Welcome back for Part Two of our Wig Myths & Facts series!

Wearing a wig is a highly personal choice, often surrounded by myths that can lead to confusion or hesitation. Whether you're considering a wig for fashion, convenience, or a medical reason, understanding the truth behind these myths is empowering.

In  Part One, we tackled some of the most common misconceptions about wigs, and we’re excited to keep the conversation going with even more myth-busting facts.

Now, in part two, we’re diving even deeper, tackling additional myths and misconceptions that might be holding you back from getting the most out of your wig-wearing experience. From care tips to styling dos and don’ts, we’ll separate fact from fiction to empower you with accurate knowledge around alternative haircare.

Ready to keep debunking? Let’s get started!

Topics Covered:

*Click below to jump to a particular section

• Myth #1: Wigs Don't Require Cleaning

• Myth #2: You Can Use Regular Shampoo and Conditioner

• Myth #3: Using Household Softener, like Downey Rinse or Woolite, Makes the Wig Softer

• Myth #4: You Should Soak Your Wig When Washing It

• Myth #5: Giving Your Wig a Bleach Wash Will Restore It

• Myth #6: You Can Use a Low Heat Iron on Synthetic Wigs

• Myth #7: You Can "Pluck" the Hairline of Your Wig or Topper Instead of Removing the Knots

• Myth #8: You Can Apply Salon Hair Color Over Textile Dyes

• Myth #9 You Should Wash Wigs After Every Wear

• Myth #10: Storing Wigs Anywhere Is Fine

• Myth #11: Wig Care Products Are Expensive and Unnecessary

• Myth #12: Synthetic Wigs Can't Be Brushed

• Myth #13: You Can Repair Any Wig Damage at Home

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Myth #1: Wigs Don't Require Cleaning

Let’s Debunk This: It's important to debunk this myth because wigs and toppers, like natural hair, accumulate dirt, oils, and styling products over time. To preserve the integrity and longevity of your piece, regular cleansing is essential.

Jon Renau recommends washing your wig or topper every 6-8 wears, depending on your lifestyle. Proper maintenance ensures that your wig continues to look and feel its best, maintaining its quality and longevity.

Myth #2: You Can Use Regular Shampoo and Conditioner

Let’s Debunk This: It's crucial to dispel this myth because using regular shampoo and conditioner designed for biological hair is not suitable for alternative hair, especially synthetic wigs. Regular store-bought products often containing ingredients that are different from those used for alternative hair.

To prevent damage to the fibers of your alternative hairpiece and ensure their longevity, it's essential to use products specifically designed for that hair type; for example, alternative human hair, synthetic, or heat-resistant synthetic fiber. This approach guarantees the preservation and quality of your wig or topper, making sure it continues to look and feel its best.

Myth #3: Using Household Softener, like Downey Rinse or Woolite, Makes the Wig Softer

Let’s Debunk This: It's important to understand that while using products like Downy rinse or Woolite might temporarily make your wig feel softer, they can cause significant damage over time. These household softeners can coat the wig's fibers, creating an artificial shine and making it easy to brush and comb, but this effect only lasts for a few months.

Additionally, these products can break down the material of the wig, leading to long-term issues such as fizziness, knot loosening, and a shorter lifespan for your wig. These harsh chemical may also risk irritation to the skin.

To maintain the quality and longevity of your wig, it's best to stick to products specifically designed for wig care, as they are formulated to protect and preserve the fibers without causing detrimental effects.

Myth #4: You Should Soak Your Wig When Washing

Let’s Debunk This: We do not recommend soaking your wig during the cleansing process! Instead, we advise cleansing it under running water.

Soaking your wig in a tub or bath can have adverse effects, including loosening the knotting and causing the wig to shed hair excessively. To provide a helpful analogy, think of it as giving your wig a shower rather than a bath. This approach ensures that your wig remains in optimal condition, preserving its quality and appearance.

Myth #5: Giving Your Wig a Bleach Wash Will Restore It

Let’s Debunk This: It's crucial to debunk this myth and understand that while you may notice a temporary difference after washing your wig with bleach water, this practice can be extremely damaging and significantly shorten the wig's lifespan.

Reason why? pH Levels. Bleach raises the pH of the hair, making it more alkaline, which creates a "soft" effect. However, this alteration in pH opens the hair cuticle, making the hair more prone to tangling and damage, resulting in a shorter lifespan for the wig.

