron at night to preserve the style. This reduces heat styling and saves you time the next day.

How to Prevent Wig Shedding and Tangling?

How to Prevent Wig Shedding

If you wear wigs often, you might experience wig shedding. Here are some causes of wig shedding and tips to reduce it.

Keep Your Wig Moisturized: Dry wigs are more prone to shedding, so it’s in your best interest to keep your wig moisturized. Wigs can’t absorb natural moisture from the scalp, so you need to provide the oils it needs. Be sure to use lightweight oils like argan oil or coconut oil.

Avoid Scratching Your Scalp: Don’t scratch your scalp through the lace wig, as this can cause shedding. Instead, lightly tap your scalp to relieve any itching.

Seal the Wig Knots: Before installing your wig, use a knot sealer to secure the wig knots and extend the wig’s lifespan.

Remove Glue Residue: Thoroughly remove glue residue from your wig before washing it to prevent shedding.

Adjust Nighttime Care: It’s best to take off your wig before sleeping or braid the hair and wrap it with a silk scarf.

Choose the Right Products: Use low-alcohol or wig-specific products to avoid damage.

Master Brushing Techniques: Brush from the ends to the roots, and avoid pulling too hard.

Reduce Styling Changes: Frequent hairstyle changes can increase shedding, so try to keep the style simple.

Adjust Sewing Methods: Avoid sewing directly through the wig base to reduce shedding.

Avoid Bleaching Wig Knots: Bleaching weakens the knots, so consider other methods to achieve a natural look.

Avoid Excessive Heat: High temperatures can damage wigs, so air dry them and reduce the use of heat tools.

By following these methods, you can reduce wig shedding and extend the life of your wig.

How to Avoid Wig Tangling

Correct Wig Washing: Detangle your wig before washing. Place the wig under warm running water, gently apply shampoo, and then apply conditioner. Rinse thoroughly and air dry. Don’t rub the wig, as this can cause it to tangle.

Regular Wig Brushing: Brush your wig at least twice a day, preferably when you put it on and when you take it off. Use the right brush and start brushing from the ends, working your way up, gently detangling the entire wig.

How to Brush a Wig?

Wigs should be brushed from the ends upwards. Brushing from the roots down can cause the brush or comb to catch on the wig knots, pulling out the hair. Start from the ends, and gently work your way up in small sections to avoid pulling the hair.

How to Choose the Right Wig Brush

Everyday brushes are too harsh for wigs because they pull and stretch the wig hair, rather than gently smoothing it. But what does a wig brush look like? In this section, we’ll cover everything you need to know about choosing a wig brush, how they differ from everyday brushes, and the different options available.

Wig Brush Options:

• Wig Comb: Although not technically a brush, a wig comb is a popular choice for women who need a wig brush. A wig comb gently detangles wig hair, allowing you to brush your wig without damaging it. These are small and can easily fit in your handbag for quick fixes!
• Styling Brush: A styling brush is a type of wig brush with metal bristles instead of rigid bristles, which can easily remove tangles and glide through the wig. The metal bristles of a styling brush usually have small bubbles at the ends to prevent hair from being pulled and to protect the wig fibers.
• Human Hair Wig Brush: Brushes designed specifically for human hair wigs will help you protect and care for your human hair wig, tame any flyaways, and help you style the wig. Anti-static human hair wig brushes work well to prevent static when styling or brushing the wig.

Brushing Wig Tips

1. Never brush your wig when it’s wet.
2. Start from the ends and work your way up. This helps prevent damage and minimizes stress on the hair strands.
3. Use a wide-tooth comb or a brush with widely spaced bristles. This reduces the chance of pulling and tugging, preserving the wig’s integrity.
4. Brush gently. Treat your wig like natural hair, using slow, steady strokes to avoid unnecessary stress on the hair fibers.
5. Hold the wig securely while brushing. Grasp the wig’s base to support it and minimize tension on the cap.
6. Avoid brushing when the wig is wet. If your wig is wet, refrain from brushing it, as wet hair is more prone to damage.

How to Fix a Damaged Wig

Synthetic Wig Damage Due to Dryness: Sometimes, after wearing your synthetic wig multiple times, you might notice that it starts losing shape and style because the hair fibers become dry. This happens because synthetic wigs lack the moisture of natural hair, and chemical changes in the fibers cause static buildup, leading to loss of style.

The Fix: Some wig wearers try using fabric softener as a conditioner to fix dry synthetic wigs. While not highly recommended, it is a technique some use. Fabric softeners contain positively charged chemicals that rebalance the wig’s charge, making it feel softer. Since fabric softener can soften hair, it becomes easier to brush. However, it’s always recommended to use products specifically designed for wigs, such as high-quality conditioners and balms.

Unwanted Kinks or Curls: Unwanted bends or curls are another common issue with synthetic wigs. Since wigs are made from synthetic fibers, you can’t simply straighten out these kinks as they are heat-sensitive (unless you have a heat-resistant synthetic wig). If this happens to your wig, here’s how to fix it.

The Fix: Use steam to gently straighten.

