The products you can and can’t use on wigs

Choosing between a synthetic and human hair wig is a tough decision every wig wearer has to make. There are pros and cons to each wig type, and whilst human hair wigs give you the freedom to explore product use as you would with your natural hair, synthetic wig wearers have to be a little pickier when styling their barnets.

Experimenting with different hairstyles, however, is possible with the right products. Here we take a closer look at what products you can and can’t use on synthetic wigs so you can enjoy a new style whatever day of the week it is!

DO use a synthetic hair shampoo

Taking care of your hair system involves regular washing to keep your wig clean and your look fresh. But before you reach for your usual shampoo and conditioner combo, you may want to read this from Cosmopolitan:

“While regular shampoos are great (and usually preferred) for human-hair wigs, they’re actually pretty damaging when used on synthetic wigs, leaving them dry, tangled, and full of buildup. ‘The hair can start to feel super slimy or tangled to the point that even when it dries, it’s really too matted to comb through anymore,’ says Johnson.”

Specially formulated synthetic hair shampoos provide expert care for wigs, deeply cleansing to remove styling product build-up and dirt. They also help to maintain the shine and softness that gives synthetic wigs a natural look.

Before choosing the synthetic hair shampoo that’s right for you, check the manufacturer’s instructions for your wig to ensure you pick the perfect product.

DON’T underestimate plain, old water

A spray bottle filled with clean, cool water is the secret weapon of any synthetic wig wearer. You don’t have to spend tons of money on volumising sprays or de-frizzers, which can easily build up in synthetic hair. Simply spritz with water to smooth frizz or add volume as and when required.

DO condition with a special formulation

Keeping your synthetic wig touchably soft isn’t easy, especially with daily wear and styling. Regularly straightening and curling your wig takes its toll but with a wig friendly conditioner, you can revive synthetic fibres.

Use your synthetic hair conditioner generously and soak your wig for 10 minutes before rinsing thoroughly. For even deeper conditioning, select a wig-friendly leave-in conditioning spray or wig mask.

Choose the best wig conditioner for your needs and budget, remembering to check the manufacturer’s instructions.

DON’T use regular hair brushes

Keeping your wig tangle-free is easy with regular brushing, but your usual hairbrush or comb can do more harm than good.

Invest in a wig brush or comb to keep your system in great shape and completely tangle-free. These brushes and combs are specially designed with synthetic hair in mind and have rounded, softer bristles or teeth to ensure gentler detangling.

DO style with wig hairspray

Whatever your desired wig style, you want to ensure your look goes the distance. The best way to achieve just that is with a good quality hairspray. Yet standard hairspray products won’t do if you sport a synthetic wig.

Wig hairsprays are designed to be different. Most are free from the parabens and sulphates that cause issues for synthetic hair. They instead use carefully selected ingredients to de-frizz, soften, boost shine, and deliver a long-lasting, flexible hold.

A great look first and foremost begins with a good quality wig. Shop our synthetic wigs right here for a beautiful hair loss solution that never lets you down.