When your wig turns into a tangled mess, your first instinct might be to comb it aggressively or cut the knots out. However, without the right approach, you could cause significant damage to your wig.
In this guide, we’ll show you the proper techniques and tools for detangling your wig. Before you know it, you’ll be able to safely and effectively remove the knots and restore your wig to its former glory.
Tools and Products You’ll Need
Before you start, make sure you have the following supplies on hand:
- Wide-tooth comb
- Water in a spray bottle
- Wig brush
- Wig stand or mannequin head
- Conditioner
- Detangling spray
- Styling tools (blow dryer, flat iron, curling wand, etc.)
- Microfiber towel (optional)
- Blow dryer (optional)
Detangling a Wig Step by Step
Now that you have all your supplies ready, it’s time to get started. Follow these step-by-step instructions to gently and effectively revive your wig.
Step 1: Place Your Wig on a Wig Stand
Detangling your wig while it’s on your head or in your lap can complicate the process. Begin by placing your wig on a wig stand, preferably one made of cork and canvas. If possible, attach the wig stand to a table. This setup allows you to have both hands free for combing and applying products.
Use T-pins to secure the wig to the stand, preventing it from slipping during the detangling process.
Step 2: Section the Hair
Divide the wig into sections to make it easier to manage. The number of sections you create will depend on how tangled your wig is and its density.
As a general guideline, separate the wig into four or more equal sections. You can do this by parting the hair from front to back and then from ear to ear to create four sections.
If you find that four sections aren’t sufficient, feel free to create additional sections.
Step 3: Apply Detangling Products
Spray a generous amount of detangling spray onto the hair. This product helps make the strands slippery, allowing them to slide past each other as you work through the tangles.
You can purchase a detangling spray from your local beauty supply or department store. Alternatively, if you prefer a DIY approach, you can easily make your own by mixing four parts water with one part conditioner in a spray bottle. Shake the mixture well before applying it to the hair.
Ensure you spray enough detangler to fully saturate the hair; insufficient product may hinder your detangling efforts.
Step 4: Detangle the Worst Tangles with Your Fingers
While it might be tempting to grab your comb right away, larger knots are best tackled by hand, at least initially. Using your fingers allows you to feel and work through tangles more effectively than a comb can. Take it section by section to avoid feeling overwhelmed by the knots.
If you encounter a particularly stubborn tangle that your detangling spray and fingers can’t handle, try spritzing the knot with water and applying some conditioner to saturate it. Then, attempt to remove it again using your fingers.
Note: Avoid using your fingernails to pull out tangles, as this can damage the hair shaft, leading to breakage and split ends.
Step 5: Detangle the Hair Using a Wide-Tooth Comb
Once you’ve worked through the larger knots, take a wide-tooth comb and gently comb through one of the sections, starting from the tips and working your way up to the roots. Begin with the ends, then move to the mid-lengths, and finally to the roots. Combing from roots to tips can cause unnecessary tugging and may lead to broken hairs.
Continue to the next section and repeat the process, stopping once the comb glides smoothly through the hair.
After the majority of the tangles are removed, use a wig brush to further smooth out the hair. You can brush from roots to tips since the wide-tooth comb has already detangled the hair.
Step 6: Wash & Deep Condition Your Wig
If you’ve used a lot of conditioner or detangler, you’ll likely need to wash and condition your wig to restore its body and shine. This step is crucial, especially for straight wigs, as skipping it may leave your wig looking limp and greasy after styling. For curly wigs, a quick rinse might suffice.
Note: Never wash a tangled wig, especially if it’s severely matted, as this will exacerbate the tangles. Make sure your wig is fully detangled before washing.
Step 7: Dry Your Wig
Avoid leaving your wig wet for an extended period to prevent mold and mildew. You can dry your wig using one of the following methods:
- Air Dry Your Wig: The gentlest method is to place your wig on a wig stand and let it air dry in a well-ventilated area. Avoid enclosed spaces like small closets. Your wig should dry within a day. To speed up the process, gently pat away excess water with a microfiber towel before placing it on the stand.
- Blow-Dry Your Wig: If you’re in a hurry, you can blow-dry your wig. Hold it in your hand or place it on a mannequin head while using a blow dryer, brushing the hair with a wig brush simultaneously. Be careful not to tug too hard on the hair to avoid pulling it out. It’s best to use the “cool” setting on the blow dryer to maintain the hair’s quality.
Step 8: Style Your Wig
Once your wig is completely dry, feel free to style it as you like! You can straighten it with a flat iron or create beautiful cascading curls with a curling wand. Have fun experimenting with different looks!
Video Detangle Your Wig Safely
Here’s a video featuring LissyFishy sharing tips on how to detangle wigs.
6 Best Tips to Prevent Tangles in Wigs
After following the detangling steps mentioned earlier, you’re likely eager to keep your wig from tangling again. Fortunately, here are the six best tips to help prevent tangles and matting:
- Invest in High-Quality Human Hair Wigs: High-quality human hair wigs are crafted from healthy virgin Remy hair, with all cuticles aligned in the same direction. These wigs are significantly less likely to tangle compared to synthetic wigs or non-Remy human hair options.
- Wash Your Wig Regularly, But Not Excessively: Regular maintenance includes washing your wig, but over-washing can dry it out and lead to tangling. It’s best to wash your wig after approximately 30 wears, which usually amounts to about once a month. If you don’t wear your wig daily, you can extend the time between washes.
- Avoid Dyeing Your Human Hair Wigs: Dyeing wigs can damage their hair cuticles to some extent. When cuticles become damaged, they can snag on neighboring strands. To maintain the health of your wig, it’s best to avoid dyeing. Instead, consider purchasing a wig in the color you desire.
- Use the Right Wig Products: Not all wig products are made the same. Always choose natural products free from harsh cleansers and surfactants, such as sulfates, as these can dry out your wig. Additionally, use a moisturizing conditioner to keep your wig hydrated.
- Store Your Wig Properly: The more your wig moves or rubs against surfaces, the more likely it is to tangle. Proper storage is essential. For optimal results, keep your wig in its original packaging or place it on a wig stand when not in use.
- Avoid Sleeping with Your Wig On: Sleeping in your wig can cause it to rub against your pillowcases, blankets, and even your skin and clothing, leading to tangles. Always remove your wig before going to bed.
Why Wigs Tangle
Many people wonder about the reasons behind wig tangling, and several factors contribute to it:
- Lack of Moisture: Wigs do not self-moisturize like natural hair does, as our scalps produce sebum to keep hair hydrated. Wigs can become dry, making them more prone to tangling.
- Texture Matters: Bone straight wigs generally tangle less often than wavy or curly wigs. The curlier the wig, the greater the likelihood of tangling.
- Cuticle Direction: If the hair isn’t Remy or if the cuticles aren’t all facing the same direction, they can snag when neighboring strands come into contact with each other.
Bring Your Wig Back to Life
Detangling human hair wigs requires patience and care, as improper handling can result in patches of ripped-out hair. However, with the information provided in this article, you’ll be able to detangle even the most matted wigs with ease.
Now it’s your turn to share! How do you detangle your wigs at home? What’s your best advice for reviving a wig? Share your tips in the comments below—you never know who you might help!
and…
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