Wig washing and styling?

A week or so ago, Natsuki fell. Although she's perfectly fine, her wig fell off, and got dusty. Not a huge problem, since I did pick up a back-up wig from Volks, but I'd still like to clean it up. I see Volks sells shampoos and other supplies for wigs. Is this the best product to use?

 

I could also use some general styling advice... Mari's defualt wig has a few strands pulled out of one of her twin tails, and I'm sure I'd mess it up worse if I took off the hair band... I've got some wig mist and styling paste stuff from Volks, any usage tips?

 

For added irony, I actually am the entire health and beauty aids department where I work...

For cleaning wigs, I have found that just getting a large bowl and mixing ONE drop of Dawn in there with warm water works well to get a wig clean. Manami's wig was getting that "crunchy" and dry feel to it a while back so I read about how to clean it in a Volks paper I got with her. They basically say to get the wig and dunk it a few times in the bowl. They specifically say NOT to actually wash it like you would hair. That will damage the wig and make it easier for hair to pull out of the cap.

 

So all I did was just dunk it like 5 or 6 times and then rinse it out under warm tap water. I then put it on top of a 2 liter bottle to dry with a small fan on low. I would then turn it periodically to make sure all sides got wind on them. I think it took about an hour to get the wig completely dry using this method.

 

I need to do it again tho, it's starting to get that dry feeling again.

 

As for products to use for styling, I have not tried anything on any of my girls. I am afraid to do any damage on wigs like Mai's or Yoko's since those are not available anywhere else in case something goes wrong.

 

I do however use a very tiny bit of veggie oil on a soft toothbrush to fix small issues like hairs out of place. I just put the toothbrush about halfway in a small amount of the oil and then run my thumb along the brush like 7-8 times to get the majority of the oil off. Then you brush their hair as usual and it looks nice and shiny and tends to get messed up a lot less. I read about doing that on some website before and decided to give it a shot. So far I have had no problems with doing this.

 

I dunno if the veggie oil will hold a style tho, I seriously doubt it. Maybe some hairspray will work out or some type thin gel. Since I shave my head, I am the wrong guy to ask about hair products.

 

 

Billy

I'm sort of lucky in the fact that I have a doll shop nearby and can occasionally find a deal on a used Volks wig or two. I can say that you should not wash the wig in anything that has fragrance- i.e actual beauty products. I've made that mistake and while it isn't awful.... I just don't want my wigs to smell like much of anything, I suppose. They seem to absorb the smell so be really careful with your selection. Also a thing to keep in mind is that beauty products for humans have oils that work differently on synthetic hair than natural hair and the former doesn't grow back!

 

I feel the method Billy described with the warm water and just a tiny drop of detergent works really well. However, the crunchy feeling is another issue! I wound up ordering a bottle of the wig oil from Volks themselves and it has worked like a charm. it just takes a little, tiny bit and leaves the wig feeling silky again. What's it made of? I can't tell. No smell, no ingredients on the bottle- but I think it must be some sort of liquid silicone/polymers (does that make sense?) spray because it coats fairly well and remains without staining the surface of the doll. Oh and make sure to remove the wig before spraying!!! I know that is common sense but on occasion I lack that and assume other folks do too from time to time.

 

Good luck!

The method I described for washing wigs is exactly what Volks says to do in their instruction booklet. I'd guess that's why it works well.

 

I have not tried the Volks spray yet tho. I may have to get that and see how it goes. So far, any time the wigs start to get that "crunchy" or dry feel to them, I just wash them and they are back to normal.

 

You mentioned you are near a Doll store.... would that happen to be Kerby Lane since you're in Texas?

 

 

Billy

Thanks, guys, hopefully tomorrow I can wash Natsuki's wig. I've kind of forgotten. It's been crazy here.

You mentioned you are near a Doll store.... would that happen to be Kerby Lane since you're in Texas?

