With most wig suppliers the typical estimated lifespan is up to18 months of normal wear for a well maintained human hair wig or topper. For synthetic wigs and toppers, it’s usually between 3 – 6 months due to the nature of the man made fibres and their tendency to become quite dry/knotty at the ends after prolonged wear. Â
There are some hints and tips we can share to help maintain your wig and toppers so they remain at their optimum for as long as possible.
Although there’s some minor differences between looking after a human hair wig or topper versus a synthetic hair wig or topper, these tips are generally suitable for both. Â
Washing your wig depends on how often you wear it and also the circumstances you find yourself in whilst wearing the wig or topper – for example, just like your biological hair if you’re around smoke at a BBQ your hair will smell of smoke.
ALWAYS REMOVE ANY KNOTS .... ALWAYS!!
Taking the time to gently use a wide tooth comb or wide bristle brush and brush through the ends of your wig after every use . This is highly recommended.Â
Especially for synthetic fibre wigs and toppers. Tiny knots will quickly become bigger ones if not addressed as they appear. A quick comb through the ends avoids crusty and dryness for as long as possible. It only takes a couple of minutes after you remove your wig or topper to maintain a knot free / great looking result.
USE RECOMMENDED SHAMPOOS/CONDITIONERS
Avoid the temptation to use regular shampoo and styling products.Â
Wearable hair is not attached to your head & therefore has no natural oils running through the fibres. ONLY USE products recommended by your Wig Supplier; these are specifically formulated to nourish and care for your wig or hair topper fibres. The treatments for wearable hair will ensure the human hair or synthetic wig/topper fibres get their full nourishment and will provide the right food for your wig or topper to last the longest amount of time possible.
PRO TIP:Â
GENTLY SPRAY SIMPLY STYLIN ONTO SYNTHETICS AFTER WASHING
BE GENTLE WITH YOUR WIG/TOPPERS WHEN WASHING
Both wigs and toppers are quite intricate in the sense that the fibres are no attached to your head. Especially if the piece is low density and has hand knotting. Take your time when washing. Swish the piece through the water/shampoo mixture and never rub or massage the product into the wig/topper as this will simply cause the wig or topper fibres to knot.
To dry we recommend air drying and at all costs avoid using a towel to dry. If you feel you want to you can “blot” it gently with a washcloth and pat it with a towel to remove excess moisture. Be sure to place on mannequin head or wig stand to dry – being careful that the size is NOT too big for your wig cap size.Â
NEVER SLEEP IN YOUR WIG OR TOPPER
Simple as that! You must never sleep in your wig or topper. Your piece will knot and the intricate strands will have unnecessary force placed on them during your sleep that can easily result in hair being pulled out from your wig or topper. Wear a comfy wig cap to bed instead.Â
(Image courtesy of Jon Renau Wigs.)
NO TO SWIMMING, HATS & GLASSES
Another definite no no… swimming will cause knotting and have the potential for pulling out fibres from your wig. Both chlorine and salt water have very adverse reactions for a human hair and synthetic fibres used to make your wig or topper. Â
If you must wear a wig… we recommend that you choose a very cheap wig or choose a very old wig from your collection. Don’t be tempted to dive in with a good wig and subject her to the harsh chemicals of a pool or damaging salt water from the ocean
Never put your glasses on the top your head whilst wearing your wig or topper as the glasses can EASILY pull out fibres when you remove them and avoid wearing hats for the same reason – anything that can get caught and pull out hair fibres from your wig or topper should be avoided.
RUN HEATED TOOL OVER HUMAN HAIR WIGS & TOPPERS
To seal the ends and retain the silky smooth nature of your human hair wigs and toppers we highly recommend taking the time to run a heated tool over your wig after each wash once she is dry.
The heated tool will help seal the fibres and smooth. Doesn’t really matter whether you choose to straighten or curl, as long as a heated tool is run over the wig or topper.
When working with synthetic fibres ALWAYS do a very small strand test prior to attempting any heat styling to be absolutely sure that your wig will tolerate low heat (most synthetic that will tolerate heat can only tolerate low settings. Around 90 degrees is recommended)
