Wearing wigs is of course a fantastic way to change up your look or conceal hair loss challenges. While there’s tons of guidance available both online and off about choosing your wig, applying it correctly at home and maintaining it to perfection, removing your wig properly is just as important as putting it on!
Whether using wig tape, glue or a simple wig cap, taking off your wig without causing damage to your natural hair or scalp requires a delicate approach. With this in mind, we’re here to provide a step-by-step guide to removing your wig – the right way!
You’ll need a number of tools and accessories to make wearing a wig work for you. For successful removal, you’ll have to grab several items from your tool kit, including adhesive remover that’s compatible with your chosen wig glue or tape. Still searching for the perfect wig adhesive and remover? Check out our rundown of top wig tapes, adhesives and removers for recommendations.
You’ll also require a clean towel, soft cloth or cotton wool pads, a spray bottle filled with water, a wig stand for storage after removal (more on this later!), and hair clips or ties.
The first step to smooth, efficient removal is loosening up your adhesive. Wig glues and tapes are designed to hold wigs securely in place, which means they’re pretty strong, so don’t try to pull the wig off directly. It’ll cause a lot of damage!
Instead, start by applying an adhesive remover along the edges of the wig. If you don’t have a specialised adhesive remover, or the chemicals in these removers are too harsh for your skin, certain essential oils (including coconut and olive oil) can be used as natural alternatives.
Apply the adhesive remover or oil by gently dabbing it wherever the adhesive was applied. You’ll need to give it a few minutes to break down the glue before moving onto the next step.
Now the adhesive has softened, you can slowly start to peel back the wig. The temple is a good place to begin, and you can use your fingers to lift the wig away from the skin. If you feel any resistance at all, don’t be tempted to pull harder as this will only damage the wig and irritate your scalp. Simply apply more adhesive remover and wait for a few more moments.
The task of removal isn’t finished just yet. Your wig will need cleaning immediately after use to keep it in tip top condition.
Gently wipe down the lace or base of the wig to remove any residual glue using the soft cloth or cotton wool we mentioned earlier. You may need to apply additional adhesive remover to clean it thoroughly. Do the same along your hairline.
Your scalp and any remaining natural hair should then be cleansed, moisturised and dried with a soft towel to make sure it’s fresh, healthy and adhesive-free. For those who rely on their wigs every day, we recommend giving your scalp regular breaks between applications to prevent irritation and make wig wear as comfortable as possible.
Now your wig is adhesive-free, it’s time to store it for its next use. A wig stand is a must-have for proper storage. This handy accessory ensures your wig stays tangle free, keeps its shape, and is easy to style. When selecting a wig stand, there’s one design that stands out from the rest as Curl Centric explains:
“Collapsible stands are a great option for women that wear wigs daily since they allow air to circulate beneath the wig, giving it faster dry times and an overall better smell. Plus, collapsible stands are also on the smaller side of potential storage options, so they take up less room than a bulky mannequin head, and they weigh a lot less too. These wig stands are also great for travelling.”
You don’t have to search far to discover a high quality, collapsible stand that’s made for storing your wig at home and on the go. Our wig stand is a bestseller, and thanks to its taller height is suitable for longer styles as well as shorter wig types.
Shop our complete collection of wig accessories, including our wig stands, right here.
