How to Keep a Wig from Tangling: Easy Tips for Smooth Hair

There’s no way to make tangling bearable for anyone. Spending a huge amount of money on your dream wig only to have the strands tangle isn’t something anyone looks forward to.

Anyone who’s experienced this can tell that it isn’t pleasant in any way. Imagine getting ready to go out for the day, or even for a dinner date, only to realize you can’t rock a perfectly good wig because it’s tangled.

It has to come to an end. Whether your wigs are made from synthetic fibers or human hair, this post will show you how to keep your wigs from tangling. We’ll also talk about why wigs tangle in the first place and how to properly detangle them.

Why Does My Wig Tangle?

There are many reasons why your wig tangles. Some of those reasons are:

1. The Wig Type

Synthetic wigs are more susceptible to tangling than human hair wigs. This is because of the nature and quality of the hair. Since human hair wigs are higher in quality, they don't tangle as easily as synthetic fiber wigs.

Related Read: Human Hair Wig vs Synthetic Wig, What's The Difference

2. Lack of natural oils

While your natural hair receives sebum from your scalp to keep your hair hydrated and smooth, wigs do not receive any natural oils from the scalp. This makes them dry, brittle, and prone to knots, especially when you do not manage them properly.

3. The lack of maintenance

I'll be honest with you. Lack of care is one of the leading reasons wigs tangle. Neglecting the basic steps, like brushing the strands, can quickly cause knots, and before you know it, it's all tangled up, making it difficult to care for.

4. Length

In case you’re wondering how length causes tangles, the truth is that longer wigs are more likely to tangle than shorter ones, particularly at the nape of the neck. This isn’t to say shorter wigs don’t tangle; they do. However, longer wigs are just more prone to tangling.

5. Environmental Factors

Another reason your wig may tangle is due to environmental factors like humidity, wind, dry air, and cold air.

While the wind may cause your hair to rub against itself, which leads to knots forming in your hair, high humidity can cause your hair to absorb the moisture in the air, making the texture rough and heavy. You'll notice your hair becoming frizzy with knots developing in it. Also, during winter, your wig may lose moisture. This makes it brittle and more likely to tangle.

6. Texture

Your wigs may tangle more if they are curly. This is because curly wigs are more prone to dryness as a result of their curl pattern. This dryness can lead to tangles and knots if not handled and managed.

7. Product Buildup

Using excess products and leaving them in your wig can lead to tangles. The excess products create a residue that makes it sticky and heavy. And what this results in is the strands sticking together and tangling up. Buildup also attracts dust to wigs, which makes them prone to knots.

8. Friction

Similar to our natural hair, wigs also experience friction when you dry them roughly with a towel, use metal clips that snag them, or constantly rub them against a cloth. This roughens your cuticle and creates knots and friction in the hair.

But how can you prevent them? Keep reading to find out.

How to Prevent My Wig from Tangling?

Now, for some tips on how to keep your wig from tangling. Everything boils down to proper care and maintenance.

Here's a breakdown below.

1. Brush Your Wig properly and regularly

Someone complained that she ends up with more knots and tangles in her wigs after she's combed them. And my reply was “you're doing it wrong.”

When you brush, start from the tip and work your way to the top of the wig gently. You do not start from the middle or the top, but from the ends.

Also, you comb with the correct wig brush, like a wide-tooth comb or a boar-bristle brush. These are perfect for combing your wig. They don't cause matting, tangling, and shedding.

Notice that there are two things right here: the right wig brush and how you comb.

2. Store Your Wig Well

Storing your wig properly deserves to be “hyped” just as any other way to prevent tangles. That's because storing your wig properly keeps the tangles away. It maintains the look and makes sure there are no unnecessary knots in the hair.

So, when next you feel like throwing your wig on a chair or box, remember this point.

The best ways to store your wig are by placing it on a wig stand or mannequin head or inside a storage box. Since some hair vendors deliver the wig in a box, it can serve as a storage box.

However, if you're on the move and can't take the box with you, get a satin or silk bag. They aren't harsh on the hair and will prevent friction and tangles.

3. Use the Best Products

The products you use can make a big change in preventing tangles in your wig. Your leave-in conditioners, lightweight oils, heat protectant, detangler sprays, and hair brush have to be the best for your wig. They will not just smooth the hair to make it more manageable; they will also hydrate, soften, control flyaways, and prevent damage in your wig. There are countless reasons why using the best hair products is worth it.

4. Condition Regularly

Another helpful way to prevent tangles is by conditioning your wig regularly. Like you already know, wigs aren't exactly popular for retaining moisture. So, to keep it hydrated, you must condition it regularly. And by doing so, you're keeping the hair soft, and the tangles will be far away.

Quick Note: You can condition your wig once every two weeks or roughly after 7 to 10 wears.

When you want to wash, the starting point would be to get a sulfate-free conditioner that doesn't strip the hair of its luster. Those containing sulfates, alcohols, or harsh chemicals can cause more damage to the hair, making it shed, dry out, and become brittle.

5. Don't Sleep in Your Wig

Always remove your wig before going to bed. You can prevent friction that causes tangles and knots if you practice this. However, if you will sleep with your wig on, maybe due to an installation with glue, get a satin or silk pillowcase. This should stop the friction against your pillow.

You can also wear a satin or silk bonnet to bed. These materials reduce friction, matting, and tangles since they are non-absorbent.

6. Avoid Friction

Watch out for rubbing your hair against clothes, scarves, collars, and hats. It can lead to tangles. I also wouldn't encourage touching your hair too often, although it's become a habit for many of us, especially with our long wigs.

However, you can create friction and break down the hair fiber, which will cause knots and tangles.

7. Touch-Ups are Necessary

Instead of running your hands through your wig, you can touch it up with a hairbrush. There's nothing wrong with combing your hair several times while you have it on during the day. As a matter of fact, it is healthy and advisable.

You can keep tangles away and have smooth hair all through. Simply keep a small, portable brush in your bag and touch up at intervals.

8. Protect from Environmental Factors

How can you protect your wig from environmental factors that cause tangles? You can wear a silk scarf on your wig in humid weather, and you could go strong on your hair routine. I'm not saying you should use an extra amount of products during those seasons. Instead, get the best hair care solutions to protect your strands.

For example, you can use lightweight oils and anti-frizz creams in hot weather and use leave-in creams and hair serums in cold weather.

The key here is knowing the right hair products to use in extreme conditions. They perform the magic!

Our Recommendation:

The best type of wigs with little to no tangles are 100% unprocessed human hair. Check them out at our store.

How to Detangle a Wig Properly?

If your wig is already tangled, mastering the correct way to detangle it is key to keeping the wig in good condition longer.

Avoid Making These Mistakes

● Squish your wig in a tight space.

● Placing them with other tools.

● Drying your hair in the sun after washing.

● Rubbing and scrubbing your wig harshly when washing it.

● Wringing and twisting your wig when drying it.

● Not washing your wig frequently as you should.

● Using too many products on your hair.

● Cutting out the tangles and knots in your wig.

● Using heat styling tools often.

One More Thing, or Two..

You can also tackle tangles and prevent them by washing your hair. Think less of what will happen if you can't get them out, and focus on pampering your wig. Proper care can do more wonders than you imagine.

So, gather your hair products, dentangle the wig gently, shampoo, condition, deep condition, dry, and style. Ta-da! You'll have a refreshed wig.

Still, it is important that you also take your wig to the salon. A professional stylist knows how to restore your wig.