E Report / Sep 15th, 2014

Wig Washing Basics

Envy Wigs are like natural hair in more than just looks; our wigs also need regular care and maintenance. No matter where you live, elements eventually take their toll and affect your wigs. While you don’t have to worry about your wigs appearing oily like natural hair, the environment brings its own issues to the party and your wigs will eventually soak up smells, particles of dust and grime, and other factors. They don’t need washed anywhere near as often as natural hair, but in order to keep them looking their absolute best and to make them last as long as possible, it’s a good idea to wash your wig every 6-8 wearings.

The key to cleansing your synthetic or human hair wigs is being gentle and not applying heat. As always, you shouldn’t pull too hard on the hairs or be too rough. The lightest touch is the best touch. You’ll need to gather the following supplies: a wide tooth comb, a basin or sink full of cool water, Envy’s Wash-N-Wear wig shampoo, a wig stand, and Envy’s Tangle Tamer leave in conditioner. If you’re washing a synthetic wig, it’s important to use products made specifically for synthetic fibers. If you’re washing a human hair wig, you can use a mild shampoo.

The first step is preparing your wig to be washed. If your wig is a straight or slightly wavy style, carefully remove tangles with a wide tooth comb. If it’s a curly style, you can leave as is. Next, turn the wig inside out.

If you’re washing a synthetic wig, fill a basin or sink (make sure it’s free of any residue from cleaning products!) with cool water and add wig shampoo per the bottle’s instructions. Agitate water with hands to mix in the shampoo. Add your wig to the cool water and soak for three minutes. Swirl the wig to ensure shampoo touches each strand of hair but do not rub or wring the wig. For a human hair wig, don’t submerge it. Instead, rinse the wig under running cool water from the cap down only. Apply the shampoo to your hands and carefully distribute it from the roots to the ends.

Both types of wigs can be rinsed under running cool water. Again, only rinse from the roots to tips down to avoid tangles. When the shampoo is completely gone and no more suds are visible in the hair then blot off excess water with a soft towel. Spray on the Tangle Tamer leave in conditioner all over your wig and comb through any tangles ends to scalp. The conditioner will make styling easier and make the strands look beautiful and glossy.  Some wearers prefer to rinse after application and that is perfectly acceptable.

Once combing is completed place the wig on a wig stand and let air dry. Allow the wig to dry at room temperature. The wig should be left overnight, so it’s not a bad idea to have at least a couple of wigs so you can rotate through them. When the wig is completely dry, you can style it as usual.

Remember that if you’re wearing a wig over natural hair, keeping your natural hair clean will help your wig stay cleaner longer.

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