Putting together a cosplay costume involves time and effort, so taking care of every part of it, including the wig, means you get to show off your hard work for a long time to come. Maintaining a curly wig calls for some special supplies. However, unless your wig is made of 100 percent human hair, do not use heat-styling tools on it or you may melt the fibers? Instead, use the right techniques on your curly wig to keep it looking great for the next con.
Regular Maintenance
Wear a wig cap under your wig to help keep your natural scalp oils from soiling the wig.
Use products designed specifically for synthetic wigs, such as liquid wig mousse, to take down frizz. Do not use regular hair products, which can degrade your wig. To use the wig mousse, apply a small amount to your hands and work it into the wig, starting at the ends.
Use your fingers or a wide-tooth comb to gently detangle the wig. Do not use a brush, which would ruin the curls. You may shake the wig to keep the curls bouncy.
Store the wig after each use on a wig stand or in wig storage net. Make sure you store it styled and not folded. Keep it in a cool, dry location.
Washing
Wash your cosplay wig only every 12 to 20 wears because each wash shortens the life of your wig and relaxes the curls. Infrequent cosplayers need to wash their wigs only rarely. Check to see if the wig is greasy or has an odor. If so, give your wig a wash.
Fill a sink with a few inches of cool water. Do not use hot water which will relax the curls. Add a tablespoon of synthetic wig shampoo to the water and submerge the wig. Let it soak for a few minutes before gently swirling it around in the water. Soak the wig for a few more minutes in the soapy water.
Rinse the shampoo out with clean cool water.
Lay the wig out on a towel and gently blot it. Do not rub or wring it out. Use your fingers to arrange the curls so they set nicely as they dry. If the curls are tangled, spray a little leave-on wig conditioner over the wig. Work out the knots with your fingers, starting at the ends and working up to the roots. Arrange the curls and let it air dry on a towel.
Re-curling the Wig
Tighten up loose curls by wrapping the locks smoothly around sponge curlers. Be careful not to fold any strands of hair or they will set that way.
Run hot water over the wig for five seconds once all the hair has been set in curlers. The hot water will relax the old curls. Run cold water over the wig to set the curls again. Squeeze the excess water out of each sponge curler and let the wig air-dry thoroughly on a towel or a wig stand.
Remove the curlers once the wig is completely dry. Finger comb the curls into place and style it with wig mousse if the curls are frizzy.