Why do wigs seem to tangle more often than my own hair?
Tangling can depend a lot on how well the wig is made and whether the cuticles are all going in the right direction or if it’s been processed with chemical or colour; if the hair has been laid wrong or it’s been heavily treated, then it’s more likely to tangle. But any wig will tangle more than your real hair because your scalp produces natural oils that keep hair from drying out and getting caught in itself, and of course wigs do not do that.
Long hair is harder to work with due to the very nature of long hair. Careful washing and wearing, using the right hair products, and being aware that this hair is obviously not re-growing will assist in your hair appearance.
So what should I do against wig tangling?
The first thing you have to do for Human Hair or Synthetic Wigs is to use the proper shampoo and conditioner: A mild, not-stripping shampoo and both products should be sulfate-free. We use Wella Brilliance shampoo and conditioner for human hair wigs. For the synthetic wigs, we recommend Pantene shampoo and conditioner as this contains silicone which is good for the synthetic. You can use our recommended products but a mild shampoo that you can find in any hairdresser shop or large retail store will work fine. It will also help to keep the colour and style of your wig sharp and looking its best. We set the wig on a head for human hair wigs (not synthetic ones) and shampoo it on the head so that it keeps its shape.
When you wash the wig, do not rub too hard and work in a downward motion. You have to run your fingers through it like a comb as you go. Never squeeze or wring your wig. You rinse it under lukewarm running water.
Only towel dry it. You have to be gentle. Never rub the hair as you would with naturally growing hair as to do so would cause a tangling of the hair roots at the base and undoubtedly breakage of hair would occur as you tried to comb it free.
Having now taken out the excess water, open the towel carefully and use a wide tooth comb to gently comb the hair from tips working towards the roots.
How often you’re shampooing depends on how often you’re wearing your wig. If you’re not exercising in it and not putting a ton of products in it that are building up and you’re taking it off to go to sleep at night, you shouldn’t be washing it more than every 3 to 5 weeks. If the wig is being worn every day, then wash once every 3 weeks. If you were the wig only a couple of time a week then wash every 4 to 5 weeks.
To help with the styling, you can use for human hair wigs using specific hair reconstruct/moisture additive products at this time. They assist in minimizing breakage, tangling or hair loss. Allow the hair to semi dry naturally before actually styling the hair. You will find it easier and the hair will be less likely to tangle at that time. For human hair wigs we use the Wella Professionals Thermal Image Spray.
For Synthetic wigs: Don’t use hairspray on your wig. Mousse or lightweight styling products work well. In fact, no products are really needed. We use oil and Wella Professionals Shimmer Delight to put some shine in the synthetic wigs.
How should I be brushing my wig to prevent tangles?
The best time to comb it is when you’re combing conditioner through the wet hair.
For Human Hair Wigs: Use a wide tooth combs that’s made for wigs. If you’re working out a tangle, you want to start at the ends of your hair first (tip to root)—you should be doing this with your real hair, too—if you start from the top and go down, you make the tangle bunch up more.
For Synthetic Hair: Don’t use a brush as it will damage the fibres of the wig. Use a wide tooth comb or your fingers.
WARNING!! BE SURE you never comb the roots of the hair where they are tied to the foundation; this can cause damage and irreparable stress to the hair stability. The roots need to be left alone at all times! Rinse as before, under fresh warm running water. Take out tangles again VERY GENTLY. You do not want to break any hair as it is obviously not going to regenerate
Use a folding wig stand or a vase/jar to dry your wig. (For synthetic wigs, Do NOT use Dryers as it will damage the synthetic fibres).
And our last piece of advice: Ideally, have two wigs to wear at all times. While you wash one, you can either wear the other one or have it ready. In addition, you will extend the life of each wig and they will keep very well.
More questions?
If you have any other questions about tangling that weren’t answered here, contact us.
