If you own a hair piece, you know that maintaining its softness is key to achieving a natural and beautiful look. A soft hair piece not only feels more comfortable but also looks more realistic. However, with daily wear and exposure to various environmental factors, hair pieces can start to lose their softness and become dry, frizzy, or tangled. But don't worry! With the right care routine and products, you can keep your hair piece looking and feeling soft and silky for a long time. Here are some effective tips to help you out.
1. Choose the Right Shampoo and Conditioner
The foundation of soft hair pieces lies in the products you use to clean them. Avoid using shampoos that contain harsh chemicals like sulfates, parabens, and alcohol. Sulfates can strip the hair of its natural oils, leaving it dry and brittle, while alcohol can cause excessive drying and frizz. Instead, opt for mild, sulfate - free shampoos and conditioners specifically formulated for human hair pieces. These products are designed to cleanse gently without compromising the integrity of the hair fibers.
Conditioners with moisturizing ingredients such as shea butter, argan oil, or coconut oil can work wonders in restoring and maintaining softness. When using conditioner on human hair pieces, apply it from the mid - lengths to the ends, avoiding the roots to prevent weighing down the hair.
2. Wash Your Hair Piece Correctly
Washing frequency depends on how often you wear your hair piece. Please do not over-wash or under-wash your hairpiece. Underwashing can lead the hair shed and dry. Overwashing can lead to premature wear and tear. Before washing, gently detangle the hair using a wide - tooth comb or a specialized wig brush, starting from the ends and working your way up to the roots. This helps prevent breakage and makes the washing process smoother.
Fill a basin with lukewarm water and add a small amount of shampoo. Immerse the hair piece in the water and swish it gently for a few minutes, avoiding vigorous rubbing or scrubbing. Rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water until all the shampoo is removed. Repeat the process with conditioner, allowing it to sit on the hair for a few minutes to penetrate the fibers before rinsing it out completely.
3. Drying Techniques Matter
After washing, resist the temptation to wring out the excess water from your hair piece. This can cause stretching and damage to the hair fibers. Instead, gently press the hair piece between a clean, absorbent towel to remove as much water as possible. Then, place the hair piece on a wig stand or a foam mannequin head to air dry. Avoid direct sunlight and heat sources, as excessive heat can dry out the hair and cause it to become brittle.
If you're in a hurry, you can use a blow dryer on the lowest heat setting. Hold the dryer at least 8 - 10 inches away from the hair piece and move it around continuously to prevent overheating any one area. Using a diffuser attachment can also help distribute the heat more evenly and reduce the risk of damage.
4. Regular Conditioning Treatments
In addition to using conditioner during your regular wash routine, consider giving your hair piece a deep conditioning treatment once a month. There are many hair masks and deep - conditioning products available for both synthetic and human hair pieces. These treatments can penetrate deeper into the hair fibers, providing intense moisture and restoring softness.
For human hair pieces, you can use natural - based deep - conditioning treatments like avocado or olive oil masks. Apply the treatment evenly throughout the hair, cover it with a shower cap, and leave it on for the recommended amount of time (usually 20 - 30 minutes). Rinse thoroughly, and you'll notice a significant improvement in the softness and manageability of your hair piece.
5. Storage is Key
Proper storage is essential for maintaining the softness of your hair piece. When not in use, store it on a wig stand or a foam mannequin head. This helps the hair piece retain its shape and prevents tangling. Avoid storing it in a tight - fitting bag or container, as this can cause the hair to become misshapen and tangled.
If you need to travel with your hair piece, use a dedicated wig box or a large, breathable hair piece storage bag. Place the hair piece inside carefully, making sure to detangle it first. You can also stuff the cap of the hair piece with acid - free tissue paper to help it maintain its shape during transit.
6. Protect from Environmental Factors
Environmental factors such as sun exposure, wind, and humidity can take a toll on the softness of your hair piece. When going outdoors, especially on sunny days, consider wearing a hat or using a UV - protecting spray designed for hair pieces. This helps shield the hair from the damaging effects of the sun's rays, which can cause drying and color fading.
In humid conditions, anti - frizz serums or leave - in conditioners can be your best friends. Apply a small amount of product to your hair piece to combat frizz and keep the hair smooth and soft. On windy days, try to secure your hair piece with bobby pins or a hair net to prevent it from getting tangled or blown around too much.
7. Avoid Excessive Heat Styling
While human hair pieces can be heat - styled to a certain extent, it's important to use heat styling tools sparingly. Excessive use of flat irons, curling irons, and hot rollers can dry out the hair and make it lose its softness over time. If you do need to use heat styling tools, always apply a heat protectant spray first and use the lowest heat setting possible to achieve the desired style.
Conclusion
By following these tips, you can keep your hair piece soft, shiny, and beautiful for an extended period. Remember, proper care and maintenance not only enhance the appearance of your hair piece but also increase its lifespan, making it a worthwhile investment. So, take the time to pamper your hair piece, and you'll be rewarded with a gorgeous, natural - looking mane every time you wear it.
