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Wigs 101 - Jon Renau

HOW TO CARE FOR YOUR SYNTHETIC CURLS

Posted by JR on Jan 21st 2022

Stunning spirals, enviable volume, eye-catching bounce—the reasons to opt for a curly hair style are clear. But when it comes to styling synthetic curls, care techniques may not be as obvious. That’s why we’re sharing our styling tips for synthetic curly wigs, plus products designed to extend the life of your alternative hair piece.

 

Daily Synthetic Wig Care

With our synthetic wig styles, including our curly pieces, minimal day-to-day maintenance is required. To keep your curls looking polished, simply detangle using a wide tooth comb and a few spritzes of our Smooth Detangler Spray. A wide tooth comb (never a brush) is the best way to prevent damage and preserve your piece’s curl pattern.

Washing and Styling Routine

Every 6 to 8 wears, we recommend following this curly synthetic wig care routine to revive your ringlets.

  1. Shampoo: Under cool running water, gently lather your wig with a shampoo that’s free of sulfates, parabens, and sodium chloride. Jon Renau Fiber Love Shampoo is formulated to preserve and restore salon body to synthetic wig styles. After shampooing, rinse your piece thoroughly.
  2. Condition: Spray 3-5 pumps of Fiber Love Conditioning Spray onto your wet, freshly washed piece. Make sure to spray away from your wig’s base to prevent hair loss, as sprays and detanglers can cause knots to loosen.
  3. Detangle: Starting at the ends and working toward the top of your piece, use a wide tooth comb to gently detangle the strands.
  4. Define Curls: Place your piece on a plastic or wire wig stand, and then use your fingers to delicately twist and reshape the curls.
  5. Air Dry: Excessive heat can damage synthetic fibers, so never use a blow dryer or curling iron to style your piece. We recommend letting it air dry for at least 5-6 hours.

PRO TIP: To prevent curls from falling as they air dry, wrap the net that came with your style around your wig.

Jon Renau synthetic hair care products are designed to keep your curls looking fresher for longer. You can purchase products individually or find them all in our Synthetic Hair Kit at a Jon Renau certified location near you.

In the video below, we demonstrate the curly synthetic wig styling process with Maya, one of our latest SmartLace™ front pieces.

 

 

SYNTHETIC HAIR CARE 101

Feb 13th 2023

Have you ever purchased a wig and felt like it’s a new-born baby you’re afraid to hurt? Or perhaps you have a synthetic wig that’s reaching the end of its life and you’re not ready to say goodbye. While the average lifespan of a synthetic hairpiece is 6-9 months, all of Jon Renau’s synthetic hair care products are designed to support the life expectancy of your hairpieces and restore their beauty. Just like natural hair, synthetic hair requires special care to look its best. That being said, knowing WHEN and HOW to use these products is essential to maintaining the integrity and longevity of your hairpiece.

For example, traditional synthetic and Heat Resistant synthetic wigs and toppers can tangle more easily than their human hair counterpart. That’s why we’ve developed our Fiber Love synthetic care line, exclusively formulated to detangle and rejuvenate synthetic fibers.

Before we begin, it’s important to understand the difference between traditional synthetic and Heat Resistant Synthetic fibers.

Traditional synthetic hairpieces maintain their style through washing, weather changes, and storage. While the fiber is not flammable, heat cannot be applied to traditional synthetic fiber because melting will occur. If you wish to change hair parting, reshape a curl pattern, or smooth ‘friction frizz’ from your favorite over-worn wig—a steamer can be used.

On the contrary, Heat Resistant Synthetic fiber LOVES heat, so much so that it needs heat application at least once per week to smooth out the ends and stay tangle-free. Heat Resistant synthetic fiber can withstand temperatures up to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (167 degrees Celsius), although 270-280 degrees Fahrenheit is recommended (132-137 degrees Celsius). PRO TIP: Using a professional styling tool with a digital setting is best when heat styling to avoid damage.

Now, you may be asking:

  • Which products are necessary for my synthetic and Heat Resistant Synthetic pieces?
  • When should I use each product?
  • How are the products applied, how much should I use, and how often?

.

We want to take out some of the guess work for you. 

