Wigs get tangled, just like the hair growing out of a person’s head. Everyday wear and tear, such as the kind caused by rain and wind, can quickly create tangles. Fixing a tangled wig involves cleaning it, followed by careful brushing with the help of a detangler.
The first step to fixing a tangled wig is washing it to get rid of the dirt and oil that might be making the strands cling together. Synthetic wigs must be washed in cool water because heat will fuse synthetic strands together, making tangles impossible to remove. Lightly swirling the wig around in sudsy water is enough to clean it. Applying a little ordinary hair conditioner before the final rinse helps loosen especially stubborn tangles.
Allowing the wig to dry on a wig stand is the second step to fixing a tangled wig. Knots and tangles must be removed when the wig is dry. Wet strands are weaker than dry ones, making them more likely to break. Too much breakage can cause a very sparse or rough-looking wig.
When combing out a tangled wig, the wearer can place it on a wig stand or slip it on his or her head. Wearing the piece allows the wearer to style the wig to complement his or her face shape, and placing it on a stand gives the person access to all sides of the hairpiece. The wearer might also start with the wig on the stand or on his or her head and transfer it later for easier styling.
A mixture of about 75 percent cool water and 25 percent leave-in conditioner or fabric softener provides an inexpensive detangling spray. Holding the bottle about 4 inches (10 cm) from one of the knotted regions, the wearer should spritz the tangled wig once or twice. Too much detangler can make the wig feel greasy, so two spritzes should be plenty.
The wearer should gently pinch the hair right above one of the tangled areas with his or her first and middle fingers, smoothing the tangles over the ring and pinky fingers. With a plastic, stiff-bristled wig brush, the wearer must gently begin combing the ends of the tangled wig, smoothing the detangled hair over the ring and pinky fingers. When one section is fully detangled, the wearer should comb through it several times to fully separate the strands. After the wig is smooth, the wearer can style the wig with foam rollers and mousse or set it on a wig stand for safe keeping.