Curly Wigs 101: Tips for Care, Styling and Maintenance

Wigs with curls have an undeniable way of stealing the spotlight, don’t they? Whether it’s bouncy ringlets or soft romantic waves, curly hair wigs exude personality and confidence like no other. 

But let’s be honest, keeping those curls looking their best does require a little extra care and attention.

From mastering the art of detangling to discovering pro-level styling secrets, there’s so much you can do to make your curly wig look and feel custom-made. 

The good news? It’s simpler than you might think.

We’ve rounded up 7 must-know tips to help you care for, style, and maintain your curly wig so it’s always runway-ready. 

Let’s jump in.

7 Tips for care, styling, and maintenance of curly wigs

1. #Tip 1: Don’t Overwash Your Curly Wigs

The first tip to keeping your long and short curly wigs fabulous? Don’t overdo it with washing.

While lathering it up every few days might be tempting, curly wigs don’t get the same natural oils as bio hair. Therefore, frequent washing can dry out those beautiful curls and make them lose their bounce. 

Ideally, you should wash your curly wig after 7–10 wears or when you notice product buildup or a loss of its signature shine.

When wash day rolls around, always use wig-specific shampoos and conditioners. These products are designed to be gentle on synthetic or human hair fibers, ensuring your wig stays in top condition. 

Another key step? Be extra gentle during the washing process. Use lukewarm water and avoid scrubbing or wringing the wig. 

Instead, lightly massage the shampoo through the fibers and rinse thoroughly. For conditioner, focus on the mid-lengths to ends, where the fiber is most prone to dryness. 

2. # Tip 2: Use A Wide Tooth Comb Or Fingers For Detangling 

Curly wig hairstyles are all about bounce and volume, but tugging through knots with the wrong tools can lead to frizz, breakage, or flattened curls. 

So, what’s the secret? Swap out that regular brush for a wide-tooth comb or even your fingers.

Start by gently separating the hair fibers with your fingers. This method is ideal for loosening tangles without pulling on the delicate fibers. For tougher knots, a wide-tooth comb is your best friend. 

Always work from the tips upward to avoid creating bigger tangles, and never detangle a dry curly wig—it’s a one-way ticket to a frizz-fest.

Instead, spritz on a detangling spray or use a leave-in conditioner to give those curls extra slip and shine.

And here’s a bonus hack: detangle your wig while it’s damp after washing. The curls are more pliable, and you’ll avoid disrupting their natural pattern. 

3. # Tip 3: Restore Your Curls With Finger Coiling

Ever noticed your curls looking a little tired after a wash? Don’t worry—there’s an easy way to bring them back to life.

Let us introduce you to finger coiling, the ultimate trick for restoring your curly wig’s bounce and definition.

Here’s how it works: after washing your wig, take small sections of damp fiber and gently twirl them around your finger, following the natural curl pattern.

It’s a super simple process, but the results? Totally worth it. Your curly wig styles will look freshly styled and perfectly defined.

Finger coiling isn’t just about restoring your wig’s original look, it’s also a fantastic way to enhance your wig’s natural texture and keep it looking brand new.

Pro Tip: Use lightweight styling cream or mousse designed for wigs to lock in the curls and add extra shine while finger coiling.

4. # Tip 4: Heat-Style Only Heat-Friendly Curly Wigs

On the fourth number, let’s talk about heat-styling curly wigs—and here’s the golden rule: only use heat tools on heat-friendly synthetic wigs or curly human hair wigs. 

Not all wigs can handle the heat, and using styling tools on a wig that isn’t designed for it can cause damage to those gorgeous curls. So, before you reach for the flat iron or curling wand, check the wig’s label or product description.

Curly, heat-friendly synthetic and human hair wigs are your go-to options if you love experimenting with styles. 

You can add extra bounce, smooth out frizz, or redefine the curl pattern but remember to spritz a heat-protectant spray and keep your tools on a low to medium heat setting. 

Mid-length curly wigs for women

5. # Tip 5: Air Dry Your Curly Wigs

Moving forward, our tip involves giving your curly wig the gentle love it deserves—air drying.

Trust us, it’s the ultimate game-changer for maintaining those luscious curls. Unlike blow-drying, which can disrupt the curl pattern or create unnecessary frizz, air-drying allows your wig to settle naturally into its shape. 

After washing your wig, gently blot the excess water with a soft towel. Don’t rub or twist, as that can damage the delicate fibers. Next, dry the wig on a wig stand or mannequin head. 

This helps it retain its shape and allows the air to circulate evenly, drying the wig faster without the risk of heat damage. 

Position it in a well-ventilated space and avoid direct sunlight, which can fade the beautiful wig colors.

Air drying isn’t just about protecting the fibers; it’s also about preserving the natural bounce of your curls. 

6. # Tip 6: Store Your Curly Wigs Properly

When it comes to storage, a long or short curly hair wig deserves a cozy place. Proper storage is essential for keeping those curls bouncy, defined, and ready to shine. 

Leaving your wig lying around can cause tangling, flattening, or even damage to the fibers. And who wants that, right?

First things first, always detangle your curly wig gently before storing it. 

Next, the ideal spot for your wig is a wig stand or mannequin head. Not only does this help your wig maintain its shape, but it also keeps those curls perfectly intact. 

If you’re short on space, no worries. Store it in a breathable bag or box specifically designed for wigs. Just make sure it’s clean and dry before packing it away.

A wig case is an excellent option for travel or longer storage. It protects your wig from dust and static while keeping those curls from getting damaged. 

7. # Tip 7: Trim Curly Wigs When Needed

Over time, even the best-maintained curly wigs can start to show a little wear. You might notice the ends becoming frizzy or tangled, and that’s totally normal. 

But here’s the secret to keeping your wig looking fresh and fabulous: a little snip here and there can work wonders.

Trimming your curly wig is like giving it a mini makeover. A quick trim can remove those frayed ends and breathe new life into the curls. 

However, don’t go overboard. Less is more when it comes to cutting your wig. You can use scissors designed for wigs or even take it to a professional stylist who has experience with wigs. 

Trimming isn’t something you’ll need to do often, but it’s a game-changer for extending the life of your wig. 

Plus, it’s a great way to maintain those perfectly shaped curls and keep your wig looking like it just came out of the box.

Conclusion

And there you have it, your ultimate guide to rocking curly wigs like a pro. With the right care, styling, and maintenance, your curly wig will look fresh, fabulous, and full of life for the long haul.

Ready to experience the charm of curly hair wigs for women? Visit Paula Young to shop from an exquisite range of salon-quality curly wigs in various fibers, colors, and styles at unbeatable prices.