Detangling long wigs

Michela · 09-18-2003, 07:41 PM

I have a few long wigs, (3-4 feet) and I was wondering if anyone has any tips on how to keep them detangled without losing too much fiber. My usual method is to wash it in a baisin of water and shampoo, put conditioner on the extremely tangled areas, and using a soft brush to brush it through while holding it up in the shower. The main problem is whenever I brush any of my wigs, long or short, I lose quite a bit of fiber. Does anyone have any tips to detangle and maintain a long wig?

I appreciate your tips and experiences. ^_^

Sarcasm-hime · 09-19-2003, 12:59 PM

Everything I've been told about wigs includes "NEVER brush/comb wigs when they're wet"...*shrug*

Michela · 09-19-2003, 01:22 PM

Ah, that's mostly because the style of the wig comes undone while wet, but I've had no problems with brushing wet wigs... I've pretty much given up on detangling my long wigs, though, as once I rid them of one clump of tangles, another appears o.O

Tiirz · 09-19-2003, 03:59 PM

With your fingers? Seriously. I'd finger comb them.

usagi · 09-19-2003, 07:05 PM

!dude! i have a method to keep long wigs from getting tangeled ;p IM me when your online k ^_~. or post exactly what you need help on on your LJ and ill get back to you on there

Hitomi chan · 09-20-2003, 01:28 AM

heeey don't just keep it in private!!! please share your secret!!! i have the same problem with my chii wig

I've heard that you have to comb them with a natural brush, not a plastic one, I've tried that but it doesn't work very well, the tangles don't get undone and still it loses a lot of fiber

SailorMo · 09-20-2003, 12:34 PM

I feel your pain... >.< well, this is my experience with detangling:

Tools: jar of pomade and a metal pronged pik

Pomade is like a conditioner-- Just rub a little on your fingertips, and then rub your hands a bit to distribute it evenly, so it just coats your hands. Then gently stroke the hair and work it through. Too much and it will get greasy. It will calm the hair and relax any curls as well.

Now the real work-- Work in small sections at a time. After the pomading, the minor tangles should come apart fairly easy with your fingers. It'll look a bit like halloween cobwebs. If you have to pull the hair away, pull gently. If you have knots, try to separate the section further, then pick out one hair at a time 'til it gets its smallest. You won't be able to save all the hair in the knot. Start from the bottom and gently pick through the tangles as you work up the length of the hair. You should be able to gently comb straight down once the tangles are out. If it gets unruly while you're doing this, stop and spritz it with a little water and let it sit for about an hour to calm down. For the stubborn spots, hold the hair in your other hand as you comb to alleviate tension at the "roots".

To reduce tangling while in storage/transport, the loose styles, like my Megumi wig, I just loosely twist the length up into the cap and then put it back into the hairnet it came in. For the other 2-- Sailor Cosmos & Sailor Moon-- I wrap the pigtails in ribbon-- I anchor the ribbon at the cap and just criss-cross it down and tie it in a bow.

I still lose a few hairs tho, but I suppose it's unavoidable...

Beware_UY7 · 09-20-2003, 12:40 PM

Whenever you brush anything: start from the bottom. If there are large knots and you brush from the top, it will just push the knots down and make them worse. So if you work in small sections and begin combing at the bottom, then slowly work your way up, you shouldn't lose too much hair. Just be really gentle.

Michela · 09-20-2003, 06:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by usagi

!dude! i have a method to keep long wigs from getting tangeled ;p IM me when your online k ^_~. or post exactly what you need help on on your LJ and ill get back to you on there

Usagi-chan, I love you so much! :::Triple hug::: (I just had to say that to the Wig Master XD)

Everyone, thank you for all of your help! SailorMo, I'll definitely try your method... Beware_UY7, thanks for reminding me! (Having curly hair, I always start at the bottom, but I always forget to do that with wigs ^_^;; )

Michela · 09-21-2003, 12:34 PM

Just to update, I tried a combination of all of these tips, and they worked beautifully! Thank you all very much!
I now have a new tip for anyone who is interested: At one point, I brushed the wig so much it became extremely frizzy, but once it was detangled, I dampened it a bit in the shower and added some Frizz-ease leave-in conditioner, and it made the wig look absolutely radient once it dried. It also smells great. ^_^

09-18-2003, 07:41 PM	#1
Michela Grapes are fun! Join Date: May 2003 Posts: 299	Detangling long wigs I have a few long wigs, (3-4 feet) and I was wondering if anyone has any tips on how to keep them detangled without losing too much fiber. My usual method is to wash it in a baisin of water and shampoo, put conditioner on the extremely tangled areas, and using a soft brush to brush it through while holding it up in the shower. The main problem is whenever I brush any of my wigs, long or short, I lose quite a bit of fiber. Does anyone have any tips to detangle and maintain a long wig? I appreciate your tips and experiences. ^_^ __________________ My new marketing ploy: Michela: "I'm planning to place scorpions in my next costume, so that I can approach craftsmanship judges and say, 'not only did I hand make the entire dress, but I also added scorpions into the lining. I walk carefully when I wear it because I never know when they will strike. They are crawling around somewhere in the hems as we speak...' And the judges will reply, 'SCORPIONS, YOU SAY? HAVE A TROPHY.' Victory will be mine." Ali: Scorpions are the new beading!

