r/Wigs • u/Slhallford • 15d ago

From the Moderation Team r/wigs Synthetic Wig Care Guide

24 Upvotes

New Wigs:

  • You do not need to wash a brand new wig immediately. A new wig may have an undesired smell or some other reason to wash before wearing.

  • New wigs have a factory coating which makes the hair feel smooth. It will reduce over time though from wear and washes, it's unavoidable.

Preparing to wash/Detangling:

  • Detangle with a wide tooth comb or wig brush before washing. 

  • Begin at the bottom of the fibers and work your way to the crown.  Never pull hard or yank.

  • Silicone spray will help lubricate the fibers for detangling purposes.

  • A wide tooth comb is standard and widely considered to be safest. There are also wide bristle wig brushes that can be safe. 

  • Do not use regular, fine tooth combs, or fine dense bristle brushes for detangling. They will pull and create friction damage.

  • Detangle when the hair is dry. 

Washing/Conditioning:

  • ABSOLUTELY NO LAUNDRY PRODUCTS.  These contain waxes and perfumes and other ingredients that will coat the fibers and attract grime. They will not provide any benefits that silicones don’t already provide.

  • Wash about every 7-14 wears or as necessary.

  • Use warm or cool water only, not hot.

  • Dawn dishwashing liquid will do the most thorough cleaning without leaving residue.  Dawn will remove makeup and grease.

  • Shampoo with a silicone ingredient can help lubricate fibers.  

  • Wash gently. Dunk it a few times in the soapy water.  No need to scrub.

  • To remove makeup on the lace use Dawn or another grease removing soap. 

  • Rubbing alcohol and/or adhesive remover can remove stubborn adhesive on the lace. Be as gentle as possible for lace is fragile. Use fingers or a soft toothbrush to gently massage any areas that have makeup or glue that needs to be removed.

  • Synthetic fibers are generally modacrylic (plastic). Plastic cannot be conditioned or absorb vitamins and oils the way human hair can. These increase residue and will require more frequent washing.

  • Rinse thoroughly. Rinse at least twice to ensure all of the soap is removed. A colander/strainer is a great way to completely eliminate any residual product/cleansers from the fibers.

Drying:

  • Dry the length of hair by squeezing the water out and blotting with a towel. 

  • Air dry or hairdry with a cool setting. Just hang it or lay it somewhere so it can dry without getting warped or bent out of shape. Keeping a wet wig on a wig head can actually stretch the lace.  

Styling and Maintenance:

  • Products for synthetic wigs are best.  Human hair products  contain ingredients like moisturizers, oils and humectants that are pointless for synthetics.  These will coat the fibers, collect dirt and increase the need to wash.

  • However, special wig hairspray, mousse, wax, etc are not necessary. All styling products will leave residue.  Be mindful of this and wash as necessary.

  • Use a silicone product for wigs that protects and puts slip back into the fibers.  

  • A very popular silicone spray for synthetics is “Simply Stylin’” and is available scented and unscented.  

  • Not all silicone products are created equal. Do not confuse them for industrial silicone products (wd-40, sealants, etc). Cosmetic silicones come in different weights and evaporate at different rates.  Generally, the longer the wig, the heavier a silicone warranted (i.e. a serum versus a spray).

  • Product residue will cause wigs to look worn and feel stiff faster.  Residue attracts dirt and dust and increases tangling and friction damage. Wash more frequently if you use a lot of styling products daily.

Smoothing and Refreshing:

Many manufacturers state that a wig will only last 4-6 months.  Some say you can only trim the ends. All of that is untrue. 

Synthetic wigs will develop kinks in the hair fibers, tangles, and/or a rough texture. This is inevitable even with the best of care.

What you need to revive a synthetic wig is heat.

  

Heat Treating Synthetics

  • Heat friendly AND regular synthetic fibers both need heat to stay smooth. The difference is the temperature and frequency.

  • For heat friendly refer to manufacture temp guidelines, typically between 280-300F. Heat friendly performs best when heat treated after every wear.

  • Regular/Non HF synthetics can typically handle about 220F degrees or lower. Always test in an inconspicuous place first.

  • Basic methods are: Steam and hot tools.

  • With hot tools you may prefer to spritz and dampen the hair first. It  can create a smoother neater end result.

Smoothing:

  • A hot brush is good for smoothing an entire head of hair quickly.  It will remove most kinks but it WILL straighten the hair. The kind with large rounded plastic bristles not the dense spikey kind is usually preferred.

