Toronto's #1 Wig Store Specializing in Medical and Fashion Wigs
Call Now to Request A Free Consultation
(416) 787-3129

How To Detangle A Synthetic Wig

A wig is a great way to change your appearance without fully committing. You can change your hair color or style, you can dress up as your favorite cosplay character, or any other reason you choose. When shopping for a wig, you have two primary choices: real human hair or synthetic. The professional stylists at Gabi’s Wigs can help you choose the perfect wig for you. We will take the time to get to know you and listen to what you have to say in order to ensure your satisfaction.

One of the primary reasons that people choose a synthetic wig over a real human hair wig is the price tag. Most of the time, these wigs are less expensive because they are made of acrylic, nylon, or polyester fibers. However, it is important to note that just because it’s less expensive does not mean you have to settle for low quality. There are plenty of high-quality synthetic wigs on the market. Therefore, you want to make sure that you take proper care of it, including keeping it free of tangles.

Why Does My Synthetic Wig Get Tangled?

how to detangle synthetic wigThere are several reasons that your synthetic wig gets tangled. First of all, since it’s a wig, it is not exposed to the natural oils from your scalp like your natural hair- which means it is drier. Sometimes, it’s the quality of the wig- a lower-quality wig will be more susceptible to tangles than a higher-quality wig. Finally, sometimes it’s due to the way the wig is cared for. The best way to store your wig is to place it on a wig stand.

8 Steps for Detangling Your Synthetic Wig

Detangling your synthetic wig can be tricky. Therefore, it takes time and patience. Here are 8 steps for properly detangling your synthetic wig.

1.  Place the wig on a wig stand

Any time you are working with your wig, it’s best to place it on a wig stand or mannequin head, secured with T-pins. This will allow you to keep both hands free to hold your comb and other products you’ll need.

2.  Divide the hair into sections

Smaller sections are much easier to work with than a full head of hair. Therefore, separate the wig into sections based on the density of the wig and the severity of the tangles. The more tangles, the more sections you should have. Start with at least four sections. If you need more, you can make the sections smaller.

3.  Spray detangler on the fibers

Saturate the wig with detangling spray. This will make the fibers slippery, so they slide past each other. You can make your own detangler by combining 4 parts water with 1 part conditioner in a spray bottle.

4.  Use your fingers to get out larger knots/tangles

While you may feel like using the comb will get the tangles out faster, it may damage the wig. Take your time and use your fingers to remove the larger knots and tangles. If you have a stubborn knot, you can spray it with water and saturate it with conditioner. Then, try again to remove it. Do not use your fingernails, as this could cause split ends and breakage.

5.  Use a wide-toothed comb

Once you’ve gotten most of the knots out, use a wide-toothed comb to work out the rest of them. Start at the bottom and work your way up. If you start from the root and go down, you could end up with broken fibers.

Once the comb slides freely through the hair, move to the next section and repeat steps 3 through 5.

Once most of the tangles are gone, you can use a wig brush to smooth out the fibers even more. If you already detangled it with a comb, you can brush from root to tip.

6.  Wash/deep condition your wig

If you use a lot of detangler, you may need to wash and condition your wig to restore its body and shine. This is especially true if your wig is straight. If you have a curly wig, you may just need a quick rinse. Never wash the wig while it is tangled, as this makes tangles worse. Make sure your wig is completely free of tangles before washing.

7.  Dry your wig

You should never allow your wig to remain wet for a long time, as it could grow mold/mildew. The two most common ways to dry your wig are:

  • Air dry: place on a wig stand in an open space and allow it to air dry. You can speed up the process by gently patting away excess water with a microfiber towel before placing it on the stand to dry.
  • Blow dry: this is only appropriate if your wig is made with heat-resistant fibers and even in this case, it’s best to use the cool setting to avoid damaging your wig

8.  Style your wig

Once you have detangled your wig successfully, you can style it. Leave it straight if you wish or use a curling wand to create beautiful curls. The choice is yours.

Proper Maintenance Can Prevent Tangles

While tangles don’t always mean that you didn’t take proper care of your wig, proper maintenance can help. When you are not wearing your wig, place it on a wig stand or mannequin head- don’t just toss it in a drawer or on the floor.

If you are in the market for a wig, let the stylists at Gabi’s Wigs help. We will take the time to understand your needs and concerns and help you find the perfect wig. Schedule your consultation today with our team. We’ll make your visit to our Toronto salon a pleasant one.

Skip to content