How to Care for a Wig

A human-hair wig is a bit more trouble than a synthetic one, but keeping any wig in good condition is easy if you use products especially formulated for wigs.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• baby powder
• wig pick
• wig comb
• wig brush
• wig stand
• wig conditioner
• wig hair spray
• wig shampoo

1. Buy the proper accessories to care for your wig. These include a wig brush, wig comb, wig stand, wig shampoo and conditioner, and various wig styling products. These are usually available in a beauty supply store or a wig store.
2. Remove tangles with a wig brush and a spray wig conditioner.
3. Remove shine by applying baby powder to the wig, then shaking excess power loose.
4. Always comb or brush the wig starting at the ends, and not the roots.
5. Store the wig in a closed space, such as a closet, at room temperature and on a wig stand.
6. Use a hair spray formulated especially for wigs to style your wig.
7. To reduce the volume of your wig, spray it with cool water and brush with a wig brush.
8. Remember that it's best if you do not use any heat source (including a blow dryer, a curling iron or hot rollers) on a synthetic hair wig. You may use these items on a human-hair wig.
9. Wash your wig after every 12 to 15 wearings. (See Related eHows.)

Tips & Warnings

• Keeping your own hair clean underneath the wig means the wig will need washing less often. Or, use a wig cap to keep your hair from coming into contact with the wig, which also keeps the wig clean.
• If you feel that your wig needs cutting - or complete restyling - the do-it-yourself approach may not be the best. Take it to a professional wig salon. (Look in the Yellow Pages under Hair Replacement: Wigs and Hair Pieces.)
• Make sure your own hair is dry before putting a wig on over it.
• When cooking with a synthetic wig on, do not open the door to a hot oven, or stand over boiling water or a hot barbecue grill. The heat can damage your wig.
• Brushing a wig with a regular hairbrush can damage the hair.