It’s well publicised that the average lifespan of a wig ranges from up to 6 months for a synthetic style to over 1 year for human hair. Yet, one detail many miss is that meeting these milestones depends on several factors, including how you care for your wig.
The right wig maintenance regime can keep your wig in great shape, meaning you get to enjoy your favourite styles for longer. If you’re yet to refine your wig care plan or want to improve how you maintain your growing collection of wigs, you should include the following in your routine…
Gently cleanse your wig
Just like your natural hair, your wig needs regular washing to stay fresh and healthy – but try not to overdo it! Over-washing can cause real issues, so be sure to get the frequency of washing right for your wig type. You should also choose a wig-friendly, sulfate-free shampoo and conditioner to wash your wig. We’ll let Hairstyles Weekly explain why:
“For those of you who didn’t know, there are shampoos and conditioners especially for wigs. It is important that you invest in these products because the chemicals of regular shampoos and conditioners are too harsh for wig hair, especially synthetic wig hair. Using regular shampoo on your wig can ruin the hair’s texture or leave it in a tangled mess, so be careful to invest in these products.”
More wig washing tips include rinsing in cool to tepid water (not hot), soaking and swishing not scrubbing wig fibres, and avoiding wringing and twisting. Don’t forget to wash your scalp and natural hair too to help your wig sit comfortably and securely.
As your wig doesn’t benefit from the naturally occurring oils found in hair, it’ll need a little help to stay hydrated. That’s where a good dose of moisturiser comes in!
You can moisturise your wig using a light, wig-safe conditioner, leave-in treatment or natural oils – argan, coconut and jojoba are our favourites. Apply after washing, or whenever your wig needs it, to keep the fibres soft and supple.
Following shampooing and conditioning, your wig needs to be dried thoroughly. Instead of using a hair dryer or other direct heat sources, which can damage and dry your wig, opt for air drying instead. Air drying – preferably on a stand – is not only gentler, it can extend the lifespan on your wig.
For a sleek, smooth finish, you’ll need to rid your wig of those knots and tangles. Matting can quickly turn your wig from wearable to unusable; prevent this by detangling your wig before and after every wear.
You can do this gently with a wide-tooth comb or wig brush. Just be sure to start at the tips before making your way towards the roots. A wig-friendly conditioning spray – like this one – can also make lightwork of detangling and prevent knots from forming in the first place.
The same level of care should be taken when styling for use and storing your wig for next time. When storing, use a wig stand and position the wig away from heat, dust and direct sunlight to keep it in the very best condition. Avoid heavy styling, heated tools and excessive product use to keep fibres in great shape. Trimming and reshaping can also be used to freshen up wig styles that are reaching the end of their lives.
Has your wig seen better days? Or perhaps you want to add a few new styles to your collection? Browse our human hair and synthetic wigs for ladies and men here.
