Blondes

Blonde hair wigs & toppers are prone to discoloration and tangling primarily due to the extensive chemical processing required to lighten and achieve the blonde color.

Reasons for discoloration

1. Chemical processing:

   • Blonde hair is often sourced from darker hair and undergoes bleaching and toning processes, which strip the hair of its natural pigments and moisture. This makes the hair more porous and susceptible to external elements.

   • The cuticle layer can be damaged during processing, making it less able to retain color.

2. Environmental exposure:

   • UV Rays: Sunlight can fade blonde tones, making them appear brassy or yellow.

   • Water quality: Hard water or chlorinated water can deposit minerals or chemicals onto the hair, causing discoloration.

   • Pollution: Environmental pollutants may contribute to changes in the hair's tone over time.

3. Product buildup:

   • Improper use of hair products, especially those not designed for blonde hair, can lead to discoloration.

Reasons for tangling

1. Cuticle damage:

   • During bleaching, the hair cuticle becomes rougher and can lift, leading to increased friction and tangling.

2. Loss of natural oils:

   • Blonde hair wigs lack the natural oils that human scalp hair has. This can cause dryness and make the strands more likely to knot together.

3. Porosity:

   • Highly processed blonde hair is more porous, meaning it absorbs moisture unevenly. This contributes to tangling and frizz.

Maintenance and prevention tips

For discoloration:

1. Use sulfate-free shampoos:

   • Choose products specifically formulated for blonde hair, such as purple or silver shampoos, to neutralize yellow or brassy tones.

2. Avoid chlorine and hard water:

   • Rinse hair with filtered or bottled water after swimming. Consider a chelating shampoo to remove mineral buildup.

3. Protect from UV rays:

   • Use leave-in conditioners with UV protection or wear a hat to shield the wig from sunlight.

4. Proper storage:

   • Store the wig in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and humidity.

For tangling:

1. Conditioning treatments:

   • Never apply any conditioner or mask on to the base only on the hair.

   • Deep-condition the hair weekly to restore moisture and smoothness.

   • Use lightweight oils (like argan or jojoba) sparingly to reduce friction.

2. Detangling practices:

   • Use a wide-tooth comb or a detangling brush specifically for wigs & toppers.

   • Start detangling from the ends and work your way up to avoid breakage.

3. Avoid heat damage:

   • Minimize the use of heated styling tools, or use them with a heat protectant spray.

4. Silk or satin:

   • Store or wrap the wig in a silk or satin scarf to reduce friction and prevent tangles during storage.

Reviving discolored or tangled blonde wigs & toppers

1. Clarifying wash:

   For discoloration, use a clarifying or color-balancing shampoo to remove buildup and restore brightness.

2. Hydration mask:

   Never apply any conditioner or mask on to the base only on the hair.

   Apply a deep hydrating mask or leave-in treatment to replenish moisture lost during processing.

3. Professional help:

   If the wig/topper is severely discolored or tangled, take it to a professional wig stylist for repair or re-toning.