1. Place the wig on a wig stand in the bathroom and close all windows to trap the steam.
2. Run hot water in the shower until the room is filled with steam.
3. Gently brush the wig using a wide-tooth comb or wig brush, starting from the ends and moving up to the roots. The steam will heat the fibers and relax them.
4. Once condensation starts forming, remove the wig from the room and transfer it to a cool, dry place.

For heat-resistant synthetic wigs: Straighten the wig as you would normal hair, by sectioning it and using a straightener. The only difference is you should use a low heat setting!

Dry Ends: Like natural hair, dry ends are a clear sign your wig needs extra care. Dry ends can result from brushing, styling, and heavy wear, and fixing this issue will improve the wig’s appearance and prolong its life.

The Fix: Repair your synthetic wig by trimming the ends slightly, adding moisture, and sealing the knots.

1. Trim the wig’s ends – Since wig hair doesn’t grow back, you can only trim it a few times. If you’re not confident doing this yourself, take it to a professional stylist.
2. Apply an anti-static spray. It acts as a protective layer that seals and separates the ends while also adding shine.
3. Detangle the ends. Gently detangle the wig ends using your fingers or a wide-tooth comb. If the tangles are tough to remove, you might need a detangling spray. This will reduce the dry and frizzy appearance.
4. If you have a heat-resistant wig, use a low-heat styling tool after applying the product to smooth out dry ends.

Now that you have a better understanding of how to fix a synthetic wig, here are some tips on how to prevent these damages:

• Only use cold water on synthetic wigs.
• Avoid using brushes or combs when the wig is wet.
• Air dry the wig, and avoid using a blow dryer.
• Don’t apply heat to synthetic wigs unless it’s heat-resistant.
• Remove the wig before sleeping.
• Use synthetic hair care products when styling and caring for your wig.
• Finger comb through synthetic curly wigs.
• Use fabric softener as a conditioner to make the wig softer and easier to detangle.

Synthetic wigs typically last 6-8 months, while heat-resistant wigs are expected to last up to 6 months. So, when deciding whether it’s worth repairing or replacing your wig, consider how long you’ve worn it and how often you style it. It might be time for a new synthetic wig.

Human Hair Wig Damage Due to Dryness: While human hair wigs look like natural hair, they are not attached to the scalp and cannot retain moisture. Therefore, if you wear your wig daily and/or style it often, regular washing and deep conditioning are essential.

You should wash your human hair wig after every 10-12 wears. Watch our YouTube video for easy steps on how to wash a human hair wig.

Important Tip: Avoid sleeping with your wig on, as the friction between the cotton pillowcase and the wig can make the hair rough.

Without professional help or buying a new wig, it’s difficult to repair damage to human hair wigs (such as color fading due to sun exposure). So, it’s important to avoid extensive exposure to sunlight or chlorine to help your wig stay in good condition for longer. Typically, a human hair wig can last a year, and with proper care, it can last up to three years.

Lace Front Wig Tear Repair

Tip 1: Replace the Lace Closure

Here’s what you need:

• Lace front wig and a replaceable closure

Step 1: Remove the old torn lace closure by pulling it off.

Step 2: Take out the new piece and secure it to the wig base. It’s as easy as 1-2-3.

Tip 2: Repair the Torn Wig with Tape

Here’s what you need:

• Bonding tape;
• 3M Transpore Tape;
• Your damaged lace wig;
• Polystyrene foam wig head;
• Some pins;
• Acetone;
• Knot sealer;
• Some water;
• A wide-tooth comb;

Step 1: Spray a little water on the hair, then detangle it with a wide-tooth comb, starting from the ends and moving upwards.

Step 2: Turn the lace front wig inside out until the lace is fully facing you, then pin the wig onto the polystyrene foam wig head so you can clearly see the area that needs to be repaired.

Step 3: Clean the torn area with acetone, spray a thin layer of knot sealer on the back area to straighten the lace, and let the knot sealer dry for five minutes.

Step 4: Use some pins to hold the torn edges together, making sure the torn edges are touching.

Step 5: Cut a piece of bonding tape slightly larger than the torn hole, remove the backing paper, and place it over the torn area. Press the tape firmly onto the lace with your fingers, making sure it adheres, then remove the remaining paper.

Step 6: Use a piece of 3M Transpore tape to cover the bonding tape to prevent it from sticking to your scalp. Make sure the Transpore tape is the same size as the bonding tape patch. Cut the Transpore tape, place it over the bonding tape, and press it firmly.

Tip 3: Repair a Damaged Lace Wig with a Needle

Here’s what you need:

• Needle;
• Thread;
• Your damaged lace wig;
• Polystyrene foam wig head;
• Some pins;
• Acetone;
• Some water;
• Wide-tooth comb;

Step 1: Spray a little water on the hair, then detangle it with a wide-tooth comb, starting from the ends and moving upwards.

Step 2: Turn the lace front wig inside out until the lace is fully facing you, then pin the wig onto the polystyrene foam wig head so you can clearly see the area that needs to be repaired.

Step 3: Clean the torn area with acetone.

Step 4: Use some pins to hold the torn edges together, making sure the torn edges are touching.

