Washing, detangling, defrizzing, and keeping those synthetic wigs looking fabulous!
If you’ve followed Fancy Nancy for a while, you already know I love my wigs!
Blonde today, brunette tomorrow, and maybe a fiery redhead by Friday. Why settle for one hairstyle when you can have a whole collection?
But here’s something I’ve learned from wearing wigs: A little maintenance goes a long way!
And if you’ve ever worn a long synthetic wig, you know that keeping it looking fabulous can sometimes be a challenge.
Today I’m sharing my personal wig-care routine, the products I love, and a few tricks I’ve picked up along the way.
How Often Do I Wash My Wigs?
I typically wash my wigs after about five wears.
Now, I’m not keeping a spreadsheet of wig-wearing hours. Although, considering my background in data analytics, I probably could! 😂
If I’ve only worn a wig for a few hours during video meetings or a quick outing, I’ll usually go a little longer between washes.
If I’ve been sweating, wearing it all day, or using styling products, I’ll wash it sooner.
The key is not overdoing it. Synthetic wigs don’t need to be washed every time you wear them.
My Favorite Wig Shampoo and Conditioner
I’ve tried different wig-care products over the years, but Jon Renau is personally my favorite brand for wig care.
I like using products specifically designed for synthetic wigs rather than regular shampoo and conditioner.
Here are my favorites:
- Jon Renau Leave in Conditioner: https://link.amazon/B0cim1Cgf
- Jon Renau shampoo and conditioner: https://link.amazon/B0bhLUfxN
My routine is pretty simple.
First, I gently remove any tangles while the wig is dry.
Then I fill my sink with cool water, add my wig shampoo according to the directions, and gently move the wig through the water.
No scrubbing, twisting, or rubbing!
After rinsing, I use my wig conditioner according to the product instructions.
And remember, synthetic hair doesn’t behave like the hair growing out of our heads. You want to protect those fibers rather than treat them like natural hair.
Let’s Talk About Those Tangled, Frizzy Ends!
If you wear longer synthetic wigs, you know EXACTLY what I’m talking about.
The ends start tangling, especially around the back of your neck, where the hair rubs against your clothes.
And sometimes those beautiful, smooth ends start looking a little frizzy.
This is where one of my favorite products comes in.
My Favorite Wig Defrizzer and Detangler:
I especially like using this product on my longer wigs. https://link.amazon/B006n6glk
I’ll spray the ends and gently work through the tangles with a wide-tooth comb, starting at the bottom and working upward.
Now here’s another little trick I’ve learned.
Heat-Friendly Wigs: Sometimes a Little Heat Helps!
If my wig is specifically labeled heat-friendly, I’ll sometimes use controlled, low heat on the ends after applying my defrizzing product.
I’ve found this can help smooth those rough-looking ends and make the wig look much better.
But here’s the important part:
Not all synthetic wigs can handle heat!
Regular synthetic wigs can melt or become permanently damaged if you use heated styling tools.
Even heat-friendly wigs have temperature limits. Always check the manufacturer’s instructions and make sure both your wig and the defrizzing product are suitable for the heat you’re using.
I also make sure the fibers are completely dry before using heat, unless the manufacturer’s instructions specifically say otherwise.
Start with the lowest recommended temperature, test a small hidden section first, and don’t leave the tool in one place.
A little careful maintenance may extend the life of a favorite wig!
And let’s face it, when you find a wig you love, you don’t want to give her up without a fight!
Wide-Tooth Combs Are Your Best Friend
One of my favorite wig-care tools is a simple wide-tooth comb.
My Wide-Tooth Comb Find:
I think wide-tooth combs are great for all wigs, but they’re especially useful for curly wigs.
The last thing you want to do is take a regular hairbrush to a beautiful curly wig and turn those pretty curls into a giant fluffy mess!
For curly styles, I often use my fingers first and then a wide-tooth comb only where needed.
Always start at the ends and work your way up.
Be gentle. You’re not trying to win a fight with your wig!
My Secret Trick: A Cold Bath and Fabric Softener
Okay, here’s one of my more unusual wig-care tricks.
Cold water and fabric softener!
Yes, fabric softener.
I’ve personally used a cool-water bath with a little fabric softener on older synthetic wigs that were getting tangled or looking a little tired.
I’ve had good results with some wigs. The fibers felt smoother, the tangles were easier to manage, and the wig had a nicer finish.
Now, this isn’t an official wig-care recommendation.
Fabric softener is made for laundry, not synthetic hair. It can leave residue, change the appearance of fibers, or cause damage, and manufacturers generally recommend using wig-specific products instead.
I wouldn’t experiment with this on an expensive wig, a delicate lace-front wig, or a human-hair wig.
But it’s one of those tricks I’ve tried on older synthetic wigs, and I wanted to share my experience.
Sometimes you discover things simply because you’re trying to save a favorite wig!
