Only a few things can happen in a day and instantly make you feel like a new person. Finding a $100 note in your back pocket after realizing you only have $10 in your account and getting a sexy hairdo. However, most of us don’t have the time or patience to sit in a salon chair or the living room, working on our strands. Cue in – wigs to the rescue.
Wigs and hair extensions are versatile, coming in numerous colors, textures, lengths, and cuts. High-quality hair extensions don’t come cheap; therefore, it can be a bit disappointing when your hair isn’t sitting just how you want it after several wears.
Before you toss the hair or start bashing the creator, ask yourself, “have I been taking care of the hair?” Or do you simply smother it in moose, comb it and fix it on your head?
To keep your investment looking amazing, you need to learn how to wash a human hair wig properly. The pointers below are a surefire way to get the process started.
Why Should You Wash Your Wig?
Most people like human hair extensions because of their versatility and the convenience of not having to deal with your hair in whatever state it’s in. But what’s the point of investing in premium-quality hair just to have it sitting in a corner looking drab and lifeless?
Wigs and hair extensions, especially those regularly worn, will accumulate buildup from the products you apply on them, as well as bacteria and oils from your head. Let’s not even forget the dust and dirt floating in the air.
Keep in mind that the frequency of your washes largely depends on how often you wear the human hair extension, the kind of activities you get into while wearing it, the kind and amount of hair care products you use on it, and the environment you live in.
The Process Of Washing Wigs And Hair Extensions
Washing your human hair extensions isn’t a process you should be dreading. It only requires you to follow these simple steps:
Detangling
Just like with your regular hair, you should always start by gently detangling your high-priced wigs. You can simply run your fingers through the hair to gently tease out any knots.
Shampooing
Once you’re done detangling, you need to get onto the shampooing process. The most advisable method to use here, whether human hair extensions or a synthetic wig, is to soak the hair in a basin with room temperature water and a quart-sized amount of shampoo.
You can use whichever; shampoo you have in your arsenal of personal care products. But Chasidy Woods, a renowned haircare guru, recommends the ORS sulfate-free hydrating shampoo ($7).
But to get the desired results, Chasidy says you’ll have to gently massage some water and shampoo into the wig to loosen up any product buildup. You also have to run through this process several times until you’re satisfied that you got rid of the product buildup.
Extra care may need to be taken when choosing the right shampoo and conditioners for colored human hair extensions to avoid damaging the hair. It would be advisable to lean towards customized hair care products.
Conditioning
Conditioner is amazing because it helps keep your strands looking fresh, soft, moisturized, and shiny. If you don’t have one, human hair extensions care experts recommend investing in the As I Am Hydration Elation Conditioner ($24) or Biolage Hydra Source Conditioning Balm ($23).
To use it: Slather the product all over the strands and do another detangling session, starting from the ends and working to the roots.
Drying And Storing Your Human Hair Extensions
Wet wigs and hair extensions aren’t something you want to experiment with. To properly dry out your wig, invest in a wig stand or a pants hanger. If you’re in an extreme situation, place it in front of a cool fan.
To properly finish your wig, you need to consider putting the dry hair on a wig stand, adding foam, and then slathering it in a hydrating leave-in conditioner. Proceed to blow dry using a brush for a smooth, shiny, and non-frizzy look. The wig is then ready for styling.
After going through the wig-washing process, you then have to secure your investment by storing your wigs and hair extensions properly. Experts recommend putting your wig on a mannequin head and using blocking tape to keep the lace intact. A satin bag is also perfect for storage.
