Many people choose to cosplay or dress up as their favorite character from a movie, comic book, or TV show. Cosplaying can be a lot of fun, but it’s important to take care of your costume and wig in order to keep them looking their best. In this article, we will teach you how to properly wash and dry your cosplay wig so that it stays looking good for years to come! Let’s get started.
How to Wash a Cosplay Wig
What you’ll need:
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Wig stand, wig brush or comb, shampoo, mild soap (shampoo), large stockpot and stovetop burner to boil the water in. Optional: a flat iron for styling after it’s completely dry IF needed.
Below are the steps on how to wash your wig:
STEP 1
The first thing you need to do is take everything out of your hair. Depending on the style of your wig, this step will be different. If there are any combs or clips attached, remove them as well. Once you have done that, put the wig cap back on your head, so it doesn’t get dirty and start collecting your supplies.
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STEP 2
Fill a bucket with lukewarm water and mix in some wig shampoo. If you don’t have any on hand, you can use baby shampoo or even a hair conditioner as well.
Once the mixture is ready, submerge the cap part of the wig into the water and gently squeeze the water through the hair so that it’s evenly distributed. Be careful not to tug or pull on the wig as you do this, as it could cause damage.
Note: Never use hot water to wash your wig. When possible, use lukewarm water instead of hot or cold water. If hot or cold water is all that is available, allow the water to cool before putting it on your wig.
STEP 3
Let the wig soak for 30 minutes to an hour, then take it out of the water and gently squeeze any excess liquid from it. Next, place the cap part down on a towel to let it dry.
STEP 4
Once the cap has dried, focus on the hair next. Mix shampoo and conditioner together in a bowl or cup depending on what your wig is made of (i.e., plastic vs. human hair) and saturate the strands, so they’re wet but not soaked to avoid damage.
While you let the hair soak, take care of your wig cap by rinsing it with cool water and patting it dry with a towel.
STEP 5
When you’re done cleaning the hair, squeeze out any excess liquid before putting your wig back on your head upside down. You want to make sure that you don’t get any of the shampoo or conditioner on the cap, so you might want to wear an old shirt that you don’t mind getting wet or putting cling wrap over your pillow.
STEP 6
Part your hair into small sections and wipe out any visible grime with a cloth before squeezing shampoo onto each section and letting it sit for 30 minutes.
STEP 7
When the 30 minutes is up, rinse each section with cold water and pat it dry with a towel before letting the rest of your wig soak for a little while longer. Once you’re done, take your wig cap out of the water and gently press out any excess liquid from it.
STEP 8
Once both parts of your wig are dry, reconstruct it and put the clips and combs back in. Once you’re done, you’re ready to go! Now that you know how to wash a cosplay wig, it’s time to get started on your next costume so you can show off your awesome prop-making skills. Have fun at your next convention or party!
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How Often Should You Wash your Wig?
If you choose to wash your wig on a regular basis, we recommend washing it once every three to four weeks. If you are not wearing the wig on a regular basis, try to give it some time off before you wash it.
f you do not, the wig may become tangled. When this happens, you will probably need to cut the tangles off. If your wig becomes too tangled, it may become damaged and lose its luster.
Synthetic wigs should only be washed in cold water with a mild shampoo and dried on a low setting. Human hair wigs can be washed in warm water with a mild shampoo but should not be dried in direct sunlight or over a heat source. Wigs should be allowed to air dry after washing.
Can you Curl your Wig?
Yes, you can curl your wig. To do so, first, apply a heat protectant to your hair. Next, use a curling iron to curl your hair. Apply a curl-enhancing spray to your hair after you have curled it.
If you want, you can apply a bit of hairspray as well. You might also want to consider buying some type of wig head for displaying your wig on when you are not wearing it. This will keep the shape from getting all over the place and allow your wig to dry completely before putting it back on.
If you are in a rush, you can blow-dry the cosplay wig for a few minutes or use a hair dryer. However, do not put the hair dryer directly on your hair/wig as it may cause damage.
Can you Straighten your Wig?
Yes, you can straighten your wig with a hair straightener. Be very careful not to burn the wig or damage the fibers. To avoid frizzing, use a heat protectant spray before styling.
There are many different types of heat styling tools. The most common type that is home to many cosplayers is the traditional flat iron. Just be sure it has a ceramic or tourmaline coating.
Be sure the temperature of your flat iron is about 350-400 degrees Fahrenheit. Use a heat protectant spray to avoid damaging or drying out the wig fiber. Now that you know how to wash, curl, and straighten your cosplay wig, you’re ready to take on any convention or party with a new look.
Side Note: If you’re looking to collaborate on a cosplay project, feel free to contact SnowDragon via Instagram.