 

 

Billy

 

Indeed! After moving us all around the US to make video games my husband's work finally landed us in Austin, TX.(We're also video game nerds) I love Kerby Lane Doll Shop. They don't always have a lot of Dollfie Dream items but the second hand section is second to none. I picked up most of my face-up art supplies from them too. It's good to save on the shipping if I can. Some super nice SD lovers 'round those parts.

 

Yeah, the wig spray is RAD. It makes the hair super soft and feel new again. They had some at the doll shop too if you live nearby too- I think some folks were selling their FCS kits that came with their dolls.

Oh that's too funny that you live near Kerby Lane! I do business with Rochelle ALL the time! She is way cool and always helps me out. I put in with her everytime something comes up thru Volks.

 

I wish they had an online catalog that shows what they have in stock but I know that would be really hard to keep up with on their end. You're right, they don't always have DD or DDdy stuff in but when they do, it's good stuff. I was able to get a really hard to find Volks outfit thru Rochelle because a friend wanted it but then decided not to get it. She then told me about it and I called Rochelle and got it switched to my account.

 

I'd like to go in there one day but being in SC kind of kills that as a day trip.

 

 

Billy

Yeah, it's just midtown so I usually take my Vespa up there. ^_____^ It's in a nice area of town that's easy to get to.

 

They have sort of short hours during the day (understandable for a doll shop) so I get there when I can. It was strange because we moved here and I discovered Dollfies at the same time. I can't tell you how cool it was to actually be able to walk in and *see* what they look like before I bought one. They don't always have the newest items but they have an assortment of rare things and as I said earlier the second hand wigs are AWESOME. There's a lot to see... it's almost overwhelming. I really love the manager's collection of dolls and Lanie always has some fabulous SD Boy with her when she's working.

 

The people who work there are very very VERY knowledgable and really love the resin dolls Volks makes. For anyone else just reading about KLDS (http://www.kerbeylanedollshop.com/) for the first time: they charge you the cost of what Volks charges you, so they really don't turn a huge profit but they do have the privilege of being one of the only retailers for Volks in the US. The Dollfie Dream stuff is less popular round those parts in lieu of resin and in the USA (generally) from what I've heard. I really hope it does pick up because DD girls are so fantastic. ^^

 

Back to wigs... I picked up Kaguya's wig there not too long ago for $20 bucks and it's actually a Volks wig which is a nice bonus. If you're looking for something specific second hand wig-wise you might was to check with them!

DD popularity has actually taken Volks USA by surprise: they are just now getting used to the fact that DD has such a following in North America. This is why they are constantly having to restock. I hope that this gets to the point where dolls that have more appeal here rather than in Asia (Dollfie Dream boy pls...) are considered by Volks for release.

Well, we'll keep our fingers crossed. ^^ Volks USA runs out of a lot of stuff frequently though, whether it be resin or DD mats. They're pretty fabulous about restocking though and letting folks know when things are back in stock.

I've got a question about wig care ><. I love curled wigs so much, but hate the frizz factor that can come along with it. Any tips for maintaining curls? Should some sort of styling product be used when the wig is first bought to hold the curls together?

 

Also: A month ago I bought this spray in detangler for human and synthetic hair, the brand is called Soft Sheen Carson (for weaves) and its pretty nice stuff for a spray in detangler I have a doll wig with clip on ponytails which are wavy, so I just spray some detangler on, use a wide tooth comb or finger comb it, and it looks and feels great! I also have multiple wigs from the company Monique, which are super soft. One of the wigs I own has loose curls at the ends and easily looses shine, but with the Soft Sheen Carson spray it restores the shine and helps to detangle it.

 

Alsoalso: Has anyone tried the sharpie dye method to dye doll wigs (rubbing alcohol + sharpie ink)? I have a white doll wig which I'd like to custom dye a pastel color. Maybe even do half and half for a sweet lolita look. I might try it!

Tell me about it! I have one wig with curls and it's starting to get really frizzy. It's a Volks wig too:

 

http://www.volksusa.com/w133b744.html

 

The long curls are starting to stray away from being tight and I have no clue how to get them back under control. Do you think that "Soft Sheen Carson" spray detangler product may work for this?

