How to Avoid Tangling and Shedding in Natural Hair Wigs?

Natural hair wigs are a fantastic investment for anyone looking to enjoy the beauty and versatility of real hair without committing to permanent changes. Whether you’re using a wig as a protective style or simply to switch up your look, maintaining its quality is essential. However, tangling and shedding are common concerns many wig wearers face. With the proper care, you can keep your natural hair wig looking fresh, tangle-free, and healthy for a longer period. Here’s how you can avoid these issues and ensure the longevity of your natural human hair wigs.

Start with a Quality Hair Wigs

Before diving into maintenance tips, it’s important to emphasize the significance of purchasing a high-quality natural hair wig. A well-made wig with superior craftsmanship is less likely to tangle or shed excessively. Look for wigs that use 100% natural human hair and have been properly processed to retain their cuticle alignment. Wigs from trusted brands like Indique Hair or others that specialize in premium hair can make all the difference in durability.

Detangle Before Washing

One of the best ways to avoid tangling is to ensure your wig is detangled before washing. Straight wigs are prone to matting if they’re not carefully brushed out beforehand. Always start by gently brushing through the wig using a wide-tooth comb or a wig-specific brush, starting at the ends and working your way up to the roots. Doing this before washing helps prevent tangles from becoming worse when the hair is wet.

When brushing, take your time and avoid pulling on the hair. This will also reduce shedding, as excessive tugging can loosen hair strands from the wig’s cap.

Wash with Care

Washing your wig too frequently or using the wrong products can exacerbate tangling and shedding. It’s essential to use sulfate-free hair shampoos and conditioners that are gentle on natural hair. Sulfates can strip down hair of its natural moisture, leading to dryness and increased friction between hair strands, which ultimately leads to tangling.

Here’s how you can properly wash your natural hair wig:

• Detangle first, as mentioned above.
• Use lukewarm water to wet the wig. Hot water can open the hair cuticles of the hair, making it more prone to frizz and tangling.
• Apply a very small amount of sulfate-free shampoo, gently massaging the hair from hair root to tip. Avoid scrubbing the hair, as this can cause tangles.
• Rinse thoroughly with some lukewarm water, ensuring all product is removed.
• Apply a moisturizing hair conditioner and let it sit for a few minutes. Conditioning is crucial to keeping the hair soft and tangle-free.
• Rinse again, but this time with cool water to help seal all the hair cuticles and lock in moisture.

Air Dry the Wig

When it comes to drying your natural hair wig, air drying is the best option. Using heat to dry your wig can lead to damage and make the hair more prone to tangling. After washing it, gently blot the excess water from the wig using a microfiber towel or an old T-shirt. Never rub the wig with a towel, as this can cause frictions and lead to hair tangles.

Place the wig on a wig stand and allow to air dry completely. Avoid brushing the hair wig when it is wet, as this is when hair is most vulnerable to shedding.

Limit Heat Styling

Heat styling hair tools like flat irons and curling wands can weaken the hair over time, leading to more tangling and shedding. If you must style your wig with heat, always use a heat protectant hairspray and keep the temperature at a moderate level. It’s also a good idea to limit how often you heat style your wig. Opt for heatless styling methods such as rollers, flexi rods, or braids to achieve curls or waves.

Store the Wig Properly

How you store your wig plays a huge role in maintaining its quality and preventing tangling. Always store your wig on a hair wig stand or mannequin head when you’re not wearing it. This helps the hair maintain its shape and prevents it from bunching up, which can cause tangles.

If you don’t have a wig stand, you can store the wig in a silk or satin bag to reduce friction. Avoid leaving your wig in a tangled pile or exposing it to the direct sunlight for long periods, as UV rays can weaken the hair.

Moisturize Regularly

Even though natural hair wigs don’t receive the scalp’s natural oils like your own hair does, they still need moisture to remain soft and tangle-free. To keep your wig hydrated, use a light leave-in conditioner or a wig-specific moisturizing spray regularly. Avoid heavy, oil-based products that can weigh the hair down and make it greasy, which can lead to tangling.

Focus on moisturizing the mid-lengths to the ends of the hair, as this is where dryness and tangling tend to occur most often.

Avoid Sleeping in Your Wig

Sleeping in your wig can lead to unnecessary friction between the hair and your pillowcase, which can cause tangling and even breakage. If you must sleep in your wig, consider wrapping it in a silk scarf to minimizes friction.

Alternatively, it’s best to remove the wig before bed and properly store it on a wig stand.

Minimize Chemical Treatments

Natural hair wigs can be colored and chemically treated, but these processes can weaken the hair over time, making it more prone to shedding and tangling. If you want to dye your wig, it’s best to consult a professional hairstylist who has experience working with wigs. Avoid frequent chemical treatments to prolong the life of your wig.

Conclusion

Maintaining the quality of your natural hair wig is all about prevention and care. By starting with a high-quality wig, practicing gentle detangling and washing techniques, and properly storing your wig, you can reduce the risk of tangling and shedding. Remember, wigs made from natural hair require similar care to your own hair, so treat them with care to keep them looking fresh and fabulous for the long term. By following these tips, you’ll enjoy a beautiful, tangle-free, and long-lasting natural hair wig.