How to Keep a Synthetic Ponytail from Tangling

Last Updated: September 15, 2022 References

Synthetic ponytails are a fun, stylish way to jazz up your look throughout the year. Unfortunately, it can be really frustrating when your ponytail starts to get tangled or frizzy. Don’t worry—wig tangles are inevitable for even the most seasoned wig owners. Thankfully, it only takes a few minutes to adjust your usual wig care routine, which will help you keep your ponytail tangle-free!

Method 1

Method 1 of 2:

Using Fabric Softener Each Night

1
Place your ponytail on a stand or other sturdy surface near a sink. Find a clean area in your home that you don’t mind getting wet, like your sink. Arrange your wig stand and synthetic ponytail in this area, so your hairpiece will be easier to clean.^{[1]
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- It’s best to use a wig stand with a hook for this. Traditional, head-shaped stands likely won’t hold your ponytail very well.
2
Combine 1 c (240 mL) of cool water and liquid fabric softener in a spray bottle. Visit your local home goods store and pick up any empty, all-purpose spray bottle. Pour 1 c (240 mL) of cool water into the bottle, then mix in 1 c (240 mL) of liquid fabric softener. Stir both ingredients together until your fabric softener is completely watered down.^{[2]
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- Any kind of fabric softener can work for this, as long as you’re watering it down beforehand.
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3
Spritz the diluted fabric softener all over your synthetic ponytail. Coat the front, back, and sides of your ponytail with the diluted fabric softener, focusing especially on any frizzy, tangled areas. Keep spraying until you’ve covered the entire ponytail with the mixture.^{[3]
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- Diluted fabric softener helps reduce frizziness, and keeps your hair piece in great, untangled condition.
4
Blot away any excess spray with a clean towel. Dab over any sections of your ponytail that are dripping wet, as well as the rest of the hairpiece. Continue blotting the synthetic ponytail until it’s just damp to the touch.
- Don’t rub the towel against your wig to dry it off. This will do more harm than good.
5
Let the ponytail air-dry overnight. Drape your ponytail over a wig stand and get ready for bed as you normal would. Keep the wig stand and hair piece in a cool, dry area so your ponytail is ready to wear in the morning.^{[4]
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6
Brush out any leftover tangles with a wig brush. Examine the front, sides, and back of your ponytail for any obvious tangles or snares. Work through any tangles with a wig-specific brush to get your hair piece looking as sleek and professional as possible.^{[5]
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Tip: If you don’t feel like spritzing your ponytail before bed, consider spraying it in the morning, instead. Lightly spritz your hair piece with the diluted fabric softener, then wear your ponytail like you normally would. Your synthetic hair will air-dry as you go about your day!

Method 2

Method 2 of 2:

Washing Your Ponytail as Needed

1
Comb through any obvious tangles with a wide tooth comb. Work through the snares carefully, gently pulling the comb through the hair piece as you go. This may not work for more serious knots, but you may be able to smooth out your ponytail before washing it.^{[6]
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- You can find a wide tooth comb at most beauty supply shops. A wig brush can also work for this.^{[7]
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2
Rinse your ponytail with lukewarm water so it’s easier to work with. Turn on your tap so it’s slightly warm, then soak your ponytail over the sink. Check that both the roots and ends of your hair piece are damp, as this will make it easier to wash your ponytail.^{[8]
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3
Massage shampoo gently into your ponytail. Rub a grape-sized amount of shampoo into your hands first—this will make it easier to apply to your hair. Once you’ve lathered the shampoo into your hands, begin rubbing it into your ponytail. Massage the shampoo into both the roots and ends of your hair for a more thorough clean.^{[9]
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- You can find wig shampoo online, or in a beauty or wig supply shop.
- Don’t use regular shampoo to care for your ponytail, as most shampoos have a lot of extra chemicals that aren’t good for synthetic hair.
- Washing your ponytail periodically helps to keep it clean and in great condition, which may prevent tangles in the long run.^{[10]
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4
Rinse your ponytail with lukewarm water and dry it off. Turn on your tap again, then place your sudsy ponytail beneath the water. Knead out any leftover shampoo with your fingers until the water beneath your hair piece is running clear. Lightly squeeze out any leftover water, then blot away any excess with a clean towel.^{[11]
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Warning: When drying off synthetic hair, don’t wring out your ponytail or rub over it with a towel.
5
Transfer the ponytail to a wig stand. Arrange your wig stand on a sturdy surface, like a table or countertop. Drape the ponytail over the top of the stand so you can work with the hair piece easily.^{[12]
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6
Spritz leave-in conditioner over the hair. Visit your local beauty or wig supply shop and pick up a bottle of leave-in wig conditioner. Spray the product all over the ponytail, then let your hair piece sit.^{[13]
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- Since you’re working with synthetic hair, you don’t need to worry about washing it with a liquid conditioner.
- Leave-in conditioner helps to keep your synthetic ponytail in great condition.
7
Let your ponytail air-dry for several hours. Store your wig stand and synthetic ponytail in an open, dry area where it can fully dry. Check on it every few hours to see if it’s dry to the touch.^{[14]
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- While you can wear your hair piece while it’s still damp, you’ll probably be more comfortable wearing your ponytail when it’s totally dry.
Tip: Over-washing your ponytail may damage it in the long run, so try to wash once after every 8 wears.^{[15]
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8
Brush through the ponytail again to get rid of tangles. Take a wig brush or wide tooth comb and work your way through the hair piece. Focus on any areas with tangles or snares as you groom your ponytail. Once you’ve combed through your hair piece, feel free to wear it and go about the rest of your day!^{[16]
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- Don’t comb through your ponytail until it’s completely dry, or you could end up damaging it.

Warnings

Never use heat to maintain or care for a synthetic wig or hairpiece, as this can really damage the fibers.^{[18]
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