How to Brush Your Wig

To brush a wig, first clean and dry it, then detangle with a wide-tooth comb before smoothing with a wig brush Here are some tips for brushing your wig:

Step 1 - Start with a Clean Wig

Wigs can become dirty - just like your natural hair - through everyday wear, product buildup, and environmental elements. As you go about your day, your wig can encounter various surfaces, such as furniture and clothing, which can contain dirt and other debris. Additionally, if you wear your wig outdoors, it can become dirty from exposure to wind, rain, and other environmental factors. Another way a wig may become dirty, is through hair products such as styling gels, sprays, and mousses. These products can leave a residue on the wig, attracting grime. Additionally, if you use a wig cap to hold your wig in place, it can become dirty over time, and oil and debris from your scalp can transfer to the wig.

So, before you start brushing, make sure your wig is clean. If your wig is dirty or has product build-up, it will be more challenging to brush and may become damaged during the process.

To clean your wig:

• Fill a basin with cool water

• Add a small amount of shampoo

• Gently swish the wig in the water to remove dirt and build up

• Avoid rubbing or scrubbing, which can cause tangles and damage fibers

Step 2 - Make Sure Your Wig is Dry 

After cleaning your wig, rinse it thoroughly with cool water to remove any shampoo residue. Avoid using hot water, as this can cause the wig fibers to become brittle and break. Hot water can cause the wig cap to shrink or stretch, which can make it uncomfortable to wear and can cause the wig to lose its fit and style. 

Gently squeeze the water out of the wig and blot it with a towel to remove excess moisture. Do not wring or twist the wig, as this can cause tangles and damage the fibers.

Step 3 - Time to Comb

Once your wig is clean and dry, it is ready to be brushed. Start by using a wide-tooth comb. Specifically designed for use on wigs, a wide-tooth comb has teeth spaced widely apart, making it gentle on the wig fibers. A wide-tooth comb can reach through the entire length of the wig, making it effective for detangling even the longest and thickest wigs. 

To comb your wig:

• Start at the ends, and work your way to the roots

• Comb gently to avoid pulling or breakage

• If you encounter tangles, loosen them carefully with the comb or brush

• Never force knots out, as this can cause shedding or fiber damage

Step 4 - Now We Brush

After detangling the wig, you can use a brush to smooth the wig and give it a polished look. For synthetic hair, use a wet brush or metal brush to style. Using a boar brush is considered the best option for heat-friendly synthetic and human hair wigs because the bristles are made of natural boar hair, which is gentle on the hair, adds shine, and will not cause tangles or breakage. Using a boar bristle brush and the heat of a blow dryer, you can smooth out frizzy or damaged heat-friendly synthetic fiber. 

Brushing tips:

• Work in small sections, from roots to ends

• Brush gently – avoid stiff bristles or curly hair to prevent frizz or damage

• For curly wigs, use a wide-tooth comb or your fingers 

Step 5 - The Finishing Touches

Gently brush the wig throughout the day to keep it smooth and prevent tangles. To style, you can use a wig spray or serum to add shine and protect the fibers. We love Restore Leave-In Conditioner which doubles as a heat-styling protector.

By following these steps, you can brush your wig effectively and keep it looking its best. Regular brushing and combing are essential to wig maintenance and can help prevent tangles, shedding, and damage to the wig fibers. Using a wide-tooth comb or a wig brush with soft bristles and brushing gently and carefully, you can keep your wig looking smooth, shiny, and beautiful.

Share your tips in the comments below!

FAQ

• Can you brush a synthetic wig?
  • Yes! You can absolutely brush a synthetic wig. One of our best tips is to always brush from the ends up. It’s a lot more gentle but also very effective.
• What’s the best brush for wigs?
  • We prefer a wide tooth comb but also really love brushes designed for wet hair since the bristles are a bit gentler. You want softer bristles or wide spaced brush teeth for the best results.
• How do you brush a curly wig without causing frizz?
  • With curls, we recommend using your fingers or a wide tooth comb. Once you detangle, take small sections and use a serum or leave-in conditioner to soften the curls. Reshape the curl pattern using your fingers to twist them back into shape.
• Can you brush a wig when it’s wet?
  • Although you can comb and brush a wig when it’s wet, the fibers can stretch and are more fragile, so we recommend detangling before you wash the hair or waiting until it is completely dry.
• How often should you brush a wig?
  • With longer hair you should be brushing or combing daily, even throughout the day if needed. Shorter wigs and curly wigs can go longer in between brushing. We like to comb and brush before storing the hair at the end of the day.