Advice on brushing wigs?

Hello!

Recently, I have been reading that soft-bristled toothbrushes are good to use as wig brushes, however, it seems to mess up the hair a bit even when I brush it lightly. The toothbrush I bought is one designed for sensitive teeth, so I assumed it wouldn't be harsh on it, yet some hairs get a bit tangled up though nothing bad has happened yet.

Any recommendations on what to use to brush wigs? I would order the hairbrush from the official dolfie dream store, but my bank is having issues verifying the transaction.

Thank you for your response!

First thing first:

Never, even with "short" haired wigs, start brushing from the "top". 

normally, it's easier to start at the very ends, whatever the length, and work your way up.

I've used the metallic toothed pet brushes, with the plastic tips, a soft and hard toothbrush, all with "fair" results.

My "go to" at this moment is a mustache comb from a mens grooming kit.... 

 

Aside from it working really well, (for me, anyways) I like the scale look it gives in the Kiddos hands! 

Note: Your Mileage May Vary. 

Experiment. You might be surprised at what "works" for you! 

19 minutes ago, battrastard said:

First thing first:

Never, even with "short" haired wigs, start brushing from the "top". 

normally, it's easier to start at the very ends, whatever the length, and work your way up.

I've used the metallic toothed pet brushes, with the plastic tips, a soft and hard toothbrush, all with "fair" results.

My "go to" at this moment is a mustache comb from a mens grooming kit.... 

 

Aside from it working really well, (for me, anyways) I like the scale look it gives in the Kiddos hands! 

Note: Your Mileage May Vary. 

Experiment. You might be surprised at what "works" for you! 

Ah! That is probably where I went wrong. I will try to pick up a mustache comb and see how that works! Took me a minute to realise the thing in her hands in the picture wasn't just a prop, but the actual mustache comb!

Thank you very much for your advice

3 minutes ago, Hanyuu said:

Took me a minute to realise the thing in her hands in the picture wasn't just a prop, but the actual mustache comb!

No worries! About "props", the good thing is, you can use nearly anything that's an approximate size! 

I found a miniature cheese-grater, that wasn't more than an inch and a half tall at a second-hand store... And, it really works! 

I'm always surprised at what folks find here for props and such. 

The brush they sell on Volks is called a Tangle Teezer, it's a widely available brand and it's on Amazon and a lot of other retailers for about half the price.  As for the toothbrush trick, I was told to get a child's toothbrush that's totally flat, no dips or ridges and all the same bristle density.  I've been using the same Elmo toothbrush for years now and haven't had a single problem, and it's nice to help style smaller areas at a time.  

Otherwise all the same tips as battrastard said.  Small strokes from the bottom up, and never pull while brushing.  Good luck! 

1 hour ago, DesertPhantom51 said:

The brush they sell on Volks is called a Tangle Teezer, it's a widely available brand and it's on Amazon and a lot of other retailers for about half the price.  As for the toothbrush trick, I was told to get a child's toothbrush that's totally flat, no dips or ridges and all the same bristle density.  I've been using the same Elmo toothbrush for years now and haven't had a single problem, and it's nice to help style smaller areas at a time.  

Otherwise all the same tips as battrastard said.  Small strokes from the bottom up, and never pull while brushing.  Good luck! 

Thanks for dropping the brand name so we know what to search! I appreciate that Volks tries to be a one-stop shop, but I'd rather not pay a premium on general items I can find elsewhere.

And seconding starting from the bottom and using gentle, short strokes. You don't want to stretch the wig fibers as that can cause breakage and flyaways. Just like you'd brush real hair, patience and gentleness make sure it's not doing damage.

I use a small cat wire slicker brush. It reduces static great. For detailed curls, I use a 'clean' toothbrush. Also have some water wax on hand!

Thank you all very much for the tips and advice, I greatly appreciate it all! Not sure if I need to start another post for this question as it's rather short, but is it okay to use a microfibre cloth to dust off my doll's clothes? I think I am just being paranoid though.

Occasionally, I just use a can of compressed air, the type you use to clean off keyboards, or other electronics. (Gently. Low volume!)

Once a year, or so, (or when I get an outfit I know will stain) I put their clothes in the wash. A small mesh bag, for "delicates" and small articles, can be found, either online, or at some stores. (it's a pain to have the washer eat a tiny little sock, or nice undies!) 

Gentle cycle, color separation, (just like "real" clothing!) and a mild fabric detergent works really great! 

I do hang them up to dry, though. It's much easier, if needed, to get wrinkles out that way. 

 

Edited February 10, 2022 by battrastard

Seconding the can of compressed air. Helps get rid of dust that nestles and sets on faces or doll cleavage :D

For sure, nobody wants dusty cleavage. I mean, how embarrassing! XD

Bought a tangle tweezer, was cheap and had an extremely quick delivery! Can't wait to try it out and see how it is. 

I've been using Tangle Teezer for my human hair for years now and I could never go back to regular brushes. Never thought of using it on doll wigs, will have to try it later today.

If your wigs are made of synthetic fibers you can try soaking them in some dilluted fabric softener for a couple of hours. Rinse and dry fully and they should be a bit easier to brush out.

Edited February 11, 2022 by Matango

Volk's small hair brush (it looks like a toothbrush) is amazing. Otherwise, a toothbrush. But when I tried out volks', it is a better size, consistency and fiber for synthetic wigs. So I give a strong recommendation for it. It also makes it very easy to maintain complex curls.

I use a brush from the brand Perfect Petzz. Works great. And a toothbrush for the hair ends. 
And a make up brush for hair that is close to the face.

 

On 2/10/2022 at 4:43 PM, Hanyuu said:

Thank you all very much for the tips and advice, I greatly appreciate it all! Not sure if I need to start another post for this question as it's rather short, but is it okay to use a microfibre cloth to dust off my doll's clothes? I think I am just being paranoid though.

It...depends on the material. I will say that if the material is very fine like fine lace, fine pintucks, etc, I recommend an ostrich feather brush as it is very, very gentle. It is also gentle enough to use on dusty faceups/blushed parts of the doll without damaging the faceup, as it will not cause any damage to the MSC.