Do you use wigs on a daily basis? If you're a regular wig user, you would know that over time even the highest quality human hair wigs will show some damage. Either the strands get frizzy or they start to loose their shine and smoothness. While purchasing a new wig is always a an option, you can alternatively try to restore your human hair wig. Whether you can restore your wig or not solely depends on how much damage it has taken, if it is on the lower end, you can revive and restore your wig on your own.
By following the tips mentioned in this blog you can make your human hair wig shiny and new again. Read on for some beginner-friendly tips to restore human hair wigs.
Steps to restore your human hair wigs
Before we get into wig care, the first essential thing to keep in mind is to invest in a good quality human hair wig. At 1 Hair Stop, we have a range of premium human hair wigs that look just like your natural hair.
With proper care, a little TLC and regular maintenance, good quality human hair wigs can last for 2-3 years or even more. However regular use, exposure to the environment and various other external factors can cause your wig to lose its luster become frizzy and appear lifeless.
Thankfully rejuvenating a human hair wig is much simpler than you might imagine. Just a few steps and your wig will look fresh and new!
Step 1: Detangle Your Wig
Before we start and perform any action on the wig, it is necessary to detangle and prep the wig well. Extended periods of storage, exposure to sun and moisture can all lead to tangling which causes knots in the strands of the wig. So we need to undo these knots first. It is the same as brushing your hair with a wide tooth comb. Start at the ends of the hair and work your way up, gently removing any tangles without pulling or yanking on the hair. Be sure to use a light touch, as human hair wigs can be delicate and easily damaged.
Step 2: Wash Your Wig
Once your wig is detangled properly, the next step is to wash it to remove any dirt, oil, or product buildup that may have accumulated over time. To do this, fill a sink or basin with cold water and gently dip and swirl your wig to soak it completely. Then take a mild wig shampoo in your palms, add a few drops of water, and work up the lather. With gentle hands apply the shampoo to the entire wig length. Then rinse it well to remove all shampoo. While rinsing do not put too much stress on the wig hair, be gentle and treat it with care.
Step 3: Condition Your Wig
A deep moisturizing conditioner will do the same trick for your wig that it does for your natural hair, it will nourish the strands and help make them smoother and frizz-free. The key here is to pick the right conditioner for your wig, there are a lot of wig-specific conditioner available also. Look for a conditioner that is free from harmful chemicals and has deep conditioning effect.
Once you got the conditioner, take a little amount in your palms and apply evenly and gently on the strands. Do not apply the conditioner to the base of the wig. Leave it in for about 5 minutes and then rinse thoroughly with cold water. We recommend rinsing twice to ensure that no conditioner residue is left behind.
Also Read: Transform Your Locks: A Daily Hair Care Routine
Step 4: Dry Your Wig
Now your wig is all cleansed and conditioned, so gently squeeze the strands and remove excess water. Then use a wig head or a hanger and allow the wig to air dry. We recommend avoiding the use of hair dryers as they will strip of the moisture that we just infused into the wig strands.
Step 5: Style Your Wig
We are done with the hard part, now it's time to have some fun and style your wig to create the look that you want. Comb through the dry wig and then start styling it. Avoid using heating tools at high heat setting, also spray a good amount of heat protectant spray before you start styling. Straighten or curl your wig as your like. Or you can totally skip the heating tools and go for a less damaging style like braids and other hairdos.
Tips and Tricks for Restoring Human Hair Wigs
Now you know how to wash and freshen up your human hair wig. But there are some other wig hygiene and maintenance tips that can help you keep your wig maintained in the long run. Let's check them out.
Use a detangling spray
If you spend too much time outdoors and your wig is constantly exposed to the sun, and wind; incorporate a detangling spray in your wig care routine. When you brush your wig, apply a little amount of detangling spray before combing. These sprays help untangle the strands with ease without putting pressure on the strands and also help avoid further tangles.
Store your wig properly
When you're not using your wig, it is necessary to store wig properly to keep it safe and protected. Tossing your wig in a drawer or on a table might cause damage to the hair strands as they'll become tangled. Use a proper hair carrier or wig head to keep your wig in shape and detangled. Always brush it well and remove all knots before storing. Also keep it in a dry place away from direct sunlight.
Protect your wig from the elements
Environmental factors like extreme weather conditions, wind etc. can cause damage to your wig. So if you step out too much in the sun, consider getting yourself a hat or a hair scarf, not only will it look cool, but it'll also help keep your precious hair safe. Next up, swimming...if you are showering or taking a dip in the pool, remove your wig if you can. Chlorine water can harm your hair tremendously. In case taking your wig off is not an option, use a shower cap that offers good coverage.
Don't over-wash your wig
Draft a wash cycle for your wig, and was it only when it demands cleaning. Ideally if you wear your wig everyday, you should wash it when you see some build-up or after 6-7 uses i.e. kind of like washing it once a week only. Washing it too much will only strip away the moisture and make it dry.
Use a silk or satin pillowcase
Firstly, if you can avoid it, please don’t sleep with your wig on. It puts your wig at the risk of tangling and the friction can cause the hair fibers to break. Now if you have to sleep in your wig then get a silk pillowcase as it will not cause tangles and frizz. Or put your wig hair into a braid to avoid damage.
Be gentle when styling
Human hair wigs can be styled just like natural hair, but it's important to be gentle when using heat styling tools or other styling products. Always use a heat protectant spray when using heat styling tools, and avoid pulling or yanking on the hair when styling or brushing. Also, avoid styling your wig every day. Keep in mind that excessive use of heating tools like straighteners and curling irons takes away the moisture and damages your human hair wig.
Conclusion
Restoring a human hair wig is a process that requires patience and attention to detail, but it can be extremely fulfilling. So if you have a wig that is wearing out, pay heed and act early. Follow the restoration steps that we discussed and provide your wig with the much deserved TLC. If you do it right, your will will start feeling fresh and new in no time.
FAQs
Can you repair human hair wigs?
Yes, human hair wigs can be repaired. Take your wig to the original manufacturer or a professional hair stylist to get it examined and restored.
How do you fix a frizzy human hair wig?
To fix a frizzy human hair wig, you can try using a conditioning spray or a small amount of hair oil to help smooth out the hair. Avoid using heat styling tools, as these can further damage the hair.
Can I put oil on my human hair wig?
Yes, you can put oil on your human hair wig, but it's important to use a lightweight, non-greasy oil and apply it sparingly to avoid weighing down the hair.
How do you treat human hair wigs at home?
To treat a human hair wig at home, you should first make sure to store it properly on a wig stand or mannequin head. You should also avoid exposing it to moisture and humidity, and be gentle when brushing and styling. Additionally, you can use special wig care products like a conditioning spray or a detangling spray to help keep the hair looking and feeling great.
