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What products not to use on wigs?Updated 10 months ago

One of the most important things to consider when caring for your wig is to use the proper products. They will make all the difference in whether your wig will tangle or be soft and manageable.

DON'T USE PRODUCTS THAT CONTAIN SULFATES OR ALCOHOL

Be sure to check the ingredient listing and ensure you don’t see the words: SLS, Sodium Lauryl Sulfate, Sodium Laureth Sulfate, Alcohol denat, Ethanol, SD alcohol 40, Propanol, Isopropyl, and Propyl.

It is essential to prioritize the purchase of products that are sulfate-free, alcohol-free, or specifically designed for color-treated hair to maintain the optimal health of your alternative hair. Sulfates, alcohol, and certain other ingredients have the tendency to strip away the natural oils of the hair, leading to dryness and increased susceptibility to tangling or matting. Prolonged usage of such ingredients can compromise the integrity of your alternative hair. Remember that sulfate-free products may not produce as much lather since they utilize gentle cleansing agents, but they perform just this well as any other shampoo while also not stripping away any moisturize or hydration.

Before purchasing any product, it is crucial to examine the ingredients list. Flip the product over and scrutinize the formulation, as many products on the market may contain hidden sulfates or alcohol. Not all brands claiming to offer sulfate-free shampoos truly adhere to this claim. Therefore, it is important to know what to look for when reviewing the ingredients.

Additionally, it's important to note that there are different types of alcohols. For instance, Isopropyl alcohol, commonly found in hair sprays and gels, has a drying and harsh effect on natural bio-hair so these products are terrible for alternative hair. Continuous use of products with alcohol will leave your wig excessively dry, frizzy, and dull. However, not all alcohols are detrimental to your hair. Here is a list of commonly used beneficial fatty alcohols in hair products: Cetyl, Stearyl, Cetearyl, Myristyl, Behenyl, and Lauryl.

Cetearyl alcohol and Cetyl alcohol, in particular, are widely utilized fatty alcohols in hair products because they promote moisture retention and manageability and provide slip for effective detangling when incorporated into conditioners.

If you have questions about the products that you have, please don't hesitate to reach out for help: Chat icon below or email us at [email protected]

DON'T USE STICKY PRODUCTS

Using sticky products like hair spray, gel, or wax can clog your alternative hair, leading to the need for frequent washing. Excessive washing, however, can result in dry and tangled hair. It's important to note that products used on your natural hair can transfer to your extensions due to head movement and scalp heat.

Since your Encelia Hairpiece is made with high-quality Remy human hair, very few products are needed to keep them looking natural, soft, and silky.

For added curl hold, always use a heat protector, and then try wrapping your wig or hairpiece in the hairnet when you are not wearing it. This will help keep the curls bouncy all week. If you prefer using hairspray, opt for a lightweight, brushable formula that is preferably alcohol-free. Avoid using extra-strength hairsprays as they can clog your helper hair, necessitating more frequent washing.

MINIMIZE KERATIN OR PROTEIN PRODUCTS

Protein products like Olaplex and K18 are amazing, but if you use them excessively, you can overload the hair, which may cause dryness, dullness, and breakage. Instead, use these products every six months instead of weekly or monthly.

For maintenance, we recommend using sulfate-free products & argan oil that do not contain keratin or other proteins and limiting the wash day to every seven days. Reducing your washing frequency and using the right products will ensure that your wig lives a long, healthy life!

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