Introduction
So, you bit the bullet and decided to get yourself a 100% real human hair wig. Congratulations, you’ve made a great decision!
In the ever-evolving world of materials and technology, human hair wigs stand as a timeless testament to the beauty and versatility of natural elements. While synthetic materials have made remarkable strides, human hair wigs continue to reign supreme, proudly occupying the pinnacle of excellence.
Now, unless you got really lucky, chances are, you spent a fair few green ones getting this piece of art in your collection (and yes, wigs, especially human hair wigs, are a work of art). And you’d like your new art to not only look great but look great for a while, right?
To keep human hair wigs looking their very best and to increase their lifespan requires not only looking after them, but looking after them the right way. You may well be wondering, what’s the right way to look after human hair wigs?
You’ll be surprised to know how many things wig wearers, even those who have been wearing human hair wigs for years, get wrong!
So, what is the right way to maintain human hair wigs? Let’s find out!
How do you take care of a 100% human hair wig?
If you want them to last, human hair wigs require some care. They aren’t very different from normal hair, which is hardly a surprise considering they are made from human hair!
Follow these guidelines, and your real hair wigs should stay in tip-top shape!
Products to use with human hair wigs:
It’s important to use products that are compatible with your wig. And when we say products, we mean everything – from shampoos and conditioners to brushes and combs.
Using the right products is extremely important as every product can have an impact on your wigs appearance and how long it lasts. For example, when combing and detangling wigs, it’s best to use a wide-toothed comb, a soft-bristled brush, or one that has been specifically suggested by the wig manufacturer.
If you’re using the wrong kind of comb or brush, the fibers can get stressed and prone to breakage. And once hair fibers on human hair wigs break, unlike your scalp, they aren’t going to grow back.
Similarly, it’s critical you’re using the right kind of shampoo and conditioner for human hair wigs. As a general rule, sulfate-free shampoos are the way to go. Avoid using any products that come with harsh chemicals, as these may end up damaging your wig.
In case of any confusion over what to use, go with recommended products from the wig manufacturer.
Washing and drying real hair wigs:
One of the most important steps in caring for real hair wigs is washing. As mentioned above, it’s important to use the right products when washing and conditioning your wig.
But be careful you don’t overwash your human hair wigs. Each time you wash your wig, it loses some moisture. Washing too often will dry out your wig, and this dryness makes the fiber brittle and prone to breakage.
Moisturizing your wig will help prevent this and keep your wig looking healthy and happy.
Top tip: Washing your wig in cold water will preserve moisture and keep your wig looking good for a longer time
A key step in wig care comes after the washing – and drying of the wig. Many of us simply turn to a hairdryer, and with a warm setting, we blast the wig with hot hair for a quick dry. Doing this will cause dryness, and we’ve seen above what that leads to.
To dry your wig, pat it gently with a soft cloth to get the excess water out and leave it to air dry. If you’re in a rush, use a hair dryer with a cool setting.
Styling human hair wigs
One of the biggest advantages of human hair wigs, and indeed one of the main reasons people go for them, is their stylability.
Because these wigs are made from real human hair, they can be styled and shaped in much the same way. This allows you to try different looks and trends without having to make a permanent or long-term commitment.
Go for a pixie one day and long-flowing beachy waves the next!
Human hair wigs can take heat, and that is what facilitates their versatility. What you need to keep in mind is that styling wigs with heat tools can have a detrimental effect on your wigs. How, you ask? For the same reasons mentioned above!
Heat is a natural enemy of moisture, and hair, including the hair on your wig, needs a certain amount of moisture to look its very best. Excessive use of heat tools drains the moisture out of human hair wigs.
But this doesn’t mean you can’t use heat tools at all, just that you should take a few precautions with curling or straightening your human hair wigs.
First up, make sure you spray some heat-protectant spray on your human hair wigs. Again, go with something recommended by the wig manufacturer.
Secondly, use the heat tools on medium heat for best results.
Following these two simple steps will help keep human hair wigs in shape while giving you the styling flexibility you need.
Storing human hair wigs
Have you ever thought about what goes on in your real hair wigs life when you’re not wearing it? In most cases, the answer is no, so don’t beat yourself about it if that’s the same for you.
An often neglected topic among wigs is the aftercare. And we totally understand why. There’s nothing fun or glamorous talking about how to store your wig, is there?
But, it can be a vital factor in caring for and maintaining the life of human hair wigs, especially if you don’t wear your wig every day. If your wig is lying around in the open on your bed or flung across a chair, two things will happen to it.
First and foremost, all the dust in the air and other environmental elements floating around will gradually start settling on your wig. If your wig is a bit greasy with product use, these particles will stick to your wig for longer as well.
Secondly, your wig will start to lose shape. The next time you wear it, it may not fit as well as it did when you first bought it. Also, if your wig happens to be in a place where it gets hit by direct sunlight, that, too, will damage the hair fibers.
But worry not, for it’s incredibly easy to avoid all this! All that is required is a wig stand or foam head on which you can place your human hair wigs.
Keeping the wig covered or in a cupboard is a great way to prevent particles from settling in and to keep it away from direct sunlight.
Easy right?
Conclusion
Human hair wigs can be called the Rolls Royce of wigs. They look great, last long, and, most importantly, make you feel like a queen with no equal. If nothing else, that justifies the higher prices!
But one can’t be buying human hair wigs every other day. You have to make what you have last long and look good as well. This is where wig maintenance comes in.
By following the simple steps above, you can greatly improve the life and quality of your human hair wigs. While it may not seem very fun, once you get into the groove, you’ll actually start enjoying the process of wig care.
And when you see the benefits of all this in the form of compliments and admiration for your regal hair, you’ll see it’s all worth it!
And if you’re keen to begin your wig journey, check out Paula Young®. You’ll find real hair wigs from some of the biggest brands, including Paula Young®’s own collection, at prices that won’t break your purse either!
