How do you detangle a human hair wig if it’s overly tangled or matted and needs a thorough cleaning? Sometimes, the human hair wig can be overly tangled. At the same time, it can also be quite dirty or oily. If that is the case, you can give it a good wash and detangle it simultaneously.
First, let’s watch the video below for a rough demonstration of how to detangle a human hair wig or hairpiece.
Here, let’s explain the steps in detail:
1. Prepare the wig
You can either place the wig or hairpiece on the mannequin head (or styling head) or hold it with one of your hands. Gently comb the hair from the tips to the roots to remove large knots. This step can be done with your fingers or a wide-tooth comb.
Tip: If you feel resistance with some tough knots, stop there, and don’t pull too hard, or the hair will come off. Leave these tough knots for later steps.
2. Washing
How to detangle a human hair wig or hairpiece by correctly giving it a wash? Give the wig a thorough wash. Put the wig in a tub filled with lukewarm water (30–40 °C) and apply paraben- and sulfate-free human hair shampoo. This step is to take out the oil or dirt.
3. Rinse thoroughly
This is also a vital procedure in how to detangle a human hair wig. After washing the wig, rinse the hair thoroughly with clean, lukewarm water at a similar temperature (30–40 °C). Then, wring the hair gently to squeeze the excess water so it turns from soaking wet to damp.
4. Conditioning
How to detangle a human hair wig or hairpiece by correctly conditioning it? Apply quality hair conditioner (preferably for human hair wigs) to the wig hair and leave it in for about 10 minutes. Also, prepare a tub of lukewarm water mixed with the same human hair conditioner. Soak the wig in warm water with conditioner for 5–6 minutes. For especially hard knots, use some extra conditioner or detangling spray to loosen them before combing.
5. Thorough detangling
How to detangle a human hair wig or hairpiece during washing? Carefully comb through the tough knots, starting from the ends and working toward the roots. Do it gently, and not pull too hard.
6. Final rinse and conditioning
Rinse the wig in clean water. Reapply conditioner, soak for another 10 minutes, and comb through again while rinsing thoroughly till it’s not slippery or sticky.
7. Drying
The hair has been rinsed thoroughly. Remove the soaking wet wig from the bathtub and gently wring its hair until it stops dripping. Then, place it on a dry, absorbent towel or T-shirt (preferably cotton). Lift the corners of the towel or T-shirt and press the hair gently.
Tips:
- Never wring the hair too hard or rub it too roughly with the towel, or the hair will come off.
- If you are not in a rush, try to leave the hair air-dry.
8. Post-Wash Care
Post-wash care is also important in how to detangle a human hair wig. Once the wig is dry, apply a light leave-in conditioner, hair serum, or protection oil to keep the hair smooth and tangle-free.
9. Styling
How to detangle a human hair wig using correct styling techniques? Apply elastin cream or serum to the hair, allowing the wig hair to dry naturally and style as desired.
Tips:
- Heat styling is fine. But when using a blow dryer, make sure it is on low heat.
- To avoid heat damage, make sure to apply heat protectants.
10. Storage
Proper storage is also an integral part of how to detangle a human hair wig. After detangling the human hair wig, some clients may want to wait to wear it but store it away. In that case, put it on a wig stand or in a satin-lined wig box (alternatively, cover the wig with a silk or satin scarf to protect it from dust and friction) and store it in a cool, dry, and dark place.
Tip: To store a human hair wig, keep it away from direct sunlight, or the UV light rays of the sun will turn the hair yellow and bristle.
All hair materials used in producing our hair systems are carefully sourced and processed, making the hair very resistant to shedding and tangling. For another, all of our hair systems are available at attractive factory-direct wholesale prices that are hard to find elsewhere!
Related: How to Take Care of Your Hair System
Frequently Asked Questions About How to Detangle a Human Hair Wig
Many users have questions about the best practices for detangling and maintaining wig. Here are the answers to some common queries.
Why is my human hair wig getting matted or tangled?
Matting and tangling are unavoidable. Factors like wind, rain, friction generated by clothing, static from hair strands rubbing against each other, product buildup, or lousy storage habits can all lead to the matting and tangling of alternative hair.
Why do human hair wigs and hair systems tend to tangle more than my natural hair?
The more friction between hairs, the more likely they get tangled up. Our scalp produces oil that nourishes the hair and keeps the strands from tangling. But wigs don’t. That’s why nourishing our human hair wig with a quality leave-in conditioner or protection oil after washing is essential.
Should I use regular or leave-in conditioners to detangle my human hair wig?
They are both essential. Regular conditioners give your wig hair nutrients and nourish and moisturize it. Leave-in conditioners protect the hair from damage, keeping the hair manageable.
How come my human hair wig is dry and frizzy?
Unlike natural hair, which is nourished by the oil and moisture your scalp produces, human hair wigs can’t get these nutrients. So the wig hair becomes dry, frizzy, and broken over time. Our guide on how to detangle a human hair wig also applies to dry and frizzy wigs. Follow it, and your wig should be fine. Remember, each time after washing your wig, apply leave-in conditioner, argan oil, or coconut oil, which are rich in medium-chain fatty acids that penetrate your hair shaft for deep hydration.
Why is it important to use paraben and sulfate-free shampoo?
Like chlorine and seawater, the sulfate or paraben-rich shampoos and products dehydrate the hair, resulting in dry and frizzy hair. Be sure to keep away from them.
How to detangle a body wave wig and keep it from tangling?
Body wave wigs are a kind of curly wigs, but typically with hair longer than average. You can follow the basic steps of how to untangle a human hair wig, and be careful about the precautions to take when untangling a curly wig, which is to untangle the knots before put it in water, and no need to rinse too much like you do straight wigs. With body wave wigs, one thing to remember is to minimize the use of heat. This will maintain the integrity of the waves. If you must heat-style it, always remember to put it on low heat and protectant spray is a must.
4 thoughts on “How to Detangle a Human Hair Wig: A Comprehensive Guide”
Thank you for your message and look forward to the next cooperation
very useful
Hi, dear. It’s hair elasticizer, like a kind of leave-in conditioner.
What is elastin cream?