Friction Frizz: What is it and can you prevent it happening?

Friction frizz is known in the wig world like split ends are in the hair world.

It only happens to synthetic wigs and high heat-friendly wigs.  Many people experience friction frizz hair with their synthetic wigs. So don’t worry, you're not alone. The important thing is to understand what is causing this to happen so you can take steps to prolong the inevitable.

In this article, I will explore the different causes of friction frizz hair and give you tips on how to prolong longevity.   Like all products, synthetic wigs do require some care and maintenance to keep them looking their best. My hope is that once you read this and follow my advice you can prolong unnecessary frizz or wig damage.  This way you keep your wig looking its best for as long as possible.  So, let’s jump right in on this topic!

3 Top reasons that cause synthetic wigs to frizz?

1.    Wig Friction

2.    High heat (straighteners/hair dryers)

3.    Stretching of the Fibre

Synthetic Wigs have come a long way over the years.  However, at the end of the day, we must never forget that synthetic wigs are man-made synthetic fiber that only mimic the appearance of human hair.  Below are some actual examples of each of the above causes so you can visualise the possibility of this happening to you and avoid it if possible. 

Example of how wig friction frizz can occur.

• Wig Friction
  The main cause of friction frizz is the constant rubbing of the synthetic fiber at your nape (back of your neck) against your clothes, jackets, and scarves over time, especially in the winter months. The longer your wig is, the more this will occur.

Also, if you rest your head on the back of the cars headrest, office chair, or sofa, that concentrated movement can cause friction frizz in that specific area.

• High Heat

This can take place several different ways – Something as simple as opening the oven door and that blast of heat will cause the fringe area to singe and frizz. In the winter months, keep your distance and not too close for long periods of time from heaters or fireplaces that will cause damage.

Never use hot tools such as straighteners, curling irons, and hairdryers as these will irreversibly damage the hair fibres. If you have a high heat-friendly synthetic fibre, always read the manufacturer’s manual to find out what heat settings are used to ensure no damage to the hair fibre.

•      Stretching of the hair fibre

Use the correct comb and or brush to ensure there is no tugging or pulling on the hair fibre. Pulling and stretching the synthetic fibre hair will either break or curl up and look frizzy.  With high heat-friendly fibres, and the overuse of heated tools, the fibre over time will stretch.

So, how can you protect your synthetic fibres?

 1.    No matter what the hair length of your synthetic or high heat-friendly fibre wig, place a silk or satin scarf between the fibre of your wig and any clothing which rubs against your wig. This will help with friction.
Pin a silk or satin scarf onto the headrest of the car this will prevent friction on the fibre of your wig.

2.    Avoid overwashing your wig.

Synthetic hair does not produce oils unlike bio hair, so it does not get greasy. If you perspire a lot, invest in a mesh cap/bamboo cap as these will absorb and help to protect from sweat, scalp oils, and or residue from scalp moisturisers.  Caps can be purchased from snips wigs.

Overwashing will stretch the hair fibres.

When drying, do not rub and or wring out, instead gently pat the excess water from your wig in a towel.

3.    Moisturise your synthetic wig before and after wearing.

I recommend the > Synthetic Hair Conditioner by Ellen Wille > is a leave-in conditioner that helps to protect the fibres while reducing static electricity.

Also recommended >Hair tip liquid by Ellen Wille< it is used to gently coat the hair tips regenerating the fibres, and protecting against split ends, breakage, and felting. Both products can be purchased at Snips Wigs

4.    Avoid over-brushing.

5.    Always store your wig on a wig stand either a collapsible stand or a Styrofoam head.

6.    For the long synthetic wigs, I recommended wearing the hair up in a ponytail/bun as much as possible.

7.    Avoid elastic bands to tie up your wig hair. Scrunchies or any material bands will prevent breakage of the hair fibres.

8.    Sometimes your wig is old just and needs to be replaced. The life of a synthetic wig will always depend on the care you give it, the climate, and the quality of the wig. Typically, you should be able to get 6 – 8 months worn daily. Some will get longer, while some will replace them every couple of months. It really depends on you and your unique wig-wearing habits or likes. Longer hair synthetic wigs and high heat friendly wigs, worn daily, should get 4-6 months before they would need to be replaced.

Top Tip:

You wouldn’t wear a good pair of high heels to go hiking or to clean your house! Why would you wear your Good Wig doing the same activities?

Why not purchase a cheaper wig which resembles your going out / good wig to do all the household chores, going running, hiking etc. This will help protect and prolong the longevity of your good wig.

I do advise you to purchase 2 wigs, as you can alternate between the two to help extend the longevity of both wigs. Also, what if something were to happen to the only wig you have, you would have no backup!

Check out SERVICES for synthetic wigs I provide to help maintain and prolong your wig. https://www.snipswigs.ie/repairs-and-alterations

I hope that this information is helpful and has given you the tools to help prolong the longevity of your synthetic wig and high heat-friendly wig.

If you are unsure of what products to use or how to use them or have any questions regarding synthetic wigs, please do not hesitate to contact me I would be delighted to help you.