Taking care of a synthetic wig

Synthetic wigs are a personal favorite of mine. They keep their style well, can easily be purchased for half the price, and are lighter and cooler then most human hair wigs. However, since they are made from synthetic fibers it can be challenging to keep them in tip top shape.
Here are a few suggestions to keep your synthetic wig looking clean, fresh, and presentable.

Keep your wig clean!

• Do not use a regular shampoo on your synthetic wig, make sure to use a shampoo made for synthetic hair *tip- fabric softener is a great alternative*

No sleeping beauty in your wig!

• Don't ever sleep on a synthetic wig, if you do, be prepared for a matted, tangled mess. *tip- invest in a foam or wire mannequin head. Keep your wig on your mannequin head at night to keep its shape and form.*

Clean head please!

• Keep your own scalp and hair clean in order to minimize the amount of times needed to clean your synthetic wig *tip- wear a stocking cap or silk cap over your hair to minimize the amount of oil and dirt reaching your synthetic wig*

bonus tip: A paddle brush and a little mouse can make a wavy synthetic wig last forever!

These are a few things to keep in mind when purchasing and wearing a synthetic wig. Synthetic wigs can look absolutely gorgeous and natural when taken care of properly, but the flip side to that is a tangled web of synthetic fiber atop your head!

Wigs as a Protective Style

Wigs can be a great way of protecting your hair on your healthy hair journey. From the beginning of my hair care journey, I have used wigs to protect my tresses. They can have their cons but I do believe that the pros out way them.

Pros:

• Different Diva everyday- One day you may want to rock a platinum blond short-do and the following week a black sleek waist length look. It is possible and easy to do this using wigs without damaging your hair.
• Cost Effective- On average I spend about $25 on a synthetic wig, which will usually last me 2-3 weeks. Wigs are an easy way to save money on getting your hair done every week or bi-weekly.
• Less manipulation- Wigs are pretty low maintenance and your natural hair will thank you for that. As long as you properly take care of your hair underneath your wig, your hair will flourish from the low manipulation and low maintenance.
• Hair is protected from the elements

Cons:

• Not all wigs are created equally- I would never want anyone to look a hot mess BUT there are some wigs that are just a straight up no-no. Be careful of extra thin, extra thick, or too shiny looking wigs. If you are going to wear a wig, I say the more natural it looks the better. Quality is very important when choosing a wig.
• Breaking Edges- Wigs can do damage to your edges if worn for an extended period of time with no breaks. Also using the comb attachments can be detrimental to your edges. Instead of using the comb attachments, use bobby pins to secure your wigs. I suggest wearing your wigs 2 months on and 2 months off, to give your edges a break.

A few tips-

• Try to wear natural styles for easier blending of your hair and the wig. You can do this by finger combing or braiding and twisting out your hair. This eliminates heat!
• Why not baggy your hair under your wigs for extra moisture? No one can see it!
  

• If you want a straight style, instead of flat-ironing...why not rollerset to smooth your hair? This once again eliminates heat use.
• When in a rush or just plain lazy, I put a headband over my wig. It looks natural and its quick and easy.
• Synthetic hair can be brought back to life. On my synthetic curly wigs I add a little mouse and brush it with my paddle brush. Tada! Just as pretty as when I first bought it. I can wear my curly wigs for up to 2 months sometimes!

Wigs have been my friend!