4 Expert Wig Care Tips: Giving Your Wig TLC

“Treat yourself” is no longer a simple mantra to justify purchasing that super cute top or eating an extra cupcake. The whole “Self Care” revolution is in full swing, even urging people to dedicate full days (Hello, Self-Care Saturday!) to painting your nails, taking long, luxurious baths, and just generally dedicating some down-time to improving your mental, physical, and emotional well-being. Here’s the deal: Your wig is totally in need of its own self care day. Your wig may be showing signs of wear and need a little TLC (tender loving care) to put the oomph back in your look. To help you get in the flow of a day dedicated to wig TLC, we’ve included some common effects of wig wear and how you can show your wig some much needed love.

Why Your Wig Deserves Some TLC

Everyone has their “off” days, where they just don’t feel quite like themselves. Well, wigs have those days too. Here’re some reasons your wig needs a little extra TLC to help it look its best.

Your Wig Is Absorbing More Than You Think

In addition to the oil and sweat from your scalp, your wig also absorbs elements from other sources. Like your biological locks, human hair and synthetic wigs are also capable of absorbing pollution and pollen via questionable air quality or rain. You will most likely also see build up resulting from the use of styling products. These factors, in turn, can leave your wig looking and feeling limp and lifeless.

Losing Luster

Quick! Describe your wig in one word! Ok, if the words “dull” or “blah” comes to mind, your wig might be lacking in the luster department. Over time, excessive wear, exposure to the elements, or over-cleansing can leave your wig looking less than luminous.

Frayed Ends

Noticing the ends of your hair looking rough? Even after combing out and washing your sexy locks? Over time, synthetic wigs can begin to experience more tangling merely from rubbing against the nape of your neck or due to oils from your skin. This, in turn, creates a matted, messy look.

Think this only applies to synthetic wigs? Unfortunately, human hair wigs are not immune to this form of wear and tear. As with your biological locks, human hair wigs are also susceptible to split ends.

While these issues can be frustrating and may even leave you feeling helpless, don’t give up just yet! There are several tips you can try to help rejuvenate your wig.

Wig TLC Tips

The best thing about wig TLC? As your wig is part of your look, you’re actually giving yourself a little extra TLC as well. Who doesn’t appreciate a little extra self care here and there? That’s why we’ve included the tips below to keep your wig looking and feeling phenomenal.

1. A Spa Day for Your Wig

When washing your wig, treat it with extra care. Here are our top tips to wash your wig:

• If it’s time to give your wig a washing, wig conditioner is a total must. Wig conditioner works to soften your wig and add a healthy appearance. Spray wig conditioner and ordinary wig conditioner are both great options to soften your wig. Experiment with wig-friendly conditioners (specific to the material your wig is made from) to find which looks and feels the best. Be sure to keep the conditioner off your wig cap or lace front as this can loosen the hairs, creating bald areas. 
• Make sure to wash your wig in cool water to avoid damaging the hair and wig cap.
• Don't brush your wig while it is wet, as this can damage the hair fibers. When you do detangle your wig (while it is dry), make sure to use a comb or brush designed for wigs.
• Use a soft microfiber towel to gently squeeze excess water out of your wig. Make sure to gently squeeze and not rub the hair. 
• Let your wig air dry on a wire wig stand. Do not use a head form, as this can stretch out the wig cap.
• Click here for more wig-washing tips and video tutorials.

2. Protecting your Wig from the Elements

A big part of giving your wig TLC is giving it proper care every day, not just on wash day. Check the weather forcast! Outside elements can easily damage your wig, and all types of weather present their own challenges.

Cool and windy weather will mercilessly blast you with arid, frigid gusts of air. Whether your wig is human hair or synthetic, the winter months can wreak havoc on your locks by causing drying and eventual breakage. Spritzing a little leave-in conditioner on your wig in winter can help keep your wig moisturized and looking marvelous. Another winter-worthy tip is covering your wig with a silk scarf before heading out the door. It’s a total win-win: You’re both protecting your locks and ensuring your wig does not become dislodged due to high winds. Wrapping your wig Vintage Style is a great way to cover your wig. Watch our tutorial below.

While a little bit of moisture is a good thing, its important to be wary of precipitation. Sleet, snow, and rain can be detrimental to the longevity of your wig, causing breakage, making hair limp, or damaging the wig cap. In these conditioners, make sure to always cover your wig with a rain hat or scarf. Read this article for tips on wearing a hat with your wig.

In hot summer weather, try to stick to shady areas as much as possible. Excessive sunlight bearing down on your wig can lead to discoloration and breakage. Hot weather can also affect human hair wigs the same as biological locks, meaning you may see frizzing or style losing its oomph as the day goes on. Synthetic wigs, on the other hand, are more prone to breakage. For sizzling-hot weather, experimenting with up-dos is a great way to minimize heat against your back and neck. Plus, this is a fabulous way to keep sweat from gathering on your hair, creating a matted appearance. For longer tresses, try braiding your locks or going for a bun (if this feels comfortable and secure). Be cautious with ponytails as the hair is more likely to continue grazing your neck, causing tangles. You can also protect your hair from the effects of direct sunlight with a stylish sun hat. Shop sun hats here.

3. Don’t Over-Wash Your Wig

While washing your hair does take out all the grossness you’ve absorbed during the day, over-washing can turn into a real problem as well. Wash and condition your hair about every 6-8 wears or when you feel oils building up around the nape area of your wig cap. This is entirely based on the individual’s body chemistry. For people who do not sweat as much or only wear their wig for a very short amount of time, you may only need to wash your wig once every 2 weeks. To extend the time between washes, wear a wig cap, like this Bamboo Wig Cap by Cardani, under your wig to absorb sweat and oils. 

4. See a Stylist

Sometimes your wig just needs a haircut to refresh. Trimming off fraying or split ends can breathe new life into your locks. Be sure to inquire if your stylist has experience working with wigs.