How To Make A Human Hair Wig Silky Again? Step By Step
Reviving the silky texture of a human hair wig takes a little time and care, but it’s definitely possible to bring it back to life. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to make your human hair wig silky again:
Materials You’ll Need:
- Sulfate-free Shampoo (to avoid stripping moisture)
- Conditioner (preferably a deep conditioner)
- Leave-in Conditioner or Hair Serum
- Wide-Tooth Comb or Wig Brush
- Towel
- Wig Stand or Mannequin Head
- Heat Protectant Spray (if you plan to use heat)
- Wide Bowl (for soaking, optional)
- Drying Spray or Lightweight Oil (optional)
Step-by-Step Process:
1. Wash the Wig with a Gentle Shampoo
- Fill a basin with lukewarm water (avoid hot water, as it can damage the wig).
- Add a small amount of sulfate-free shampoo to the water to create a gentle lather.
- Soak the wig for a few minutes in the soapy water.
- Gently agitate the wig by swirling it in the water (don’t scrub or rub the hair, as this can cause tangling).
- Rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water to remove all the shampoo.
2. Deep Condition the Hair
- Apply a generous amount of deep conditioner or a hydrating treatment to the wig. Focus on the mid-lengths to ends, where hair tends to be the driest.
- Leave the conditioner in for 10-15 minutes (or according to the product’s instructions) to allow it to deeply penetrate the fibers.
- If the wig is extremely dry, you can apply a bit of olive oil or coconut oil to the ends for extra nourishment.
- Rinse thoroughly with cool water to seal the cuticle and lock in moisture.
3. Detangle the Wig
- Once the wig is damp, use a wide-tooth comb or a wig brush to gently detangle the hair, starting from the tips and working your way up to the roots.
- Be very gentle to avoid tugging or pulling the hair, which can lead to breakage or shedding.
4. Dry the Wig
- Gently pat the wig with a towel to absorb excess water. Do not wring or twist the hair, as this can cause frizz and damage.
- Place the wig on a wig stand or mannequin head to air dry. This helps the wig maintain its shape while drying. Leave it to air dry completely, which may take several hours (overnight is ideal).
- If you're in a rush, you can use a blow dryer on a cool or low heat setting to speed up the drying process, but always use a heat protectant spray before applying any heat.
5. Add Moisture and Shine
- Once the wig is fully dry, apply a leave-in conditioner or hair serum to add shine and smoothness.
- You can also use a lightweight oil (like argan oil or jojoba oil) to the ends of the hair to combat frizz and add moisture without weighing it down.
6. Style the Wig
- After the wig is silky and smooth, you can style it as usual. If you’re using any styling tools, always apply a heat protectant spray to prevent damage.
- For straight or silky hair, a flat iron on a low heat setting can help smooth out any flyaways.
- If you're going for curls or waves, you can use a curling iron or wand, but always ensure that the wig is heat-resistant before using high heat.
7. Regular Maintenance
- To keep the wig silky, avoid washing it too frequently—once every 2-4 weeks is usually enough unless you’re styling with a lot of product.
- Moisturize regularly: Use light leave-in conditioner or serum to keep the hair soft.
- When storing the wig, keep it on a wig stand or in a dust bag to avoid tangles and preserve its shape.
Additional Tips:
- Avoid harsh chemicals: Don’t use regular shampoo with sulfates or products with too many alcohol-based ingredients, as they can dry out the wig.
- Use a silk or satin pillowcase if you wear your wig to bed to reduce friction and prevent damage.
- Store it properly: When not in use, store your wig in a cool, dry place away from sunlight, and make sure it’s not tangled.
By following these steps, your human hair wig should feel silky, smooth, and refreshed! Regular care will help it stay that way longer. Do you have a specific type of wig you’re working with, like a curly or straight one? That can affect the kind of care and products you use.