How Do You Brush a Real Hair Wig?
Brushing a real hair wig effectively primarily involves starting from the ends and gently working your way up to prevent damage and tangles.
The most crucial aspect of brushing a real human hair wig is the method of detangling. As highlighted in professional wig care tutorials, such as "Alexa's Wig Series," the foundational rule is to "always start from the bottom and work your way up." This means you should "brush out the ends of the section" first.
This technique is paramount for several reasons:
- Prevents Breakage: It addresses smaller knots at the very ends of the hair first, preventing you from pulling larger tangles downwards through the entire strand, which can cause significant breakage and shedding.
- Maintains Hair Quality: By gently working through the hair, you reduce stress on the wig's wefts and individual hair strands, helping to preserve its natural look and longevity.
- Reduces Shedding: Less pulling means less strain on the hair tied to the wig cap, minimizing premature shedding.
Tools You'll Need
Having the right tools is essential for effective and gentle wig brushing:
- Wig Stand or Mannequin Head: This provides a stable base, making it easier to brush without pulling on the wig's base.
- Wide-Tooth Comb: Ideal for initial detangling and separating larger sections, especially if the wig has significant knots.
- Wig Brush (Loop Brush): Designed specifically for wigs, these brushes feature flexible loops instead of bristles, which glide through the hair without snagging or pulling on the wig's cap.
- Detangling Spray or Leave-in Conditioner: A light mist can help lubricate stubborn knots, making them easier to brush out. Use products specifically formulated for human hair wigs.
- Spray Bottle with Water (Optional): Lightly dampen the hair if it's very dry or static-prone.
Step-by-Step Brushing Guide
Follow these steps for a thorough and gentle brushing process:
- Secure the Wig: Place your real hair wig securely on a wig stand or a mannequin head. This prevents it from shifting and allows you to work freely.
- Section the Hair: Divide the wig's hair into several manageable sections (e.g., 2-4 sections, depending on the wig's thickness and length) using your fingers or a wide-tooth comb. Clip the unbrushed sections away.
- Hold the Hair Base: For each section you're about to brush, grasp the hair firmly about 3-4 inches from the base of the wig cap. This helps to absorb any tension from brushing, preventing pulling on the wig's foundation.
- Start at the Ends: Using your wide-tooth comb or wig brush, begin brushing only the very bottom 2-3 inches of the section. Use gentle, downward strokes. If you encounter a knot, do not yank. Instead, work it out patiently with short, soft strokes, or gently pick it apart with your fingers.
- Work Your Way Up: Once the bottom portion is tangle-free, move your grip a few inches higher up the section and repeat the brushing process. Continue this method, gradually moving closer to the roots, until the entire section is smooth and detangled.
- Address Stubborn Knots: For particularly stubborn tangles, lightly spritz with detangling spray or water. Allow it to absorb for a moment, then carefully work through the knot using the wide-tooth comb from the very bottom of the tangle.
- Complete All Sections: Repeat the process for all remaining sections of the wig until the entire wig is smooth, soft, and free of tangles.
- Final Smooth (Optional): Once all sections are detangled, you can give the entire wig a final gentle brush through from top to bottom with your wig brush for a polished look.
Wig Brushing Do's and Don'ts
Understanding what to do and what to avoid is crucial for maintaining your real hair wig's quality.
| Do's | Don'ts |
|---|---|
| Do always start brushing from the ends and work your way up. | Don't ever brush from the roots down without detangling the ends first. |
| Do use a specialized wig brush (loop brush) or a wide-tooth comb. | Don't use a regular bristled hairbrush, as it can snag and damage the wig's cap and hair. |
| Do section the hair to make brushing more manageable. | Don't try to brush large, tangled sections all at once. |
| Do hold the hair near the base to prevent pulling on the wig cap. | Don't tug or pull harshly on tangles; this can cause shedding and breakage. |
| Do use detangling spray or water for stubborn knots. | Don't brush the wig aggressively when it is soaking wet, as hair is most fragile when wet. Air-dry mostly before brushing. |
| Do brush your wig regularly, ideally after every 2-3 wears or as needed. | Don't store your wig without brushing out tangles first, as they will worsen over time. |
By following these guidelines, you can ensure your real hair wig remains beautiful, tangle-free, and lasts longer. For more detailed visual guides on wig maintenance, explore online resources and video tutorials.