Color Fading: Bleach washes can also fade the hair color more rapidly, leading to a dull appearance. Instead of resorting to bleach, we recommend addressing concerns such as dryness or tangling with professional alternative hair care products. These products are specially formulated to nourish and protect your wig, ensuring its longevity and maintaining its quality and appearance.

Myth #6: You Can Use a Low Heat Iron on Synthetic Wigs

Let’s Debunk This: Using any hot styling tool or a blow dryer on regular synthetic hair fiber can have disastrous consequences! It will ultimately damage or even melt the hair fiber.

Synthetic hair, unless specifically labeled as “Heat Defiant”or heat-resistant synthetic fiber, is not designed to withstand heat. Attempting to use heat styling tools on regular synthetic wigs can result in irreparable harm to the wig.

To maintain the quality and appearance of your synthetic wig, always check with the manufacturer for specific care instruction and avoid heat styling if it's not designed for it.

Myth #7: You Can "Pluck" the Hairline of Your Wig or Topper Instead of Removing the Knots

Let’s Debunk This: We do not recommend attempting to "pluck" the hairline of your wig or topper. This practice can be detrimental to the delicate lace material, potentially causing it to tear or shred.

The correct approach to achieve a natural-looking hairline involves gently removing the knots. To ensure this delicate process is done correctly, we recommend seeking the expertise of a masterclass certified stylist or a professional wig shop. Their experience and knowledge will ensure that your wig or topper maintains its integrity and appearance.

Myth #8: You Can Apply Salon Hair Color Over Textile Dyes

Let’s Debunk This: It's essential to emphasize that attempting to lighten textile dyes on alternative hair is not advisable. Doing so can result in an inconsistent lift, leading to unwanted and unpredictable tones, such as green or pink.

These undesirable outcomes can be challenging to correct. To achieve the desired color change or lightening on alternative hair, consider purchasing a ‘Renau Natural’ color. Jon Renau’s ‘Renau Natural’ colors do not use textile like dyes, therefore, the color can be altered safely 1-2 color levels. When shopping for a Jon Renau human hair piece, look for RN in the color code and consult a professional stylist with expertise in working with alternative hair types.

Myth#9: You Should Wash Wigs After Every Wear

Let’s Debunk This: It's important to clarify that washing wigs or toppers after every wear is not necessary unless they become visibly soiled or absorb odors.

In fact, frequent washing can have a detrimental effect on the lifespan of your wig. Over-washing can wear down the cap material, damage the knots, and lead to faster degradation of the wig.

Instead, Jon Renau recommends washing every 6-8 wears depending on usage and environmental factors. This approach will help maintain the quality and longevity of your wig while avoiding unnecessary wear and tear.

Myth #10: Storing Wigs Anywhere Is Fine

Let’s Debunk This: It's crucial to debunk this myth because haphazardly storing wigs or leaving them exposed to dust and sunlight can result in damage and a reduced lifespan.

To preserve the quality of your wigs, it's best to store them on a designated wig stand or mannequin head.

Myth #11: Wig Care Products Are Expensive and Unnecessary

Let’s Debunk This: Specialized wig care products, tailored for alternative hair fibers, are not only reasonably priced but also crucial for extending the lifespan of your wig or topper.

These products are formulated with ingredients that are specifically designed to maintain the texture, color, and overall condition of your alternative hairpiece. By investing in proper care products, you ensure that your wig remains in optimal condition, preserving its quality and appearance for the long term.

Myth #12: Synthetic Wigs Can't Be Brushed

Let’s Debunk This: This myth contains a grain of truth. While you should avoid using an average hairbrush on your synthetic wig, it's essential to comb it regularly with a wide-tooth comb specifically designed for synthetic hair. This combing process helps reduce tangles, shedding, and stretching of the fiber.

So, while you shouldn't use a typical brush, proper combing with the right tool is essential for maintaining your synthetic wig's appearance and longevity.

Myth #13: You Can Repair Any Wig Damage at Home

Let’s Debunk This: While it's possible to address minor issues at home, we strongly recommend leaving most wig repairs to the professionals.

Some stylists and shop owners have received specialized training in wig repair techniques, making them the best choice for intricate fixes. In some cases, the item may need to be sent back to the manufacturer for expert repair.

Attempting complex repairs at home can sometimes worsen the damage, so it's wise to seek professional assistance to ensure your wig is restored correctly.

Now that we’ve dispelled some of these misconceptions around alternative haircare, are you ready to find (and care) for your perfect hairpiece?