When Your Wig Gets a Little Crunchy… IYKYK! 😂
Okay, ladies who wear synthetic wigs, you KNOW what I’m talking about!
You’ve got that favorite wig you’ve worn over and over. She’s been through video meetings, dinners out, shopping trips, and maybe a few adventures we won’t discuss.
And then one day, you notice it.
The ends are getting crunchy!
Not just a little tangled. I’m talking about that dry, stiff, rough feeling that happens when synthetic fibers start showing their age.
But before you toss that wig in the trash, I’ve got another little trick I’ve used to squeeze some extra life out of mine!
My Crunchy Wig Rescue Trick
I use a conditioning cream on the ends of the wig, particularly those rough areas that need some extra attention. https://link.amazon/B0j8BqQd8
Here’s my routine:
- Apply the cream to the ends, focusing on the crunchy sections.
- Place the treated hair loosely inside a plastic baggie for about an hour.
- Remove it from the bag and rinse the product out thoroughly with cool water.
- Gently blot away the excess water without twisting or wringing.
- Hang the wig on a drying stand and let it air dry completely.
I’ve had wigs come out looking and feeling so much better after doing this!
Now, is it going to make a five-year-old synthetic wig look brand new? Probably not.
But sometimes it softens up those rough-feeling ends enough that I can get quite a few more wears out of a wig I thought was ready for retirement.
Fancy Nancy Tip: This is something I’ve personally tried on older synthetic wigs, not a guaranteed restoration method. Make sure the cream is compatible with your wig fibers, test a small section first, and don’t seal a wig cap or lace front inside a bag if the product could damage it. Conditioning products cannot reverse permanently damaged synthetic fibers.
And honestly, when you find a wig you love, sometimes you’re willing to give her one more chance!
Because good hair doesn’t have to grow on your head, but that doesn’t mean we want to throw it away! 💋
Don’t Brush Your Wig While It’s Soaking Wet
After washing, I gently blot the wig with a towel.
I don’t wring it out, twist it, or start pulling a brush through it.
Personally, I prefer not to comb my wigs while they’re wet. I let them dry first.
Some manufacturers allow gentle wet detangling, so always check your particular wig’s instructions.
I hang mine on a wig-drying stand and let them air dry naturally.
No regular blow dryer on standard synthetic wigs!
Once the wig is completely dry, I gently comb it, arrange the style, and it’s ready to wear again.
Don’t Forget About Everyday Wig Care
You don’t have to wait until wash day to give your wigs some attention.
A few things I try to do regularly:
- Gently detangle longer wigs after wearing them.
- Pay extra attention to the ends and the back of the neck.
- Use wig-specific detangling products when needed.
- Let wigs air out after wearing them.
- Keep them on a wig stand or store them properly once completely dry.
- Avoid excessive heat, including hot ovens and steam.
- Be careful with rough collars and scarves that cause friction.
That last one is especially important for longer styles.
And speaking of heat, if you’re cooking dinner in a synthetic wig, be careful opening that oven!
We want the dinner hot, not the hair! 😂
My Favorite Wig-Care Finds
Here are some of the products and tools I personally use or recommend for keeping synthetic wigs looking their best.
| Product | Why I Like It |
|---|---|
| Jon Renau Wig-Care Products | My personal favorite wig-care brand |
| Wig Shampoo & Conditioner | My regular washing and conditioning essentials |
| Wig Defrizzer & Detangler | Especially helpful for longer wigs and tangled ends |
| Wide-Tooth Combs | Great for gentle detangling, particularly curly wigs |
Shop My Favorite Wig-Care Products!
I’ve put together an Amazon list with my favorite wig-care essentials, including Jon Renau products, wig shampoo and conditioner, defrizzer, detangling combs, and products I use to help rescue those crunchy synthetic wigs. IYKYK! 😂
These are products and tricks I’ve personally used to keep my wigs looking fabulous and get a little extra life out of my favorite styles.
💋 Shop Fancy Nancy’s Wig-Care Favorites on Amazon
As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. This post contains affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you.
Final Thoughts: Fabulous Hair Takes a Little TLC
One of the things I love most about wigs is the freedom they give me.
I can have short hair one day, long hair the next, and change colors whenever the mood strikes.
And when you work remotely like I do, sometimes being able to pop on a fabulous hairstyle five minutes before a video meeting is a wonderful thing!
But keeping those wigs looking good takes a little care.
For me, that means washing after about five wears, using my favorite Jon Renau products, keeping a wide-tooth comb handy, and giving those longer wigs a little extra attention when the ends start getting frizzy.
And occasionally, trying one of my unconventional tricks on an older wig!
Now I want to hear from you!
Do you wear wigs? What’s your favorite wig-care product? And have you discovered any tricks for keeping synthetic wigs looking fabulous?
Drop your tips in the comments. I’m always looking for new ideas!
Until next time, stay fabulous!
— Fancy Nancy 💋
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