Bobbi's Eye on Beauty - Wig Care
Recall from the wig selection page that this is one place not to skimp. Buy the best you can afford. Then learn to properly care for your wig (s). Caring for your wig starts by consulting with your hair care professional or the wig company where you purchased your wig. Professionally cleaned, conditioned and styled wigs make a huge difference. You should, however, know the basics about wig care. The information for this article are provided with permission by Alternatives 2000 www.onthetop.com.
HUMAN HAIR WIGS| CARE OF SYNTHETIC WIGS - also read manufacturer instructions |
| CLEANING
AND CONDITIONING... 1) Draw enough cool to lukewarm water in a large pan or bowl to immerse hairpiece well. Don't use hot water or it will remove body and may damage fiber. 2) Dissolve approximately one tablespoon of wig cleaner (Woolite works too) along with one tablespoon of baking soda. Swish hairpiece around in solution. If front of cap and/or hair area has makeup on it, gently scrub until clean. Baking soda acts as a cleaning booster. 3) Rinse well in plenty of cool water. 4) Draw a pan or tubful of fresh water. Dissolve one or two tablespoons of conditioner in water. Swish and work mixture throughout piece. Do not rinse. Lay piece on towel and pat to remove excess moisture. 5) Pin piece on wig form and pick or comb out gently, starting from ends and working up strand to root area. Arrange hair to resemble desired style. Let dry overnight for maximum curl retention. If time is an issue, a blowdryer may be used but don't get the dryer too close to the fiber. It could remove the curl. If necessary, a curling iron may be used on WARM or LOW setting. HEAT ROLLERS: Heat rollers or a steam setter (such as a Caruso) may be used on synthetic fiber too. Roll each strand carefully around the roller keeping the ends smooth to reduce "fish-hooking", which makes the ends look fuzzy. Let the curls get completely cool before brushing or combing out the wig. If using the steam setters, it's a good idea to use a "duckbill" or other similar clip to hold the curls in until they're cool and dry. SOME TIPS: Don’t use expensive curling irons with settings such as 1, 2, 3, 4, etc. Even on the lowest setting, these irons are too hot for synthetic fiber. Go to a beauty supply store and buy the most inexpensive iron they carry which has a HIGH/LOW setting. You may also use hot rollers or a steam setter to set your wig. PROPER USE OF CURLING IRON ON SYNTHETIC WIG FIBER... Mist the hair with a little plain water. Take a small strand of hair between clamp of curling iron and roll around barrel of iron. Keep hair moving around barrel, rolling evenly until all of strand has passed firmly under clamp. Don't rest iron on base of wig as it will create a roller mark. A slight steaming action will not harm fiber. After curl is formed (not dry), remove the iron carefully, leaving the curl intact and being careful not to drag the ends out of the curl as this will make the curl uneven. If a looser curl is desired, work the hair with fingers while still warm. If a firmer curl is desired, let dry before combing. CAUTION! A synthetic wig is made of fine plastic filaments. Excessive heat will damage it. Use caution around oven doors, fireplaces, wall heaters, barbeques, and other uncontrolled high heat sources. The heat will melt the fiber and cause it to look frizzy. Most of the time, a curling iron can smooth it out, but the fiber will lose a certain amount of body and resilience after having been heat-frizzed. If a little extra care is taken with your wig, you will extend the life of your wig and it will look nice for a long time. NOTE: Wash and condition your new wig before wearing it. It has been handled by workers in the manufacturing process, and treated with a mildew retardant before leaving the factory. After that wash and condition about every 4th wearing or more often if you have perspired heavily or were in a very smoky room. FOR FIRST TIME WEARERS... The brand-name tag goes in the back. Grasp the wig at the back bottom with both hands, and position the front firmly at your forehead. (I know you don't have enough hands - get a friend to help or pin the front to your hair or wig cap) Then pull the whole cap back and down so that it covers your head. The wig should not cover your ears. If you don’t have hair, place your first three fingers together just above your brow bone and where the top edge of your index finger is should approximate your natural hairline. There are two little tabs at the ears and they should be positioned so that they are equal on both sides in front of your ears. This will let you know that your wig is on straight. Most wigs today have a small wire stay sewn inside the ear tabs. These should be bent a little and curved in toward your head. This will give you a more custom fit at the temples. The front of the wig should be positioned right at the hairline. Don't be a shaggy dog. There are adjustment straps in the back of your wig. They may be used to tighten or loosen the wig for a comfortable fit. |
|
More Makeup Topics |
|
| Applying Foundation | Eye Makeup |
| Blush | Lashes |
| Brows | Lips |
|
Other Topics |
|
| Wig Selection | Hand and Nail Care |
| Wig Care | Problem Nail Tips |
| Pedicure Tips | The Manicure |
| Foot Care Secrets | |
Back to Main Tips page