How to Stop Tangling on a Curly Lace Wig Unit: Best Products
An Example of a Curly Lace Wig
Lace wigs are a viable hair replacement method for women who suffer from hair loss, or for those who simply want to change their hairstyle without manipulating their natural tresses. Lace wigs require upkeep to ensure the health of the attached hair. Curly units, however, will require diligent care with the right hair care products. This is because most curly units are double processed – one process to clean the hair, and a second chemical process to curl the hair. Proper cleansing and conditioning of curly units will ensure that your investment lasts for many years to come.
How to Wash a Curly Lace Wig
It's important to wash curly units when it is off your head. Many women have their own schedule as to when to wash and condition the hair, but it is best to cleanse the hair when it is not being worn so that the shampoo does not interfere with adhesives or tapes that are typically used to secure the wig on your head. Forgo shampoos with heavy synthetics and parabens by using shampoos that are sulfate-free. Sulfate-free shampoo will not strip the hair or cause any hair dye to bleed.
- Pour the sulfate-free shampoo into a spray bottle fixed with a liquid-to-foam spray pump. This particular type of spray pump will infuse the shampoo with air, subsequently diluting it. Diluted shampoo will be less stripping, yet still effective.
- Brush out the curly wig unit to remove any knots and tangles. Secure the wig onto a styrofoam head. Start spraying the shampoo onto the hair, until it is completely saturated. This part can be a bit messy, so it's best to spray the unit inside of a bathtub.
- Allow the shampoo to sit on the wig for a few minutes. Do not brush, comb, or otherwise manipulate the hair. Wet hair is easily stretched, which can cause tangling.
- Turn on the shower head, and rinse the hair with lukewarm water. Spray the shampoo solution a second time if you feel there is product buildup on the hair. Allow the shampoo to sit on the hair for a few minutes, before rinsing it with lukewarm water once again.
How To Condition A Curly Lace Wig
Conditioning is crucial to ensure smooth, springy curls. This part, however, is commonly overlooked or rushed. It is important to use a silicon-based conditioner. Silicon will create a protective barrier between the hair shaft and external aggressors. Many wig shampoos are formulated with silicon, but any conditioner that is made with a gentle silicon like behenoxy dimethicone or stearoxy dimethicone will condition the hair, without causing product buildup.
- Pour some silicon-based conditioner into a spray bottle that is also fixed with a foam spray pump.
- Start spraying this solution onto the wig. Allow this solution to sit on the wig for a few minutes.
- With the shower head, rinse the wig with cool water. Cool water will close the cuticle of the hair, creating smooth curls. Remove the wig from the styrofoam head, and gently squeeze out excess water with a towel.
Leave-in Conditioner? Should I, or should I not?
You absolutely should! Curly units yearn for moisture, and using a rich leave-in conditioner will quench that thirst. Leave in conditioners will prevent tangles, as well as help the wide-tooth comb glide through the hair.
After applying the leave-in conditioner, start combing the hair from the tips, and move up to the base of the unit. Remember to only focus most of the leave-in conditioner on the tips of the hair. Too much conditioners on the actual lace will cause the knots on the lace wig to unravel, leading to bald spots.
Only use a blow dryer when in a pinch. Air drying your unit will create smooth curls. A hot blow dryer can cause the cuticle to lift, disrupting the natural pattern on your curly units. Keep those cuticles closed and aligned by forgoing the blow dryer for a fan placed next to the unit.
Night Routine to Prevent Hair Tangling
Women that decide to sleep with the hair unit will need to be diligent with their nighttime routine to ensure that no tangling occurs during the night. Hair that is not protected will be subject to the cotton-based pillowcase that will rob moisture from your hair, and to tension due to your movements during your sleep. All of these can cause excessive tangling and dryness, cutting the life expectancy of your curly lace wig.
If you have a long curly unit, it is best to part the hair in half, and braid two large braids. This will ensure that the hair does not wonder as you sleep. As you braid the hair, apply a bit of conditioner to the hair, that way the hair is conditioned as you sleep. Once you are done braiding the hair, wrap the hair braids along your head and secure it with hair pins. Wrap your head with a silk bonnet to protect the hair while you sleep. It is also best to cover the pillow with a silk pillow case. Rinse the hair of the conditioner in the morning. Incorporating all of these steps into your nightly routine keep tangles at bay.
Curly Lace Wig Tips:
- Buy Virgin Curly Units: Virgin units still have their cuticles intact and has undergone minimal processing. This is the best type of hair for curly units.
- Do not color the hair. Bleaching the hair can be especially damaging. When buying lace wigs, select a color that you will be happy with for the long term.
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Complete Deep Moisturizing Treatment whenever you feel like your curly units are becoming a bit dry. Moisturizing treatments can revitalize a dry unit.
