Why do wigs seem to tangle more often than my own hair?

Tangling is super frustrating, and can depend a lot on:

• How well the wig is made
• Whether the cuticles are all going in the right direction
• If it’s been processed with chemical or colour
• If the hair has been laid wrong
• If the hair has been heavily treated

These things make a wig more likely to tangle, but any wig will tangle more than real hair because your scalp produces natural oils that keep hair from drying out and getting caught in itself, and of course wigs do not do that. Long hair is harder to work with due to the very nature of long hair. Careful washing and wearing, using the right hair products, and being aware that this hair is obviously not re-growing will assist in your hair appearance.

1. Choosing the Right Shampoo & Conditioner

The first thing you have to do to stop human or synthetic wigs from tangling is to use the proper wig shampoo and conditioner. Do not wash your wigs with regular/supermarket shampoos that contain harsh chemicals or a high ph-balance. A mild, not-stripping shampoo and both products should be sulfate-free. Normal healthy hair has a ph-balance of 4.5 – 5.5, so buy a shampoo that’s within that range or a little below it. Some shampoos have a very high ph-balance, which will damage the hair.

• View our range of recommended wig shampoos and conditioners.

 

2. Proper Wig Washing & Care

It’s very important to wash and condition your wig the correct way to prevent tangling. Check out these step-by-step guides:

• Washing and caring for your synthetic wig
• Washing and caring for your human hair wig

Key points to be ensure a proper wig washing technique:

• Set the wig on a head for human hair wigs (not synthetic ones) and shampoo it on the head so that it keeps its shape
• When you wash the wig, do not rub too hard
• Work in a downward motion and run your fingers through it like a comb as you go
• Never squeeze or wring your wig
• Rinse it under lukewarm running water
• Gentle towel dry only. Rubbing the hair causes tangling of the roots at the base
• Use a wide tooth wig comb to gently comb the hair from tips working towards the roots
• Use wig specific hair reconstruction / moisture additive products to prevent tangling and minimize breakage

3. Products & Styling

Do not use overuse hair products – adding too much product to your wig will lead to a messy, clunky build-up. Excessive use of oils, mousse, gels, and other hair products will cause the hair to tangle, matte, and make the hair look unclean, limp and dull.

You may like to consider wearing a heat friendly synthetic wig that allows you to use heated styling tools on your hair for different looks and further prevent tangling. Check our Heat Friendly Wig Styling Guide to see how.

Key points on products and styling to prevent tangling:

• The best time to comb is when you’re combing conditioner through the wet hair
• If you’re working out a tangle, start at the ends of your hair first (tip to root)
• For human hair wigs, use a wide tooth comb that’s made for wigs. Do not use a regular comb or brush to style or detangle your wig
• For synthetic wigs, don’t use a brush as it will damage the fibres of the wig. Use a wide tooth comb or your fingers
• Never comb the roots of the hair where they are tied to the foundation; this can cause damage and irreparable stress to the hair stability. The roots should be left alone at all times
• Use a folding wig stand or a vase/jar to dry your wig so it retains its shape. Do not lay your wet wig on a flat surface to dry
• Do not blow-dry your synthetic wig. After washing your wig, allow it to air-dry so the hair will stay smooth & manageable. Blow drying the synthetic hair will make it tangle, frizz, feel hard, stiff and will damage the synthetic fibres

And our last piece of advice: Ideally, have two wigs to wear at all times. While you wash one, you can either wear the other one or have it ready. In addition, you will extend the life of each wig and they will keep very well.

As always, if you have any questions please feel free to contact us and we’ll be happy to help.