I’ll be honest – I love synthetic wigs. They’re cost-effective, and many of them look like real hair. What more could you ask for?
Their biggest downfall, however, is that they’re notoriously tangly.
I mean, I typically end up with tangles after just a few hours of wear. What a nightmare.
That’s why I sent out on a mission to find the best and easiest way to detangle my synthetic wigs – and I’m filling you in with my secrets.
Let’s detangle those synthetic wigs!
Contents
How to Detangle a Synthetic Wig in 4 Simple Steps
If you’re buying a synthetic wig anytime soon, you’ll want to see these four simple steps to detangle it – because, trust me, it’s going to get tangly and quick.
Don’t worry; it’s not complicated.
1. Mount the Synthetic Wig
The first step is to mount your wig.
I prefer using a mannequin head because it keeps my wig steady and secure in one area without hairs going in every direction.
It’s also a great place to keep my wig when it’s not in use, and it won’t turn into a tangled nightmare – which was the case when I stored my synthetic wig in my bathroom cabinet.
If you don’t have a mannequin head or a similar item, your other option is to place the wig on a flat surface. The hairs should be spread out uniformly.
2. Spray with Dentaling Product
Now, some people say that spraying your synthetic wig with a detangling product is optional, but I highly disagree.
Unless you want to spend an hour trying to detangle your hairpiece, I highly recommend purchasing a detangling product like the Awesome Synthetic Wig Leave-in Conditioner Spray. This spray acts as a detangler and conditioner, which all wigs desperately need.
Simply spray the detangler onto your synthetic wig. Ensure all areas of the wig are covered, from top to bottom. Your wig does not need to be saturated. A few spritzes will go far!
3. Brush/Comb!
Now it’s time for the fun part – getting rid of all those pesky tangles and knots!
To do this, you’re going to need to have the right equipment. Not all brushes are created equal.
I like this set because it comes with a detangling boar bristle brush and a wide-tooth comb. I find that some areas are better suited for brushing, while others require the fine touch of a comb. You’ll see what I mean when you start detangling your synthetic wig!
Always make sure you’re brushing/combing from top to bottom. Never start at the top. This will lead to snapping and breakage, ultimately ruining your synthetic wig.
Start at the bottom and go slowly and gently to reduce the risk of damage.
4. Continue Until All Tangles Are Gone!
Continue brushing slowly and gently until all of the tangles have been removed.
Spoiler alert: This might take quite a bit of time, especially if you have worn your synthetic wig several times without detangling it.
A little bit of patience will go a long way – but don’t try to rush the process. Again, trying to speed through knots and tangles will lead to breakage and broken strands, leaving you with a sub-par wig.
Tips to Keep Synthetic Wig from Tangling
I’m someone who prefers to be proactive.
I’d rather stop tangles in their tracks rather than try to untangle them later.
While you’ll never be able to avoid tangles altogether, there are steps you can take to reduce the amount of tangling and knotting.
Here are my top tips:
1. Conditioner Regularly
All wigs need to be conditioned regularly, as they don’t produce their own moisture.
However, synthetic wigs need an extra moisture boost compared to their human hair counterparts.
I recommend using a leave-in conditioner, such as the Jon Renau Fiber Love Conditioning Spray for Synthetic Wigs, at least once a day (on days you’re using your synthetic wig).
2. Be Careful While Sleeping
Ideally, you shouldn’t wear your synthetic wig while you sleep. This is a recipe for disaster – aka, waking up with a ton of annoying tangles and knots.
However, if you absolutely have to sleep in your synthetic wig, take the proper precautions.
Always detangle your hair before going to sleep.
Then, wrap your hair into a silk cap or bonnet. If that doesn’t appeal to you, your other option is to use silk or satin pillowcases. This will reduce friction, leading to a tangle-free (well, almost tangle-free) morning.
3. Avoid Windy Weather
I know, sometimes this isn’t optional – i.e., you have to walk to your classroom, and it’s a particularly windy day.
However, try to make it a goal to avoid windy weather as much as possible.
Just as the wind makes your natural hair tangly, the same thing happens to your synthetic wig – only much, much worse.
4. Brush/Comb Regularly
My final tip to cut down on tangles is to brush and comb your synthetic tresses regularly.
Personally, I brush/comb my synthetic wig multiple times per day; once right after putting it on, a few times during the day when it’s starting to feel tangly, and before taking it off.
Regular brushing/combing will keep tangles at bay.
FAQs
See? I told you that detangling your wig wasn’t going to be too complicated! With a few products and time, you can easily detangle your wig. Want to learn more? Here are some frequently asked questions to intrigue you.
Can you use conditioner to detangle a synthetic wig?
If you don’t have any detangling spray on hand, a good conditioner spray or leave-in conditioner can help to detangle your synthetic wig. Don’t use a conditioner that needs to be rinsed out, though, as this can make it more challenging to detangle.
How do you detangle a synthetic wig with fabric softener?
You can use fabric softener to help detangle a synthetic wig. Add ½ cup of fabric softener to a spray bottle with three cups of water. Mix the solution thoroughly. Spray the synthetic wig just as you would with a regular detangler. Then, brush or comb gently until the tangles are removed.
Does fabric softener detangle wigs?
Fabric softened can successfully detangle wigs. To use fabric softener, add a half cup of fabric softener and three cups of water to a spray bottle. Shake to incorporate. Spray onto the synthetic wig. Then, use your brush or comb to remove the tangles and knots gently.
Detangling Synthetic Wigs is a Cinch!
Yes, synthetic wigs are infamously tangly, but now you know exactly how to get rid of them – and fast!
How do you detangle your synthetic wigs?
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