Mistakes To Avoid When Caring for Your Wigs

If you’re a wig wearer, you understand the importance of proper wig care for maintaining your wig’s longevity and natural appearance. However, despite their best intentions, many wig owners unknowingly make mistakes in their care routine that can damage their wigs. We’ll discuss the common mistakes to avoid when caring for your wigs, ensuring your wigs remain in top condition for as long as possible.

Not Drying the Wig Properly

A common error in wig care is improper drying after washing. Many people treat their wigs like natural hair, vigorously rubbing them dry with a towel. This approach, however, can be detrimental to the wig’s lifespan and quality. The roughness of the towel, combined with the friction from rubbing, can lead to tangling and frizz. It can also potentially damage the wig fibers, causing them to lose their natural appearance. It’s much more beneficial to let the wig air dry on a wig stand. This approach allows it to retain shape and prevents unnecessary strain or damage.

Using Too Much Heat

Another prevalent mistake in wig maintenance is the overuse of heat-styling tools. Synthetic wigs are particularly vulnerable to damage from heat. The fibers in synthetic wigs cannot withstand high temperatures, and using tools such as straighteners or curling irons can cause them to melt or become irreparably damaged. Even for human hair wigs, which can handle some amount of heat, frequent exposure to high temperatures can lead to dryness, breakage, and loss of natural shine. Therefore, it’s crucial to limit the use of heat styling tools and, when necessary, use them on a low heat setting.

Using the Incorrect Products

A surprisingly common and damaging mistake is using incorrect products on wigs. It may seem best to use the same products on their wig as you might on natural hair, but this can be a detrimental approach. For instance, oils, often used to add shine and nourishment to natural hair, are not beneficial for synthetic wigs. Unlike natural hair, synthetic wig fibers cannot absorb these oils. As a result, instead of benefiting the wig, these oils will sit on the surface, leading to product buildup and a greasy appearance.

Not Washing the Wig

A notable mistake amongst wig-wearers is neglecting the necessary washing routine. Unlike natural hair, a wig does not require daily or even weekly washing. However, completely avoiding cleaning isn’t ideal. Over time, even the highest quality wigs can accumulate dust, dirt, and oils in the fibers, dulling the wig’s appearance and potentially damaging the structure. A good rule of thumb is to wash your wig every 10 wears or so, depending on the amount of product used and exposure to environmental factors. Learning the basics of wig care 101 can help you understand how to wash your wigs properly.

Now that you know the common maintenance mistakes to avoid with your wig, you can work to take proper care of your wigs. With these tips in mind, you no longer need to worry about unintentional damage. Instead, you can confidently enjoy your wigs’ versatility and style, knowing they’re well cared for and at their best.