The fashion and beauty industry has seen some remarkable changes since the ’60s. Today, there is no judgment of the diverse lives that people live. It is ok whether you dye your hair neon pink or rock a synthetic wig.
Beyoncé does it, Lady Gaga and other high-profile celebrities, including Cardi B and the Kardashians. They have been parading every length and color of wig they can get.
Did you know that 16.7% of women and 20% of men develop cancer in their lifetime? This rise in cancer-related hair loss doubled with the increased alopecia-related hair loss.
Why Do People Wear Wigs?
There are many reasons why you might see men and women spotting synthetic wigs.
- Cancer patients experiencing hair loss turn to synthetic wigs for a cover-up.
- Women who want to look younger are also some of the most prominent wig wearers.
- According to some orthodox Jews, wearing the wig covered their natural hair, as per their religious belief.
- Wigs are fashionable.
- And for women whose hair is thinning and damaged from color, synthetic wigs are the answer.
What is Proper Wig Maintenance?
Although many people don a wig, very few people know about proper wig maintenance. As a result, you end up with knotted, dull, or even faded wigs.
So, if you put it on 30 times, it is only fair to wash it the right way to enjoy more beautiful wear in the future.
How often you clean your wig is essential, but steps to cleaning it are crucial to proper wig maintenance.
A good washing technique will help you avoid damaging the fibers on your wig.
A few wig maintenance tips include:
- If you are wearing a curly type wig, do not use brushes, but instead, run your fingers through to separate them.
- Only use synthetic wig-marked products.
- Do not let your wig come into contact with water unless you clean it.
- Always store your wig correctly on a wig stand.
- Do not sleep in your wig, as the friction between the pillow and the wig stresses out the fibers, making them weak.
Today, let’s talk about how to wash a synthetic wig with a fabric softener.
How to Restore Your Synthetic Wig?
Restoring your synthetic wig to its initial glory is quick and straightforward.
Materials You Need
- Water.
- A towel.
- Coat/wig stand.
- Fabric softener.
- A paddle brush.
- Spray bottle.
A Step-by-Step Guide to Making Your Wig Soft with Fabric Softener.
METHOD- 1
1. Make the Fabric Softener Solution
Mix equal parts of water and fabric softener in a spray bottle. For example, in a 500ml bottle, mix 240ml fabric softener and 240ml water.
Put the lid back on and shake vigorously until the solution mix thoroughly.
Caution: Do not use hot water when making the solution. Hot water might damage the fibers of your wig.
2. Spray the Wig
Put your wig on the wig stand on a sink or out in the open. Do not do this on your nightstand, as the water from the wig might damage your stuff or make the floor slippery.
Spray a liberal amount of fabric softener on the wig to help moisturize the fibers. Once the top layer is fully coated and dripping, lift it and repeat the process on the synthetic fibers underneath.
3. Remove Excess Water
Fold your towel and dab off the excess solution from the wig. Ensure you are only dabbing and not rubbing the wig because you could damage the fibers with extra force.
Essential Tips to Consider:
- DO NOT brush your wet wig.
- DO NOT wring your wig.
Doing the above weakens the fibers on your synthetic wig, which accelerates their damage and shortens the wig’s lifespan.
4. Leave it to Dry Overnight
Hang the wig on a coat or wig stand. When it is still damp, smooth down the strands into the style you prefer, and leave it to dry overnight or for 6-10 hours until it is completely dry.
Tips for Drying Your Wig:
- DO NOT blow-dry your wet wig or expose it to heating tools like curling irons, open fires, and clothing dryers.
- Air drying your wig means healthier, manageable fibers.
- DO NOT place your synthetic wig on a blockhead or Styrofoam, as this only stretches and ruins your wig.
5. Brush Your Wig
Using a paddle brush, comb your wig down to remove any knots.
- Using the paddle brush, comb the wig from the bottom.
- Separate the wig into small sections and detangle each section, working from the bottom towards the roots.
Avoid tugging on too hard, as this causes the hair to fall off from the cap.
Instead, start with a wide-toothed comb and work your way into a fine-tooth comb for a refined, fresh, knotless wig.
Also, never brush the wig when wet, as you increase the risk of breakage and pulling the fibers from the base of the wig.
METHOD 2
Materials You Need
- 80ml of liquid detergent.
- 150ml of fabric softener.
- 240ml of cold water.
- A medium-sized bowl.
- Towel.
- Round brush.
- Wig stand.
1. Prepare the Soap Mixture
In a medium-sized bowl, mix the water, liquid detergent, and fabric softener. Stir the mixture gradually until the materials mix thoroughly.
If you notice some knots on your wig, brush it gently using a paddle brush before soaking it in the mixture.
Saturate the wig by gently pushing in all the strands in the water.
When thoroughly soaked, use your fingers to remove any smudges or marks on the wig. Always follow a downward motion to smooth the hair.
Leave the wig for about 2 hours; if it is too stiff, leave it in the mixture overnight.
3. Rinse the Wig
Put the wig under a cold water tap and rinse it until clean. Ensure you cannot see soapy spots on top and underneath the layers.
Avoid rubbing the rig, as this makes it frizzy and damages the synthetic fibers.
4. Dab off Excess Water
Using a towel, remove any excess water from your wig. DO NOT rub your wig.
5. Hang your Wig to Dry
After removing excess moisture with a towel, hand the wig on a hook or wig stand to dry. The process takes about 6-10 hours.
6. Brush the Wig
Place the dry wig on a wig stand or hold it by hand. Using a round brush, gently brush the hair downwards. Do not tug at your wig to avoid removing strands from the base.
Q. Can I wash my synthetic wig with fabric softener?
A. Yes, you can wash your synthetic wig with fabric softener. Fabric softener can help soften and detangle the hair fibers, making the wig look more natural and softer.
Q. How do I wash my synthetic wig with fabric softener?
A. Mix a small amount of fabric softener with cool water in a bowl or sink to wash your synthetic wig fabric softener. Then, submerge the wig in the mixture and gently swirl it around for a few minutes. Rinse the wig thoroughly with cool water and let it air dry.
Q. Can I use any fabric softener to wash my synthetic wig?
A. A gentle, unscented fabric softener is recommended to clean your synthetic wig. Avoid fabric softeners that contain solid fragrances or dyes, as they may damage the wig fibers.
Q. How often should I wash my synthetic wig with fabric softener?
A. It is recommended to clean your synthetic wig with fabric softener every 2-3 weeks or as needed depending on how often you wear it. Overwashing your wig can cause damage to the fibers, so it’s important to avoid washing it too frequently.
Q. Are there other tips for washing a synthetic wig with fabric softener?
A. When washing your synthetic wig with fabric softener, use cool water and avoid rubbing or scrubbing the fibers too harshly. Also, let the wig air dry completely before styling or wearing it again.
Final Thoughts
Although synthetic wigs require minimal maintenance, you must have a care routine that keeps them shiny and luster look on your wig. Also, they are intolerant to heat, so all heat-related styling methods are out of the question.
As with all wigs, be careful when washing your synthetic wig. And finally, extend the life of your wig by ensuring that you follow the proper steps when washing your wig and storing it.
Related Articles:
References
2. How to Wash a Synthetic Wig — The Wig Company
3. How to Wash a Synthetic Wig with Fabric Softener- 2 Ways (fabricfits.com)
4. 5 Simple Ways to Wash a Wig (tipsbulletin.com)
5. Women Brush Off Middle Age, Hair Loss With Wigs And No Shame (forbes.com)
6. Different Types of Wig Hair Fiber & How to Care for Them-chantiche.com – Chantiche Blog
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