Curly wigs, like a lace frontal wig, are beautiful and add luxe style to your look. All wigs need a certain kind of care, but curly wigs in particular have special needs.
The way you brush it (and when to do so), the way you wash and dry it, there are some things Curly Girls should know to keep their wig on point. Kendra’s Boutique is the wig and hair extension store with the most up-to-date techniques.
Introduction
Curly wigs have a specific kind of structure that demands special care. The hair itself is prone to dryness, frizz, and tangling. If not handled properly, the curls will become damaged and the wig’s lifespan shortened.
A curly wig needs a little more moisture, and the curls need to be refreshed frequently. Use of heat and styling tools should be kept to a minimum. They should be washed and detangled in a special way to avoid weakening the curl.
Here are some tips on caring for your curly wig with our daily and weekly maintenance tips.
How to Take Care of Curly Wigs (Daily & Weekly Routine)
Step #1 – Section the Hair
When working with your wig, it’s easier to work in four to six manageable sections. Create a center part. Start from the bottom using clips to hold the top sections together.
Step #2 – Spray a Detangling Mist
Curly wigs should only be brushed or detangled when the hair is wet or damp. Brushing it when it’s dry can lead to frizz, so use a lightweight, water-based detangling mist before brushing.
Step #3 – Gently Brush the Hair
Use a wide-toothed comb or a special brush for curly hair, and gently work from the roots up.
Step #4 – Restore the Curls
Bring your curls back to life by spraying the wig with either a light mousse or a mix of water and leave-in conditioner.
Step #5 – Store Your Wig Carefully
Store your wig on a mannequin head or wig stand away from direct heat or sunlight. This will help maintain its shape. A breathable mesh bag placed over it will keep it free from dust and debris.
Styling & Refreshing Curly Wigs
Keep your curly wig looking fresh with these proper styling methods and simple steps for refreshing the hair.
- Detangle the wig gently. Spray on a light detangling wig spray, and using a wide-toothed comb, work from the bottom up. Avoid detangling the wig when it's dry to prevent frizz.
- Refresh the curl pattern. Lightly use a spray bottle to apply a tiny bit of water mixed with hair serum or mousse. Use your fingers to twist the natural curls back into their original style. Let curls air-dry completely before touching to keep the structure intact.
- For more volume, gently shake the wig while it’s on the stand, carefully separating the curls once they’re dry. Scrunch the ends with your hands.
How to Wash a Curly Wig Properly
The way you wash your wig is an essential step in keeping it looking great and extending its wear. Follow these care instructions.
Identify Your Wig Type
If the wig is made from synthetic or natural human hair, the products you’ll use will differ. A synthetic wig needs special products that are designed for plastic-based synthetic fibers. Otherwise, the products can build up, creating a stiff or greasy look.
Curly wigs made from natural hair, like those offered by Kendra’s Boutique, require shampoos that add some moisture to the hair strands and protect the color.
Before you do anything, gently untangle the wig. Either use your fingers, a wide-toothed comb, or a wig brush and work from the ends up.
Fill Your Basin
Use lukewarm (never hot) water and add a few drops of the specific cleanser to the mix.
Shampoo Your Wig
Gently swish your wig in the basin for about 10-15 minutes. If yours is a lace or lace frontal wig, use a soft toothbrush to carefully clean the lace and wig cap.
H3: Rinse Off Shampoo
Rinse the wig with warm water. Gently squeeze out any excess water; don’t wring or twist water from the wig.
Condition Your Wig (Recommended Addition)
Curly wigs need extra moisture, so adding a conditioner is an extra step that pays off. Apply conditioner, focusing on the ends, and let it sit for a few minutes for deep conditioning. Rinse again and gently squeeze out the water.
Drying Curly Wigs the Right Way
- After washing and conditioning, make sure all products are rinsed out. Gently squeeze the wig to remove the water; don’t twist or wring it dry.
- Use a microfiber towel to blot even more dampness. From the wig.
- Place the wig on a mannequin head or wig stand and let it air-dry. This helps maintain the curl.
- Avoid blow-drying the wig or touching it as it dries, as this can lead to frizz.
Storing Your Curly Wig Properly
After cleaning and thoroughly air-drying your wig, keep it on a wig stand or mannequin head. Make sure that it’s out of direct sunlight and away from heat. Storing it in a cool, dark place helps prevent matting or frizz.
Place a breathable satin bag over it to keep dust or debris from your wig.
Curly Wig Care Essentials (Must-Have Products & Tools)
So what are the specific products, hair styling tools and accessories you need to keep your curly wig looking fabulous? Kendra’s Boutique has some expert recommendations.
- Sulfate-free,moisturizing products. Human hair wigs require a little extra moisture to prevent drying out and frizz, and to preserve the color.
- Wide-tooth comb or wig brush for proper detangling. Work gently from the bottom up to the roots.
- Mousse, activator, or a curl-defining cream. These add shine and maintain the natural bounce and pattern in all the curls.
- Lightweight leave-in conditioner. This seals in moisture to prevent the hair from going frizzy.
- Heat protectant. Protect against heat damage when using styling tools.
- Spray bottle for a light spritz of water or products.
- Mannequin head or wig stand. This is the best way to store your wig. Add a satin bonnet for more protection and keep it free of debris and dust.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Caring for Curly Wigs
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Washing too frequently. Curly and wavy wigs are dependent on moisture; washing them too often strips away natural oils, causing the hair to become too dry. It also leads to split ends.
Aim to wash after every 6-8 wears or if there’s a noticeable buildup of product. - Hot water. This damages the follicles, leading to tangles and shedding. Use lukewarm water or cold water when washing the wig.
- Using the wrong products. Natural hair wigs need sulfate-free products and wig shampoo. A "regular” shampoo or deep conditioner is too drying.
- Scrubbing too hard. Handle your curly hair wig with care when washing, swishing it gently in the water. After rinsing, gently squeeze out the water and use a microfiber towel to blot up more excess moisture. Rough handling, like twisting, breaks down the strands and curl pattern in the wig hair.
- Overuse of heat. Skip the blow dryer in favor of air-drying. Limit the use of heat styling tools; when you do, always apply a heat-friendly protectant first and stick to low heat on things like a curling iron. This will keep curls frizz-free.
- Skipping daily maintenance. Get in the habit of doing a quick detangle using a spritz of water or light leave-in spray to properly maintain your curls.
- Sleeping in the wig. Besides "bed head," this creates mats, frizz, split ends, and tangles. Store your wig on a mannequin head or wig form to prevent knots.
Final Thoughts
A gorgeous curly hair wig from Kendra’s Boutique is a fast way to change up your glam game. (Of course, we have lots of other style “musts,” like mink eyelashes, Brazilian hair bundles for sale, or if you’re in the market to buy tape-in hair extensions.)
When it comes to how to maintain kinky, curly wigs, invest in your style with the right products and care routine. You’ll always look fresh, and your wig will last longer!
