Styling and caring for your synthetic wig is a learning experience, leading to questions of what type of product to use, and whether or not wig-specific products make a difference. These days, there are many options for synthetic wigs and products, so you need not resort to risking the quality of your fibers by using mousse and other products that are not designed with synthetic wigs in mind.

hair mousse, also known as styling foam, is a lightweight foam product released from a pressurized canister. Mousse is commonly used to define curl patterns through a light, non-stick hold. It can also be used in the roots of fine hair for a temporary increase in volume.

Hair mousse products are created for a variety of styling methods, some of which involve heating tools, and some allow for air-drying. Each brand and type of mousse has different chemical additives, though many contain ethanol alcohol and silicone. This chemical composition can be damaging to hair, leading to dryness and brittle hair shafts.

Synthetic wigs come in varying degrees of acrylic fiber, with an obvious quality-to-price correlation. For example, synthetic costume wigs are often the cheapest around, and typically last through one or two uses before becoming unmanageable. At the other end of the spectrum, high-quality "designer" synthetic wigs are created for long-term everyday wear.

Synthetic acrylic fibers are sensitive to chemicals as well as heat, and it is recommended to avoid exposing your wig to high temperatures (above 160 degrees), or the fibers can melt and "frizz," irreparably ruining the style of the wig.

Some high-quality wig lines, such as Henry Margu Wigs, blend synthetic fibers with human hair for a more natural, touchable look, while other manufacturers have introduced protein-based synthetic fibers, which are capable of withstanding temperatures up to 350 degrees.

At first glance, it would appear that the damage to human hair sustained by the chemical composition of hair mousse does not apply to synthetic fiber wigs. However, most synthetic fiber wigs are not made to withstand the heat styling that accompanies usage of hair product such as mousse, nor are some lower-quality fibers able to withstand the chemical interactions that are possible with these products.

For example, alcohol will eventually dissolve an acrylic material after prolonged or repeated applications, which is commonly noted when working with acrylic fingernails. As the majority of styling products, including mousse, contain alcohol, products created for human hair are best to be avoided when styling your synthetic wig.

Many synthetic wigs on the market are designed to be worn as a specific style, with a cap construction to match. Whereas mousse is used as a volumizing product on human hair, a synthetic wig will often have a cap construction that creates volume in the crown or rear of the cut. Sleek wigs will not benefit from the use of volumizers, as they are designed to lay smoothly at the cap.

Overall, many wigs are "wash and go" in style, and can be refreshed with a spritz of water in between washes. If you would like to add a curl pattern or definition to your wig, the texture can be manipulated with steam products, such as the classic Conair steam curlers.

Many wig manufacturers provide products to accompany your synthetic wig purchase, from shampoo and conditioner, to basic comb-through detanglers. Henry Margu, Brandywine and HairUWear are some of the most prominent synthetic products providers.

How often you shampoo your wig depends on your environment and your level of physical activity while wearing your wig, as well as how often you plan to wear it. Many manufacturers provide detailed instructions with their products.

If you have made an investment in your synthetic wig, you may also want to look for a local wig specialist for trimming, serious detangling and other wig needs. Wig specialists often work with steam tools, and without using damaging levels of heat. Like a regular stylist, wig specialists are often available by appointment, and offer a variety of services to refresh your look and help you present your best self.