Why Is My Human Hair Wig Tangling So Much?

I remember one of my friends asking me this question a few years back:

“Why is my human hair wig tangling so much?”

At that time, she had just invested so much to get a wig she'd found flawless and breathtaking. But the reality was totally different from what she had imagined.

Our first thought was to accuse the seller of marketing a human hair wig that doesn't tangle ( we were partly correct). But then, on second thought, we decided to check if any of her actions could have caused it. Turns out, there could be a lot of reasons.

A lot of cheap human hair wigs tangle constantly because the cuticles aren't aligned and the hair's already been chemically processed. Virgin human hair is different. The cuticles are intact and running in the same direction, so it holds up so much better with way less matting.

If you want to avoid the tangle struggle altogether, Hermosa Hair has solid 100% virgin human hair options worth checking out.

Still, the tangling is a real issue. Why does it tangle so much, and how can you fix and prevent it? No one wants to wear a wig that tangles and doesn't look lush. So, in this post, we'll take a look at some of the reasons and how you can fix and maintain it. Let's go!

Reasons Why Your Wig Tangles So Much

1. Cuticle Misalignment

Misaligning the cuticles is one of the major factors that can cause tangles in human hair wigs. This simply means the hair tangles because the hair strands point in the opposite direction.

For example, non-Remy human hair wigs do not have their cuticles facing the same direction. So, the strands can catch on each other, making the hair tangle even though it's a human hair wig.

Related Read: Raw Hair VS Virgin Hair VS Remy Hair VS Non-Remy Hair, What's The Difference

2. Chemically Processed or Colored

Another factor is coloring and chemicals. If the wig has been chemically processed or colored at the factory, it's likely the wig will tangle often.

This is because the harsh chemicals damage the protective layer of the wig, making the strands dry and rough. Unlike unprocessed wigs, these wigs have been stripped of cuticles, making them prone to tangles at the slightest mistake.

3. Absence of Natural Oils and Moisture

Unlike natural hair growing from the scalp, human hair wigs do not receive sebum from the scalp that keeps them from drying out. What this means is your wig can get extremely dry and brittle, leading to tangling because of the absence of natural oils.

4. Friction

If your wig constantly rubs against your scarves, collars, and other clothing, the strands might form a knot and mat together. This happens especially around the nape of the neck that comes in contact with your clothes. Rougher fabrics also create more knots, which in no time leads to tangles.

5. Product Buildup

Leaving products for a long time on your human hair wig without proper washing can lead to a tangled mess. This is because the heavy styling creams and oils can cause a sticky residue that attracts dust and causes knots in the wig.

6. Environmental Conditions

Even humidity, wind, and dry air can cause your human hair wig to tangle. If the strands get moved all over the place by the wind, you will notice a few tangles start to form. Also, very dry air can reduce the moisture in your wig, making it prone to tangling.

7. Overheat Styling

Your human hair wigs can get tangled if you overheat them or use heat styling too frequently. That can dry out your hair and lead to tangles and knots.

8. Lack of Care

Another vital factor that can cause your human hair wig to tangle so much is if it's not properly taken care of. Neglecting washing, oiling, and brushing will cause your wig to mat. Not only does the hair need styling before wear, but it also needs care even after each wear.

How to Detangle Your Human Hair Wig?

The first step to tackling regular tangling is to detangle your wig properly. In this section, let's see the steps to unravel every knot and tangle in your human hair wig.

Step 1: Get all the tools you need

For the detangling process, get a mannequin head, a wide-tooth comb, a detangling spray, leave-in conditioner, and some pins. These are a few tools you'll use to get all the tangles removed properly without stress.

Step 2: Prepare the wig

Now, place your wig on the mannequin head and pin it in place so it doesn't move as you detangle. Be sure the wig is also properly dried to avoid damaging the strands even further.

Step 3: Section the wig

Divide the hair into a few parts to make it easier. After dividing, hold each section with a claw clip so they don't mix.

