Easy Care and Quick Styling Guide

You must know when and how to wash, dry, and condition your wig... and you need the right wig care products.

WASHING YOUR WIG

The guidelines vary for washing your wig. Generally, every thirty wearings or four to six weeks, but really it depends on your lifestyle. If you are around heavy smoke, perfume, or other strong odors, you should wash it more often.

Your wig is ready to be washed if it is dull, lifeless, over sprayed or tangled from too much teasing.

Take a look at your wig. Is it dull, lifeless, over sprayed, or tangled from too much teasing? Any of these mean that your wig is ready to be washed.

To start, gently brush your wig from the bottom in short strokes. This removes knots and spray buildup. It also separates the fibers.

Wash your wig in a sink or a basin - never a washing machine. Mix cool water with the wig shampoo according to the directions.

Wig shampoo cleans fibers gently and thoroughly.

Soak your wig for five minutes or more depending on how soiled it is. Even if your wig is very soiled, never rub, twist, or wring it. After the five minutes, gently dip it up and down. If there are makeup stains on the cap, clean them with a small brush.

Now rinse your wig gently but thoroughly in cool water. Remember: your wig is made of synthetic fibers; handle it as you would a good blouse.

DRYING YOUR WIG

To dry your wig, pat out the excess water in a towel. The weight of water can stretch the wig fibers and ruin the style.

Hang your wig loosely on a wig stand or spray can to dry at room temperature. Never place a wet wig on a styrofoam head or a blockhead - this can stretch the wig cap. Also, never comb a wet wig or attempt to speed drying with a blow dryer. Air drying, loosely, takes only a few hours and it ensures healthy-looking, manageable fibers.

CONDITIONING YOUR WIG

Wig conditioner restores the original style pattern of a wig. It contains specially blended oils which softens dryness and brings out the luster and mobility of the fiber.

Spray wig conditioner over the entire area. Fluff in the conditioner with a pic comb or your fingers. After the conditioner is dry, your wig is ready to be styled.

CHECKLIST FOR PROPER CARE

Brush your wig before washing to remove tangles and spray buildup. Use only wig shampoo. Handle your wig gently: never rub, twist, or wring. Air dry your wig by hanging it loosely. Use wig conditioner with Kaneka Oil for luster and mobility.

STYLING TECHNIQUES

Why are wigs today so comfortable and versatile? It's how they're made. Today's wigs are considered "capless". This is what the inside of a wig looks like. Notice the open construction. This makes it lighter and cooler than ever, allowing the fiber to move freely. With this advantage, you can get many different looks from one wig.

Today's wig fibers are sewn on thin strips of material called "wefts". The "wefts" are attached to a lightweight lace frame to create a light and airy cap. this lace stretches and allows flexibility while supporting the wig. Ear tabs are extensions of the wig cap and help you center the wig. they also provide a natural-looking hairline at the sides of the wig. Some wigs are designed with an extended nape which provides extra coverage at the neckline. A velvet lined front was designed for comfort and velcro tabs allow for one inch adjustment of the wig cap. This construction is used on most quality wigs today, whether they are machine made or hand-tied.

Pretty exciting. In addition to all these advances, wearing a wig allows your own hair to rest. And remember, a wig won't ever damage your hair.

STYLING YOUR WIG

Because today's wigs have built-in memory, a few basic styling techniques are all you need to remind your wig what it should look like.

By learning these techniques and some professional tips, you can achieve a natural look and feel from your wig.

BASIC TECHNIQUES

Style your wig when it is completely dry. You can use a chin strap to secure the wig on your head. this gives you the freedom to use both hands and you can see the wig frame your face as you style.

You can also style a wig on a blockhead. With this accessory, you can easily see all sides of the wig. This is essential if you have difficulty reaching up or back to comb your wig.

Styling begins with proper brushing. This "wakes up" the fibers. Use short lifting strokes with a wig brush on styles with tight curls, waves, or soft curls.

For wigs that are smooth and straight, use the wig brush in long, even strokes.

For longer wigs that have ringlet curls, use a pic comb or your fingers in lifting movements.

If you want more height on any style, first brush in the opposite direction of the style and then smooth the fiber into the desired shape.

When your style is where you like it, you may want to use wig spray.

There are two methods of spraying today's wigs. Using the traditional method, lightly mist the entire wig. Start at the back and spray forward keeping the can twelve inches from your head. This distance prevents the wig from becoming overly wet. Switch hands halfway so you are still at the proper distance.

The latest methods give you a softer more natural look. Hold the can about six inches from your head. Now, separate the wig fibers with your fingers and direct the spray at the roots. This holds the base of the style firm while the ends remain soft and loose. With either method, don't brush or touch your wig when it is wet from spray. It will ruin the preset style.

Some days your wig may only need to be slightly touched up. With a pic comb or brush, give height to flattened areas or reposition your curl.

Lightly spritz wig conditioner on dry spots or all over your wig to revitalize the style.

If you like wig spray, use it after the conditioner has dried and only on the areas you touched up. A lot of spray builds up and your wig will need to be washed too often. In just a couple of minutes, your style is set.

PROFESSIONAL TIPS

Using professional styling tips will help your wig look more natural and can make you feel more confident. Here are a few of my favorite tips.

Tip Number One: Hiding Your Hairline

You have a few options depending on how you like to style your bangs. If you wear them mostly off your face, position the wig just below your natural hairline. Tuck in stray hairs with a comb or your fingers.

If your hair and wig are compatible colors, you may want to blend your own hair with the wig fiber. Position the wig just behind your hairline and comb some of your hair out. Lightly tease and spray your bangs so they'll blend evenly with the wig. Now, comb your hair in with the wig fiber. The result: a very natural looking front!

