How to Detangle a Wig: Everything You Need to Know

A tangled wig can be your worst nightmare. When you buy a wig, you want to look “put together.” You want an easy get-ready-to-go-out routine. Most importantly, you want the confidence to step out and know that no matter what you’re facing, you’re doing it all in style.

But when you spot a wild patch of tangles, all your plans come to a grinding halt. Ain’t nobody got time for that!

Here’s how to detangle a wig and keep those wild hairs at bay.

Things You Need to Detangle a Wig

Wigs tangle for a variety of reasons, from dryness to improper storage to wear and tear. The good news: you only need a couple of tools to detangle your wig, regardless of how it got that way.

First, invest in hair care products (including shampoo and conditioner) made specifically for your wig hair type (human hair or synthetic). You’ll also want to invest in a good wig comb and/or wig brush, both of which are designed to gently detangle without damaging the hair.  

A spray bottle of water is also helpful in making a spray conditioner and taming fly-aways while you’re detangling your wig.

How to Detangle a Wig: Step by Step

Once you have your materials, it’s time to start tackling those tangles. Here’s a brief step-by-step to help you:

Step 1: Mount Your Wig

Place your wig on its stand to make it easier to work with. If you don’t have a wig stand (highly recommended!), then a tripod or something similar will do.

Step 2: Prep a Spray Conditioner

Fill a spray bottle ¾ of the way with water, then add conditioner to finish filling up the bottle. Shake well to mix. If you have a synthetic wig, a fabric softener will work well here.

Step 3: Gently Comb and Soak Your Wig

If you have a few tangles here and there, then you may be able to gently comb them out without a full washing. Spray a little conditioner on the wig to loosen tangles. It’s best to start from the bottom tips of the hair until they’re tangle-free, then work your way up to release tangles.

If there are tons of tangles, then you can soak your wig in warm water. Add a squirt of shampoo to the water and let it soak for about 15 minutes. Rinse well and wring out excess water before trying to comb out the tangles.

Step 4: Continue Combing Your Wig

If you choose to wash your wig, continue combing the wig every 30 minutes or so while it air dries. This helps keep it free of tangles and maintain its style.

How to Care for and Store Your Wigs to Avoid Tangling

The best practice on how to detangle a wig is to prevent tangles in the first place. To do this, make sure you store your wig on a wig holder and avoid wearing it to bed. Use only the right hair care products made for your wig type and wash your wig properly.

Make it a habit to comb your wig frequently. Eliminating minor tangles before they become major problems will keep your wig (and you!) looking fresh.