Taking Care of Your Hairpieces: A Comprehensive Guide

A non-surgical hair replacement system is a significant decision that can boost your confidence and instantly transform your appearance. Whether you’ve purchased a hair system for men or human hair hairpieces for women, proper care and maintenance are essential for ensuring their longevity and keeping them looking natural and vibrant with a silky smooth touch and appearance. 

Here are some timeless tips & comprehensive guides to help you take care of your hairpieces after purchasing them, allowing you to enjoy their beauty to the fullest:

Handle with care

Treat your hairpiece as you would your natural hair, with patience and tenderness. When using hairpieces, one must never forget that they are not our original hair that gets a chance to regrow if any damage occurs. So, one of the fundamental aspects for a hairpiece user is to exercise gentle care as if it were something extremely precious to you (which it should be). Avoid unnecessary tugging or pulling, which can cause hair shedding and tearing of the system. 

Hold the hairpiece from the base or cap rather than pulling the hair strands directly when attaching or removing it. This is crucial to avoid unnecessary damage. Always use both hands to prevent strain on the hair strands and delicate materials. 

Don’t overclean your hairpiece.

While cleaning is crucial for maintaining the appearance and hygiene of your hairpiece, over-cleaning is just the contrary. Depending on your hair system, you need to clean it every 1-2 weeks or after 7-8 uses. 

Never use harsh haircare products on your hair unit. Instead, opt for hairpiece-friendly shampoos and conditioners for hairpieces to maintain the beauty and longevity of your hairpiece without damaging it with toxic chemicals that make it dull, lighten the hair color and cause hair shedding. 

Follow these steps for washing your hairpiece:

1. 
   Detangle: Gently detangle the hairpiece before washing it using a wide-tooth comb or a looped hairpiece brush to avoid any damage to the system.

Start by brushing the ends and slowly work your way up to the roots. Avoid using excessive force or pulling to prevent hair loss from the hair system.

1. 
   Remove the adhesive: Remove the adhesive from your system with the help of adhesive remover and paper towels. Then let lukewarm water run over the hairpiece to remove the remaining residue. Never use hot water on the hair unit as it tends to damage its roots, leaving it dull, frizzy, and dry throughout. 
2. Washing: Add a small amount of hairpiece-specific shampoo only on the system’s base and wash gently. You do not need to put shampoo on the hair strands, as the lather will penetrate through the base and hair, cleansing it in the process. Do not rub or twist the hairpiece while washing to avoid any damage to the hair strands. Rinse thoroughly with clean water, ensuring all shampoo is removed.
3. 
   Conditioning: Apply a small amount of hairpiece conditioner from the roots to the tip, avoiding the base or cap. Leave the conditioner briefly, rinse well with cool water and follow with a leave-in conditioner. Never skip this step, as this will ensure your hairpiece looks and feels good.
4. 
   Drying: Gently blot the excess water from the hairpiece using a soft towel. Avoid rubbing or wringing, as it can damage the hair fibres. Allow the hairpiece to air dry on a wig stand or mannequin head. Avoid using heat-styling tools, blowdrying, or exposing them to direct sunlight during the drying process.

Styling your hairpiece

Styling your hairpiece can provide versatility and enhance your overall look. However, it’s essential to use proper techniques and styling tools to prevent damage. 

Synthetic hairpieces come pre-styled and stay that way, so they don’t require much styling. You should avoid using heat-styling on synthetic hairpieces as they are generally incompatible with heat, causing irreparable damage. 

However, if you have a human hair hairpiece, you can use heat styling tools like curling irons or straighteners, as they are made with natural human hair. Refrain from over-style or overusing heat styling tools on human hair hairpieces as well, and always use heat protectants before using these tools on the hairpieces. 

While it’s tempting to experiment with different hairstyles, excessive styling can lead to hair breakage. Give your hairpiece occasional breaks from intense styling to maintain its integrity.

Avoid hair products made with harsh chemicals.

Avoid using products containing alcohol and harsh chemicals like ammonia or sulfates. These substances dry out and damage the hairpiece, leaving it frizzy and dull. Choose hair care products specifically formulated for hairpieces to keep your hair unit looking great. 

Storage and maintenance products

Proper storage and maintenance are crucial for preserving the lifespan of your hairpiece, so investing in good maintenance products can significantly contribute to the longevity and appearance of your hairpiece.

Follow these practices to store and maintain your hairpiece:

• Always ensure your hairpiece is clean and completely dry before storing it.
• Use a wig stand, mannequin head, or hairpiece hanger to store your hairpiece when not in use.  This helps maintain its shape and prevent tangling. 
• Store your hairpiece in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and dust.
• Regularly inspect your hairpiece for any signs of wear and tear. 

Taking good care of your human hair unit helps you to look better. Remember to treat your hairpieces with the same care and attention you give to your natural hair, and they will reward you with lasting beauty and confidence.

Consult with a professional hairstylist if you have any concerns or questions. With the proper care routine, your hairpiece will continue to enhance your style and creative expression for many years.