Another option: Styling a wig with full bangs easily hides your hairline, and you can position the wig for comfort.

Most of today's wigs can be worn with or without bangs. Experiment with your wig to see what works best for you.

Tip Number Two: Accessorizing Your Wig

Hats and headbands are fashionable so why not enjoy them with a wig? They also give you a feeling of extra security.

Tip Number Three: Achieving the Wet Look

You can get the wet look by using wig conditioner. Lightly spritz it over your wig and style with fingers or a pic comb while wet. You might be surprised how versatile wigs and wig care products are. By following our easy care and quick styling tips, you can get a professional look at home.

CHECKLIST FOR STYLING TECHNIQUES

• Use a chinstrap or blockhead.
• Brush according to style: short strokes on wigs with waves and curls, long strokes on smooth styles, and lifting movements with a pic comb on styles with ringlet curls.
• Use conditioner and wig spray lightly on the areas you touched up.

EXTENDING WIG LIFE

Wigs today are natural and airy looking. Their lightweight construction, though, also mean they're more delicate than the bulky wigs of yesterday. By following a few guidelines, you can extend the life of your wig. Use wig care products properly and avoid damaging agents.

WIG CARE PRODUCTS

Extending the life of your wig begins with using wig care products: wig shampoos, conditioners, brushes, pic combs, and accessories. These products are designed to be gentle on today's wig fibers. Used together, properly, they preserve and revitalize a wig's shine and original style.

It's important to use proper wig care products to extend the life of your wig.

Some products, no matter how gentle they claim to be on hair or delicate fabrics, will damage your wig. Hair shampoo and conditioner, even baby products, are too sudsy to rinse thoroughly. "Gentle" detergents strip fibers of shine and color.

Hairspray and mouse leave a film that attracts dirt and dust. Hair brushes have nylon bristles which stretch synthetic fibers and loosen the curl.

Permanent wave and hair color solutions won't work on synthetic wig fiber... and the harsh chemicals can melt the fiber or strip the wig of its original luster.

Avoid using any of these products on your wig. Only wig care products are made to keep your wig looking its best.
NOTE: Product suggestions in this article for use or avoidance are those of V.J.C., based solely on the effects of those products on synthetic fiber wigs and are in no manner intended to relate the quality of the products in other applications.

DAMAGING AGENTS

Taking care of your wig also means avoiding damaging agents... like heat. That's heat from a pot of boiling water, a preheated oven, curling iron, blow dryer, or clothes dryer. Even heat from a cigarette lighter or barbeque grill dulls, frizzes, and straightens wig fibers.

Take precautions around heat: wear a turban or scarf around the house. When opening a pot or oven, avoid the initial burst of steam or heat. Also, don't use heated hair appliances. They aren't needed on today's preset wigs.

Avoid Heat Boiling Water A Preheated Oven Curling Iron Blow Dryer Clothes Dryer Cigarette Lighter Barbeque Grill

Your wig will also straighten if you brush or comb it when it's wet.

That includes wet from water, steam, rain, snow, or excessive spraying. Even perspiration at the nape or forehead can cause straightening. In these situations, don't touch your wig until it is dry.

Never brush or touch your wig when it is wet from: Water Steam Rain Snow Excessive Spraying Perspiration

Friction also damages a wig. Your wig may friz in spots where it rubs against upholstered furniture, high collars. bed pillows, and other surfaces.

This kind of frizzing, though, is a result of ordinary use and is considered normal wear and tear.

Friction from the following will also damage a wig: Upholstered Furniture High Collars Bed Pillows

CHECKLIST FOR EXTENDING WIG LIFE

• Use only wig care products; they are gentle on a wig's synthetic fiber.
• Avoid damaging your wig from heat, combing when wet or friction.

Here are some tips I learned from women like you. I think both ideas sound great! Buy a few wigs of the same style and rotate their use. Wear an older wig around the house while cooking, cleaning and resting.

BUYING WIGS BY MAIL

Buying wigs by mail is convenient and exciting because you choose from the variety of styles and colors. I've put together some guidelines to help your choices be the right ones for you.

MEASURING YOUR HEAD

Measure your head to order the perfect size. Wrap a tape measure around your head following your hairline. It goes above your ears.

Order a style that comes in your size, whether it's petite, average, or large. You may need one size larger if your hair is thick or long. But remember, the velcro tabs can be adjusted slightly to give you the perfect fit.

Measure your head to order the perfect size.

Petite
19" to 20 ½"

Petite to Average
20 ½" to 21 ½"

Average
21 ½"to 22 ½"

Large
22 ½" or more

COLOR SELECTION

To make an accurate color selection it's best to view the color guide near a window.

Keep in mind that lighter colors can soften facial lines, so don't be afraid to try a variety of shades.

FLATTERING YOUR FACE SHAPE

Certain wig styles do look more flattering on certain face shapes. Round faces look best with height on top and short sides. Short styles that are fluffy or curled at the sides add fullness to a long face. Styles with soft curls help lighten the features of a broad, square face. A triangular face, on the other hand, needs full hair around the neck and temples without a lot of height on top. Lucky you... if your face is oval. You can look great in any of these styles.

TODAY'S WIGS

Today's wigs are beautiful, and now you know how easy they are to manage. We covered a lot in this article: basic techniques, styling techniques and tips, home shopping hints, you even learned how your wig is made. I hope I've answered most of your questions so that you can enjoy the versatility and convenience of wearing wigs every day!

If you have any questions about wig care or selection, or for a free wig catalog, call a personal shopping advisor at:

THE WIG COMPANY

TOLL FREE   1 800 245-6288

Personal Shopping Advisor