How to Detangle Wig Ringlets

Wigs require proper care if they are to last.

Wigs, whether made of synthetics or human hair, need careful handling if they are to last. It’s good practice to gently comb out your wig after your wear it. Then, you must store it properly. If you have a long wig, place its tail in a loose curl in a hairnet. If you store your wig on a head form, put a scarf over it to keep it dust-free. Also, do not brush your wig, as brushing makes it snarled and frizzy. This is particularly true of curly wigs. If your wig becomes snarled, you must detangle it as soon as possible if you want to salvage it.

Things You'll Need

• Hair clips
• Hair conditioner
• Wide-toothed comb
• Wig stand
• Straight pin (optional)
• Cuticle scissors

Instructions

1. Fill a spray bottle with hair conditioner.

2. Clip back the hair you are not working on. Hold a tangled ringlet in one hand and thoroughly wet it with the spray conditioner. For a bad tangle, you may need to wet the ringlet more than once.

3. Comb out the tangle using a wide-toothed comb. Hold the bottom of the ringlet on top of the forefinger and middle finger of your non-dominant hand. Alternatively, you can place the ringlet on a flat surface such as a table top. Take the comb in your dominant hand and use small, short, gentle strokes to comb the ringlet. Start at the bottom of the ringlet and work your way up in small sections (about an inch at a time).

4. Use your fingers or a straight pin to separate the wig strands if they are too knotted for the comb. Cut a couple of hairs with cuticle scissors if you cannot get a knot out.

5. Pin the ringlet up with a clip when it is detangled.

6. Repeat Steps 2 through 5 until you have detangled all the ringlets.

7. Place the wig on a head form, and arrange the damp ringlets the way you want them to dry.

8. Use your fingers to make any changes to the wig after it is dry.

Tips & Warnings

• You can make your own conditioner for wig styling: Mix a solution of one part fabric softener to four parts water.

• Detangling a wig can be a tedious process. At times, you may have to separate one or two strands of hair at a time.

• To prevent tangling and frizzing, brush the wig as infrequently as possible.

References

• Wigs for Stage: The Care and Feeding of Wigs
• Lord of the Rings Costume: Wig Care and Maintenance

Resources

• Wig Making and Styling: A Complete Guide for Theatre & Film; Martha Ruskai, et. al.