Not all shampoos are labeled mild or strong, so look for a shampoo without “sulfates,” which is a strong cleansing agent. Shampoos without sulfates are much gentler on the hair, and they’re usually labeled as “sulfate-free” on the front of the bottle. [2] X Research source You should be able to buy shampoos for synthetic wigs and extensions at a beauty supply store or wig store. (Try only to use conditioner if you can. ) That said, you should only wash synthetic hair if it is smelly or visibly dirty. Washing will not add shine or strengthen the hair, and you should not wash it too often.
To make the combing process easier, wet the hair by spritzing it with a spray bottle filled with water or detangling spray. Then, comb the hair. If the hair has a really tight curl pattern, use your fingers to comb the hair. Your fingers are much gentler, won’t snag the hair and won’t disrupt the curl pattern like a comb does. If you are wearing a wig or clip-in extensions, you might find it easier to take them off and then comb them. Purchase a wig block at a beauty supply store, and set the wig on the block with T-pins. This will help you comb the hair.
Using too much shampoo or a harsh shampoo can make the hair look dull.
Avoid rubbing the hair in circles, as this may cause more tangles.
Conditioners are usually labeled by type. So, they will say moisturizing, volumizing, or detangling on the front of the bottle. If you are still having trouble finding a detangling shampoo, check the children’s section. Several companies make shampoos and detangling conditioners for children. If you want to add some sheen back to the hair, purchase a conditioner with some natural oils such as avocado or jojoba oil.
If you’re wearing your extensions, your hair should still be wet after rinsing out the shampoo.
If you are wearing your extensions as you condition them, add one or two capfuls directly to your hair and distribute evenly.
You also can let the hair sit in the conditioner water for 10 to 15 minutes if you’re washing the extensions in the sink. You can make your own leave-in conditioner by pouring a cap of detangling conditioner into a spray bottle and filling the bottle with water. Shake to combine the two ingredients, and spray on hair as needed. If you think that you have added a bit too much conditioner to the hair, spritz the hair with water from a spray bottle to gently rinse out some of it.
If you’re drying a wig, place it on a wig stand to dry.
For best results, allow the hair to air dry even if you can use hot tools on the hair. This applies to clip-in and non-clip-in extensions.
Don’t brush curly or wavy synthetic hair with bristled brushes such as boar bristle brushes. These kinds of brushes can mess up the pattern and texture of the hair.
Lots of synthetic hair is tightly curled textured hair because synthetic hair can recreate the texture and curls of specific types of hair that is difficult to recreate with straight human hair – the original state of most extensions. Synthetic hair creates texture and holds the curl and waves better than human hair does. So, if you’re using curly and wavy synthetic hair and you want it to last longer, spritz the hair with water and comb through with your fingers.
You also can curl straight synthetic hair with hot water. Set the hair on rollers, or whatever you’re using as a curling rod. Then, dip the hair in very hot water, or spray hot water on the hair if you’re wearing them. Place the hair on a towel to dry or let it air dry, and then remove the curling rods once it’s dry. Only do this if you really want to change the style of the hair. It’s not recommended to curl it and then try to straighten it. Synthetic hair can’t undergo frequent style changes so easily without damaging the hair. If your synthetic hair does not say that you can use hot tools on it, then don’t. You might ruin or melt the hair.
Most synthetic extensions are naturally shinier than human hair, so only do this if they appear dull.
