Synthetic isn’t a bad wig or hair extension for you: it is versatile, affordable, and gives you control over your looks. There are, however, many who complain that synthetic hair is rough and starched with time. Everyone may find this, but fabric conditioner is not an option for some people due to bumps or infections caused by possible product deposits on the scalp. Fortunately, there are several techniques to soften synthetic hair without using fabric conditioners. In this article, we will look at ways to keep your synthetic hair soft and pliable.

Why Does Synthetic Hair Become Stiff?

Most synthetic hair usually consists of polyester and nylon together, known as synthetic fibers. They do not contain any sebum, which makes them dry faster than their natural counterparts do. As such, synthetic wigs require careful wearing and styling techniques, in addition to proper maintenance, so that their texture remains manageable despite exposure to environmental factors including wind, dirt, tangling, as well as friction from normal daily activities. Protective hair care methods must therefore be employed along with identifying alternatives for the use of fabric softener if you want your synthetic hair to remain soft and easy to style.

Best Techniques To Soften Synthetic Hair Without Fabric Softener

1. Wash with Cold Water and Mild Shampoo

Out of all the ways to make synthetic hair softer without using fabric softener, one of the easiest and most effective methods is using a gentle shampoo. A gentle shampoo that does not contain sulfates is ideal because it cleans the strands without interfering with their texture or affecting the quality of hair.

  • Firstly, you need to fill a basin with cold water (this is necessary since hot water damages synthetic fibers).
  • Then a small amount of mild sulfate-free shampoo should be added.
  • After that, place your synthetic wig or hair extension in and swish it back and forth gently in order to saturate it.
  • Let the mixture sit for about 5-10 minutes so that the fibers can absorb the shampoo.
  • Finally, rinse off all residue thoroughly using cold water.

Using a soft shampoo will eliminate the dirt on these strands but still ensure that they maintain their shape through maintaining them on cold temperatures.

2. Use Apple Cider Vinegar

Apple cider vinegar (ACV) is one you can use to remove junk and cool down fibers making them softer; this is to say, if it has stiffness because of products used or pollution on them.

Steps:

  • Take equal parts of apple cider vinegar and water in a spray bottle.
  • Spray the mixture evenly over your synthetic wig or extensions.
  • Let it sit for about 15-20 minutes.
  • Thoroughly rinse your hair with cold water then allow air drying.

In order for ACV to work better than what is found in fabric softeners; it smoothes out synthetic hair thus restoring its elasticity.

3. Use a Synthetic Wig Conditioner Substitute

Alternatively, you may utilize leave-in conditioners as substitutes for synthetic wigs’ fabric softeners. They are meant for conditioning synthetic fibers making them easy to manage and soft. They can be found at beauty supply stores or online without stress.

Another option is to mix equal parts water and silicone-based serum if you do not have a synthetic wig conditioner available. The silicone coats the strands providing protection from environmental elements hence preventing frizzing and rigidity.

Steps:

  • The wig conditioner alternative, that is synthetic, should be sprayed or applied uniformly on the hair.
  • Comb through with a wide-tooth comb so as to ensure the product is evenly shared.
  • Leave to air dry thoroughly and completely.

The synthetic hair will get softer because of the conditioner while remaining light in weight and also preventing it from appearing greasy.

4. Steam Treatment

Steaming is another method used in softening synthetic hair. Here, steaming serves the purpose of hydrating fibers and rejuvenating their texture without making use of any chemicals or heavy products.

Steps:

  • Take a pot full of water and boil it.
  • Above the steam, hold your synthetic wig or extensions (8-12 inches away).
  • Detangle gently using a wide-tooth comb as you steam the hair.
  • Continue with steaming until hair feels softer and more manageable.

Moisture is added into the fibers through steam which makes them softer and easier to style. Avoid subjecting the wig to too much heat over an extended period since excess steam may result in breakage of synthetic fibers.

5. Detangling with Oil-Free Serum

A little amount of a lightweight oil-free serum can do a lot in enabling the synthetic hair to remain soft and tangle-free. Unlike oils that can be too thick for synthetic hair, oil-free serums smoothen and shine hair making it not look greasy.

Steps:

  • Put the serum on a small portion of the synthetic hair emphasizing at the end parts where they tend to form knots more often.
  • Then, comb through every inch of your tresses gently with a comb that has wider teeth.
  • You can style your synthetic hair as you want.

The serum leads to reduced friction between fibers; hence preventing these wigs from getting too stiff.

6. Avoid Heat Damage

One factor behind stiffening of synthetic wigs is the wrong application of heat tools. Most synthetic wigs are heat sensitive, therefore subjecting them to high temperatures may make them melt or become frizzy. But if one has to use heat, then this should be done in its lowest settings possible or select for yourself some heat-resistant synthetic hair strands.

Cold setting techniques could also be considered instead of applying heat while doing your styling with bangs, wigs, or wigs with curls because these techniques involve no application of any form of warmth yet enable individuals to style their wigs without damaging them in any way.

Final Thoughts

It doesn’t take a fabric softener to keep your synthetic hair supple. Actually, there are various alternatives which are safer and more productive; this includes using apple cider vinegar or buying a fake wig conditioner replacement. By adopting these practices into your care routine for synthetic wigs and extensions, you can retain the smoothness, elasticity, and lifespan of such items.

These few tricks will enable you to have soft hair made from synthetic material that appears real in its own right!

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