How to Repair a Synthetic Wig

Maintain a lustrous wig by keeping it clean.

Wigs come in various textures, styles and brands. Synthetic wigs are attractive on first sight, but can become unappealing if not cared for. The technique you use to preserve the wig determines how long it will last. Synthetic wigs are designed so that using heat is very difficult; do not use a blow dryer. Keep scissors, wig adhesive, a needle and thread, wig shampoo, rollers, and a wig pick handy for wig repairs.

Things You'll Need

• Needle
• Thread
• Wig hair adhesive
• Wig pick
• Wig shampoo
• Wig conditioner
• Rollers
• Hair dryer
• Salon

Instructions

1. Soak the wig instead of washing it. Unlike human hair wigs, synthetic wigs cannot tolerate rough treatment. Excessive scrubbing, brushing, or combing of a wet synthetic wig is not suggested. Instead, fill a sink or bathtub with water and add a squirt of wig shampoo. Soak the wig for 15 minutes. Gently work your fingers into the wig, swishing it around to allow the dirt out. Once you have done this a few times, the wig should be clean. Hang the hair on a wig stand to let it dry. Use wig leave-in conditioner to untangle the strands. To get curly or bouncy hair, a synthetic wig can be set using rollers and placing the wig under a hair dryer. Use a wig pick to achieve a full look. If the wig is worn often, perform this process every three to four weeks.

2. Use reliable products. There are companies that specialize in making shampoos, conditioners, moisturizers, and other products specifically for synthetic wigs. Using hair products that would normally be put on human or natural hair is not recommended.

3. Take the wig to a professional. To avoid messing up your hair, go to a salon expert who can shape and add flair to your hair in creative ways.

4. Sew any tracks that have unraveled. The thread holding the wig together can loosen, especially if it is not being maintained. Find a thread that matches the color of your wig. Using a needle, carefully sew the lining back together. Pay close attention to follow the direction of the original stitching.

5. Use wig glue adhesive to attach the tracks that have come apart. Find a wig adhesive that is waterproof and dries into a clear finish. Apply a thin layer of glue to the track and press down for 10 seconds. Allow the glue to dry before styling the hair. For those who are not handy with a needle, glue can work just as well.

References

• How to care for your wig

Resources

• Wig care (synthetic hair)