Does your wig begin to look dull and frizzy in the winter? Follow our winter wig-wearing tips to learn how to keep your wig looking brand new through the colder months!
Why Does My Wig Get Frizzy in the Winter?
Chilly winter days are the perfect time to wear your new wig. So why does the wig not like the winter? There are several reasons. First of all, you may be wearing your wig more often, to keep your head warm. This leads to more wear and tear on the fiber. Also, you may be standing closer to high heat sources – fireplaces, candles, outdoor heaters, etc. The cold, dry air can, and lack of any natural oils or moisture can cause the wig to become dry and dull. The primary reason, however, is friction frizz due to wearing coats, scarves, and hats.
Different types of hair fiber respond differently to the increased friction. Heat Friendly wigs frizz very easily and will become tangled throughout the day. Traditional synthetic fibers (Kanekelon) will also frizz, but not as quickly as the heat friendly. Human hair is not as prone to frizz as synthetic counterparts, but it can easily become dry and tangled without proper care. We will share tips for dealing with each type of hair fiber. If you have a blended wig (usually human hair and heat friendly blend), we recommend following the tips for heat friendly wigs. Also remember, long wigs are affected more quickly than shorter wigs.
How Can I Minimize the Effects of Frequent Wear?
Condition, Condition, Condition – Our biological hair receives moisture from the natural oils in our scalp, but a wig does not have that advantage and can dry out more quickly. We should condition our wigs much more frequently than we may have done with our bio hair. Think of conditioner like the motor oil in your car – without it, the metal parts will grind together and wear out quickly. The oil allows them to glide past each other without damage. So too, conditioner will allow the hair fibers to move past each other and your skin and clothing with less friction, and less damage.
Shampoo Less – Over-washing can strip the wig fibers of moisture, causing them to dry out faster. This is especially true in the winter. Only wash your wig when needed. Wearing a wig cap can protect the wig from sweat, and allow you to wash less often.
Use the right products – always use shampoo, conditioner and other styling products designed for your type of wig. If your wig looks dull, make sure you are rinsing the shampoo out completely. If this does not solve the problem, use a shine spray to restore a healthy luster.
What Can I Do About Friction Frizz?
Friction Frizz is the result of the wig fiber rubbing against another surface – usually your skin or clothing. Textured surfaces are more damaging than silky surfaces Again, longer wigs are more prone to friction frizz than shorter ones as the hair is more likely to rub against clothing or furniture. Winter clothing is the main culprit of friction frizz. Opting for a wig with a shorter nape is one way to reduce winter frizzies.
Condition – It cannot be overstated, proper conditioning is the best way to prevent friction frizz
Combing – Use a wide-tooth comb throughout the day to remove tangles from your wig.
Reduce contact with textured surfaces – We all love a fuzzy wool coat or warm nubby scarf, but these textures can wreak havoc with our wig. Consider wearing a silk scarf between your hair and clothing. Also, make sure you lift your hair from under your coat or scarf. Wearing a hat over a wig will also promote frizziness. Opt for a hat with a silky lining, use a silk scarf under your hat, or try a halo or hat with hair.
Avoid Heat – Chilly weather means fireplaces, candles and other cozy heat sources. Remember, high heat can damage your wig, especially synthetics – so maintain your distance from heat. Wear a hat or scarf when cooking.
Defrizz – Even when cautious, friction frizz can happen. When it does, don\’t despair – most frizz can be repaired. Mild frizz can often be remedied with conditioner and a wide-tooth comb. Heat friendly and human hair wigs can be defrizzed with a flat iron on low heat (make sure to use a thermal conditioning spray. For more severe frizz, we recommend bringing it to a wig professional for a steam cleaning and deep conditioning treatment.
By following these tips you can protect and enjoy your wig all winter long!