Step 5: Choose a strong thread that matches the lace color, thread it through a needle, and tie a knot at the end. You can also thread it through the needle and tie both ends together to make the thread stronger.

Step 6: Begin stitching with simple underhand stitches, keeping the stitches small and close to the tear. This way, your comb or brush won’t catch on the thread later. Once you’ve stitched the entire torn area, don’t forget to tie a double knot and cut off the excess thread.

Note:

1. Make sure the needle is very small. After all, a large needle means larger holes. A small needle will cause less damage to your lace wig than a large one.
2. If possible, choose invisible thread as your go-to option. Since it’s made of polyester, it won’t break easily, and it’s completely elastic, so it won’t break your HD lace wig or cause further damage.
3. When you start stitching the lace front, start slightly behind the tear to ensure the hole doesn’t get bigger. The first knot can be tied multiple times to secure the thread in place.

How to Fix Tangled Wigs

Step 1. Place the Wig on a Wig Stand

Detangling a wig on your head or lap can become unnecessarily complicated. So, first, place the wig on a wig stand. We recommend one made of cork and canvas. Ideally, you can secure the wig stand to a table. Placing the wig on a wig stand frees up your hands to hold the comb and other products you’ll need for detangling.

Use T-pins to secure the wig and prevent it from slipping off the mannequin head during the detangling process.

Step 2. Section the Hair

Divide the hair into sections to make it easier to manage. The number of sections will vary depending on the level of tangling and the density of the wig.

As a general rule, divide the wig into four or more equal sections. To do this, part the wig from front to back and then from ear to ear. This will give you four sections.

If you find that four sections aren’t enough, feel free to create more sections.

Step 3. Spray a Detangling Product on the Hair

Spray a detangling product onto the wig. The spray will make the hair slippery so that when you detangle, the strands can slide past each other easily.

You can purchase detangling spray from your local beauty supply store or department store. If you prefer DIY hair products, you can make your own detangling spray at home. The simplest way to make a homemade detangler is to mix four parts water with one part conditioner in a spray bottle. Shake the mixture well, then spray it onto the hair.

Spray enough detangling product to thoroughly saturate the hair. If you don’t use enough, the product won’t work as intended.

Step 4. Use Your Fingers to Remove Severe Tangles

You might be tempted to use a comb to remove severe tangles, but this won’t work as well. Larger knots should be removed with your fingers, at least partially. Fingers can better feel and remove tangles than a comb. Work through each section, so you don’t get overwhelmed by the knots.

If your wig has stubborn tangles that can’t be removed with detangling spray and your fingers, feel free to spray the knot with water and saturate it with conditioner. Try to remove it with your fingers again.

Note: Avoid using your nails to remove tangles. Doing so can damage the hair strands, leading to breakage and split ends.

Step 5. Comb the Hair with a Wide-Tooth Comb

Use a wide-tooth comb to comb through one of the sections, starting from the ends and working your way up to the roots. Once the ends are tangle-free, move up to the mid-lengths and then to the roots. Combing from root to tip can cause unnecessary pulling and hair breakage.

Move on to the next section and repeat these steps. Stop combing when the comb slides freely through the hair.

Once most of the tangles are gone, use a wig brush to further smooth the hair. If you’ve already combed through the hair with a wide-tooth comb, you can brush from root to tip.

Step 6. Wash and Deep Condition Your Wig

If you had to use a lot of conditioner or detangling spray, you might need to wash and condition the wig to restore its shape and shine. This is especially important for straight wigs. If you skip the washing step, the wig might look limp and greasy after styling. For curly wigs, a quick rinse might be enough.

Note: Never wash a tangled wig, especially if it’s severely tangled. Doing so will make the tangles worse. Therefore, ensure the wig is thoroughly detangled before washing.

Step 7. Dry the Wig

Leaving your wig wet for too long is never a good idea. You can dry your wig in one of two ways to prevent mold:

Air Dry the Wig: The gentlest way to dry your wig is to place it on a wig stand and let it air dry in the open air. This means not placing it in an enclosed space like a small closet. Your wig should dry within a day. If you want to speed up the drying process, gently blot away excess water with a microfiber towel before placing it on the wig stand.

Blow Dry the Wig: When you’re in a hurry, blow-drying your wig can come in handy. You can hold the wig in your hand, or place it on a mannequin head, and brush the hair while drying it with a blow dryer. Be careful not to pull too hard on the hair, or you might pull the hair out. We recommend using the “cool” setting on the blow dryer to preserve the hair quality.

Step 8. Style Your Wig

Once your wig is dry, feel free to style it as you like. You can use a straightener to smooth it out or a curling iron to create some cascading curls. Have fun!

Pro Tip: Steaming

If you’ve been using the right brush and products, and your wig has stayed in good condition for months, but eventually, all wigs get frizzy. You might be able to manage it for a while, but eventually, it will get too bad to continue wearing. What should you do? Well, you could try steaming it. This involves heat, and as we know, heat can damage wigs, but when used in a carefully controlled way, it can straighten out the tangles in the fibers that cause frizz.