Whether your hairpiece is a full-vacuum, combination-breathable vacuum (“Trumble”), Integration, or partial, there is one appropriate way to shampoo and condition. It is also necessary to use the right products and styling tools. Following the steps below is important for the beauty and manageability of the hair in your hairpiece.
Step # 1 Products:
Make sure you have a high quality, moisturizing shampoo and conditioner. We don’t recommend “drug store” product lines. Even though they smell nice and market themselves to sound as good as the professional brands, typically they are not. They contain ingredients that are harsh and can lead to matting and dryness of the hair. At Charle a Hair Studio, we have used various product lines over the years; our current favorite is a line called Colure. This is because each of its products contains extremely effective moisturizing properties. The light-weight yet penetrating conditioning ingredients treat the hair exactly the way it should be treated, leaving it shiny and combable. We sell Colure hair care products at both of our office location. To find the other exclusive salons that carry this line, visit www.colurehaircare.com.
Step # 2 Shampoo:
A deep kitchen sink with hose-faucet attachment is a good place to wash your hairpiece. Before you wet the hair, brush thoroughly to remove any knots or tangles. Using warm (never hot!) water wet the hair from roots to ends in downward, sweeping strokes, until saturated. Lather shampoo in your hands, not in the hair. Apply emulsified shampoo by rubbing it downward from roots to ends. Gently comb shampoo thru the hair with fingers, never agitating or scrubbing. Always rub in the direction the hair grows. Rinse using the same downward motion, from roots to ends.
Step # 3 Condition:
After cleansing, blot hair gently with towel to remove excess moisture. Following the same method described above, work conditioner thru the hair, roots to ends. Make sure to coat the underside, nape area of the hairpiece. This area can be particularly prone to matting, especially if not combed and conditioned properly. Rinse well with warm water. Gently pat and press moisture away with towel. Again, do not rub or agitate. Shampoo and condition approximately every 1 to 2 weeks to keep hair shiny and bouncy.
Step # 4 Styling:
After towel blotting, apply a conditioning, smoothing product. We recommend Colure’s Straight Hair Blow Dry Cream, for shine and manageability. For curly, wavy styles, where body is desired, apply a sculpting gel (Colure’s Firm Hold Styling Gel is what we use) by emulsifying a small amount in hands and distributing evenly throughout hair. Pick or comb through to create desired style, allow to air dry this way.
Step # 5 (optional) Thermal Styling:
If you blow dry your piece, be careful not to over dry the hair. Over time this will damage and dry out the hair. To protect the hair, use a leave in conditioner, gel, and/or mouse. Most of our clients find it unnecessary to blow dry the hair 100% dry after every shampooing. If anything, it’s best to concentrate on the bang and front areas around the face then just let the rest air dry. Just as with any normal human hair, hot rollers may be used to set the hair. If straight and sleek is desired, a big-barrel curling iron or flat iron may be used carefully and gently. Just don’t burn the hair by holding the iron on it too long!
Perms and Color:
No more than two perms should take place in the life of one hairpiece. This will cause damage and excessive drying. Very light blond units should not be permed at all, as this hair is too fragile. As far as coloring your hairpiece, you will probably need to have it done 2-3 times per year. All human hair oxidizes eventually. The sun, shampooing, and ultimately time will cause the hair to fade and lighten. Coloring and perming should only be done in our salon or by another reliable, licensed hair stylist.
By following these steps you will make life much easier when it comes to managing and styling your new hair. You will also be improving and possibly extending the life of your unit! Please feel free to contact us by phone or e-mail with any questions regarding proper care of your hairpiece. We are always here to help our clients. Contact us now on our contact page, or call us directly at 888-680-HAIR(4247). Proudly serving San Diego County.