Can you use fabric softener on your synthetic wigs? Part 1

Some online communities are very passionately against using fabric softener on your synthetic wigs. It makes one wonder: Can you use fabric softener to wash synthetic wigs? Let's tackle this head on. The answer is: this is nuanced. 

Here's the TL, DR: yes, you can use fabric softener on synthetic wigs with one big caveat; NEVER use fabric softener as a leave-in conditioning product! You need to dilute it in a full sink of cool water and rinse very thoroughly. Also, you should alternate with synthetic-safe shampoo and conditioner. 

The details are below. We will follow these up with two more installments. We want to get the disclaimers out of the way. 

First, fabric softener is highly flammable and can make your hair easier to catch fire. Secondly, failing to rinse any product of this type out of the hair can add to build up and cause other ambient particles to stick to the strands, contributing to a dull, unnatural appearance.  Sometimes bad results come down to what IT people call "user error". Sometimes, it takes time to learn from mistakes and figure out a routine that works for you. The same is true for any new wig wearer who has ever tried to cut their own fringe or use heat tools on non-heat-friendly synthetics.

Some people claim that fabric softener can damage the fibers or make your wig look dull over time. This is true if you don't rinse the wig completely. 

Fabric softener probably won't do any major damage to your synthetic wigs as long as you dilute and rinse properly. The key is to make sure you rinse all of the fabric softener out of your synthetic hair prior to styling and wearing.

Ultimately, whether or not to use fabric softener on synthetic wigs is a personal choice that depends on your own preferences and the needs of your particular wig. We'll continue next time with a brief history of synthetic fiber. Stay tuned!