How to Fix Frayed Wig Ends

Maintain the look of wigs with inexpensive home remedies.

Improper wig care or overuse of hair products can lead to frayed wig ends. Unlike your natural hair, wigs require specialized care to maintain their look and longevity. Preventing frayed ends is vital as frayed wig hair cannot be treated, but merely cut or sealed to improve its appearance. Home remedies are often used to fix frayed wig ends and regain the wig's original texture and sheen.

Things You'll Need

• Wide-toothed comb
• Detangling spray
• Barber shears
• Leave-in conditioner
• Flat iron or
• Curling iron
• Sauce pan
• Wig shampoo
• Hair spray
• Shine serum
• Coconut oil
• Apple cider vinegar

Instructions

1. Detangle the wig ends and remove any knots or matting. Gently separate tangles with your fingers or a wide-toothed comb. Use a detangling spray for difficult knots.

2. Trim the frayed wig ends with barber shears. Do not cut the hair too short because, unlike real hair, the ends will not grow back.

3. Apply a leave-in conditioner product to the frayed ends of the wig. Synthetic wigs cannot absorb moisture but conditioning agents will seal the ends.

4. Smooth the frayed ends of a heat-friendly wig with a heat-styling tool. Set a flat iron or curling iron on the lowest setting and increase the temperature as needed.

5. Heat water in a sauce pan to 180 degrees Fahrenheit or until the water begins to boil. Dip the ends of the wig into the water for 10 seconds.

6. Wash the frayed ends with a shampoo specifically made for wigs. Allow the shampoo to sit on the ends for five minutes and rinse thoroughly.

7. Spray a light layer of hairspray onto the frayed ends of the wig. Hold the hairspray product two feet away from the ends while spraying.

8. Allow the wig to naturally air dry after washing. Do not touch the wig; brush it, play with it, blow-dry it or towel-dry it during the drying process.

9. Pour a pea-sized amount of shine serum onto the palms of your hands. Massage the shine serum into the frayed ends of the wig hair.

10. Rub five drops of coconut oil between your palms and run your hands through the ends of the wig. Dip the ends of the wig into diluted apple cider vinegar for approximately two minutes. Rinse the ends in cool water.

Tips & Warnings

• Look for a leave-in conditioner in lotion or cream form that contains conditioning agents such as shea butter, jojoba oil or peanut extract.

• Do not use heat-styling tools on synthetic wigs that are not made to withstand heat as this can cause the wig to melt or burn.

• Do not use shampoos that contain alcohol. Alcohol may dry out the hair, leading to more frayed ends.

• Never pull, stretch or attempt to brush through wet hair. Always use a wide-toothed comb to gently separate and smooth out dry wig hair.

• Wash the wig once for every 12 times it’s worn. Accumulated oils and hair products can cause frayed ends that can be minimized with regular washes.

References

• Feke Wigs & Hairpieces: Wig Maintenance
• Headcovers: How to Care for Your Wig