A human hair wig or topper does not get the natural oils your scalp produces, so it dries out faster than growing hair. Add heat styling, hard water and daily friction, and the result is the three complaints we hear most at the salon: dryness, frizz and shedding. The good news is that almost all of it is preventable with the right routine.
1. Dryness
Dry, brittle hair is the root cause of most other wig problems. Without scalp oils, moisture has to be replaced from the outside, and it has to be replaced consistently rather than once in a while.
Condition every single wash, focusing on the mid-lengths and ends where the hair is oldest. A hydrating conditioner such as the amika Hydro Rush Intense Moisture Conditioner uses hyaluronic acid to draw moisture into the fibre, and it is safe on colour-treated and chemically processed hair. Between washes, a leave-in conditioner keeps the hair soft without weighing it down.
2. Frizz and flyaways
Frizz is usually dryness plus friction. Sleeping on cotton, brushing roughly and towel-drying aggressively all lift the cuticle and rough up the hair.
- Comb from the ends upward, never from the roots down
- Use a wide-tooth comb or a wig brush, never a fine-tooth comb on wet hair
- Store the unit on a wig stand, not folded in a drawer
- Smooth a few drops of Olaplex No.7 Bonding Oil over the surface and ends to seal the cuticle and add shine
3. Shedding
Some shedding is normal. Excessive shedding usually means tension on the knots. The most common causes we see are combing from the root down, scrubbing the cap while washing, and heat applied too close to the base.
To wash safely: place the unit on a wig stand, work shampoo through in the direction of the hair rather than in circles, rinse with cool water, and never wring or twist. Keep oils and heavy products away from the cap and knots - they belong on the mid-lengths and ends only.
4. Flat, lifeless hair
If the problem is not dryness but limpness, the fix is styling rather than moisture. A weightless volumizing mousse such as the amika Plus Size Perfect Body Mousse builds body at the root and holds a blow-dried shape without stiffness. Apply lightly on a wig stand and avoid saturating the cap.
A simple weekly routine
- Wash on a wig stand every 8 to 12 wears, or sooner with heavy product use
- Condition every wash, mid-lengths to ends
- Apply leave-in to damp hair and comb through gently
- Finish dry hair with two to three drops of bonding oil
- Store on a stand, away from direct sunlight and heat
When to bring it in
If your unit is already shedding heavily, tangling at the nape or losing density at the parting, a professional wash and repair will do far more than any product. Our stylists can ventilate and repair units, and we will tell you honestly whether a repair is worth it.
Book a wash and style or a consultation at Wigs R Us Toronto, 223 Davenport Rd, and bring the products you have been using - it usually explains a lot.
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