Why do wigs get frizzy?

May 11, 2023

Wigs have a tendency to frizz with daily wear over time which can be frustrating and totally cramp your style! We’ll discuss why this happens, how to lower your frizz-risk and how to fix it once it happens.

What Causes It?

Synthetic wigs frizz from friction and tension, and this happens when the fiber rubs up against your body and clothing or when you’re brushing tangles out. Each strand of fiber will start to kink or coil which grabs onto the strand next to it and before you know it, the ends of your wig have started to clump together. You’ll be able to visually notice it and feel it because your wig will start to lose its soft and silky texture.
Human hair wigs frizz from the hair drying out because unlike your biological hair, it doesn’t receive oils and moisture from your scalp. Over time, if the hair becomes too dry and damaged, it can end up looking and feeling like a matted mess.

How to Prevent It:

The key to reducing frizz is proper care!

Be sure you’re using care products that are formulated for each fiber; this will ensure your wig is getting the moisture it needs whether it’s synthetic or human hair.
Always cleanse and condition every 6-8 wears to avoid styling product build-up as well as the salts and oils from your skin from breaking down the fiber
Detangle often and always after every wear! Use a wide tooth comb and detangling spray on synthetic fibers and a wig brush on human hair (*pay special attention to the nape of your wig and where it touches your body as these areas are prone to tangling, especially on longer wigs)
Avoid using regular hair brushes on synthetic fiber which cause unnecessary tension on the fiber and lead to frizz
Heat style human hair with a blow dryer and Jon Renau’s Blow Dry Balm to smooth it out

How to Fix It:

Regular synthetic fiber can be de-frizzed using a wig steamer:

The fiber needs to heat up and be reshaped, but traditional hot tools like flat irons should always be avoided because dry heat will singe the fiber.
Use a fine toothed comb to slowly work through small sections of frizzed fiber with your steamer.
Keep in mind that steam will change the shape of your style so you can use foam rollers and hair clips to create curls or waves if needed. Just be sure the fiber cools in the shape you’re hoping to create.

Heat friendly synthetic fiber can be de-frizzed using a flat iron as well as a wig steamer:

The first line of defense against frizz when you’re working with fiber that can be heat styled is to use a flat iron to smooth it out.
Check the nape and ends of your wig regularly since these areas are more prone to frizz.
Some frizz needs a little extra help from a steamer. If you notice areas of your wig that are frizzing worse than others, follow the same steps mentioned above for regular synthetic fiber.

Human hair loves a deep conditioning treatment to keep frizz at bay:

Apply a generous amount of BeautiMark's Intensive Recovery Conditioner to your freshly washed wig, avoiding the roots and cap
Gently comb through the hair with a wide tooth comb and cover with a shower cap
Blow dry on medium heat for 3 minutes
Remove the shower cap and rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water