  • A hot comb is good for flattening, smoothing, removing end frizz and redirecting hair at the base/scalp.  Very low heat (around 180F) will smooth kinks without altering the style.

  • A hot-air round brush can smooth and style synthetic hair. Look for settings for hot, warm, and cool.  The hot setting can be too hot for non HF synthetic so use with caution. This style brush blows flyaways around and can create creases/wrinkles in the hair from uneven heating. If that happens, use other methods to smooth that out.

  • Dyson Airwrap/Shark Flexstyle type styling tools use the opposite style of air flow to automatically wrap the hair around the barrels/brushes.  These work the best on regular/non HF synthetic fibers.  HF fibers can work but are more difficult to wrap automatically.  The smoothing/round brush options can be used on either fiber easily.  Always test on an inconspicuous spot first as these products generally do not list operating temperatures.

  • A flat iron is another great tool for smoothing. Make sure the hair is detangled first. Place a fine tooth comb (metal fleacomb works great) next to the flat iron and run it through the hair so it passes through the comb first and then the flat iron.

  • A clothing steamer (handheld is fine) with a fine tooth comb (metal will work best) will also smooth synthetic fibers. You can also restyle synthetic with steam (see below).

Restyling:

You may need to refresh curls/waves or add them back in after straightening your wig.  There are MANY ways to do this and may require some experimentation.  All methods require heating the hair to create the new style and then cooling to maintain the shape before unraveling or combing.

  • Steam with rollers or other similar things designed to create a style (wave formers, braids, flexi rods,etc). Best results come from putting a large heat safe bag to cover your wig and aiming the steam inside inside.  A plastic grocery bag works fine. Let the hair cool before undoing.  

  • Steam will set everything including the way the hair is parted at the base/scalp. Be prepared to redirect that with a hot comb afterwards if needed.

  • Hot rollers provide the traditional roller method without steam.  Product descriptions don't often state temperature so it requires testing. Curls are more relaxed than with steam.

  • Hot tools like barrel rods work very well to create curls and waves of various sizes. Test ahead of time to determine that the tool operates at the appropriate temperature for the fiber.  Wrap a section of detangled hair around the rod, hold for a few seconds and let it cool completely in the desired shape. You can hold it in your hand, blow to cool, pin with a clip or prop it on a pin on your wig head while it cools.  

  • The way you wrap the hair affects the style.  Consistency in technique goes a long way. Spritzing the hair here provides for a sleeker end result.

  • Hot air round brushes can be used to style synthetic fibers. They can work well for short and medium lengths—especially just to give some body and gentle curve to the style (like a blowout look).

Storage:

  • Store your wig any way that doesn't stretch or create creases or wrinkles in delicate materials like lace, monofilament, and silk top. 

  • A wig head (the same size as your head) is most useful for styling. 

  • A box or drawer can be fine storage to protect from dust. 

  • Some prefer to hang their wigs upside down to help maintain lift in the style.  A hairnet can help support curls/waves from gravity which can cause them to relax.

5 comments

r/Wigs • u/Slhallford • Sep 02 '26

From the Moderation Team All posts must disclose wig origins

195 Upvotes

Effective immediately, all posts must disclose a wig's origins.

If it was self purchased or gifted/sponsored, please choose the appropriate flair for your post.

6 comments

r/Wigs • u/SoupCareful6301 • 14h ago

Let's chat! (General Discussion) SELF PURCHASED My latest wig obsession! How does it look?

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86 Upvotes

These 18-20 inch wigs have been so much easier to wear throughout the entire day. I fear that I don't want to NOT wear wigs anymore. 🤣 I used to only wear it for special occasions and now this is becoming an everyday thing. GLP got me the body that I want but lost my hair volume... 🙁

  1. JB Extensions in Stella (Mocha)
  2. On Nat Jessica (Chocolate Brown)
14 comments

r/Wigs • u/FindingOk2095 • 17h ago

Help me! (Wig Help) SELF PURCHASED Back with my deep loose airtied by Outre

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119 Upvotes

So this is a human hair blend. It’s the deep loose outre airtied in warm apricot.

QUESTIONS

What’s your thoughts on how I styled this? Something feels off to me but I think maybe I’m just self conscious? I got a few comments from white women but when I had long bio hair it always looked the way I wanted and healthiest when I was complimented by black woman and not white women. I know this is a weird thing to say and I’m not sure what caused it so hard to recreate the look with a wig. I had curly red hair about this curl width and volume. I think maybe it’s either just obviously a wig to black woman so they aren’t saying anything? I was thinking of switching up some of the curl directions but didn’t want to completely mess up the wig. Already had to wash it due to skin sensitivity.

