Wigs are a fashion statement for some, and a important psychological support for others. Whatever the case is, wigs have become an investment piece for many women and they require the same amount of care and love that your natural hair needs.
It's important to remember that not all wigs are created equal; so there are numerous ways to maintain them. Good maintenance of your wig is essential. This is because how you care for your wig determines how long it will last.
Below are a few tips from salon co-owners and wig makers, Phelo and Cynthia Mazibuko on how to maintain and groom wigs:
OVER TO THE EXPERTS
There are different types of wigs: synthetic, lace and closure wigs, curly, and straight. To keep your wig looking fresher for longer, you need to make sure that you follow a routine and use the correct products for your wig. There's also no compelling reason to wash your wig everyday. It's also important to detangle, pre-wash, condition and style your wig correctly.
DETANGLE AND PRE-WASH
Before washing your wig, place it in a bowl or sink of cool water and finger detangle it. Never use high-temperature water while detangling and don't style or brush it while wet without any product. Circulate conditioner and a wide-tooth brush to the strands before shampooing.
Note: When conditioning the wig, avoid washing it excessively on the roots and avoid contact with boiling water, as that will harm the hair strands of the wig.
WASH AND CONDITION
If you wash your wig every day it will strip it of its natural oils and moisture. However, when washing your hair ensure you use a pea-sized amount of shampoo, as too much shampoo tends to dry out the hair. While the hair is still wet, spread a modest quantity of conditioner into the palm of your hands and work evenly into the hair.
Note: Avoid the use of conditioner to the base of the wig where the lace of the wig is connected as it can thin out the hair and this may result in bald patches.
Leave the conditioner in the hair for 3 to 5 minutes. While the hair is wet, gently detangle the hair, beginning at the tips of the hair and stirring your way up. You can use your fingertips to detangle or a wide-toothed brush.
Once you're done, completely wash the conditioner from the hair under cool running water. When drying the hair, air-drying it on a wig head or mannequin is the best option. If you need it to dry quicker, use a blow dryer but set it at medium heating to prevent the hair from breaking and being exposed to too much heat.
DEEP CONDITION AND DRY
Once the wig is dry, apply a silicone serum or spray in the hair to keep it silky, shiny, and tangle-free.
Note: You only need a pea-sized amount of serum. Too much serum can build up on the hair, making it tangle and appear dull. Remember, the more frequently you apply serum, the more you'll need to wash your hair. To regularly maintain the hair quality and condition, deep condition it once a month or twice a month if you wear it regularly.
Deep conditioning also known as hair masking is the process of applying a generous amount of conditioner to the wig, detangling it with a wide-toothed comb, and placing the wig in a plastic bag for a minimum of an hour. Remember to store your wig on a mannequin or wig stand when not in use. If you don’t own a wig stand or a mannequin, fold your wig in half from ear to ear and slip it into a clean, plastic bag. If you have some handy, place some tissue paper inside the wig to help it hold its shape in the bag.
Remember to treat your wig like your natural hair and give it the TLC it needs and requires! Phelo and Cynthia’s ultimate pro tip is that wig maintenance starts from the root of your own natural hair. When you have a healthy scalp, you’ll prevent residues, oils, and grease from seeping into your wig. Plus, with a healthy scalp, your wig will feel more comfortable. Wig maintenance requires practise and dedication, but once you’ve implemented the tips, you’ll start seeing your wigs last longer and look better.
Take care of your wig, have fun, and look fabulous.
HOW TO MAINTAIN AND GROOM WIGS
Reviewed by Michelle Pienaar
on
December 15, 2020
Rating:
Reviewed by Michelle Pienaar
on
December 15, 2020
Rating:
