If you find your human hair wig looking matted and tangled, don’t worry – there are solutions to bring it back to life. Whether it’s due to everyday wear, improper care, or external factors like wind or humidity, a matted wig can be fixed with the right steps. By following a few simple techniques, such as using a detangling spray, gently combing through the tangles, and applying a nourishing conditioner, you can restore your human hair wig to its natural lustrous beauty. No need to worry about a matted wig ruining your style – with the right methods, you can easily revive it and continue to enjoy the versatility and beauty of your human hair wig.
Understanding the Causes of Matting
Natural Hair Tangles
When it comes to human hair wigs, matting can occur just like with natural hair. Natural hair tangles due to the way the strands rub against each other during movement. Similarly, the strands of a human hair wig can intertwine and knot, leading to matting. This is especially common in longer wigs or wigs with curly or coily textures.
Improper Storage
Improperly storing your human hair wig can also contribute to matting. If you toss your wig haphazardly or cram it into a small space, the strands can become tangled and matted. It’s important to store your wig properly on a wig stand or mannequin head to maintain its shape and prevent tangling.
Friction and Rubbing
Friction and rubbing against fabrics can cause the hair strands of your wig to tangle and matte. This can happen when wearing a wig against certain materials or when the wig rubs against surfaces during storage. Avoiding excessive rubbing and friction can help prevent matting.
Product Build-Up
Using the wrong products or not properly cleansing your wig can lead to product build-up, which can make the hair strands stick together and matte. It’s essential to use the right products specifically designed for human hair wigs and to cleanse the wig regularly to prevent build-up and maintain its natural flow and movement.
Preventing Matting
Brushing and Detangling
Regular brushing and detangling are crucial in preventing matting. Before and after wearing your wig, gently brush it with a wide-tooth comb, starting from the ends and working your way up to the roots. This helps to remove any tangles and prevent them from turning into mats.
Proper Storage
Proper storage is key to preventing matting when your wig is not in use. Invest in a wig stand or mannequin head to store your wig. This ensures that the strands remain untangled and aligned, reducing the risk of matting. Additionally, covering the wig with a silk or satin scarf or placing it in a breathable bag can further protect it from tangling and rubbing.
Avoiding Friction and Rubbing
When wearing your wig, be mindful of the materials it comes into contact with. Avoid rough or textured fabrics that can cause friction against the wig, leading to matting. Additionally, avoid rubbing your wig against surfaces or vigorously towel-drying it after washing, as this can contribute to tangling and matting.
Using the Right Products
Using the right products is essential for maintaining a mat-free wig. Opt for detangling sprays or conditioners specifically formulated for human hair wigs. These products help to keep the strands smooth and prevent tangling. Avoid heavy or sticky styling products that can weigh the hair down and contribute to matting.
Tools and Materials Needed
Wide-Tooth Comb
A wide-tooth comb is essential for gently detangling your wig and preventing matting without causing damage or breakage to the hair strands.
Detangling Spray or Conditioner
Invest in a high-quality detangling spray or conditioner designed for human hair wigs. These products help to smooth out the strands and make detangling easier.
Hot Water
Hot water can be used to soak the wig, providing heat to help loosen knots and tangles.
Fabric Softener
Adding a small amount of fabric softener to the hot water soak can help further loosen tangled hair strands.
Wig Stand or Mannequin Head
A wig stand or mannequin head is necessary for proper storage and maintenance of the wig. It helps to maintain the wig’s shape and prevents tangling.
Optional: Silicone Spray or Oil
If your wig is particularly prone to matting, a silicone spray or oil can be used as a preventative measure. It creates a coating on the strands, reducing friction and tangling.
Step-by-Step Guide to Fixing a Matted Wig
Preparation
Start by gathering all the necessary tools and materials, including a wide-tooth comb, detangling spray or conditioner, hot water, fabric softener, and a wig stand or mannequin head.
Comb and Separate
Using a wide-tooth comb, gently start combing through the wig from the ends to the roots. Separate any large knots or mats with your fingers, being careful not to tug or pull too forcefully.
Soak the Wig
Fill a basin or sink with hot water, ensuring it is not too hot to handle. Place the wig in the water, allowing it to soak for a few minutes. The hot water helps to loosen the knots and tangles.
Apply Detangling Spray or Conditioner
After soaking, remove the wig from the water and gently squeeze out the excess moisture. Apply a generous amount of detangling spray or conditioner to the hair, focusing on the tangled areas.
Gently Detangle
Using your wide-tooth comb or your fingers, carefully comb through the strands starting from the ends and working your way up to the roots. Be patient and gentle, applying more detangling spray or conditioner as needed.
Rinse and Condition
Once the wig is detangled, rinse it thoroughly with warm water to remove any residue from the detangling spray or conditioner. Apply a small amount of regular conditioner, focusing on the ends, and leave it on for a few minutes before rinsing again.
Air Dry or Use a Blow Dryer
Gently squeeze out excess water from the wig and place it on a towel or wig stand to air dry. If you prefer to use a blow dryer, use a low heat setting and keep it at a safe distance from the wig to avoid heat damage.
Style as Desired
Once the wig is completely dry, style it as desired using heat tools or other styling methods. Remember to use heat protectant products and avoid excessive heat, as it can lead to further matting or damage.