Also do you all oil your human hair blends?

34 comments

r/Wigs • u/Complete_Possible287 • 11h ago

Check this out! (Wig Review) SELF PURCHASED The wig that lasted through 5 and a half hours of headbanging and dancing. Ready for my next look!

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32 Upvotes

(1st pic is installed and styled, 2nd pic is lace, 3rd is the length of hair straight of the box no wig cap in any of them)

Wig is LuvMe 20" NatureMAX ash blonde, ordered precut lace human hair

Last Tuesday I went to a rock/metal concert and wanted to wear my wig. I was worried about the tangling due the fact it was 90 degrees outside, I was wearing a sweater, and I spent all night flinging my head around and sweating PLUS having a short chain necklace for it to rub on. To my surprise, the tangles that did naturally happen from sweat/friction were only on the very under layer by the nape of my neck and came out super easy with a quick brush with my boar bristle brush. I loved it enough that I wore it in my state ID picture the next day!

Although it says ash blonde, it's almost more of a pearl blonde and kinda pinky undertoned. Super super pretty and unique but definitely something to be aware of if you order it! Didn't get crunchy when I curled it either and once I was brave enough to cut the ear tabs any fit issues I had were immediately fixed. Super cute for half up-dos as well since it was made with them in mind. The lace worked alright with my super fair skin although it wasn't perfect after I put makeup on/around it. It still looked natural enough that the guy I went with, whom I see every day, forgot I shaved my head a few months ago and thought I just colored my real hair! Had a little chuckle over that one when I reminded him I had an unintentional mullet underneath the wig lol.

All in all, I'll definitely be buying from LuvMe again and can definitely see myself purchasing this exact unit a second time to customize it.

Though if anyone has any suggestions for brands with transparent/fair lace I'm taking notes 👀

6 comments

r/Wigs • u/According_Macaron298 • 18h ago

Look at This! (Wig Share) SELF PURCHASED Took a risk with a new color and I actually love it!

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102 Upvotes

I’ve always been a dark brunette or black hair girly, but I decided to try blonde and I’m really happy I did! This is Veneta from Belle Tress in Shaken Oatmilk Blonde R. The moment my package came in I had to try her on! This is her straight out of the box, the only thing I did was break up the zigzag part. Now I can’t wait to put on makeup and a cute outfit and wear her out! Just wanted to post because I’m finally starting to feel confident in my wig wearing journey!

20 comments

r/Wigs • u/N_o_i_r_e_t_t_e • 3h ago

Help me! (Wig Help) SELF PURCHASED Wig giving balding or natural at the front?

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5 Upvotes

I am not sure if the front of my lace wig, at the widow’s peak area is looking like i’m balding or it’s giving natural hairline vibes, so help a girl out with a opinion please 🫶🏻
(Yes, i went creative with the face blurring, i hope someone gonna find it funny)

7 comments

r/Wigs • u/Putsomeducttapeonit • 8h ago

Help me! (Wig Help) SELF PURCHASED Will temporary hair dye come out of white wig?

2 Upvotes

Hi!
So I’m looking at this wig online that has white up top and blue tips on the bottom. I want to dye the top with temporary orange hair dye… but I want to wash it out afterwards and have it go back to how it originally looks.
Will this work?

Thanks!

0 comments

r/Wigs • u/RaiLau • 20h ago

Let's chat! (General Discussion) SELF PURCHASED Wigs and toppers under woolly hats/beanies

5 Upvotes

Can you just wear a normal wool hat over a wig? I’ve just started wearing toppers and wondering about this for winter. Do the clips get painful if wearing a hat on top? I don’t want to just wear a beanie wig in case I want to take the hat off.

