Taking care of my wigs

[Jadeanne]

Hi all,

The thread by Beauty about washing her wig, http://crossdressers-forum.com/forums/v ... php?t=4904
inspired me to post how I take care of my wigs (all artificial).

I bought my first wig (bleached blonde wavy midlength Marilyn) 3 years ago at a mall costume shop, went by myself and even tried it on before I bought it. They said to wash it in Woolite and I did several times. It wasn't a super great quality wig and after the cap stretched and it started looking worn after 2 1/2 years and many wearings, I discarded it.

I also picked up an Estetica short curly wig from the Blair website about 6 months after I got my first one and I have also washed it in Woolite.

Later I bought 2 Paula Young wigs by phone and also bought their wire folding stand and care kit.

The care kit has 3 8 ounce bottles: shampoo, conditioner, and hairspray (all non-aerosol).

I just follow the shampoo directions on the bottle:

• While the wig is still dry, gently remove tangles with a wide tooth comb
  
  Soak 5 minutes in cold water with a capful of the shampoo. Swirl gently without rubbing or wringing.
  
  Rinse thoroughly.

I then roll it very gently in a towel and then put it on a wire stand to dry.

Next is the conditioner according to the bottle directions:

• after washing, lightly spray conditioner on the damp fibers
  
  Fluff and allow to dry overnight
  
  When dry, brush or comb and style as usual

I don't know do very much styling to my wigs, just a little finger styling and haven't used the hair spray yet.

My 2 TWC wigs are still brand new but I plan to take care of them the same way.

The TWC catalog has a care kit, but I'm staying with my Paula Young care kit. There likely isn't much difference, except for the name on the bottles.

OK, my essay is over.

I welcome remarks/comments.

Jadeanne

[Beauty]

Hi Jadeanne,

That is a perfect guide on how to take care of your wigs!

Bravo!!!

Beauty

[Virginia]

Thanks Jadeanna, I may try it myself, I took one to a local wig shop to style and clean and they charge $17.00 which ain't all that bad, 'bout the cost of a good haircut anyway.
I would add for any of you girls that have the "human hair wigs," follow all the instructions carefully. The place I take my wigs does NOT like to do human hair wigs as they are a lot of work and they charge upwards of $35.00 + depending on how "fancy" the wig is to be. On the other hand if you are into that kind of thing you can do a lot more with them than the "NON-human hair" and it can be fun to work on them - I guess!!??
Virginia

[Charlene Marie]

Some misconceptions cleared up. 1. Any good quality snythetic wig can be set on rollers and dried under a medium heat hair dryer. I do it all the time and so does my wig stylist. You cannot use; hot rollers or a curling iron however, this will melt the fiber. Find a wig shop and check out what they have to offer, andHaloween is the best time to learn about it. You can go to one in Drab, and they will treat you like any other customer. It's a very competitive busniess and your money is as good as anyones.
2. All most any wig out of the box is going to look "Wiggy". Why? because they generally have just too much HAIR attached to the wefts. A good wig stylists will put the wig on you, secure it with a wig chin strap and if you ask them they will thin the wig out where it need to be and shape it a little. Believe me, it will make a world of difference. They can also show you a style that will "WORK WITH YOUR FACE." Lot's of us all started out with that long sex-pot show girl wig, and when we put it on we wouldn't be caught dead in it out on the street. Again Haloween if the perfect time to find a wig shop and really get into it, ask for help. You will be surprised how much they want your business. And if you decide to go back there
all dolled up, believe me they couldn't care less about your particular
hobbie, they will treat you just like one of the girls. Afterall isn't that all we really want?

[Virginia]

Right On Charlene!! well done, girl!
Virginia

[Beauty]

Hi Charlene,

Great post. Thank you!

Yes, that is what we all want.

Gracie