One of the most
annoying problems with long sheitels is the fact that the rows of hair that lay
on the nape of the neck tend to get knotted and matted. These rows of hair can be detangled - but
like everything else - continuous combing loosens and then tears the hairs in the
sheitel. Eventually, over-vigorous
brushing and combing will create bald spots.
The reason this
area is so vulnerable to tangling is the fact that this area tends to rub along
the collars of shirts, dresses, coats and jackets, as well as get caught in
scarves and necklaces. There is no way to prevent this close contact, but there
is a way to help prevent the resulting tangles!
For years I have
told my customers that they should pay extra attention to this area and GENTLY
detangle and comb - with a wide tooth comb or brush - this area after every
time they wear their long sheitels. Regular
detangling keeps this area neat and prevents the need for more vigorous
brushing when you bring your sheitel in for a 'wash and set'. (Another area of
special attention is the “scalp” area of the wig, but that’s the subject of
another article!)
I have tried all
kinds of methods to detangle the hairs as safely as possible, but like
everything else, I have found that the easiest method is to PREVENT this
tangling IN THE FIRST PLACE. My solution
is simple and wig-safe!
My method works
great with all sheitels: on new sheitels as well as old sheitels; 100%
human hair, blends and even synthetics!
What to do?
þ First
turn your sheitel inside out. Hold the
nape section of your sheitel facing you. 
þIf this is not a new sheitel, gently comb and detangle all the hair of
the sheitel - paying special attention to the last rows of hair close to the
edges of the sheitel (this is the area that will come in close contact with the
nape of the neck). 
þ Using
the palms of your hands gently apply the gel/oil ONLY to the roots of
the rows of hair at the nape. Do not
rub the oil/gel down through the hair length.
You only want the “roots” of the rows of hairs close to the nape
to be affected. The reason for this is that you do not want your wig to dirty
or create an oil stain on any of your clothes.
þ This
layer of protection should last until your regular month and a half shampoo and
set session. If you have been wearing your wig in hot weather or throughout a particularly active day, you may need to reapply a bit of gel/oil and repeat the process. If you wait months between
shampoo and set sessions (which you know you should NOT DO!), the
protective properties of the gel/oil will not last and you will need to reapply a bit of gel/oil every so often.
þ Before
and after every wear, gently shake out your wig twice. Once while holding your wig inside
out and then while holding your wig right side out.
This will help to keep the hairs separate.
Treat
your wig with the love and attention it deserves and it should serve you well
for a long time to come!