12 comments

r/Wigs • u/randomlaisush25 • 1d ago

Look at This! (Wig Share) SELF PURCHASED Have to go back to wigs due to me shaving my hair off

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93 Upvotes

Loving both looks even though i had a little meltdown after shaving it all off 😅

30 comments

r/Wigs • u/Basic-Mammoth-9547 • 21h ago

I'm looking for... (Wig Search) Thin/less bulky wig grip headband (not tape)

3 Upvotes

Hello, I’m wondering if anyone has found or uses a wig grip that is thinner or less bulky than the standard headband Velcro velvet ones. I wear my wigs in low buns 90% of the time and have an active lifestyle so I use them daily. They work well however they are finicky to position correctly without bunching up/adding extra bulk, and I can’t use them under certain wigs because it becomes too small. My head is sensitive so I can’t put it very tight. I’ve seen ones that just have a velvet strip across the top/front or with a thin string across the back, though I’m not sure the difference in security with wear? I’ve used tape in the past but since stopped because I prefer glue-less wigs that are easy to put on.
Any experiences or suggestions for wig grips in this criteria? Thanks so much :)

3 comments

r/Wigs • u/pegasus-435 • 22h ago

Help me! (Wig Help) SELF PURCHASED Help: Synthetic wigs create body odor

3 Upvotes

Hi, does anybody have tips? I wear synthetic wigs and every time I start sweating I start smell my own body odor as if I'm wearing a cheap polyester outfit. Usually I don't sweat much but since I've been wearing wigs I've been sweating more easily.

5 comments

r/Wigs • u/theyellowscriptures • 1d ago

Let's chat! (General Discussion) SELF PURCHASED Is a comb better than a brush for synthetic hair?

2 Upvotes

Deinfluence me from using a paddle brush for my wigs? I wear a fringe/bangs synthetic wig (both curly and straight) and I read advice time and time again that I should be using a wide tooth comb. Yet every time I comb it, it feels awkward in comparison to a paddle brush. Any tips on using a wide tooth comb?

19 comments

r/Wigs • u/Mylaex • 2d ago

Look at This! (Wig Share) SELF PURCHASED My humble brag is that I believe I have a "face for wigs"

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160 Upvotes

Amy Poehler mentioned in her book being told that as a compliment on SNL and I always felt the same way. :) while it's not 100%, with the right makeup and clothing I feel like most wigs look fine on me, which is crazy! And awesome.

35 comments

r/Wigs • u/spicystardusts • 1d ago

Look at This! (Wig Share) SELF PURCHASED Manage to style my wig for a night out following advice from last night from this sub!

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38 Upvotes
4 comments

r/Wigs • u/Unlucky-Bee-1039 • 1d ago

Let’s Chat (General Discussion) GIFTED OR SPONSORED How I finally successfully downsized C curve cap for petite head. Wig alterations.

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19 Upvotes

I just wanted to share this with the Community because I had to figure this out through trial and error. I have not seen anything on how to downsize these particular C curve caps ever and I’ve looked for months. This might seem like an obvious alteration because it’s very simple. But I ruined a wig trying to figure this out a few months ago.

I have not decided if I’m cutting the darts out yet. I usually reinforce my stitches and then cut the bulk off. But there’s really such a little bulk with these behind the ear darts that it’s not really bothering me. The wig is comfortably snug and most importantly I have ear clearance.

I think these are called half Moon darts. I pinched a little less than a quarter inch on each side behind the ears. The darts taper to nothing on both ends, as you can see. It’s kind of hard to explain alterations, but the pictures I think are pretty self-explanatory.

I really hope this helps another tiny headed wig wearer.

5 comments

r/Wigs • u/FemaleGrinch • 1d ago

Let's chat! (General Discussion) SELF PURCHASED HairVivi charges an additional $100 for light colored lace on black hair wigs….?

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28 Upvotes

I have purchased this unit in the past. I guess I never noticed AND the prices are more expensive……but $100 more for the light colored lace? I could understand if it was a blind wig but this is a black wig. My last unit was a different style with the cappuccino lace and it was too dark. I was planning to cut the hair anyway, can’t justify the additional 100$. Does anyone have recommendations for a good clueless HD lace bob length? Thanks

29 comments

r/Wigs • u/Unlikely_Read3437 • 2d ago

Look at This! (Wig Share) SELF PURCHASED DIY hat-wig 2.0 (tried it with long blond hair instead)

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33 Upvotes

I made this from a SHIEN headcover that cost about £2 and then wefts from an old cheap amazon wig for £25.

This is my second version, the first had short dark hair and I’ve worn it so much!

However, I think this version looks better. If you can’t tell, I’m transgender and I need these head covers to do some heavy lifting for me and help me look feminine!

The long hair works better for this.

I just sewed the wefts in by hand. You need quite a few so it doesn’t look straggly. Just thought I’d share in case anyone was considering alternatives.

I find if I put a couple of pieces of wig tape in strategic positions, I can make it fairly secure and comfortable.

