How to care for wigs

Everyday care for wigs

Brush a wig before you put it on and again when you take it off. Start at the ends and work up in small sections, holding the roots so you do not pull at the lace. Use a wide-tooth comb on curls and a soft paddle brush on straight lengths. For a lace front, fit the lace along your natural hairline and trim the excess before securing. Press the front edge flat and adjust the fit before styling.

Keep heat and friction in check. Human hair can take heat styling when the piece is made for it, but use a low setting and a heat protectant, and test on a hidden strand first. Synthetic fibres are less forgiving, so keep hot tools away unless the care label says otherwise. A silk scarf or a smooth pillowcase at night cuts down on rubbing, and it helps the fibres keep their finish.

Let the cap air after wearing. Turn it inside out and leave it in a dry, shaded spot for an hour before you store it. If the lace feels stiff, press it flat with clean fingers rather than tugging at the edge. A little attention here saves a lot of detangling later.

Cleaning by material

Human hair collects styling product, so wash it when it starts to feel coated rather than on a fixed calendar. Detangle first, then rinse in cool water and use a gentle shampoo, working it down the lengths instead of scrubbing the lace. Condition the mid-lengths and ends, rinse well and blot with a towel. Dry it on a stand, away from direct heat.

Lace needs a gentler hand. Support the lace from behind and clean the front edge with a soft cloth and a little mild soap, then let it air dry flat. Do not wring or rub the knots. If you wear the piece often, keep the lace free of heavy oils, which can dull the sheer finish.

Synthetic pieces usually need less washing. Use cool water and a gentle detergent, swirl rather than scrub, and rinse until the water runs clear. Do not wring. Press the water out with a towel and let it dry on a stand. Keep synthetic fibres away from hot water and hot tools, since heat can change the shape of the set.

Silk scarves, bonnets or bags need a cool hand wash with a gentle soap. Rinse well, roll in a towel and dry away from direct sun. Do not tumble dry silk. A little care keeps the surface smooth, which matters when it sits against a lace front.

Storing them well

A wig stand or a rounded box keeps the cap shape. Put tissue inside the cap to hold the crown, and lay long lengths in a loose roll rather than folding them sharply. Do not hang a wig by the lace. Store it out of direct sun, which can dull colour over time.

Loosen the adjustable straps before you put a piece away. Keep the lace front flat and free of creases, with nothing heavy resting on the edge. A breathable cotton or silk bag is better than plastic, because it lets the cap air while keeping dust off.

For travel, use a soft bag with room around the crown. Coil long hair into a loose braid or a soft loop and secure it with a covered band, not a tight elastic. Keep the bag away from hot surfaces and direct sunlight in the car. If you have a synthetic piece, pack it so the set shape is not crushed.

Small repairs and touch-ups

For flyaways, use a tiny amount of light serum on the ends, not at the root. Smooth the hairline with a soft brush and press the lace edge flat with clean fingers. If the front edge lifts, clean the skin and the lace, let both dry, then re-secure it. Do not pull at a lifted corner, as that can stretch the lace.

Tangles usually start at the nape. Mist the knot with water or a detangling spray and work it loose with a wide-tooth comb, starting at the tip. A small trim on human hair can refresh split ends. For curls, dampen the section and reshape it with your fingers, then let it dry undisturbed.

Check the combs and straps now and then. Tighten a loose strap rather than forcing a cap that shifts. If a comb feels bent, take it out and replace it before it catches on the hair. Store the piece with the straps relaxed, and it will hold its fit for longer.

Standout pieces

• Short Straight Human Hair Lace Wig: The 13x4 lace panel lets you place the parting and the 150 g weight sits lightly on the head.
• 13x4 Straight Human Hair Lace Front Wig: Hand-woven human hair falls from a 13x4 lace front, in 150% or 180% density and lengths from 12 to 32 inches.
• Long Straight HD Lace Front Human Hair Wig: A 13x4 HD lace frontal with bleached knots and baby hair gives a hairline that settles into your own.
• Body Wave HD Lace Front Human Hair Wig: Loose, glossy body waves in deep wine red sit on a 13x4 HD lace front with bleached knots and baby hairs.