Dealing with Stubborn Mats
Using Hot Water and Fabric Softener
For stubborn mats that don’t easily come out with regular detangling methods, you can try soaking the wig in a mixture of hot water and a small amount of fabric softener. The fabric softener helps to further loosen the knots and make detangling easier.
Applying Silicone Spray or Oil
If you find that your wig is prone to matting, applying a silicone spray or oil can help prevent tangles. These products create a protective coating on the strands, reducing friction and tangling. However, use these products sparingly to avoid weighing down the hair.
Seeking Professional Help
If all else fails and the matting is severe or difficult to manage, it may be best to seek professional help from a wig stylist or hair professional. They can assess the condition of the wig and provide specialized techniques to fix the matting without causing damage to the wig.
Maintaining a Mat-Free Wig
Regular Brushing and Detangling
To keep your wig mat-free, make it a habit to brush and detangle it regularly. Gently comb through the strands with a wide-tooth comb before and after wearing the wig to prevent knots from turning into mats.
Proper Storage
Proper storage is essential in maintaining a mat-free wig. Always store your wig on a wig stand or mannequin head to maintain its shape and prevent tangling. Consider using a breathable bag or covering the wig with a silk or satin scarf for additional protection.
Using a Silk or Satin Pillowcase
If you wear your wig to bed, using a silk or satin pillowcase can help reduce friction and prevent tangles while you sleep. These materials are smoother and less likely to cause the hair strands to rub against each other, minimizing matting.
Avoiding Heat Damage
Excessive heat can damage the hair strands of your wig, making them more prone to matting. Avoid using high heat settings on heat styling tools and limit the use of heat altogether. Opt for heatless styling methods whenever possible to maintain the integrity of the hair.
Avoiding Overlapping or Tying Hair
When styling your wig, avoid overlapping the hair strands or tying them tightly, as this can create tangles and mats. Be gentle and mindful of how you manipulate the hair, ensuring that it remains smooth and untangled.
Refreshing a Wig’s Texture
Washing and Conditioning
To refresh the texture of your wig, regularly wash and condition it. This helps to remove product build-up and restore the natural bounce and flow of the hair. Use a gentle shampoo and conditioner specifically formulated for human hair wigs.
Curling or Straightening
If your wig’s curls or waves have become limp or lost their shape, you can use heat styling tools to curl or straighten the hair. Remember to use a heat protectant product and avoid excessive heat to prevent damage and maintain the integrity of the wig.
Reviving Curls or Waves
To revive the curls or waves of your wig, you can use different methods such as flexi rods, twist-outs, or roller sets. These techniques help to redefine the texture and create natural-looking curls or waves without the use of excessive heat.
Restoring Shine
To restore shine to your wig, you can use a small amount of silicone spray or oil. Apply it sparingly to the hair, focusing on the ends, and distribute it evenly using your fingers or a wide-tooth comb. This helps to add a healthy shine and reduce frizz.
Repairing Damaged Strands
Trimming Split Ends
If your wig has split ends, it’s important to trim them regularly. Split ends can travel up the hair shaft and cause further damage and tangling. Use sharp hairdressing scissors to carefully trim the split ends, ensuring that you don’t cut off too much length.
Rejuvenating Dry or Frizzy Hair
If your wig’s hair has become dry or frizzy, you can use deep conditioning treatments or hair masks to rejuvenate it. Apply the treatment to damp hair, focusing on the mid-lengths and ends, and leave it on for the recommended time before rinsing thoroughly.
Revitalizing Over-Processed Hair
If your wig has undergone excessive chemical processing, such as bleaching or coloring, it may become damaged and prone to matting. To revitalize over-processed hair, use protein treatments or hair masques specifically formulated for chemically treated hair. These treatments help to strengthen and nourish the hair, restoring its health and resilience.
Seeking Professional Advice
If you’re unsure about how to repair damaged strands or address specific issues with your wig, seeking professional advice is recommended. A wig stylist or hair professional can assess the condition of your wig and provide tailored solutions to repair and restore it.
Conclusion
In conclusion, matting in human hair wigs can be prevented and resolved with proper care, maintenance, and the right techniques. Understanding the causes of matting, such as natural tangles, improper storage, friction and rubbing, and product build-up, is key to avoiding this issue. By regularly brushing and detangling, storing your wig correctly, avoiding friction and rubbing, and using the right products, you can keep your wig mat-free.
Knowing how to fix a matted wig through step-by-step processes such as preparation, combing and separating, soaking, applying detangling spray or conditioner, gently detangling, rinsing and conditioning, air drying or blow-drying, and styling, will help you effectively address matting when it occurs. For stubborn mats, techniques like using hot water and fabric softener, applying silicone spray or oil, or seeking professional help can be employed.
To maintain a mat-free wig, it’s important to regularly brush and detangle, store the wig properly, use a silk or satin pillowcase, avoid heat damage, and prevent overlapping or tying the hair. You can refresh your wig’s texture through washing and conditioning, curling or straightening, reviving curls or waves, and restoring shine. If your wig’s strands are damaged, methods like trimming split ends, rejuvenating dry or frizzy hair, revitalizing over-processed hair, or seeking professional advice can be employed.
By following these tips and techniques, you can enjoy a mat-free, beautiful, and long-lasting human hair wig that allows you to express your style and boost your confidence. The world of human hair wigs offers endless possibilities, and with the right care and maintenance, your wig can continue to bring you joy and enhance your look.