09-19-2003, 12:59 PM	#2
Sarcasm-hime bead addict Join Date: May 2002 Posts: 5,209	Everything I've been told about wigs includes "NEVER brush/comb wigs when they're wet"...shrug __________________ COSTUME-CON 32 - 2014 The International Costuming Convention is coming to Toronto Canada! 4 Days! 4 Masquerades! Dealers, Tours, Parties, Costuming Panels and Classes, Cosplay, Props, Doll Show & Competitions, Steampunk, Sci-fi, Fantasy, and so much more! * www.costumecon32.com** the den of sarcasm - my website Magpie Creations - jewellery and wa-loli accessories

09-19-2003, 01:22 PM	#3
Michela Grapes are fun! Join Date: May 2003 Posts: 299	Ah, that's mostly because the style of the wig comes undone while wet, but I've had no problems with brushing wet wigs... I've pretty much given up on detangling my long wigs, though, as once I rid them of one clump of tangles, another appears o.O __________________ My new marketing ploy: Michela: "I'm planning to place scorpions in my next costume, so that I can approach craftsmanship judges and say, 'not only did I hand make the entire dress, but I also added scorpions into the lining. I walk carefully when I wear it because I never know when they will strike. They are crawling around somewhere in the hems as we speak...' And the judges will reply, 'SCORPIONS, YOU SAY? HAVE A TROPHY.' Victory will be mine." Ali: Scorpions are the new beading!

09-19-2003, 03:59 PM	#4
Tiirz Clothier of the Undead Join Date: Aug 2003 Posts: 379	With your fingers? Seriously. I'd finger comb them. __________________ Beware the cuteness http://home.comcast.net/~tiirz/Neko_Bish_2.jpg

09-19-2003, 07:05 PM	#5
usagi Moon Princess Join Date: Oct 2002 Posts: 26	!dude! i have a method to keep long wigs from getting tangeled ;p IM me when your online k ^_~. or post exactly what you need help on on your LJ and ill get back to you on there __________________ ....Love And Justice That Will Never End.... http://65.110.73.18/_misc/s.jpg ..i have soo many friggin usernames XD lol XD DarkRaven9999999: u shoudl ask him what he thinks abotu manas left testicle popping out of his miniskirt in concert DarkRaven9999999: and it dangling liek a little odango DarkRaven9999999: ::dies laughing::

09-20-2003, 01:28 AM	#6
Hitomi chan Tía Pelucas Join Date: Dec 2002 Posts: 910	heeey don't just keep it in private!!! please share your secret!!! i have the same problem with my chii wig I've heard that you have to comb them with a natural brush, not a plastic one, I've tried that but it doesn't work very well, the tangles don't get undone and still it loses a lot of fiber __________________ COME AND VISIT MY HOMEPAGE! XD Envy is a beautiful feeling, as long as I provoque it. I am totally... Hitomi. Ta-lila boku wa odori tsuzukeru furitsuzuku giniro no ame no shita Ta-lila kono karada kuchihatete mo kimi ni kono inochi ga todoku no nara

09-20-2003, 12:34 PM	#7
SailorMo Gran'ma Moonie Join Date: Oct 2002 Posts: 365	I feel your pain... >.< well, this is my experience with detangling: Tools: jar of pomade and a metal pronged pik Pomade is like a conditioner-- Just rub a little on your fingertips, and then rub your hands a bit to distribute it evenly, so it just coats your hands. Then gently stroke the hair and work it through. Too much and it will get greasy. It will calm the hair and relax any curls as well. Now the real work-- Work in small sections at a time. After the pomading, the minor tangles should come apart fairly easy with your fingers. It'll look a bit like halloween cobwebs. If you have to pull the hair away, pull gently. If you have knots, try to separate the section further, then pick out one hair at a time 'til it gets its smallest. You won't be able to save all the hair in the knot. Start from the bottom and gently pick through the tangles as you work up the length of the hair. You should be able to gently comb straight down once the tangles are out. If it gets unruly while you're doing this, stop and spritz it with a little water and let it sit for about an hour to calm down. For the stubborn spots, hold the hair in your other hand as you comb to alleviate tension at the "roots". To reduce tangling while in storage/transport, the loose styles, like my Megumi wig, I just loosely twist the length up into the cap and then put it back into the hairnet it came in. For the other 2-- Sailor Cosmos & Sailor Moon-- I wrap the pigtails in ribbon-- I anchor the ribbon at the cap and just criss-cross it down and tie it in a bow. I still lose a few hairs tho, but I suppose it's unavoidable... __________________ The secret of staying young is good health and lying about your age. ~fortune cookie Aging is inevitable, however maturity is optional! Next convention: AnimeNEXT!

09-20-2003, 12:40 PM	#8
Beware_UY7 Reckless Youth Join Date: Jul 2003 Posts: 264	Whenever you brush anything: start from the bottom. If there are large knots and you brush from the top, it will just push the knots down and make them worse. So if you work in small sections and begin combing at the bottom, then slowly work your way up, you shouldn't lose too much hair. Just be really gentle. __________________ Trying is the first step to failure.

09-21-2003, 12:34 PM	#10
Michela Grapes are fun! Join Date: May 2003 Posts: 299	Just to update, I tried a combination of all of these tips, and they worked beautifully! Thank you all very much! I now have a new tip for anyone who is interested: At one point, I brushed the wig so much it became extremely frizzy, but once it was detangled, I dampened it a bit in the shower and added some Frizz-ease leave-in conditioner, and it made the wig look absolutely radient once it dried. It also smells great. ^_^ __________________ My new marketing ploy: Michela: "I'm planning to place scorpions in my next costume, so that I can approach craftsmanship judges and say, 'not only did I hand make the entire dress, but I also added scorpions into the lining. I walk carefully when I wear it because I never know when they will strike. They are crawling around somewhere in the hems as we speak...' And the judges will reply, 'SCORPIONS, YOU SAY? HAVE A TROPHY.' Victory will be mine." Ali: Scorpions are the new beading!

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