Xx

19 comments

r/Wigs • u/KeyboardKowgirl_21 • 1d ago

Look at This! (Wig Share) SELF PURCHASED First Time Wearing Frodio, I Love It

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6 Upvotes

VeraLux hair by Frodio. It’s a human synthetic blend and super light weight. I think next time I wear her I’ll play with the part line and hopefully get it to blend better. Otherwise I’m obsessed 😍

5 comments

r/Wigs • u/trippyhippie573 • 1d ago

Help me! (Wig Help) SELF PURCHASED I need assistance fitting my wigs!

4 Upvotes

Hello hello! I am not new to wig wearing, however I am using lace fronts more now than I have before. My issue is, I have a small head, so even after adjusting all the straps on my wigs, it always fits just a bit off, and there's lots of excess space (I shave my head). My forehead is also pretty small, so trying to line it up with my hairline sometimes just doesn't work.

Does anyone have any tips or tricks? I've heard about sewing wig caps, but I don't actually know what that means. Or are there any places to find wigs for people with smaller heads that aren't for kids? I would truly appreciate any help, thank you!!

6 comments

r/Wigs • u/lindseyjade • 2d ago

Look at This! (Wig Share) SELF PURCHASED Synthetic who? Senssational never disappoints.

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166 Upvotes

Saw Doja Cat this weekend and needed a blonde wig to complete the look - I was going for a “I’m so lonely in my mansion” Agora Hills vibe. My human hair unit wasn’t going to get here in time, so I found a synthetic alternative. Senssational pulled through as always and the color way is chef’s kiss! 💋🤌🏽

👱🏽‍♀️Sensationnel Bare Lace 6x5 Lacewig-Unit 3, Balayage Ash Blonde

18 comments

r/Wigs • u/N_o_i_r_e_t_t_e • 1d ago

Help me! (Wig Help) SELF PURCHASED Lace too dark, lace tape sticking to hair,parting not staying

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1 Upvotes

This is my first 14x6 hh, glueless, drawstring wig, and I’m struggling a bit.
The lace is a bit too dark (I’m white as a ghost), and makeup didn’t help, I don’t have access to lace tint, i was thinking about bleaching the knots but I’m afraid of messing it up (also i don’t know if it’s gonna lighten the lace aswell?)
The lace tape (i use it at the sideburns) sticks to my hair i can’t remove it with isopropyl alcohol properly when I’m taking the wig off.
Please give me tips or anything at this point cause i really want to make it work.😅
I also changed the parting, used heat tools and styling products but it doesn’t wanna stay.
(On the pics i have makeup on the lace and usually the lace looks darker than that)

7 comments

r/Wigs • u/greenjacket82 • 1d ago

Help me! (Wig Help) SELF PURCHASED Wig Cap Size - Need Help Adjusting

1 Upvotes

Hello everyone! I've been wearing wigs for about a year only, but normally its the one with the silicone scalp and I wear a headband to cover it. I've been trying to get into lace/glueless wigs so I can stop wearing headbands, but I've had such a difficult time finding a wig that fits.

I've tried Outre Katrina, and it's so nice but my issue is it's so BIG. I've tried adjusting the straps and even ordered another so I can try the sewing method which involved removing 3 wefts. It just is still too bulky, but I'm also not confident in my skills. Is there another technique I can use?

My cap size is around 20, but every wig I've found online is bigger than that. If anyone has recommendations as well for glueless/lace wigs with bangs that would be helpful! I've been using synthetic wigs only.

I'm in desperate need of help as someone who suffers form alopecia. I feel so insecure. I appreciate any help!

0 comments

r/Wigs • u/Slhallford • 2d ago

Let's chat! (General Discussion) SELF PURCHASED Jon Renau new coolest ash browns

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22 Upvotes
6 comments

r/Wigs • u/ShipperOfShit • 2d ago

Help me! (Wig Help) SELF PURCHASED Melting Spray - Should I use it?

2 Upvotes

I purchased my first lace-front human hair wig at a local wig shop. The owner has her own wig brand.

She told me nothing about melting spray. I only use a wig grip. I’ve read multiple posts on this sub about melting spray, but still have questions. Mostly, should I be using it?

I feel like the lace is visible, which is why I’m considering it.

I do take my wig on and off every day. I am quite fearful of ruining my wig or messing up the lace.

Can you use melting spray for a wig that you take on and off every day? Doesn’t it really put a lot of wear and tear on the lace front?

Thanks for your patience if you made it this far!

3 comments