The proper care of your wig will keep it looking new. Most women prefer to have more than one wig, not only to alternate hairstyles, but to allow time for cleaning and drying. The frequency of washing depends on factors such as air quality and humidity. Generally, a wig should be washed after it has been worn 8 – 12 times, but this can vary.
To take care of your wig, follow the manufacturer's instruction or follow these simple instructions below that apply to your type of wig:
How to Care for Your Human Hair Wig
- Before washing, gently brush the wig thoroughly with a wig brush. For wigs with a tight curl, do not brush, use fingers and gently remove tangles.
- Use a mild shampoo. In a sink or basin, add a small amount of shampoo to cold water. Turn wig inside out and immerse. Gently swirl and let soak for approximately 5 minutes.
- Rinse the wig gently in cold water until all of the shampoo is removed. Rinse twice.
- Gently apply conditioner through the wig and leave on for 2 minutes to allow it to penetrate the hair.
- Rinse the wig gently in cold water until all of the conditioner is removed.
- Wrap the wig in a towel and gently pat out excess water.
- Optional: Apply conditioning spray very lightly over wig, spraying 10 - 12 inches from the wig.
- Place clean wig on a wig stand and allow to air dry thoroughly before brushing or combing. Do not allow the wig to dry in direct sunlight.
How to Care for Your Synthetic Wig
- Before washing, gently brush the wig thoroughly with a wig brush. For wigs with a tight curl, do not brush, use fingers and gently remove tangles.
- Use wig shampoo specially formulated for synthetic wigs. In a sink or basin, mix 2 capfuls of shampoo with cold water only. Turn wig inside out and immerse. Gently swirl and let soak for 5 minutes.
- Rinse the wig gently in cold water until all shampoo is removed.
- Apply 1 - 2 capfuls of wig conditioner. Allow the fibers to absorb the conditioner for about 2 minutes.
- Rinse the wig gently in cold water until all of the conditioner is removed. Wrap the wig in a towel and gently pat out excess water. Do not rub.
- Spritz a revitalizing conditioner over the entire surface of hair. This will further condition the wig fibers.
- Important: To prevent fiber damage, do not use a hair dryer, curling iron or other drying aids and keep wigs away from all sources of excess heat or open flame (e.g. stoves, ovens, barbecues, cigarette lighters).
- Place your clean wig on a wig stand and allow the wig to thoroughly air dry. Do not brush or comb the wig until completely dry. When dry, use a wig brush or hair pick to gently restore styling.
- To give additional styling support and to add shine and body to your wig, spray entire hair surface with finishing spray.
Wig Styling Instructions
- Your wig can be styled by using a wig brush, a wig comb, or your fingertips. Avoid using a brush designed for human hair. These brushes can create excessive tension, over-stretching the hair with abrasive strokes that may damage the hair.
- The best styling tool is the most inexpensive; a spray bottle of clean, cool water. Lightly spritz your wig with water to remove static electricity and return your wig to its original look.
- To achieve style variations, liquid wig mousse is an essential styling tool. For curly or wavy styles, just mousse, hand scrunch, and pick the style into curls. On straight styles, mousse and brush lightly.
- Your wig was designed with a basic style but the variations you can achieve through styling are limitless. Added height can be achieved by gently lifting with the wig comb. If you want added fullness as well, tease or back-comb and then smooth the surface hair over the teasing. Your wig can be returned to its basic style by washing it and allowing it to air dry.
- To completely restyle, we recommend taking your wig to a professional stylist.
Hair Weave/Extension Washing Instructions
- Keep your hair clean. Hair tangles when dirt and sweat build up wash your hair after exercise, swimming etc.
- Brush your hair and remove all tangles before washing it.
- Use a good quality shampoo; your stylist can advise you what product is best for your hair. Distribute evenly and wash your hair going in a downward motion. Press any products into the weave, but avoid scrubbing or rubbing.
- Rinse in cool to lukewarm water. Repeat with a quality conditioner.
- After washing and conditioning, wrap your hair in a towel and gently pat out excess water. Do not rub.
- Apply a quality spray on conditioner that is meant to be left in. This will help keep the hair weave soft.
- For synthetic hair weave, allow hair to air dry before going to bed. For human hair weave, hair can either be air dried or blow dried on low heat.
- If you use a blow dryer, dry out the wetted part of the hairpiece first. Then finish drying the hair from the ends up. Avoid pulling the hair while wet.
- Let the hair air dry whenever possible. Care for the hair weave as you would your own hair by avoiding too much heat and processing. Never sleep with wet or damp hair.
Hair Weave/Extension Styling Instructions
- Comb through the hair in the morning and evening with your fingers. Gently shake the hair to loosen curls and get rid of tangles. Using small-toothed combs and brushes can pull and damage the hair weave.
- For synthetic hair weave, you cannot apply any heated appliances. For human hair, your weave can be styled just as your own including using hot irons, blow dryers, etc. Avoid applying direct heat to the bonded area. In addition, you can use hair products as long as you wash them out frequently as too many products can cause human hair to tangle. You can also visit a professional stylist to have the hair cut and/or styled to compliment you.
- Return to see your stylist every 6 to 8 weeks. Removing the hair weave will be necessary, as they tend to get old and dry. If you have braided hair weaves, as long as the stylist can see that your hair and the extension are still healthy, it may be all right to leave them in.