Wigs are a great protective style. I mean who doesn’t love the versatility afforded by wigs. If you’re like me you probably have wigs that serve different purposes- the interview/work wig, the running errands wig, the ‘glam’ wig etc. While there are various grades and price points when it comes to wigs, human hair wigs are definitely an investment, and it is great to know how exactly to care for them to get the best out of your money.
Wig lingo can seem like a different language when it comes to all the modifications and hair textures that wigs can have. To know how to properly care for your wig, it’s important to know exactly what wig you own.
Lace systems: lace front wigs can create the illusion of a brand new hairline and require more care than half- wigs or wigs that do not have any lace. The lace on wigs vary in thickness with Swiss lace being the thickest, and HD/ultra thin lace being the thinnest and most delicate.
Hair textures: Human hair extensions and wigs mimic the varying hair textures that individuals have and as thus require different care regimens. After all, an individual with kinky curly hair cannot be expected to have the same hair care routine as someone with bone straight hair.
Color treated: Has the wig been bleached? Darkened? Was the wig colored with permanent or semi/Demi permanent hair dye?
Lace closure wigs are definitely easier to manage and require less touch up/maintenance than lace frontal wigs.
If your wig is worn with glue, got2b gel or any other adhesive substance, regular cleaning withliquid dry shampoo like the ORS Herbal Cleanse dry shampoo is recommended. For got2be or any other water based product, a wet cotton ball can also remove gel build up. I personally use a little bit of my face cleanser on a cotton ball to clean up makeup or gel that I may have on my lace. Please ensure to be very gentle as you do not want to rip the hairs out of your lace; this can lead to the emergence of bald patches on the lace and will shorten the lifespan of your wig.
For lace frontals, the same methods are applicable, however, depending on how often the wig is worn, it may need to be cleaned more often than the closure wig. Lace frontals require more attention and delicacy than closure wigs.
To wash curly/coarse textured wigs- dampen the hair or apply a detangler to soften the hair. Detangle with a wide toothed comb or brush and then proceed to wash the hair with a moisturizing shampoo and follow up with a moisture- rich shampoo. For best results, fill a sink or a bowl with water, place the shampoo into said bowl and then dip the hair into the shampoo and water mixture. I recommend deep conditioning your wig once every 2 months, or depending on how often this wig is worn.
To dry curly wigs, I personally hang them to dry and avoid using direct heat so as to preserve the curl pattern.
For straight wigs, the same applies but these can be laid flat to dry.
Color treated hair demands sulfate- free shampoo to preserve the hair color. Hair that is colored with semi permanent hair color will eventually fade, however less frequent washes can help extend the vibrancy of the hair color. For very light blonde hair, I recommend purple shampoo and conditioner to keep the hair looking platinum and to neutralize brassy tones in the hair.
For more wig tips: follow @kuuksco on Instagram