How to preserve and care for wigs/ hair extensions ?

The wigs made from human hair are quite expensive but well worth the money. Since they are made with natural hair, they have a much better elasticity than synthetic fiber wigs when stretched, permed, and dyed. Like synthetic fiber wigs, wigs made with real hair need to be washed regularly, but you must be very careful because they are quite fragile.

1. Wash the wigs

Step 1: Comb the wig

Comb the wig starting from the ends of the hair. Gently brush from the front ends. Once you've removed all the tangles, you can gradually brush up the roots until you can run your fingers all the way through the hair without getting tangled. Use a wig brush to brush straight or wavy hair and use a thin brush to brush curly hair (including natural curly and African curly hair).

Step 2: Wash the wigs with shampoo

Fill the sink with cold water and stir a little of the shampoo into the water. Use a high quality shampoo that is suitable for the type of hair you are using. For example, if you are using a curly wig, use shampoo for curly hair. If you know the wig is dyed, use a shampoo to retain the dye.

Do not put shampoo directly on the wig. Instead, use soapy water for washing hair extensions

Do not use 2 in 1 shampoo, i.e. shampoo with conditioner. You can use conditioner on your wig, but don't use it too close to the roots

Step 3: Turn the wig upside down and soak it in water.

Use your fingers to flip the wig from the inside out and let the hair strands fall out. Drop the hair into the water and submerge the strands of hair. Slightly distributes the shampoo evenly throughout the hair strands

Turning the wig upside down allows the shampoo to easily get into the mesh cap, where dirt, sweat, and oil accumulate the most.

Step 4. Soak your wig for 5 minutes.

Make sure the wig is completely submerged in the water and that it does not turn around while soaking. Your wig can easily get tangled if you squeeze, squeeze, or stir too much

Step 5: Rinse cold water until shampoo is gone.

You can rinse the wig in a bucket of cold water, or rinse it under the tap in the sink or shower. Depending on the thickness of your wig, you may need to rinse it up to twice Rinse cold water until shampoo is gone. You can rinse the wig in a bucket of cold water, or rinse it under the tap in the sink or shower. Depending on the thickness of your wig, you may need to rinse it up to twice.

Step 6: Rub conditioner into your wig.

Simply spray some conditioner on your hair and brush it with your fingers. If you're a wig with a mesh cap, avoid letting the conditioner get into the mesh.

The hairs are attached to the mesh by knots. If you let the conditioner in, the knots will loosen and the hair strands will come out. With a regular woven wig, it doesn't matter, as the strands of hair are stitched into a mesh cap.

Use a high quality conditioner.

You can also use a dry conditioner if you want.

Step 7: Wait 2 minutes before rinsing the conditioner with cold water.

Leaving conditioner on your hair for a few minutes will help the oil soak into your hair strands and hydrate your hair, similar to the natural conditioner that is growing on your head. After 2 minutes, rinse the conditioner until it feels clear.

Skip this step if you are using a dry conditioner.

2. Dry your wig

Step 1: Turn your wig over and gently squeeze your hair to let the water drain.

Hold the wig over the sink and gently squeeze the hair in the fist. Do not twist or wring to avoid tangling or breakage.

Do not brush your hair while it is still wet. You can damage the hair strands by doing so.

Step 2: Roll the hair in a towel to remove the water.

Place the wig on one end of a clean towel and roll it into a tight bundle, starting with the tip of the towel covered with the hair. Straighten your hair in a towel, then gently lift the towel to remove the wig.

If you have long hair, you need to straighten the strands and make sure the hair is not bunched.

Step 3: Treat your wig with your favorite products. Use a hairspray for easy troubleshooting later; Remember to keep the spray bottle about 25-30 cm away from your wig.

If you have curly hair, consider using a hair gel.

Step 4: Allow the wig to dry naturally on the stand and away from direct sunlight. Do not brush your wig while it is wet, as this may damage the hair strands.

If it's curly, you can sometimes "twist" the curls.

The curl here is to support the hand below the ends of the hair, lift the hair and wrap the hair inward with your fingers. This will create curls.

If you are using a foam dummy tip to support your wig, be sure to mount it on a sturdy stand. Fix the wig to the dummy's head with a hairpin if necessary.

Step 5: Put your wig on your head and use a hairdryer if you are in a hurry.

Use a hair dryer to dry the mesh caps first. Once the cap is dry, put the wig on your head and clip it in place with a toothpick. Continue drying the wig on the head. Be sure to use a low temperature setting to avoid damaging the hair strands.

Be sure to clip your real hair up and put on a mesh hood before putting on your wig.

Step 6: Turn your wig over when you dry it if you want it to have volume. Turn the wig down, then clip the nape of the net hat onto the pants hanger. You will have to move the clips on the trouser hanger together to grip the wig. Hang your wig in the shower for a few hours to air dry and don't shower during this time.

If you don't have a shower, you can hang it somewhere undamaged from the water dripping from the wig.

Styling and maintenance of wigs

1. Comb your wig when it is completely dry. Again, use a special brush to brush straight or wavy wigs, and use a thin brush if your hair is curly. Start at the ends and work your way up the roots. If necessary, you can use a hair-remover.

2.Return your hair if necessary. Some wigs are made from natural curled hair, others are made from straight hair that are curled by a curling iron. Curled hair will lose curl when washed. Luckily, you can do it again with real curling. 

Hair curlers are much safer because no heat is needed. If you have to use a curling iron, keep the heat low.

3.Put the wig on the vase or stand when you are not in use. If you are using a vase of flowers, you can place a tissue soaked in perfume in it. 

4.Repeat the wig when it becomes dirty. If you wear a wig every 2 to 4 weeks, you should wash it every 2 to 4 weeks.  If you use less, you can wash your wig once a month.

5. Take care of your real hair if you wear a wig every day. Don't neglect your real hair just because it is always hidden under the wig. Keeping the hair and scalp clean also helps to keep the wig clean for longer.

If your hair is dry, moisturize it. This does not affect wigs, but it will keep your real hair healthy.

Advice for take care your wigs

Remember to be gentle when untangle your wig. Use as much debugging oil as needed.

Wash your wig before wearing it for the first time. Even though it is brand new, wigs can become contaminated during manufacturing, packaging, and shipping.

If you can't wash your wig with cold water, you can use warm water up to 35 degrees Celsius.

Choose good quality hair products that are sulfate, paraben, and mineral free. Instead, look for products with aloe and / or glycerin.

You can buy wig racks or foam heads online or at wig shops. Some shops selling costumes or crafts also sell sponge heads.

If you can't afford a wig stand or foam mannequin head, you can make your own by attaching a round cylinder to the Christmas tree stand.

You can use shampoo and conditioner specifically designed for wigs, but check the label carefully to make sure the product covers real hair wigs.

Warning

Don't use a hair brush to brush curly wigs; use only delicate fingers or combs. Hair brushes can mess with curly hair.

Avoid using high heat to handle wigs. Although it does not melt, the wig fibers can still be damaged.

What you need

High quality strawberry shampoo and conditioner

Wig brush (for straight or wavy hair)

Thin comb (for curly / curled hair)

Porous wig or mannequin holders

Clean sink or bucket

Clean towels

 (Source:Wikihow)