Aftercare Guide

 Thank you so much for purchasing your Pretty Little Wigs By Hollie Wig! 

Please check everything is looking perfect and you are completely happy with your unit upon arrival. If you have any questions or need any help please check out our very useful FAQ page. If your query cannot be answered from the FAQ page then please get in touch right away. 

The Aftercare guide is here for you to be confident and comfortable with your wig - everything you need to know in one place. 

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Recommended products

We recommend you use our WIG LOVE range to maintain your wig to the highest standard. 

Products in our collection include  

  • WIG LOVE Shampoo
  • WIG LOVE Deep Nourishing Mask
  • WIG LOVE Argan Oil
  • WIG LOVE Leave in Elixir 
  • WIG LOVE Shake and Shield heat protector 
  • WIG LOVE Glass Finish shine spray 

It is essential that you use a soft bristle brush. Any other kind of brush is too harsh for the wig and could cause premature shedding. 

Other Recommended brands/products  -

  • Kerastase Gloss Absolu range - shampoo, conditioner
  • Kerastase elixir ultime hair oil
  • Moroccan oil perfect defense heat protection spray

Lace Cutting

Before removing the lace and tags from your wig, please be aware that doing so renders the wig non-returnable and non-refundable. We recommend trying the wig on without makeup to ensure it meets your expectations.

Preparing to Cut the Lace

If you’ve decided to keep your wig and are ready to cut the lace, please follow these steps:

Secure the Wig

Place the wig on your head and adjust it to your natural hairline. 

Clip back any hair along the hairline to keep it out of the way.

Cutting the Lace

Using small, sharp scissors, carefully cut the lace along the hairline, leaving a few millimeters between the lace and your natural hairline.

It’s advisable to cut in small sections to maintain control and avoid cutting into the knots.

If you notice the lace rolling up after trying the wig on, you may need to trim a tiny bit more lace to ensure it sits flat.

Additional Tips

If you’re new to cutting lace, consider removing the lace off your head to practice and gain confidence.

Always take your time during this process; rushing can lead to mistakes.

If you have any questions or need further assistance, please don’t hesitate to contact us.

Attatchments

Inside your wig you will have an adjustable straps, combs and clips.

If you have bio (natural) hair then you will have small clips attached to the side burns to keep them secure. A wig grip band is also advised for helping the wig feel secure during wear. 

If you don’t have bio hair then you can remove the clips on the ear tabs. To wear clueless we would advise wearing a wig grip band for maximum security. Alternatively if you would prefer to glued method you can use got2be glued hair spray or wig tape for sticking down the hairline. 

 Be careful not to put the wig grip band on too tight as it can give you a head ache! It will make the wig feel a little smaller/ tighter  when it is worn. 

We advise against the use of tape as it can disrupt the knots and cause the wig to shed. If you feel you need to use it then please be as careful and gentle as possible. To remove the tape use acetone or alcohol gel on a cotton bud to help clean the lace ready for new tape. 

Washing

Wash your wig only when it has significant product buildup, such as oils or hairspray, or when it feels dry and in need of moisture. Unlike natural hair, wigs don’t become greasy at the roots, so washing every 4–6 weeks is typically sufficient. Over-washing can accelerate colour fading and cause dryness.

Wig Construction and Colour Care

Your wig is crafted from extension hair and pre-coloured. Just like natural hair, it can fade over time. Excessive washing can hasten this process and lead to discoloration.

Wig-Specific Aftercare Products

To maintain your wig’s quality, we’ve introduced our Wig-Specific Aftercare Range. WIG LOVE is designed to gently cleanse and nourish your wigs and toppers. Using products tailored for wig care helps preserve their appearance and extend their lifespan.

Washing Your Wig

Detangling

Gently detangle the wig using a soft-bristle brush before you wet it down. Start from the ends and work your way up to the roots to minimize hair loss. 

Washing

Smooth the shampoo through the wig - no need to rub or scrub. Work the shampoo gently into the lace if it has makeup stains.

Conditioning

Apply focusing on the mid-lengths and ends. Avoid applying conditioner to the roots or knots, as this can cause shedding. Let it sit for a few minutes, then rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water. 

Drying

Gently blot the wig with a towel to remove excess water—do not rub. Allow the wig to air dry on a wig stand or mannequin head or blow dry. When pinning the wig to the block head please do not pin in the lace as it could tear it by accident. Only pin in the wefted areas.

Additional Tips

Be cautious of makeup transfer onto the lace. Once the lace is clogged with makeup, it becomes more visible. Use warm water and shampoo to gently cleanse this area if needed.

After washing, carefully brush the frontal hair into your desired parting to maintain a natural look. A slightly messy parting is often more forgiving than a perfectly straight one.