 

Sorry I can't help on any of your questions. Almost all my wigs are straight haired.

 

Oh, I also have two Monique Gold wigs! Both are short haired and super soft. For the price, I really like them.

 

 

Billy

It might D: The curled wig I have is this http://www.impldoll.com/goods.php?id=274 and like yours, its tight curls >< Except that the wig I bought is like, annoyingly low quality I have another wig from that company which is awesome! But this one is plasticy. Spraying it was able to detangle it somewhat. Today, I was like, well, this wig will be an experimental wig, so when I washed it I used conditioner which actually helped me to individually remove some strands. Darn you curled wigs That white wig I have has most curls intact but two, so I might cut and restyle .

Tell me about it! I have one wig with curls and it's starting to get really frizzy. It's a Volks wig too:

 

http://www.volksusa.com/w133b744.html

 

The long curls are starting to stray away from being tight and I have no clue how to get them back under control. Do you think that "Soft Sheen Carson" spray detangler product may work for this?

Billy

 

I have that wig too!

 

The rule for setting Volks wigs.... or any synthetic wig (I suppose) is to use steam! ^^ It's fairly simple:

 

- Use your rollers or whatever works to get the correct size curls you're looking for

- Heat a pot of water until steaming but not boiling.

- I use a strainer to set the wig in for a few minutes and then remove and let the whole thing set & dry.

 

Viola!

 

Just always use common sense and stay away from dry heat or else your wig will become a melted mess. As I mentioned earlier the Volks wig oils works wonders on frizzy wigs and I have actually had great success spraying it on that curly wig once I received it. It was pretty frazzled from Volks so I removed it from my girl and actually sprayed it on the curls and brushed the wig in sections- now it's as smooth as it is in the official pictures. Maybe I should actually take some pictures for instructional purposes....

 

Anyhow, much luck with your wig setting adventures! I hope this helped~

 

^^

Tell me about it! I have one wig with curls and it's starting to get really frizzy. It's a Volks wig too:

 

http://www.volksusa.com/w133b744.html

 

The long curls are starting to stray away from being tight and I have no clue how to get them back under control. Do you think that "Soft Sheen Carson" spray detangler product may work for this?

Billy

 

I have that wig too!

 

The rule for setting Volks wigs.... or any synthetic wig (I suppose) is to use steam! ^^ It's fairly simple:

 

- Use your rollers or whatever works to get the correct size curls you're looking for

- Heat a pot of water until steaming but not boiling.

- I use a strainer to set the wig in for a few minutes and then remove and let the whole thing set & dry.

 

Viola!

 

Just always use common sense and stay away from dry heat or else your wig will become a melted mess. As I mentioned earlier the Volks wig oils works wonders on frizzy wigs and I have actually had great success spraying it on that curly wig once I received it. It was pretty frazzled from Volks so I removed it from my girl and actually sprayed it on the curls and brushed the wig in sections- now it's as smooth as it is in the official pictures. Maybe I should actually take some pictures for instructional purposes....

 

Anyhow, much luck with your wig setting adventures! I hope this helped~

 

^^

I find this information to be very useful, thank you very much - Nakitaninja!!

 

-Halcyon

- Use your rollers or whatever works to get the correct size curls you're looking for

 

I so want to see Baldylox in rollers!

The rule for setting Volks wigs.... or any synthetic wig (I suppose) is to use steam! ^^ It's fairly simple:

 

- Use your rollers or whatever works to get the correct size curls you're looking for

- Heat a pot of water until steaming but not boiling.

- I use a strainer to set the wig in for a few minutes and then remove and let the whole thing set & dry.

 

Viola!

 

Just always use common sense and stay away from dry heat or else your wig will become a melted mess. As I mentioned earlier the Volks wig oils works wonders on frizzy wigs and I have actually had great success spraying it on that curly wig once I received it. It was pretty frazzled from Volks so I removed it from my girl and actually sprayed it on the curls and brushed the wig in sections- now it's as smooth as it is in the official pictures. Maybe I should actually take some pictures for instructional purposes....

