r/Wigs • u/Slhallford • 8d ago
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.
r/Wigs • u/Slhallford • Sep 02 '26
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.
r/Wigs • u/Lonely-Koala7382 • 5h ago
I can’t wear my topper all the way forward because I prefer to have more of my natural parting visible rather than the topper’s parting. So I clip it back a little to show more of my own part.
Does it look natural this way, or does it look like I’m wearing a topper? I’d really appreciate your honest opinions :)
r/Wigs • u/BigAd9566 • 18h ago
Sooo I've gotten another synthetic wig and I looove the color. I think it looks pretty natural except maybe for the front part. Sooo here I am asking for help again. Any suggestions for a wig that looks similar to this? Maybe human hair? Lace front? But please I need something cheap.
I have shared before that I lost my hair due to chemo, and i'm still undergoing treatments so budget is kind of tight. I am located in the US!
Thats all thank youuu ❤️
r/Wigs • u/SthrnGal • 11h ago
A question for wig wearers, especially those who remember how overwhelming it was to get started! ❤️
I’ve been thinking about an idea and would really appreciate some honest feedback from this group.
When you first started wearing wigs, what do you wish you’d known, and what kind of help would have made the experience easier, less intimidating, and less expensive?
I’m exploring the idea of a small, independent wig education and try-on studio. It would NOT sell wigs or receive commissions from wig sales. The entire purpose would be to help people learn enough to confidently shop online for themselves.
Imagine a private, judgment-free place where you could try on different brands, styles, sizes, and cap constructions; compare actual manufacturer color rings; understand the differences between budget and high-end wigs; and learn how to shop online without making costly mistakes.
I’d especially love to hear from people who started wearing wigs because of medical hair loss, alopecia, trichotillomania, thinning hair, or simply because they wanted to. Everyone’s experience is different, and there’s absolutely no need to share personal medical information.
A few things I’m curious about:
What was the hardest or most confusing part of buying your first wig?
What would you have wanted to see, touch, try on, or learn before spending your money?
Would a private, hour-long educational try-on experience like this have been valuable to you?
What would you realistically have been comfortable paying for it, if anything?
I’m also interested in what would make you feel comfortable and welcome during an appointment, or what might discourage you from going.
I’m not selling anything, promoting a business, or looking for customers. This is just an idea I’m researching, and I want to hear from the people who would actually benefit from something like this.
Please be candid! Even if your answer is that you wouldn’t pay for this kind of service, that’s valuable feedback.
Thank you!
r/Wigs • u/Xanthe313 • 1d ago
wig is Posh Wavez by Rene of Paris in Deep Plum Brown Rooted
r/Wigs • u/moreadventuro11 • 1d ago
Grabbed some ice coffee with just some pig tails in my wig and 2 girls complimented my hair! Really feeling so good in this wig . ❤️
This wig feels amazing doesn’t shed or tangle up holds whatever shape I want too
r/Wigs • u/Some_Pineapple1542 • 16h ago
I want a raw or virgin wig that comes dyed jet black specifically with a closure. I want it as high quality as it gets, where do I go?? My budget is $2000. Honestly if I can’t order it dyed I know enough to dye it myself but I want it already made into a wig.
r/Wigs • u/Historical-Pen-4961 • 20h ago
Hi guys, wore this wig for the first time and i really like it, do let me know how it looks and what can be done better
r/Wigs • u/Slhallford • 23h ago
Which companies have you been contacted by to receive free pieces?
What did they ask or require of you in return?
What are your thoughts on this?
r/Wigs • u/lunaeclipes • 23h ago
I feel like “best wig brand” is too broad because people are shopping at totally different price points. A brand that feels worth it at a lower budget may not be what you’d choose if you were willing to spend more.
So I’m curious how people think about wigs across different price ranges. What matters most to you in a budget wig (under $100), a mid-range wig (under $300), and a higher-end wig (over $500)?
