Wigs made from human hair or synthetic fibers can be damaged with time. Depending on how long you’ve had it, yours may look all dull and ugly with tangled hair, dry split-ends which hurt like hell, or even burnt sections. But don’t worry! This guide will provide you with the knowledge you need to fix some of these common issues; whether you’ve got messed-up wigs that require quick attention or a synthetic one needing restoration.
1. Assessing the Damage
Don’t just rush into repairs without first evaluating your wig’s condition. This will help in knowing where best to start working on it. For example, some common problems with wigs include:
- Tangles and knots: This is most common in synthetic wigs, especially at their nape.
- Frizzy/matted ends: Because of friction over time wigs fibers can become frizzy.
- Burnt/melted fiber: High heat exposure makes synthetic wigs very burnable.
- Loose wefts/seams: Wigs lose their stitches over time and wefts become loose.
- General wear and tear damages flat lifeless hair or parts over regular usage.
2. How to Fix a Wig
Let’s begin by considering some fundamental repairs that suit both synthetic and human hair wigs. The intention is to return the wig to its original splendor and make it functional once again.
Detangling and Dematting a Wig
Tangled wigs are among the most prevalent problems associated with wigs. To remedy this situation, do the following:
- Gently comb through the wig: Start from the tips and work your way up to the roots. Use a wide-tooth comb or a wig-specific detangling brush to avoid damaging the fibers.
- Use a detangling spray: Spray a wig detangler to loosen stubborn knots particularly on synthetic wigs. This makes combing easier and reduces chances of breakage.
- Steam the wig: For more severe matting, use a handheld steamer to soften the fibers. Be careful not to overheat the wig especially if it is synthetic.
Replacing Loose Wefts
A common issue with cheap wigs is that the wefts (strips of hair sewn into the wig cap) can come loose. Here’s how to fix it:
- Secure the wefts: Use needle and thread that match the color of the wig in order to reattach loose wefts. Sew carefully ensuring that you secure tightly on the cap using thread.
- Reinforce weak areas: In case a part of a thinning/falling apart wig cap is present, then you can patch a piece of fabric over this area and hold it in place using fabric glue or by sewing around its edges.
3. How to Restore a Synthetic Wig
Not like human hair, synthetic wigs need different types of care to make them look youthful again. They should not be subjected to the same products or heat as human hair wigs.
Washing the Wig
Start by washing it properly:
- Use a wig shampoo: Don’t use regular hair shampoos because they can damage counterfeit fibers. Choose a gentle, wig-specific shampoo intended for synthetic hair.
- Soak the wig: Take a basin full of warm water and mix it with shampoo. Let the wig soak for about 10-15 minutes in order to loosen dirt and product buildup.
- Rinse thoroughly: After soaking, gently swish your wig in the water then rinse it under cool running water, this helps get rid of all shampoo.
- Conditioning: Follow up with a wig conditioner which softens fibers; spread evenly and rinse off after several minutes.
Fixing Frizzy or Split Ends
Synthetic wigs can get very frizzy especially at their ends. Here’s how to remedy that situation:
- Trim the ends: For badly frayed ends, make use of sharp scissors to trim them. Do it section by section, trimming little by little so that you don’t change the natural shape too much.
- Use fabric softener: Spray bottle mix fabric softener with water then mist the wig mildly if there is minor frizz left behind by other methods. The result is softer fibers with less static electricity in them.
- Steam the ends: With some gentle steam treatment, it will help to smooth out the frizz.
Restoring Shine and Volume
To bring back the volume and shine of a synthetic wig that has lost its luster over time:
- Apply a shine spray: Synthetic wigs tend to lose their sheen over time and therefore call for sprays specifically manufactured for this purpose.
- Restyle the wig: To add body into a flat wig, you can use wig rollers or foam curlers. Steam lightly or let it air dry overnight in order to set curls.
4. How to Fix Burnt Synthetic Hair
One of the most common problems with synthetic wigs is burnt fibers, especially when they have been subjected to flat irons or blow dryers. In case you have burnt hair on this type of wig, repair it using these steps:
- Trim away the burnt areas: In most cases, it is impossible to fully repair melted fibers; therefore use scissors to carefully remove these burnt sections.
- Smooth these remaining fibers: After trimming, make use of a steamer in order to smoothen out those parts that had been damaged by heat before. Be gentle so as not to exacerbate movement for further damage.
- Add synthetic hair extensions: Depending on how bad some sections have been burnt beyond repair; consider adding synthetic hair extensions or wefts to patch those gaps in.
5. How to Fix a Cheap Wig
Cheap wigs are often more susceptible to problems like tangling, frizz, poor construction, etc. However, cheap wigs can still be fixed and look presentable.
- Detangle and condition: Initially, detangle the wig thoroughly then wash it with a wig shampoo followed by conditioner.
- Reinforce the cap: Poorly constructed caps can be reinforced by sewing or adding fabric patches so that wefts don’t loosen up.
- Add volume: Use rollers or a wig-specific mousse to achieve some lift.
6. Synthetic Wig Repair Tips
On the other hand, there are some more tips to consider when repairing synthetic wigs:
- Avoid high heat: Unless otherwise labeled as heat resistant, never use normal curling irons on synthetic wigs.
- Use a steamer: The safest way of restoring or reshaping synthetic fibers without melting them is through handheld steamers.
- Store the wig properly: After repairing your wigs, store them on stands; this will help maintain their shapes and also prevent tangling.
Conclusion
You may buy a new wig if you don’t know how to fix one. A synthetic wig can be repaired, for example, if it has lost its shine or has burnt fibers – this guide will show you how to bring them back to life. Proper maintenance and small repairs can give longer life to your best wigs so that you may wear them confidently for years.
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