Whether you wear your wig every day or save a certain style for a special occasion, real hair wigs can often end up in knots, much like our own hair. It’s important to know how to properly detangle your human hair wig so you can keep it looking and feeling generous for as long as possible. Anything from wind and rain to putting on your favourite outfit can cause real hair wigs to tangle, so a few stubborn knots is something we all have to contend with.
In this guide, our wig care experts explain how to detangle a human hair wig, including our top wig care tools and tips on how to stop your human hair wig from tangling in the first place.
How to Detangle a Human Hair Wig
What you’ll need:
Optional:
1. Place wig on styling head
Place a styling head on a flat surface and then place your wig on the head – this will make the detangling process much easier!
2. Section the wig into manageable sections
Section the wig into manageable sections – the number of sections you use will depend on the density and the length of your wig. This can be a time-consuming process, but the manageable sections will help to relieve tension when brushing.
3. Check for large knots
Use a good quality detangler spray that’s designed for human hair wigs. Spray the product evenly across all sections of the hair from around a 20-30cm distance.
4. Apply a wig detangler spray
Before you begin brushing, check for any larger knots and try to detangle them gently with your fingertips as brushing these could strengthen the knot and make them harder to loosen.
5. Comb through
There are a number of wig combs and brushes available, but a wide-tooth comb is generally recommended to give an evenly-dispersed pressure and prevent unnecessary strain on the wig.
Work your way from the bottom layers to the top sections of the wig until you are left with a super-soft, beautifully brushed wig. You should notice that the comb will glide through the hair as the spray has done all the hard work for you.
If you do come across a stubborn knot, simply spray a little extra spray on the knot and try again – just avoid pulling or tugging too hard on the hair.
6. Shampoo your wig
Washing your wig can be a huge help if you have a little extra time on your hands. Not only is this great for detangling your human hair wig, but it also helps to restore your wig’s vitality so it lasts even longer.
Fill your basin with lukewarm water and add in a squeeze of human hair wig shampoo into the water, swirling your wig in the solution and rubbing a little extra shampoo through the hair with your fingers. We love the Jon Renau Argan Smooth Luxury Shampoo, a chloride-, paraben- and sulphate-free shampoo designed especially for human hair fibres.
Rinse the wig with cool water, making sure the water is running in the same direction as your hair to avoid any further tangling.
7. Condition your wig
Repeat step six with a good quality wig conditioner and you will notice the tangles loosening. Again, we love the Jon Renau Argan Smooth Luxury Conditioner as it’s formulated for human hair wigs and will leave your wig feeling super soft and revitalised.
When conditioning your wig, you should avoid applying the product too close to the base of your wig as this can weaken the knots.
8. Gently dry your wig
You should take a soft towel or t-shirt to gently dry your wig. To avoid damaging your wig and creating more tangles, you should dry your wig with a pressing motion rather than rubbing it.
Once your human hair wig is no longer dripping wet, you can let it air dry on a wig stand (out of the sun!) or dry it with a hairdryer on a low heat setting.
How to Stop Human Hair Wigs from Tangling
It’s difficult to prevent your human hair wig from developing any tangles, but there are some tips you can follow to reduce the likelihood of this happening.
If you have any other questions on how to detangle your human hair wigs or require any other wig wisdom, contact our super friendly and knowledgeable team who are here to help you with anything you may need.
For some more useful top tips on wig care, read our informative guide which unveils our step-by-step process for fabulously healthy and gorgeous locks.
Hi Wanda,
While it is possible to use shampoo for normal hair, we would recommend using a high-quality shampoo and conditioner that has been specifically designed for real human hair wigs. Please view our range here.
What shampoo and conditioner do you recommend for my real hair wig ?.
No it’s not the wig lifting, it’s the hair! I understand what Amy K is saying. The same thing happens to me! Part of the problem is that the silicone from the manufacturer has wore off!
Hi Amy,
Looking after a human hair wig can be a little more time-consuming than looking after a synthetic wig. The reason that it can tangle can be down to various factors including the environment that you wear the wig in, the daily care and also the quality of the wig.
If the piece is lifting at the back then this is down to the piece not fitting correctly and it sounds as if it is fitting on the smaller size, making the wig rise.
I have a remy real hair wig and it wants to tangle on me no matter what I do and it lifts and makes me look like a hot mess .. how do I keep it from doing this and how do I keep it from lifting on me
How do I keep a curly wig from matting