That’s why we’ve created a synthetic and Heat Resistant Synthetic care product ‘cheat-sheet’, your go-to guide for all of Jon Renau’s wet goods, designed to support the life expectancy of your synthetic pieces and protect your investment.

*NOTE: Heat Resistant Synthetic styles are part of our HD "Heat Defiant” Collection. Look for HD styling products to support your Heat Resistant pieces.

ll care products have been specifically formulated and tested for alternative hair to ensure quality results. Products are formulated without Parabens, Sulfates, Sodium Chloride, and MITs, and are Vegan & Cruelty Free.

 

SYNTHETIC GUIDE

Mar 8th 2023

Hello, nice to see you here! If you're looking to learn more about alternative hair, you’ve come to the right place. This blog is your go-to guide for all about synthetics wigs and hairpieces and will help make your shopping and hair wearing experience much easier. Finding the right hairpiece is the silver lining to hair loss, and it’s even sweeter when the piece is perfectly fitted and fuss-free.

In this complete guide, you’ll learn which alternative hair options fit your needs and preferences, proper synthetic care & maintenance, solutions to common pain-points, and juicy styling tips from our experts.

Alternative human hair often gets all the credit, but there’s so much to love about synthetic fiber—We're all about synthetics and here’s why! Let’s dive in.

In this article, we're going to discuss:

  • Selecting Your Fiber – Why choose Jon Renau synthetic fiber?
  • Selecting Your Cap Design – Features & Benefits
  • Choosing Your Color – Best sellers, color codes, & human hair vs. synthetic colors
  • Care + Maintenance – Common pain-points and solutions
  • Styling Tips & Tricks – From our experts to you.

 

Selecting Your Fiber– Why choose Jon Renau synthetic fiber?

 

High Quality 

 

Jon Renau synthetic fibers are made by Kaneka, the number one fiber manufacturer in the world.

Minimal Maintenance

If you’re a busy bee who lives life on the go or styling time just isn’t your priority, synthetic hairpieces are your go-to fiber! The beauty of synthetic fiber compared to its human hair counterpart is that it can be washed and dried with no styling time – these are your “shake-and-go” pieces. Synthetic fiber has style memory, meaning the style is ‘baked in’ and will maintain its original, beautiful shape even when washed. While human hair reacts to moisture, synthetic hairpieces will stay intact in any weather, rain or shine.

Dozens of Styles Available

Did you know that Jon Renau has over 100 synthetic wigs and toppers? From pixies to sleek bobs and wavy mermaid locks, there’s a hairstyle for each unique personality. Plus, there’s a wide variety of cap designs to choose from that support different types and stages of hair loss, individual preferences, and lifestyle needs. 

 

Selecting Your Cap Design – Features & Benefits

Each cap design plays to different needs and preferences. When selecting a cap design, what are you looking for?

Are you seeking the most realistic hairline because you like to wear your hair pulled back? If hairline realism is important to you, look for a cap with a SmartLace front. If you prefer to wear bangs or fashionable fringe, SmartLace may not be necessary.

Do you like to change your part often? Make sure the cap design features monofilament.

Do you have a sensitive scalp and care about the softness of the base materials? Then a hand tied cap is a great option for you. If breathability and volume is your priority, choose an open wefted cap design.

Let’s explore cap design options further.

Lace Front / Single Monofilament - Natural Comfort, Volume + Versatility


Who this cap is for: Those wanting a natural look and feel, beautiful volume, and breathability.

Features and benefits:

  1. SmartLace Front Mimics a natural hairline, hair is hand tied one by one
  2. Single Monofilament Allows for multi-directional parting while providing the appearance of natural growth
  3. Open Wefted Back For superior ventilation for maximum scalp cooling with machine wefting
  4. Velvet Ear Tabs + Nape Allows smooth customization with bendable wire
  5. Adjustable Tabs Allows you to adjust the circumference

Lace Front / Single Monofilament / Hand tied - Ultimate Comfort + Realism

Who this cap is for: Those wanting lower density and natural movement and growth appearance, or who have total hair loss and scalp sensitivity seeking the utmost comfort.

