You finally got your hands on that lace front wig you have been admiring for the last several months, but acquiring this wig just one step in the process to having hair that gives testimony to your fabulosity.
If you are to achieve true lace front wig greatness, you will need to embrace a few hard-fast rules to extend the life of your lace front wig to ensure it sustains its original level of vibrancy, softness and flawless texture.
Lace front wigs are an accessory that you cannot afford to neglect. Failure to invest time and a few coins in the right products may lead to a few unanticipated challenges.
From challenging snarls to misguided tangles to unexpected split ends to copious matting to lace front product buildup along the lace hairline, your wig will show you just how complicated lace front wig-care can be if left untended.
Guess what? You can avoid a few of these hiccups by merely doing these five things.
Detangle! Detangle! –Did We Mention You Have to Detangle?
Lace front wigs are no exception to the detangle rule. The key to maintaining a fresh, lace front wig lies in keeping those tangles far away. One good rule of thumb is to gently brush those tangles out throughout the day –particularly when wearing straight styles.
Removing tangles will help you to keep split ends or breakage to a minimum. You can wear the wig during the detangling process, or you tack these tresses down onto a wig head for security. There is no wrong answer to this particular process.
At the end of each day, you should set aside time to remove any tangles that may be taking up residence in these locks. Divide your hair into four sections. Next, beginning with your first section, start detangling your hair at the ends. Next, work your way back towards the root in the direction of hair growth. This method of removing tangles from your lace front will help reduce the risk of shedding or breakage.
Another way to detangle your wig is to combine water with a few drops of olive oil in a spray bottle and then apply a few sprays on the hair. You don’t have to saturate the hair. Remember, your goal is not to soak this hair.
Your application of this mix should be just enough to dampen the hair. Next, using a wide-tooth comb, start at the ends and tackle those knots. You want to be purposeful but gentle as your goal is still to preserve the wig.
Comb your hair until all of the knots give way. Again, you must begin at the ends your hair to remove those knots so that you do not trigger new split ends or damage that carves a clear path up to the root of the lace front.
Not a fan of spraying water on your wig? An alternative to the water and oil detangling process is to use a carrier oil such as olive or coconut oil to deep condition the hair beneath a dyer cap or hooded dryer for five to ten minutes. Deep conditioning a human hair wig can help to make the detangling process a lot easier to navigate. Remember, a little bit goes a long way in this process, so don’t saturate the wig.
Clean Your Lace Front Wig and Don’t Forget the Lace
This next step is optional. Some wignistas never shampoo or wash their wigs, but it is a viable path to sustaining the life of the wig –particularly if you like to use a lot of hair products on your lace fronts.
Only after clearing a wig of its snarls and tangles, should you embark on shampooing it. There is one step you should complete before the cleansing process, and that is to delicately clean the lace front area of any gels, adhesives, oils or other products you might have previously used to lay your wig down to create that magnificent hairline. The buildup of adhesives and gels can shorten the life span of your wigs.
Shampoos and Lace Front Wigs
What shampoos are best for lace front wigs? Should you use a conditioner? You can use a clarifying shampoo to remove excess hair product build-up on lace front wigs. However, wignistas suggest you use moisturizing shampoos when possible and choose conditioners that will also help to hydrate this hair as a part of the revitalization process.
To remove excess water from this hair, gently wring water from hair and towel dry it before applying a conditioner.
During the drying event, steer clear of creating friction or else you risk generating frizz as the result of your inadvertent disruption of the overall hair structure.
When washing and drying the hair, always stroke products through your hair in the direction of hair growth. Stay away from a movement that contradicts the flow of hair such as circular or back and forth motions. Although it may appeal to you to rub the hair against something to help it dry, too much friction will cause the hair to frizz or tangle –or worse, snap.
You Can Use a Hair Dryer to Dry Human Hair
If your wig is of the straight-variety, you can dry the hair using a blow-dryer and a brush. As you pass the dryer from root to tip, use your brush to help distribute the heat. Of course, don’t forget to apply a thermal protectant to those tresses to decrease the risk of heat damage. After all, this hair is human and is just as susceptible to heat damage as that which is growing on your head.
Trim! Trim! Trim Your Ends!
Now that your hair is straight again, you can next trim those ends. Our goal is to keep things looking fresh. Trimming your ends will clean up those errant hairs that can detract from hair that is otherwise stylish and jaw-dropping. After a few wears might even consider layering hair to give it a brand new dimensional look.
Sealing in Moisture is a Must-Have Step
You can use almond oil to help seal in moisture and restore shine. Moisture-rich human hair is less likely to tangle than dry hair. No need to overdo it here. A drop of oil that is nickel to quarter size is a decent amount. You are not looking to weigh your hair down here.
These are just a few tips to help you extend the life of your lace front wig. Be diligent in your efforts no matter how small or big they might seem. Ultimately, your goal is to sustain your lace fronts and to attain the most fashionable wear out of these accessories.