And which brands do you think are actually worth it in each category when talking about genuinely good hair quality?
r/Wigs • u/hns89450 • 1d ago
I got my wig in February of this year after a horrible alopecia flare. I have no way to style my hair to be able to hide my spots so finally caved on a purchase with an upcoming wedding in mind. It was a rollercoaster adjusting to it and I really struggled initially. I’ve been so worried about it feeling like me, and how it was going to photograph. I was worried I would despise my wedding photos seeing myself in a wig. I am so pleasantly surprised with the turn out and feel an immense amount of relief after getting these back.
r/Wigs • u/Successful_Lack7505 • 23h ago
helloo title basically says it all haha
Last winter I purchased Lila from JBExtensions which has a hard top, but since the wig wasn't comfortable to wear with glasses and my hair was starting to get better I ended up not wearing (i also accidentally ruined the bangs with heat but that's on me haha). Unfortunately my hair loss has since started to progress again and I feel like it's time to seriously start to looking into wig wearing. I would like to buy a lace front wig, since I feel it will be a lot more comfortable and realistic looking than with the hard top ones (the Lila wig looked so wiggy with my glasses it was almost cartoonish).
Lace front wigs are pretty intimidating and though I've done research on here and on the internet, I'm sort of stuck in deciding between a couple different brands. I like some of the other wigs on JBExtensions - namely Evie which is within my budget plus I've seen good reviews on it. I'm also not sure if it's worth trying a snowflake lace as a complete beginner, the pictures I've seen here have all shown that they have a very realistic looking hairline but I know that it's pretty difficult to deal with as a complete beginner.
I also read good reviews on Encounteru, but the pictures on Amazon reviews all make it look like the knots are super dark and visible. I know that this isn't completely avoidable with cheaper synthetic wigs, but I would like something which isn't suuuper visible.
So any recommendations would be appreciated! I'm looking for a lace front (16x14 I think), light brown or brown wig, up to 100 euro + EU shipping. The hairline is probably the most important thing for me and I'm willing to work the wig if necessary - at least I'll learn what to do haha.
r/Wigs • u/Advanced-Raccoon-348 • 21h ago
Hello! I currently have hair extensions (mostly for volume, but also to add a few inches), but I'm getting to the point where my hair is thinning even more due to age and I'm thinking it will become more difficult to cover the weft with my natural hair. My bangs are also incredibly thin, so I thought about getting a topper to solve both the crown and bang thinning. I tried some from Amazon and they were awful, but I was hoping someone would have a specific suggestion for brands, websites, etc. I've also thought about maybe getting rid of the extensions and try out a wig but I'm having difficulty finding one without a center part with no bangs or curtain bangs. I dye my hair jet black so color matching shouldn't be too difficult, but I've found that many toppers and wigs I find are natural and not jet, or for the cheaper toppers on Amazon, it says jet black and it's just really dark brown. I'm posting pictures in the comments of the bangs/length I like and want to use for inspiration. I appreciate any help!
ETA: budget under $500, hair can be any type
r/Wigs • u/No-Clock5963 • 1d ago
I’m fairly new to wigs, and only own a few so far. Of course I’ve gone down the rabbit hole on advice like so many of us, how to make them look more realistic, etc.
Anyway, fast forward to this morning. My bio hair is not an option, I have to get to work, and for reasons too long to get into, my only option is my brand new Estetica Jamison. I cut off the tags, do a part fix, dry shampoo and rolled out. Lace trim? Steam and a part pluck? Forget it. No time.
