Learning how to wash a synthetic hair system can be confusing to a lot of wearers. What products can and can’t be used, the differences between synthetic and human hair, how not to damage it, etc.
We’re here to help with that process! The step-by-step guide below will provide you with the best resources and products to give your clients to help them wash their synthetic system.
1. Purchase products made specifically for synthetic systems.
Do not use products that are made for human hair on synthetic units. These can cause buildup, ruin the fibers, and shorten the life of the system.
Use Bond Breaker Shampoo after removal, or before install, to clean and care for the system. It helps to rid residual stickiness, oils, and more from the unit.
2. Brush the system lightly with a wire brush before washing.
Regular hairbrushes can cause serious damage to the synthetic hair fibers, which can then ruin the system. A wire brush will go through the fibers gently, getting rid of tangles and avoiding damage to the system.
3. Fill a bowl (or any large container) with cool water. Then take a teaspoon of shampoo, Bond Breaker in this case, and add it to the bowl.
If the system has odors or smells, add a teaspoon of baking soda into the water, and mix until it dissolves.
4. Then, place the hair system into the container for one minute until it’s saturated with the shampoo and water mixture. Once it is done saturating, you have two options:
A) Leave the wig to soak in the container for about 10 minutes.
B) Move the system around in the mixture, like a washing machine. This agitation will work to rid the system of any residual leftovers.
5. Take the system out of the mixture, then rinse it thoroughly and completely in cold, clear water until the water runs clean and clear.
6. Once the system is fully rinsed, gently squeeze the excess water out of it. Do not wring or twist the excess water out, as this will do damage to the system.
7. After the excess water is out of the synthetic hair, take a dry towel, and begin to gently blot the hair. Once most of the water has been removed, leave the system to finish air drying.
8. Give a few quick sprays of Walker Tape®’s System Revitalizing Mist™. This leave-in conditioner will restore, revitalize, moisturize, and soften the system, making it look and feel as good as new.
Once applied, gently comb through the hair.
9. To finish, once the synthetic system is completely dry, comb through the unit once more.
You may be wondering how often to wash synthetic systems, and that depends on a variety of factors. The environment you are in (hot or cold), the odors or “stains” the system picks up, your client’s skin, etc.
Generally, systems should be washed at least once a month, with more washings or less depending on the aforementioned factors. Though more washings will lessen the lifespan of the synthetic hair.
We hope that this guide helps you to easily clean your clients synthetic systems! We’ve found that the steps above provide the best results for washing systems. If you need any more assistance, leave a comment or contact us at either [email protected] or 800.759.5150
