Natural wigs, made from human hair, offer an unmatched level of realism, styling versatility, and comfort. While they are a fantastic investment for anyone seeking a seamless, natural look, maintaining them properly is crucial to preserving their beauty and longevity. With the right care, your natural wig can stay looking fresh and gorgeous for a long time. In this article, we’ll dive into the pro tips for maintaining natural wigs, from washing and styling to storing and general upkeep.
Why Proper Wig Maintenance is Important
Unlike your natural hair, wigs don’t receive oils from your scalp, so they require specific care to maintain their softness, shine, and shape. Proper maintenance can extend the life of your wig, keeping it looking vibrant and realistic. Neglecting regular care can lead to dryness, tangling, shedding, and even damage that is difficult to repair.
Whether you wear your wig daily or only on special occasions, following these wig care tips will ensure that your investment remains in pristine condition.
1. Washing Your Natural Wig
Washing your natural wig is essential for keeping it clean, soft, and shiny. However, washing it too often can strip the hair of its natural oils, leading to dryness. As a general rule, it’s recommended to wash your wig after every 8-10 wears, but this can vary depending on your environment and how often you use styling products.
Step-by-Step Guide to Washing Your Wig:
- Detangle first: Before washing, gently brush through the wig using a wide-tooth comb or a wig brush to remove any tangles. Start from the ends and work your way up to the roots to prevent shedding or damage.
- Use a sulfate-free shampoo: Opt for a sulfate-free, gentle shampoo specifically designed for human hair wigs. Harsh shampoos can damage the wig’s cuticles and reduce its shine. Place the wig in lukewarm water, add a small amount of shampoo, and gently swish the hair without rubbing or scrubbing.
- Rinse thoroughly: Rinse the wig with cool water until the water runs clear. Be sure to avoid twisting or wringing the wig, as this can cause tangling or breakage.
- Apply a wig-specific conditioner: After shampooing, apply a hydrating conditioner, focusing on the mid-lengths and ends. Avoid the roots, as conditioner on the cap can loosen the knots holding the hair strands. Let the conditioner sit for a few minutes before rinsing.
- Air dry: After washing, blot the wig gently with a towel to remove excess water. Place the wig on a wig stand and allow it to air dry. Avoid using a blow dryer, as this can dry out the hair and damage the fibers.
2. Styling Tips for Natural Wigs
One of the biggest advantages of natural wigs is that they can be styled just like your own hair. You can curl, straighten, or even color them. However, it’s important to use heat styling tools with caution to avoid damage.
Heat Styling:
- Use a heat protectant: Always apply a heat protectant spray before using hot tools such as flat irons, curling wands, or blow dryers. This helps protect the hair from heat damage and keeps it looking healthy.
- Low to medium heat settings: Stick to low or medium heat settings when styling your wig to prevent over-drying and breakage. Remember, natural wigs can’t regenerate like your own hair, so damage can be permanent.
Non-Heat Styling Options:
- Rollers: If you want to achieve curls or waves without heat, try using foam rollers or flexi rods. This method is gentler on the hair and doesn’t risk heat damage.
- Air-drying for natural waves: To maintain the hair’s natural wave or curl pattern, simply air-dry your wig on a wig stand after washing, using a little bit of leave-in conditioner or mousse to enhance the waves.
3. Detangling and Brushing
One of the most common issues with natural wigs is tangling, especially if the wig is long or wavy. Regular detangling is essential to keep your wig looking smooth and preventing excessive shedding.
How to Properly Detangle:
- Use the right tools: Invest in a wide-tooth comb or a wig-specific brush. Avoid regular hair brushes, as they can pull on the hair and cause shedding or breakage.
- Be gentle: Start from the tips of the hair and slowly work your way up to the roots, taking care not to tug or pull.
- Detangle daily: Even if you haven’t worn the wig, it’s a good idea to detangle it regularly to prevent matting and knots.
4. Storing Your Natural Wig
Proper storage is key to maintaining the shape and style of your wig. How you store your wig when you're not wearing it will greatly impact its longevity.
Best Practices for Storing Wigs:
- Use a wig stand: When not in use, store your wig on a wig stand to help maintain its shape. Avoid placing the wig on a flat surface or in a tight space, as this can cause creasing or tangling.
- Keep it out of direct sunlight: Exposure to direct sunlight can cause the hair color to fade over time. Store your wig in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight and excessive heat.
- Protect from dust: To keep dust and other environmental debris from settling on your wig, cover it with a silk or satin bag when storing it for longer periods.
5. Moisturizing and Deep Conditioning
Because natural wigs don’t receive the natural oils from your scalp, they can become dry over time. Regular moisturizing treatments will keep the hair soft, shiny, and healthy-looking.
How to Keep Your Wig Moisturized:
- Leave-in conditioner: After washing, apply a lightweight, wig-specific leave-in conditioner to keep the hair hydrated.
- Deep conditioning treatments: Every 4-6 weeks, treat your wig to a deep conditioning treatment. This will help restore moisture and repair any damage to the hair cuticles, especially if you use heat styling tools frequently.
6. Avoid Overwashing
While it’s important to keep your wig clean, overwashing can strip the hair of its natural oils, leading to dryness and frizz. Stick to washing your wig only when necessary, typically after 8-10 wears or if it starts to feel greasy or looks dull.
7. Regular Professional Maintenance
If you want to ensure that your wig stays in the best possible condition, consider taking it to a professional stylist who specializes in wigs. They can offer specialized treatments, restyling, and even cut your wig to keep it looking fresh and natural.
Conclusion
Maintaining a natural wig takes care and attention, but with these pro tips, you can keep your wig looking beautiful for months, or even years, to come. From washing and moisturizing to proper storage and styling, these practices will help you extend the life of your natural wig and ensure it remains as stunning as the day you first wore it. Investing time in wig care not only preserves your wig but also enhances your overall look, allowing you to feel confident and fabulous with every wear.