While there are some similarities in the way you wash synthetic and human hair, you need completely different products to care for them. In this blog post, Georgina will outline how to wash synthetic toppers and wigs, and offer advice on the different products you will need – plus things to avoid!
Products
You need to purchase special hair care products to use on synthetic hair, as the hair is essentially made of plastic fibres. Often, certain brands will want you to use their own branded synthetic hair care products. However, I find that the different options are similar in terms of performance. For example, you won't damage a Jon Renau wig if you use Ellen Wille synthetic shampoo on it.
I use the T-Range shampoo for synthetic hair fibres and the T-Range Softening Conditioner for synthetic hair fibres. I choose to stock these products mainly because I like the smell of them!
How to wash
- Give the hair a gentle brush before you start to remove any tangles.
- Rinse the piece under lukewarm running water. We advise using a tap, rather than a powerful shower head.
- Apply a 2p blob of shampoo and gently massage it into the hair. You can also wash the cap/base of the piece.
- Rinse off under running water.
- Next, fill a sink or bowl with lukewarm water (make sure the water is not hot!). Add the conditioner to the water and mix it around. Then soak the whole topper or wig in the bowl of water.
- Leave the hair to soak for a few minutes, but check the instructions on the bottle and follow the time instructions on there.
- Rinse the hair under running water and then leave the piece to air dry on an open stand. We advise using an open plastic stand.
- Once dry, give it a brush and style if necessary. NOTE: you cannot use heat (hairdryer, straighteners or curling tong) on synthetic pieces unless they are heat-defiant fibres.
I also use the T-Range Soften 'n' Sheen Conditioning Spray for synthetic hair fibres, which I find useful for refreshing synthetic pieces and making the curls a bit bouncier on wavy/curly pieces.
For more tips and tricks on washing toppers, check out my video!
