The fantastic quality of synthetic wigs these days means that fooling your many admirers into believing that miracle hair-growth pills really do work and you’re actually a hair colouring genius, is par for the course.
To up your wig game to the next level, a few, simple additions to your wig-wearing routine can make the world of difference to how realistic it appears to all those paparazzi on your tail (or that group-selfie obsessed bff).
These 6 essential wig accessories that may well already play a part in your beauty routine, are low-cost yet amazingly effective in helping to achieve a super natural looking wig and increasing the lifespan of your new hair.
1. Wig Cap
We cannot emphasise how super, duper important the wig cap is.
Firstly, it is essential that all those shorter hairs around your forehead and neck aren’t visible – particularly if your wig is a dramatically different colour from your natural hair, if the wig is fringeless, a shorter style or a costume wig styled into an ‘updo’ such as the Elsa Wig and the Mary Poppins Wig. That would be officially classed as a wig fail.
Secondly, it is really important that your natural hair is as flat to your head as possible, as you obvs want your wig to sit evenly on your head minus any lumps and bumps. It’s much easier to spread your natural hair around the head once concealed with a wig cap.
The good news is that if you purchase from our Lace Front Wigs or Cosplay Couture collections your gift box will include a free wig cap. These uber stretchy, one-size-fits-all caps can be used with any wig and should last for eternity.
2. Wig Comb
Synthetic wigs are prone to tangling for the same annoying reasons as human hair. Miserable weather, hair fibre rubbing against clothing and careless storage are the most likely tangle triggers.
Always use your fingers to loosen and separate any tight knots first. Now, your utensil of choice does not have to be a speciality wig comb, any wide-tooth comb is perfect. Start from the bottom of the hair and gently work your way up to the crown, using the comb to carefully remove any tangles.
Round brushes, teasing combs, bristle brushes and rattail combs should be avoided as these will either turn the hair lengths of your wig into a frizzy mess or add more tangles.
Never, repeat NEVER comb a wig when it is wet. Your wig will shed quicker than the Whomping Willow Tree on the first day of Winter.
Any purchase from our Cosplay Couture and Lace Front Wigs collections comes with a free wig comb – and it's pink!
3. Spray Bottle
An extra useful wig accessory that should feature in any wig lover’s toolkit.
The spray bottle will become your can’t-live-without item when it comes to styling your wig. Filled with diluted shampoo, conditioner and fabric softener, the spritz bottle transforms into the magic wand for washing your wig. See our full wig washing guide here. Fill with equal parts water and fabric softener for the ultimate leave-in synthetic hair conditioner. Use cool, clean water as a styling enhancer by spritzing onto the wig and manipulating curls, waves and flyaway ends with your fingers.
You can find this essential wig styling accessory in most supermarkets and beauty stores.
4. Storage Dupes
We often spy wig companies recommending that you purchase wig stands or those scary polystyrene heads to store and air-dry your wigs.
It’s true that It can’t be overstated how important it is to protect your wig when not in use. Looking after your synthetic hair can genuinely prolong the life of your wig for months.
In an ideal world we would all live in mansions with rooms dedicated solely to shoes, makeup, bags, wigs (and puppies, definitely puppies). Until our dreams come true, wig stands and heads are not the most practical methods of storing wigs, particularly as your collection grows.
Opt instead for a coat hanger with clips and hang wigs in your wardrobe by turning your wig inside out and attaching the clip(s) to the internal adjustable strap.
For those with an extensive wig collection, an over-the-door-shoe rack doubles as the perfect wig storage unit. Choose a U-Shaped prong style rack and place your wigs the right way up, one to each prong.
Arrange the hairpieces in a colour chart effect for a super stylish twist to your décor!
5. Dry Shampoo
Whoever invented dry shampoo deserves a big, shiny medal. She’s saved us precious time on the mornings we’ve slept in, kept our locks looking fresh throughout entire festival weekends and devised the most effective way to reduce shine in synthetic wigs.
Applying a generous amount of this miracle-working beauty must-have to synthetic hair not only decreases the excess shine, it also adds a human-hair like texture to the lengths.
We’ve experimented with many versions of this wonder product, including famous hairdresser branded sprays but we’re yet to find any as good as the original Batiste Dry Shampoo . Now available in an extended range of shades and fragrances, our favourite being Rose Gold and the eternally popular coconutty Tropical flavour.
6. Detangler Sprays
Let's be real—synthetic wigs can get messy if you don't treat them right! That's why you need to become BFFs with a good detangling spray.
Contrary to what some wig brands proclaim, you don’t actually need a product specifically designed for wigs or synthetic hair. Any good detangler or silicone spray will work.
We’ve been mightily impressed with African Essence, Bonfi and Mane ‘n Tail sprays – all available at Kiyo Beauty.
These magical potions are like fairy godmothers for your wig, gently coaxing those pesky knots and tangles apart. A few spritzes, and suddenly your synthetic tresses are as smooth as butter. Plus, detangling sprays add a touch of moisture and movement, making your wig look like a million bucks. Once you start using one of these babies, you'll wonder how you ever lived without it.
Check out our Synthetic Wig Care Guide for more tricks and hacks, ideal for wig-wearing newbies.
Do you have super secret essentials that you’ve been keeping all to yourself? Share the love by sharing a pic on Instagram of your wig accessories and methods you swear by - @star.style.wigs
