Like many of you, we are cooped up with our work projects, endless self-reflection, and hand sanitizer. So, while it is time to occupy ourselves with self-care, why not work in some hair care. Try these ideas to get going while staying in!
Cleanse and Restore
Regularly cleansing and caring for your wigs is the best way to avoid burning them out before their time. So, while you aren’t running from one gig to the next, now is a good time to get the grime out of your looks. Cleansing is just the simple act of brushing and washing out your hair while restoring can require styling or touching up sections. For more details on washing your wigs and further restoring them, check out this awesome tutorial from Glam Fam.
Wig Washin' 101
To cleanse your wig, you’ll need a few essentials: wig cleanser or gentle shampoo, a comb, a brush, a towel, and a basin or clean sink.
1: Detangle first, starting at the bottom and working your way to the top. Once you have gotten all the snares out, brush out your smooth stresses.
2: Then fill your basin or sink with cold water. With synthetic hair, unless directed by the manufacturer (or you’re an expert) avoid hot water, it will damage the fiber dull the texture of the wig. Add a cap full of shampoo or cleanser, then immerse your wig and allow it to soak for a few minutes.
3: Next, rinse your wig with cold water and remove all of the shampoo. Be sure to avoid wringing it out, there’s no need to cause more stress on the fibers.
4: Condition your wig starting at the roots and working the conditioner down to the tips, then soak for 5 minutes. Then rinse!
5: You’re at the finish line, all that’s left is gently towel drying your wig. Again, don’t beat up your precious hair by wringing or squeezing it in the towel. Fold the towel in half with the wig in between like a sandwich. Then, gently pat the excess water away.
6: Take the wig from the towel and shake it out so it regains its shape, then place it on a wig stand to air dry.
Try a Dye Job
If you have washed all your precious hair hats, then why not experiment and update some of your classics. A great way to get another life out of a well-worn look is to dye it a fresh hot hue. From bleaching to going all black; or getting physical with the Dua Lipa two-tone that has taken over Instagram. We can’t think of a better way to use some quaran-time! So pull out your readers folks, because we love this article from Refinery29 for the ins and outs of dying wigs.
Stack Em'
The art of wig stacking is cherished by Dolly Parton fans and Drag Queens alike (though we acknowledge there’s a lot of cross-over), now is the time to conquer the technique, and oh, is there a technique. Wig stacking is the art of pinning, gluing, stitching, and well, stacking wigs together to make a monstrous mother wig! These incredible creations are the prize jewels of fine wig makers and drag DIY-ers. Depending on what you're crafting it’s best to find a specific tutorial but if you are working with synthetic check out Miz Cracker’s Jewtorials! Remember wigs can be made out anything! Real or synthetic hair, foam, plastic – if you have the creativity, you can make anything into a wig.
Slow it Down for a Sec
Meditation was awesome before quarantine, now we kind think it’s necessary. It is a stressful world out there and we are all feeling a tad overwhelmed. It’s important to keep perspective and reward yourself for being strong. Meditation is good for your body and your mind, with different types for different needs or feelings. Known for relieving stress, meditation can also help with blood pressure and sleep cycles. Try the range and take a look at this extended take on the best YouTube meditation guides from Girl Boss. So, instead of taking your anxiety out on your wigs or overwatering your plants, try tapping into yourself and using some meditation techniques to move through it. We recommend getting started with this self-love based forgiveness themed meditation from Yoga Bliss Dance.