Features and benefits:

  1. SmartLace Front Creates the appearance of natural growth at the hairline
  2. Single Monofilament to change hair parting as desired
  3. 100% Hand Tied Cap Each hair is individually hand tied, giving the hair realistic movement and appearance of natural growth
  4. 100% Hand Tied Stretch Section This soft base material allows customized stretch in all directions and helps avoid scalp irritation
  5. Velvet Ear Tabs + Nape Allows smooth customization with bendable wire
  6. Adjustable Tabs Allows you to adjust the circumference

*Additional Wefts Added to direct fiber for silhouette of style

Open Cap - Cool, Lightweight + Breathable

Who this cap is for: Those who live in an area with warmer temperatures or who experience hot flashes. The open wefted design will help your head stay cool throughout the day. Because this lightweight cap features a velvet front hairline, it is great for those who wear bangs or side-swept fringe. If you prefer to wear hair off the face, we also offer Open Caps that feature our SmartLace front.

Features and benefits:

  1. Open Wefted Top + Back Allows for superior ventilation and maximum scalp cooling.
  2. Open Ear Tabs Allows for customization with bendable wire
  3. Adjustable Tabs to adjust the circumference
  4. Velvet Front Hairline/Nape Increased hairline comfort 

SmartLace Lite - Versatile, Lightweight + Secure

Who this cap is for: Perfect for those with an active lifestyle who want lightweight comfort, extra non-slip security, and hairline realism for off-the-face hairstyles.

Features and benefits:

  1. SmartLace Lite Front Lacefront extends ear to ear to mimic a natural hairline, hair is hand tied one by one
  2. Single Monofilament Allows multi-directional parting while providing the appearance of natural growth
  3. 100% Hand Tied Cap Each hair is individually hand tied, creating the appearance of natural growth
  4. 100% Hand Tied Stretch Section Allows customized stretch from front to back and ear to ear
  5. Polyurethane Ear Tabs For use with or without adhesive
  6. Silicone Nape with bendable wire, allows for non-slip grip
  7. Adjustable Tabs Allows the wearer to adjust the circumference

 

Choosing Your Color – Best Sellers, Color Codes, & human hair vs. synthetic colors

Best Sellers:

Not sure where to begin when selecting your color? Try starting with our best-selling shades. From black through brunette, blonde, red and grey platinum options—below are some of our wearers' FAVORITES across color families.

Color Codes:

Have you ever felt confused while shopping for wigs and seeing color names such as 12FS12 or FS24/102S12? Learning codes is worthwhile because it will help you to understand a color beyond the swatch image. This way, you can make a more informed choice when choosing a color for your next Jon Renau wig or topper!

For example, ’S’ in the color code 12FS12 stands for ‘shaded at the root’ in color 12—a number in the ‘brown’ color family. This tells you that 12FS12 ‘Malibu Blonde’ is a ROOTED blonde shade. 

Check out our blog Color Codes 101 for a full breakdown of Jon Renau's color codes.

Human Hair vs. Synthetic Colors (...and what to look out for)

Have you ever wondered why the same color looks so different in human hair versus synthetic fiber? Synthetic fiber will always appear cooler, darker, and with more contrast in the blend than its human counterpart.

WHY? Unlike synthetic fiber, which is true to tone from textile-like dyes that are applied, alternative human hair is an organic material, meaning it has warm-toned underlining pigments ranging from red to yellow, making the tone reflect warmer and lighter throughout (like we see below with Palm Springs Blonde). 

Knowing this, you may want to consider going a shade lighter in synthetic vs. human hair or apply our Jon Renau In Tone Violet Shampoo to make your human hair piece look cooler in tone like the synthetic version.

Care + Maintenance – The key to supporting wig longevity!

With proper care and maintenance, a synthetic hair system can last up to six to nine months! Below we’ve outlined common pain-points from our wearers and our best recommendations. 

My lace front is fraying and/or base materials are breaking down

This is usually the cause of improper sizing because the delicate lace front gets tugged on when adjusting the wig throughout the day. Carefully apply and adjust your wig using the ear tabs and be mindful when washing. Remember, do not soak your wig when washing—give her a shower, not a bath! When drying, do not use a block head. Use a wig stand to avoid stretching the lace.