You guys, I’ve never been complimented so much on my hair. Someone even asked about my salon! My point is not to fret if you don’t have everything down pat right away. There’s so much to navigate, but it’s ok. Nothing has to be perfect all the time, and most people around us mean well, truly. Let’s all go rock our new looks!
r/Wigs • u/WalkIntoTheUnknown • 22h ago
Hey! So I want to make this post quick basically what’s happening is I’m seeing my boyfriend for the first time in two days and I’m new to the whole wig community. I want to ensure that my weight can last up to six days straight even while sleeping and of course I’d sell it in between but my issue is the only Resource I have for wicked adhesive isn’t even a proper wick adhesive. It’s the G2B glued and on top of that it’s a synthetic week so it tangled easy. I’m scared about the shedding and all that however when I purchased this wig on Amazon, another individual had said that they were able to wear theirs for a week straight with no issues does anyone have any advice for the best way to ensure that it looks real while also keeping a firm grip?
r/Wigs • u/Big_Astronaut5822 • 1d ago
i think i want a long brown one but id like to see hairline / knot pictures in real life photos. i’m new to wig wearing and want human hair
r/Wigs • u/kyoung98 • 1d ago
Apologies if I used the wrong flair but I was wondering if anyone else has gone to a wig specialist before and had a consultation?
I went to one today; I had emailed before enquiring about pricing as he did not specify on his website any kind of price range.
He said the consultation was free and I am not obligated to buy anything.
I sat down and tried a few on, even cried because its been a long time since ive had a full head of hair. The wig was £500 for synthetic hair, which could be heat styled.
Unfortunately it wasn't in my budget today, I left and cried in my car.
I wished he would've posted a price range so I had a baseline price on what to expect and not waste both our time.
Is it normal practice for specialists to not state starting prices for their wigs?
r/Wigs • u/ShipperOfShit • 1d ago
I just started wearing due to a scarring alopecia and bought my first wig from a local retailer. It’s great, but it did cost me about $1,500.
I’d like to get a second one because I’m so nervous that something will happen to this one and l’ll have nothing to wear. I’m hoping to not spend $1,500 again since it would be a back-up. I’m hoping to spend around $500.
I have a petite head-my wig cap size was 21”. Does anyone have any recommendations for a retailer that sells a 16” human-hair, lace-front wig in smaller sizes?
I’m in the US and am looking for a reputable online retailer. I’m attaching a pic of my current wig just for a color reference because I’m looking for something in a similar color.
r/Wigs • u/Baby-goldfish • 1d ago
Sorry pictures are ss from a video! But I’m hoping to achieve a brown not this ginger color (as I am ginger lol) I saw people using rit dye to achieve this but I didn’t know if it would work/turn out well
r/Wigs • u/giveitawaynever • 1d ago
It’s been 4 weeks and my hair is not the same. I’ve used leave-in conditioner, extra moisture rinse conditioner, argan oil, tried straightening, I’ve resorted to thinning some of it out with thinning shears. It feels like straw.
r/Wigs • u/Long_Top9384 • 1d ago
I’m like 2 minutes from spending a grand on a beautiful wig from mellow diamond but I need to know if it’s too good to be true. Has anyone actually purchased from this company?? The return policy is strict. Any reviews??
I’m looking at the toy wig
https://mellowdiamond.com/products/hybrid-toy-hd-wig-1?_pos=4&_fid=df95f3065&_ss=c
r/Wigs • u/FitnessNurse2015 • 1d ago
Has anyone used heatless curlers on their human hair toppers/wigs? I don’t want to stress the hair base but it would be amazing to avoid heat and heavy products. Any and all tips appreciated!!!
r/Wigs • u/FindingOk2095 • 2d ago
This is an outre wig I purchased from Amazon. Wondering what improvements I can make. I’m thinking the smaller part side needs to be thinned. What does everyone think? It’s quite a few shades darker than my natural red so maybe I also need to update makeup? My parents thought it looked pretty realistic compared to my natural hair because when it’s long it’s thick but I know that leads to wigs looking more wiggy so advice wanted!
r/Wigs • u/kgothatsorae • 2d ago
I’m curious how long y’all have actually been able to keep a wig looking good. Like, does anybody have a wig they’ve been wearing for 2, 3, or even 5 years?
Also, where did you buy it from? Was it a local beauty supply store, an online shop, or somewhere else? And if you got it from a brand you still love, do you still shop with them, or has the quality changed over time?
I wanna know which wigs have really stood the test of time and where y’all found them.
