Let’s turn that bird’s nest back into a blowout
You go to grab your favorite wig—your go-to, the one that never lets you down—and… yikes. It’s looking more tumbleweed than top model. We’ve all been there. Be it human hair or synthetic, knots and tangles are inevitable, especially if your wig’s been through a few wears, a night on the wig stand, or a less-than-gentle purse toss.
The thing is, a tangled wig isn’t the end of the world, but how you handle it? That can make or break it. One wrong brush, one too-harsh tug, and you’ve gone from “salon-worthy” to “salvage operation.”
The good news? With the right tools, a little patience, and a game plan, you can bring that wig back to life—without damage or a desperate call to your stylist. So, how do you untangle a wig? Keep reading.
Why do wigs tangle in the first place?
Tangled wigs aren’t a sign you’ve done something wrong; they’re a sign your wig’s just been living life. A little friction from your jacket collar, a few hours of tossing on your pillowcase, or even a long day in the sun can all lead to knots and matting. It’s completely normal—but definitely fixable.
Let’s break it down. Synthetic wigs tend to tangle more easily because the fibers don’t have natural oils like human hair does. Add in heat styling or product buildup, and things get chaotic fast. Human hair wigs, on the other hand, are more forgiving—but they still need TLC. Dryness, overwashing, or skipping your post-wear detangling session can lead to just as much trouble.
According to a stylist from The Lauren Ashtyn Collection, “The biggest mistake we see is people brushing their wigs dry or storing them without detangling first. It only takes a few minutes to prep it right—and it saves hours later.”
So what can you do? Start by using a wide-toothed comb or detangling brush. Always work from the ends up, and never brush a synthetic wig when it’s dry (unless you enjoy static and frizz). Store your wig properly—ideally on a wig stand or in a silk bag—and avoid overloading it with styling products. And if you’re really dedicated to protecting your wig, read our detailed guide below.
Prep work before you even touch the tangles
Before you go in with a brush like you’re unraveling a mystery, stop. Breathe. Put the wig down. Because the first rule of detangling is don’t rush it, especially if it’s synthetic.
Step 1
Use your fingers. Gently work through the worst knots by hand to minimize breakage. It’s like giving your wig a little pre-massage. No yanking, no tugging—just patience and light pressure.
Step 2
Next, mist it lightly with a wig-safe detangling spray or leave-in conditioner. Yes, they make them specifically for wigs (and no, your drugstore hair serum isn’t a good substitute). This helps soften the strands and makes detangling feel more like a spa treatment than a wrestling match.
Step 3
Lay your wig flat on a towel or place it on a wig stand for stability. This is especially helpful when you’re working through tougher sections. Whatever you do, don’t start brushing a synthetic wig while it’s dry. Synthetic fibers are particularly prone to frizz and static when brushed dry, and once they’re damaged, there’s no going back.
If you're wondering how to untangle a synthetic wig, the golden rule is: hydrate, don’t hate. With the right prep and a little finesse, even the messiest wig can bounce back beautifully. Just like your favorite throw pillow—fluff, don’t fight.
How do you untangle a wig? Step-by-step guide
No matter how high-end your unit is, every wig eventually runs into a tangle—or twelve. But before you panic and reach for scissors (or worse, a hair straightener on full blast), let’s break down exactly how to untangle a wig safely.
How to untangle a synthetic wig
Synthetic wigs can be fabulous: affordable, low-maintenance, and ready to wear right out of the box. But when it comes to tangles? You have to tread carefully. Synthetic fibers behave very differently from natural hair, and the wrong move can turn a bad knot into a fuzzy mess.
Here’s how to untangle a synthetic wig without frying it or frizzing it out:
1. Start with your fingers. Gently separate obvious knots to reduce tension before brushing.
2. Mist lightly with cold water and a wig-specific detangling spray. Avoid saturating it, but you want enough moisture to soften the fibers.
3. Work in small sections, starting at the ends and gradually moving up toward the roots.
4. Use a wide-toothed comb or loop brush (never a standard hairbrush).
5. Avoid heat—unless your wig is clearly labeled as heat-safe. Even then, keep tools on a low setting and always test a small section first.
