The maintenance of the hair prosthesis

Buying a hair prosthesis is an important investment. Whether it’s synthetic or natural hair. It’s an accessory that will be part of your image and also will follow you in your daily life.

Why is it important to maintain your prosthesis or wig? A good cleaning of your hair prosthesis is essential after every 10 to 14 uses (every time you wear your prosthesis) as well as a treatment every 3 months with your hair specialist. The maintenance of your hair prosthesis must be taken seriously. Using the right products is more likely, make it  to stay nice and shiny. The use of standard hair products are not suitable for hair prostheses. It has to be treated differently. If you don’t, your hair will become impossible to style. Good care will help to keep your wig at it’s best look and softer to touch.

The products to use are going to be different depending on the fiber. Synthetic hair and natural hair does not have the same needs. Synthetic hair does not require any styling but, it has no resistance to heat. That’s why it’s highly recommended to follow the tips below.

How to you wash synthetic hair fiber prosthesis? Before washing, brush it very gently to untangle and remove the all residues.  If you have a prosthesis with tight curls, the use of the brush should be avoided, then it is best to use your fingers. Washing a prosthesis, using a synthetic hair shampoo. Mix the shampoo with cold water in a sink or bowl, then turn the hair prosthesis inside out and dip it fully into the water. It should stay in the sink for a few minutes. Then, the sink can be emptied to allow the hair prosthesis to be rinsed until there is no shampoo left. Be careful, it is important to rinse it with cold water from the inside out. Wrap it in a towel then pat it gently to remove excess water. Don’t rub the hair. Place it on a wig stand and let it dry overnight. To avoid knots, it is important to brush it without pulling on the hair, using the fingers if necessary. The fiber will automatically return to its original position. Be careful not to approach heat sources (oven, barbecue, lighters, dishwasher) and do not use a blowdryer or other heating appliances. It is also essential to use the appropriate detangler on a daily basis to remove knots and frizzes from hair, while restoring a healthy luster.

To wash natural hair prostheses, untangle the strands with your fingers. Mix the appropriate shampoo for natural hair with lukewarm water. Dip it fully into water and soak for 10 to 15 minutes. Empty the water and refill with lukewarm water and shampoo again. Clean it gently with your fingers. Rinse the prosthesis well in slightly colder water. Apply the conditioning treatment and let it sit for 5 minutes, then rinse your prosthesis well. The products used will help restore hair as the proteins of the products restore and revitalize the hair. To help maintain a healthy balance of moisture to prevent damage.  Wrap the hair prosthesis in a sponge towel and dab without rubbing to absorb excess water. Place it on a mannequin, style it with a blowdryer. It is possible to use a curling or smoothing iron to create the desired look.

As a backup plan, in order to take the time to properly wash your prosthesis, one of the solutions may be to have several wigs, to be able to alternate cleaning and drying.

Our experts recommend a deep cleaning treatment every 3 months. The treatment is done by one of our hair experts. Depending on the type of hair fiber. We will use more efficient adapted products to restore the prothesis and rehydrate everything. Using a special device depending on the type of hair, we restore the initial shape to the hair strands. Don’t wait until it’s too late to have your hair prosthesis treated!

Despite popular belief, synthetic fiber requires simpler maintenance than semi-natural or natural fiber. When removing your topper, you should gently place it on a mannequin head so you don’t damage the fibers. For a wig, we prefer that you do not use the mannequin. Use a wig stand or use its box in order, not to damage the fibers and the cap. You should use a wig stand when you are not wearing it. Also use it to dry the hair after washing. If you don’t use it, add a light scarf, so the dust doesn’t stick to it.

It is also very important to use a suitable brush if you do not want to damage the fibers of your hair. A regular brush could ruin the strands. For synthetic hair, we recommend the use of a spider brush. For natural hair, we recommend the use of a boar brush.

How to avoid problem and keep your hair prosthesis nice and shinny? Here’s what you need to know. The use of your prosthesis will determine its lifespan. When you wear your prosthesis every day or especially during sports sessions. You will have to wash it more often. The skin PH often ends up burning the cap or lining of the wig. It makes it, less durable, unlike a person who only wears it from time to time.

Swimming is also to be avoided, with your hair prosthesis. Chlorine damages irreversibly the hair fiber. We recommend wearing a swimming cap if you enjoy swimming.

It is very important, for those who need to use glue to get a better fix. BE CAREFUL! Ask your wig expert to recommend you will have to be very careful. DO NOT use any glue on the monofilament. The adhesive will cause severe and permanent damage to your hair prosthesis. Ask our specialist for medical prostheses that have non-slip material inside. The silicone tabs make hair prostheses more stable.

You should buy the right cleaning products, we also carry (glues, solvents, brushes, supports…) on our online store.

If you have questions, contact us.