How to Care for a Toupee

Balding is something that affects millions of Americans. And if surgery isn't for you, then a toupee is a great alternative. Gone are the days of spotting the rug from 30 feet away. Today's toupees are stylish and almost undetectable when properly fitted. Here are some tips on how to care for your toupee on a regular basis.

Things You'll Need

• Toupee
• Shampoo and conditioner (made for wigs)
• Solvent (depending on hair system)
• Dishwashing liquid
• Comb
• Mannequin head

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Instructions

• 1

  Peel the hair piece from your head. Depending on how you attach it, this step will be a little different for everyone. However, the most common way to attach a hairpiece is by using hair tape and polyurethane. Gently scrape the edge of the hairpiece to begin the peeling. If you are having trouble, use a bit of the adhesive remover to remove the sticky bond. Also, do not remove the tape that is on the lace areas of your toupee, as that could seriously damage the unit.

• 2

  Soak your hair system in the recommended solvent. When you purchase your hairpiece, you will get a recommendation for which solvent to use. Follow it. Each hairpiece is different. Some solvents will work in 20 minutes while others will take several hours. This process should loosen and help remove any residue left over from the tape.

• 3

  Remove your toupee from the solution and place in the sink. Using a comb, remove any additional residue gently by coming it out. A scrape of a finger nail may be helpful here.

• 4

  Rinse the hair system thoroughly to make sure all residue has been removed. If it hasn't by this point, you can try dish soap on the bottom or underside for anything remaining. Also, you may re-soak your hairpiece if necessary.

• 5

  Shampoo and condition your hairpiece. Remember to purchase your shampoo and conditioner specifically for your kind of hair system. These toupees can be very delicate and you do not want to use anything with chemicals that may adversely affect it.

• 6

  Wash away any remaining shampoo or conditioner by giving it a thorough rinsing.

• 7

  Allow to air dry by placing it on a mannequin and letting the hair "rest."

• 8

  Comb or style the toupee until it is back to the shape you desire.