 

Anyhow, much luck with your wig setting adventures! I hope this helped~

 

^^

 

Seriously, this is a great tutorial. I have styled 1:6 scale dolls' hair with steam heat to get curls before. I haven't tried it on wigs or tried wig oil. Thank you for the information!

- Use your rollers or whatever works to get the correct size curls you're looking for

 

I so want to see Baldylox in rollers!

 

Yeah, that would be some trick since I have no hair to attach them to!

 

 

Billy

Nakitaninja, thank you for the information on setting curls! I will have to see if anyone I know owns curlers since I myself don't. I do my hair with a Gillette Mach 3 Turbo so curlers are not a must have for me.

 

A picture tutorial would really be nice if you got around to doing one! I think I could do it without pics but a visual aid is always nice to have.

 

Thanks again! I'll have to try this soon and see how it turns out.

 

Billy

I do my hair with a Gillette Mach 3 Turbo so curlers are not a must have for me.

 

LOL

I *wish* I could just Mach 3 my hair!!! I just go ponytail mode because I am lazy. Doh. Curlers are actually not terribly expensive and easy to acquire from the local drug store. If you're looking for symmetrical curls then that is the way to go.... for a more unruly hairstyle I suppose you could use whatever objects to create various size curls! I wish I were more creative/had more information but hairstyling isn't entirely my thing. lol

 

Good luck and be careful. Those Volks wigs-well, any bjd wig really- are expensive! ^^;;;;;;;;

LOL I *wish* I could just Mach 3 my hair!!! I just go ponytail mode because I am lazy. Doh. Curlers are actually not terribly expensive and easy to acquire from the local drug store. If you're looking for symmetrical curls then that is the way to go.... for a more unruly hairstyle I suppose you could use whatever objects to create various size curls! I wish I were more creative/had more information but hairstyling isn't entirely my thing. lol

 

Good luck and be careful. Those Volks wigs-well, any bjd wig really- are expensive! ^^;;;;;;;;

 

Heh, I've been shaving my head now for over 15 years so hair care products are not on my radar.

 

Mmmm... ponytails. I love me some ponytails! Easy to do and they look so nice... Oh, went off on a tangent there....

 

For that Volks wig I have, they take a certain size for the curls so I don't know that they'd have something that small available. Not that I know curler sizes by any means. Maybe I'll hit the local Dollar Store and see if they've got a cheap set. Otherwise, I think I'll give that wig a bath and see how it comes out. I know the regular style long wig on Manami came out nicely the first time I washed it. Maybe I'll get lucky....

 

And yeah, that long twintails culred wig from Volks was like $40 or close to it. So I don't want to screw it up if at all possible.

 

 

Billy

For that Volks wig I have, they take a certain size for the curls so I don't know that they'd have something that small available. Not that I know curler sizes by any means.

 

I suggest you try looking for sponge curlers, they will allow the tightness your looking for in the curl. Just don't do it too tight otherwise the hair won't dry then

Ok, I think I may have messed up one of my wigs.

 

020 by galvatim, on Flickr

 

Do I need to buy a new hair band? I think the one I took off broke. That brown string part is what I'm talking about. Not entirely sure what I'm doing, and I don't want to make things worse... And that other band that goes on the outside, how do I get it back on? it's not stretchy, it's just a bunch of threads sewn together...

I think it can be made a ponytail again. Volks doesn't use regular stretchy rubber bands to fasten its ponytails. Sakuno's wig has a stretchy string that gathers the netting to create her ponytails. Then the ponytail attaches loosely to a short stub. Mari's wig looks a lot easier to fix. If you don't think you can fix it, please send it to me. I can try fixing it.

Thanks, Mitsuki! I'm going to try and get it back together tomorrow, otherwise I'll send it to you.