Flaunting a full, fashionable head of hair isn't always about working what nature gave you. Synthetic wigs won't last as long as human-hair wigs, but you'll never have to waste much of your morning routine on shampooing and styling. Suiting an on-the-go lifestyle to a tee, synthetic fibers fare best with only an occasional wash and will hold your favorite permanent style with minimal touch ups -- so long as properly stored.
Wig Wash-and-Go
Step 1
Brush the wig with a wig brush from tips to crown to remove any tangles. For curly wigs, detangle hair with your fingers only.
Step 2
Turn the wig inside-out. Pour a small drop of mild shampoo inside the crown. Disperse several more drops of shampoo evenly throughout the wig.
Step 3
Run cool water over the wig, and gently massage the shampoo into suds with your fingers.
Step 4
Rinse the wig under cool water. To prevent tangles, hold the wig so that the water runs in the same direction as the hair.
Step 5
Towel-dry the wig and drape it over a clothing rack to dry.
Step 6
Spritz the wig with a spray-on conditioner and allow it to dry fully.
Style and Store
Step 1
Separate any tangles in a dry wig with a metal pick, combing lightly from tips to crown.
Step 2
To neaten a curly or wavy set style, move any wayward strands into place with your fingers.
Step 3
Neaten a straight wig with a wig brush, running the brush gently over the hair tips, then the midsection, then the crown.
Step 4
Store the wig on a foam head or wig block, or place it gently inside a wig net so that the hair does not become frizzy.
- Milady Standard Cosmetology Textbook 2012, 1st Edition; Milady
- The World of Wigs, Weaves and Extensions; Toni Love
- Wash a synthetic wig once every two weeks if worn daily, or once every 14 wears. More frequent washing may be necessary if styling products like hairspray are commonly applied.
- Avoid applying heat to a synthetic wig unless the manufacturer's tag states otherwise; Synthetic wigs can melt or frizz when subjected to too much heat.
- Never wash any wig with harsh shampoos such as those intended for dandruff treatment.
- Do not brush a wet wig as it can damage the fibers and shorten the life of the wig.
- Creatas/Creatas/Getty Images