Stylist tip from The Lauren Ashtyn Collection: “Our clients have the best luck when they treat synthetic wigs like delicate fabrics—handle with care and always brush from the bottom up.”
How to untangle a human hair wig
Human hair wigs offer the look, feel, and styling flexibility of real hair—which means you’ve got more options when it comes to detangling.
To untangle a human hair wig:
1. Lightly dampen the hair with a spray bottle or wash it gently with wig-safe conditioner.
2. Apply a leave-in conditioner or detangling product formulated for wigs.
3. Use a paddle brush or a wet brush, and always work in sections—ends first, roots last.
4. Use heat carefully. You can use a blow-dryer on low or a handheld steamer to help relax tougher knots.
5. Finish with a serum or oil, if desired, but keep it light to avoid build-up.
Pro tip: “Invest in a quality brush—it makes all the difference,” says a Lauren Ashtyn stylist. “We recommend soft-bristle paddle brushes and loop brushes to reduce shedding and breakage.”
Whether synthetic or human hair, the secret is the same. Be patient, be gentle, and don’t force it. Your wig is a long-term relationship—treat it with love, and it’ll keep showing up for you.
Common mistakes that make tangles worse
We’ve all been there—panic-brushing through a knot. But if your wig keeps tangling no matter how often you detangle it, the problem might not be just the hair. It could be how you’re treating it.
Let’s talk about the biggest offenders.
✗ Brushing from the top down. The “panic brush” is tempting, especially when you’re in a rush. But all it does is drag knots downward and stress the fibers. Always start at the ends and work your way up.
✗ Using regular shampoo or conditioner. Your favorite salon products might be great for your natural hair, but on wigs, especially synthetic ones, they can cause dryness, buildup, and yes—more tangles.
✗ Over-washing or under-washing. Washing too often strips moisture; not washing enough leads to product buildup. Strike a balance based on how often you wear your wig.
✗ Sleeping or swimming in your wig (unprotected). Both are recipes for matting. If you must sleep in it, wrap it in silk. Swimming? Use a protective style or leave your wig at home.
✗ Overloading with product. Serums, sprays, gels. A little goes a long way. Too much product equals sticky, tangled strands and more time detangling later.
Take it from the experts. Wig care doesn’t have to be complicated. With the right tools and habits, tangles won’t stand a chance.
How to take care of a wig to prevent future tangles
Want to spend less time detangling and more time living your life? Prevention is your best friend. Knowing how to take care of a wig properly means fewer knots, longer-lasting wear, and less stress in your morning routine.
Start with storage, because tossing your wig on the back of a chair is basically asking for tangles. Instead, place it on a wig stand to maintain its shape or store it in a satin or silk bag to reduce friction.
Next, go easy on the wash routine. Use a sulfate-free wig shampoo and conditioner, and keep washes spaced out based on how often you wear it. After each wear (or at least every few), gently detangle with a wide-toothed comb or wig brush to keep buildup from turning into knots.
A tiny amount of wig-friendly serum or oil can help minimize frizz, but don’t overdo it. Too much product = sticky strands + major tangling.
For human hair wigs, give your piece a weekly deep conditioning treatment to replenish moisture and elasticity. Your wig might not grow from your scalp, but it still needs that nourishing love.
And finally, think about friction. Wearing high collars or winter scarves? Try tucking the ends of your wig or switching to silk. Silk pillowcases aren’t just a luxury; they’re a legit tangle-prevention tactic.
Taking care of your wig is an act of preservation. Treat it like the investment it is, and it’ll show up for you again and again… just like your favorite lipstick or perfectly worn-in jeans.
Love your wig, even when it’s messy
Here’s the truth: wigs tangle. Even the best ones. It doesn’t mean they’re ruined; it just means they’ve been worn, loved, and lived in. A little mess doesn’t take away their magic; it just calls for a little care.
So, be patient. Be gentle. And not just with your wig—but with yourself. You’re learning, you’re showing up, and you’re doing great. With the right tools, smart habits, and a touch of TLC, your favorite wig can keep serving looks for the long haul.
Shop The Lauren Ashtyn Collection for luxe, long-lasting wigs and pro-approved care tools designed to help you protect your crown.