Step 4: Apply the products

Get your light leave-in conditioner and apply it all over the wig. Don't forget to keep them in sections. If you're using a detangling spray instead, mist the hair with the product. But focus more on the areas that are tangled up.

Once you've applied it, allow the product to sit in for a few minutes. This helps soften the knots a little bit, making detangling them easier.

Step 5: Start detangling

Pick each section at a time and detangle thoroughly. You should begin combing from the ends of the hair and move upwards gradually. While you do so, hold the hair just above the area you're combing to avoid pulling on the hair.

If you discover any knots, use your hands to unravel them gently. You can apply more product if it doesn't loosen easily.

Move to the other sections and repeat the same steps.

Step 6: Wash your human hair wig

Wash the wig with a sulfate-free shampoo, and rinse out properly by dipping it into water and pulling it out. Go in with your moisturizing conditioner afterwards to hydrate the wig. Brush carefully again. Be sure to handle the wig carefully to avoid creating new knots in the hair.

Step 7: Dry the wig

Rinse out the conditioner, then get a microfiber towel and place the rinsed wig on one side. Use the other side to pat it dry. Once that's done, leave it to dry completely in a cool place before brushing it.

Can You Prevent Your Human Hair Wig from Tangling?

Honestly, even the expensive human hair wigs tangle from time to time. So, it's not possible to prevent your human hair wig from tangling altogether. But you can take precautions to minimize it significantly. Here's how to prevent your wig from tangling frequently:

1. Wash Regularly

You'll be surprised at what regularly washing your human wig can do. Not only does it help to cleanse it, but it also keeps tangles at bay, making it fresh for a long time. So, wash after a couple of wears, at most 10 wears.

2. Condition

Conditioning also does the magic. This helps moisturize your wig strands, making them soft and free of tangles. I like to use a nourishing product that contains a lot of nutrients. That way, the wig will stay moisturized, fresh, and lush for a long time. So, don't skip this. Let the product sit in the hair for a while before rinsing it off.

3. Brush Correctly

Instead of brushing your wig haphazardly, always be intentional about it. You can use a wide-tooth comb or a loop brush to comb the hair. And always start at the tips and work your way up slowly. This removes knots and makes it hard to form new ones.

I'll also recommend that you get a comb you can easily carry everywhere and touch up a few times a day.

4. Hydrate with Good Products

Moisturizing is key to enjoying a tangle-free wig. So, always apply a leave-in conditioner and lightweight oils to hydrate your human hair wig. This also leaves it looking shiny and beautiful.

5. Store the Wig Properly

When you're not wearing your wig, store it properly on a mannequin head or in a silk bag. This keeps it from tangling up or rubbing against itself.

6. Look Out for Potential Friction

Sometimes, it could be your clothes that cause the tangles. This is why you should keep your wig away from rough edges. Also, make sure that they are not around collars and scarves that could cause knots in your hair.

7. Go for the Highest Quality

Invest in good quality wigs. While lower-grade human hair wigs will tangle less frequently than synthetic wigs, higher-grade human hair wigs do not tangle as often.

Choosing a Quality Human Hair Wig that Stays Lush For Long

Unlike my friend, who jumped at a wig because it looked flawless at first sight, take your time to check all the indicators to choose a high-quality human hair wig that's free of tangles. You can take a look at the factors that help you know a good quality human hair wig below:

- Hair quality: Search for 100% virgin human hair wigs that have never been chemically processed and do not have a silicone coating.

- Hair texture: Some hair textures are more prone to tangling than others. Choose a hair texture you can properly manage.

- Cap construction: Take a close look to be sure the cap construction will prevent tangling or not.

- Customer reviews: Go through the reviews of other customers to know if they've struggled with tangling.

Conclusion

If you've struggled so much with tangling, you can put a stop to it with my tips in this post. Sometimes, the tangles are not our fault; other times, they are. But what's most important now is what we do and how we take care of it.

So, detangle your human hair wig and take the necessary precautions to avoid getting tangles in the hair again. To shop for 100% virgin human hair that doesn't tangle frequently, be sure to check out Hermosa Hair.