How to Take Care of Your Wig

The wig wearing community has steadily become popular and in 2022, 1 in 3 modern women owns at least one wig so it has become extremely imperative to know how to take care of your wig(s). Whether natural or synthetic, wigs are a form of creative expression and they come in different colours, shapes, textures, and designs. This article goes into depth guiding you on how to take care of your wig – synthetic or natural.

1.   Learn the difference between a human hair wig and a synthetic hair wig

Human hair wigs are stronger, and have a higher resistance to heat than a synthetic one, so it tangles a lot less and hardly ever melts.

A key difference between synthetic hair and human hair is that human hair wigs offer the most natural look and feel. The hair is soft and has a shine and movement that is hard to replicate synthetically.

Also, human hair wigs are better suited for permanent waves and frequent heat styling. You cannot use heat on a synthetic wig unless it is clearly marked as “heat friendly.”

When you buy a wig, be on the lookout for what it’s made out of, and read the instructions carefully. This will definitely affect how you take care of your wig because what you can or cannot do to them is critical.

2.   Wash your wig and invest in a good shampoo and conditioner that can clear the wig of any debris and dirt collected.

When buying products for cleaning your wig, you should know that there are special products made for them because regular shampoo has chemicals that change the texture of the wig, especially when it is a synthetic wig.

Also, the way that you wash your hair and the way that you wash your wig are different. This is what you do: first, soak the wig in shampoo and water, and then comb the shampoo or conditioner out of the wig (with your wig comb). Then rinse the wig with lukewarm water until the product is all out. Finally, comb the wig until it is untangled, and let it dry by itself. Remember that when you wash it, you don’t need to rub or massage the wig, just combing it’s enough!

To be on the safe side, for your wig, always buy sulphate free moisturizing shampoos made with natural ingredients, especially those made for natural hair. Livara’s Sapphire General Purpose Moisturizing Shampoo would be a great option for you!

3.   Keep your wig covered and upright when not in use to avoid frizz and tangles in your wig.

Whenever you are not using your wig, the proper way to store it is on a wig mannequin or a hook specially crafted for wigs, so that it is in an upright position, and it doesn’t get tangled. Also, cover it to avoid dust.

The other option is to turn in inside out so that it is properly held in and covered by the wig net.

4.   Do not use hair spray or shine on your synthetic wig

When you spray your wig, it is most likely going to become tangled, greasy and unmanageable especially if you use an alloy of different products on your wig. Some spray is alright just don’t overdo it.

For human hair wigs, invest in a good Spritz Moisturizer; the kind you would use on your very own natural hair. Livara’s Tsavorite Spritz Moisturizer is the perfect investment for your wig. It is light, highly absorbent and smells lovely too.

5.   Do not use heat to style or dry your wig unless you’re sure. (If not go to a stylist to make your desired modifications)

When you are styling your wig, know that heat can really damage synthetic wigs. It’s like putting a polytene bag next to a fire. It will burn. Again, synthetic wigs are damaged by heat unless clearly indicated otherwise by the manufacturer. So be careful not to use heat on your wig unless you are sure that it is a human hair wig.

Remember to read the instructions that came with your wig, so you can find out how much, if any heat, you can use.

6.   Do not sleep or shower with your wig on

Sleeping and showering with your wig is not the best idea. When it is raining heavily, remove your wig in order to prevent it from smelling. As for sleeping with it on, it will get knotted and tangle up from moving your head around at night. This will create difficulty in styling the next morning.

The good thing about human hair wigs is that you can easily apply a detangled to it and it will detangle. This is not the same case for synthetic wigs.

7.   Do not neglect your own hair because of a wig

Wearing a wig is no reason for your hair to be dirty, poorly managed and dry. It is good to have your own hair clean, conditioned and oiled. Otherwise your scalp will itch uncontrollably and you will find yourself hitting your head to relieve the pain. The other thing is that when you do not take good care of your own hair, a time will come when you want to do away with the wig but you won’t be able to because your own hair would have broken edges, inconsistent length, minimal to no shine…….it would. be unkempt.

Before you put on your wig, always braid or pull your hair back a little so that the wig flawlessly sits on your head and blends in. I recommend using a cap, it makes it easier to hide your hair, and to keep it clean at the same time.

The good thing is that wigs have also evolved and keep on evolving. There are wigs for different purposes and this makes life and fashion so much easier.

As you wear and take care of your wig… Remember you are a GEM.