How to Care for Synthetic Wigs

By Alice Dunican, Boutique Associate and Wig Fitter at To Life!

Hi Everyone! Greetings from my home to yours. At this time while we are all staying home trying to “flatten the curve,” due to the COVID19 outbreak, I thought it was a great time to share some important love and care tips for your synthetic wig. A lot of people ask me what the best steps are to keep their wig looking shiny, healthy to maximize the life of their wigs.

First, you should always use a wide tooth comb, or wig brush when combing out your wig. I would highly recommend brushing your wig by starting at the ends, gently removing snarls, working your way to the top. Always brush your wig when you put it on, but also when you remove it as well. Henry Margu, a wig line we primarily recommend, makes a Revitalizing Conditioning mist that really helps with tangle and frizz, while giving the wig sheen and manageability.

Another frequently asked question is, “How often should I wash my wig?" You should wash your wig after about 30 wears, or every 4-6 weeks. The proper way to wash a synthetic wig is simple!

Henry Margu (www.henrymargu.com/faq) wigs and hairpieces are easy to care for. Their exclusive fiber processing allows their wigs to “bounce” back to their original style if maintained and cared for properly. Following are simple washing instructions to keep all Henry Margu products looking great:

• Gently hand wash while soaking in cold water with a dash of Cleanse shampoo.

• Thoroughly rinse the wig in clean cold water to remove shampoo.

• Do NOT brush the wig while fiber is wet. For short styles, allow the wig to air dry on a wig stand or lay flat on a towel. For medium to longer wigs and curly styles, lay the wig flat on a towel to air dry.

• Once the wig is completely dry, the ready-to-wear styling should return with a gentle shake of the wig. Revitalize spray conditioner will add luster to the fiber.

Can a hair dryer be used on wigs?

For most styles, curling irons and blow dryers should never be used as they may damage the synthetic fiber. Unless the wig or hairpiece is specifically labeled as being made with “Heat Resistant fiber”, hot styling tools should not be used.

Are there any special tips to help maintain Henry Margu wigs and hairpieces?

Wig care products developed by Henry Margu exclusively for use with synthetic fiber will help to maintain the life and beauty of any wig or hairpiece and will aid in keeping its original condition. Regular cleaning of your new Henry Margu wig is the best way to keep it looking fresh and new. Remember, a wig is like a delicate garment; with the proper care, it will look beautiful.

Other tips to keep our wigs and hairpieces looking beautiful are:

• Make sure wigs are stored properly when not worn. Using a wig stand or styrofoam head is the preferred method. Long styles can be hung or laid flat on a surface. Never fold the wig or hairpiece and put in a box or plastic bag (except while traveling).

• Be careful wearing a wig or hairpiece around areas of extreme heat such as a hot oven, fireplace or barbecue. While the fiber used on Henry Margu products is not flammable and does not pose a threat, extreme heat can damage the fiber making it frizz.

• For longer styles, it is best to lay the wig on a flat surface and brush from the bottom up. This will help to protect the fiber and will keep it from pulling out of the cap.

Can the wig style be changed?

Henry Margu wigs are designed with a style that is set into the fiber, but styling variations are limitless. Wigs are best styled by using a wire brush designed for wigs, a wire pick, or finger styling. Added height can be achieved by gently lifting with the brush. Added fullness can be accomplished as well with teasing. To return the wig to its basic style, simply brush thoroughly, clean and allow to air dry

What is the difference between a monofilament wig and a regular wig?

Most wigs are produced with a lace fabric in the top of the wig. A monofilament wig, or mono-top wig, is made with a very fine lace material and takes on the color of the wearer’s scalp when worn. Each individual strand of fiber is hand tied into the mono material, as opposed to being sewn to a lace fabric. As a result, a mono-top wig is much more natural looking than a regular wig in that the fiber can be styled in any direction while showing a natural and realistic looking scalp area.

To Life! carries Henry Margu wigs because of their high quality and easy care and maintenance. I hope these tips help you better understand how easy and stress free it is to keep your wig looking good for months to come!

Please note that while the To Life! office may be physically closed due to the COVID19 outbreak, we are receiving and returning phone calls from home that are left on our office answering machine. Don’t hesitate to reach out to me if you have questions or concerns about wig care or wig fitting services. I can be reached at To Life!  518-439-5975, and make sure to say that you want to leave a message for me, Alice, and I will return your call promptly.

All my best!

Alice

Posted in: In Treatment, Wigs/Prostheses