Over or under-washing can also play a role in shortening your wig's lifespan. We always recommend washing your hairpiece every six to eight wears to avoid buildup of oils on the cap, which causes a breakdown of its elasticity.

Styling tools that are rigid and/or sharp can also tear the delicate base materials. Use the Jon Renau Wide Tooth Comb, particularly on any hand tied areas.

I’m experiencing tangling/matting

We cannot stress enough how important it is to wash your synthetic wigs every six to eight wears using or Fiber Love Shampoo and Fiber Love Conditioning Spray, specifically formulated to detangle and restore the healthy glow of synthetic fiber and to support the life expectancy of your synthetic wig. Another must-have for synthetic hairpieces is our HD Smooth Detangler. Spray it on and comb through to eliminate tangles and frizz and to restore healthy luster.

We recommend combing your synthetic hairpieces with a Jon Renau Wide Tooth Comb several times throughout the day to avoid tangling. It’s helpful to keep a travel size in your purse! Additionally, be mindful of high collared jackets and sweaters, which can cause excessive matting.

I’m experiencing excessive shedding

When applying HD Smooth Detangler during washing, make sure to keep product away from the hand tied knots. This will prevent any loosening of the knots or unnecessary shedding.

My wig is beginning to look dry, brittle, and dull

While traditional synthetic fiber is not heat friendly, it can be steamed to smooth "friction frizz” and rejuvenate your favorite over-worn synthetic. Use Jon Renau HD Detangling Spray to soften fiber and help with tangling while steaming. We recommend using the Jon Renau Steamer because the narrow nozzle allows you to focus the steam on exact spots, rather than blowing out steam in multiple directions like traditional clothing steamers.

Please be aware—Steaming will permanently change the shape of the fiber until it’s steamed again. Once the curl pattern has been altered, you cannot get it back.

We also recommend using our Fiber Love Wig Lustre. This protective spray adds natural shine back to synthetic wigs to maintain a healthy and luminous glow.

NOTE: All of Jon Renau’s synthetic care products have been specifically formulated and tested for alternative hair to ensure quality results. Products are formulated without Parabens, Sulfates, Sodium Chloride, and MITs, and are Vegan & Cruelty Free. For a complete guide on how & when to use our synthetic care products, check out our synthetic hair care cheat-sheet.

If you seek additional help, be sure to bring your hair system to your nearest alternative hair professional for care and servicing.

Styling Tips & Tricks – From our experts to you.

As we’ve discussed, the beauty of synthetic wigs is that they maintain their original, beautiful style without any maintenance. You can have perfect hair in seconds! Yet sometimes you want to shake things up—with an accessory, updo, or just adding more texture or sleekness! Read below for our expert tips.

Creating an Updo:


STEP 1: We recommend using a canvas block head for styling your hairpiece. This way, you’ll have better control than styling while wearing the wig. Use T-pins to secure the wig to the blockhead, being mindful to only insert T-pins along the velvet connections within the cap so that the material doesn’t puncture and damage!

STEP 2: Start by prepping your hair with Jon Renau Pick Me Up dry shampoo to lock in your style while reducing shine.

STEP 3: For the final touches, "piece out" a few baby hairs along the hairline for a soft, natural finish.

STEP 4: Once styled, use Fiber Love Holding Spray to ensure long-lasting hold.

Adding Texture:

We absolutely love Jon Renau’s Piece Out Fiber Contour Crème for synthetic styling and think you will too! This delicious smelling wig styling paste adds that texture, volume and sculpting without weighing hair down. Apply this product where you’d like to sleek down fiber, add beautiful texture, or hold to your style.

Adding Sleekness:


Like we previously touched on, steaming your synthetic wig can be a great way to change hair parting, reshape curls, or create a sleek straight look. Again, please remember that steaming will permanently change the shape of the fiber until it’s steamed again, and you cannot get the original waves back once they have been straightened!


We hope you’ve learned a thing or two from this all-in-one synthetic guide! By now, you should be ready to find the perfect hairpiece to meet your needs, give her proper love and care, and create fun, unique hairstyles to match your personality.

Ready to find your perfect style?

 

@rockinlockss is enjoying the snow and some family time while wearing her Sar...