Avoid using fine-tooth combs, as they can cause snapping and potentially catch on the knots or stitching, leading to shedding.

By following these steps and using the appropriate products, you can keep your wig looking fresh and extend its lifespan.

Colouring and Toning

Altering the color of your human hair wig is possible but comes with inherent risks. Please be aware that any modifications made to the wig, including dyeing, will void any manufacturer guarantees.

Key Considerations:

Risk of Damage: Dyeing or bleaching can compromise the hair’s integrity, leading to dryness, knotting, and potential shedding.

Colour Fading: Human hair wigs are pre-coloured, and over time, the color may fade. Excessive washing or exposure to harsh chemicals can accelerate this process.

Use of Silver Shampoo: When toning, especially with silver shampoo, proceed with caution. The wig hair can absorb the product rapidly, potentially resulting in an unintended color outcome.

Bleaching Considerations: Bleaching can reveal underlying undertones, as wigs are often colored with fabric dye at the factory. This process may not yield the same results as bleaching natural human hair.


Recommendations:

Professional Assistance: If you choose to alter the colour, consider consulting a professional stylist experienced with wig colouring to minimise risks.

Patch Test: Always perform a strand test before applying any dye or bleach to ensure compatibility and desired results.

Aftercare: Use products specifically designed for wig maintenance to help preserve the hair’s condition and colour.

Disclaimer: By proceeding with any colour alterations, you acknowledge and accept the associated risks and agree that the manufacturer cannot be held responsible for any damage or dissatisfaction resulting from these changes.

Drying Tips

If you’re short on time and need to dry your wig quickly, blow-drying is an option. However, it’s essential to do so carefully to maintain the wig’s quality and longevity.

Preparation:

Remove Excess Water: After washing, gently blot the wig with a towel to remove excess water. Avoid wringing or twisting the wig, as this can cause damage.

Detangle: Use a wide-tooth comb or a wig-friendly brush to gently detangle the hair, starting from the ends and working your way up to the roots. Our WIG LOVE Leave in Elxir is a gorgeous product to help de tangle the wig.


Blow-Drying:

Set Up: Place the wig on a wig block head or a sturdy stand. This provides support and ensures the wig maintains its shape during drying.

Use the Right Tools: Attach a nozzle to your blow dryer to direct the airflow precisely and prevent heat damage.

Apply Heat Protectant: Before blow-drying, apply a heat protectant spray to shield the hair from potential heat damage.

Drying Technique: Set your blow dryer to a medium heat setting. Hold the nozzle about 2–3 inches away from the wig and move it continuously to avoid concentrating heat in one spot.

Parting: Ensure the wig is styled in the desired parting before drying. If the parting shifts during drying, lightly mist the area with water and re-style as needed.

Finishing Touches:


Address Short Hairs: If you notice shorter hairs (often referred to as “returns”) sticking up, apply a small amount of hairspray and gently smooth them down.

Lock in moisture and gloss with our WIG LOVE Argan oil serum once you have finished styling.

Styling

Just like natural hair, wigs can become dry and brittle with excessive heat styling. To maintain the integrity and longevity of your wig, it’s crucial to use heat styling tools sparingly. Aim to limit heat styling to once or twice a week, as the style will hold well on the wig hair for several days.

Essential Tips:

Always Apply Heat Protectant: Before using any heat styling tools, apply a heat protectant spray to shield the hair from potential damage. 

Use Appropriate Tools: GHDs are set to the best temperature for heat styling with minimum damage. If your tools are temperature controlled do not exceed 180 degrees.

Life Span

Reinforce the Parting and Hairline: Over time, the knots at the parting and hairline may shed due to their delicate nature. We recommend scheduling maintenance appointments approximately every 6 months to have these areas refilled. Frequency can vary based on individual wear and care.

Heat Styling Precautions: Excessive heat can damage the wig, leading to dryness, tangling, and discolouration. Always use a heat protection spray and limit the use of heat styling tools.

Gentle Brushing: Use only a soft-bristle brush to detangle the wig. Avoid pulling or tugging, as this can cause hair loss and affect the wig’s structure. 

Regular Cleaning: Wash the wig every 10–15 wears, or when product buildup occurs, using a sulfate-free shampoo and conditioner. Gently wash in warm water and allow it to air dry or blow dry it on a wig block to maintain its quality. 

Proper Storage: When not in use, store your wig on a wig stand or mannequin head to maintain its shape and prevent tangling. Keep it away from direct sunlight and moisture to prevent colour fading or damage to hair.

We understand that caring for a wig can feel like navigating a new world. If you need assistance finding reputable wig makers in the UK for maintenance services, please don’t hesitate to ask.