Why Is My Wig Tangling?

If you're wearing a shoulder-length or longer wig, tangling may occur—but the good news is, it’s easy to manage once you know why it happens and how to prevent it. At Godiva’s Secret Wigs, we’ve been wearing wigs for decades, and we’ve helped thousands of women learn how to keep their wigs silky, smooth, and tangle-free.

Why Do Synthetic Wigs Tangle?

Unlike natural hair, synthetic wigs don’t receive oils from your scalp that help keep fibers smooth. This means they may tangle in areas that rub against clothing or skin. Here are the main culprits:

Friction: Collars, scarves, nubby fabrics and furs can rub against longer wigs.
Length: Long wigs can be prone to tangling depending on the fabric they are rubbing against.
Dryness: Synthetic fibers can get dry without proper conditioning.
Perspiration: The salt from excessive perspiration can dry the fibers causing tangling to happen easier.

■ See some of Ro's tips: Best Wig Tips for Winter Weather

How to Prevent Wig Tangling

The best way to deal with tangling is prevention. Here’s what works best:

Brush gently: Always use a wig brush designed for high-quality synthetic fibers. Whenever you take off your wig, gently brush the tangles out starting from the bottom and work your way upward.
Use wig-safe products: A light spritz of Keep It There Hairspray helps prevent static and dryness.
Rotate wigs: Wearing the same wig every day increases tangling. Rotate between two or three.
Limit friction: Choose silky or slippery fabrics, and avoid rough fabrics that rub the fibers.
Proper storage: Always store your wig turned inside out in a plastic bag or on a wig stand when you’re not wearing it.

[Dani & Ro Tip] If your clothing or car seats are a rough fabric, clip your medium or long wigs up while driving. This will keep the hairs from constantly rubbing while you turn your head.

How to Fix Tangles at the Nape of the Wig

Even with the best care, tangles can happen. Here’s how to bring your wig back to life:

Turn the wig inside out and hold by the label.
Mist lightly with Wig Lusterizer or a little conditioner diluted in water.
Starting from the bottom, gently brush small sections at a time.
Work upward toward the cap until the wig is smooth.
If tangling is severe, it may be time to wash your wig (see our guide: How to Wash a Synthetic Wig Step-by-Step).
For extra smoothing, you can safely use our 1" Hot Air Brush, the only heat tool approved for Godiva’s Secret high-quality synthetic wigs.

Long vs. Short Wigs: What to Expect

It’s normal for long wigs to tangle more because there’s simply more fiber that brushes against your clothing and environment. If tangling bothers you, consider trying a shorter style like the Freedom Wig or Cristi Wig. They require less upkeep and stay smoother throughout the day.

[Dani & Ro Takeaway] Tangling doesn’t mean your wig is bad quality—it’s just the nature of wearing synthetic fibers against fabrics that grab and are not slippery. For best success, wear your long wigs with slippery fabrics like silks, satins and polyesters.

FAQs About Wig Tangling

Does washing help with tangling?
Yes! A gentle wash with wig shampoo and conditioner helps refresh fibers and reduce tangles.

Will heat styling fix tangling?
No—never use curling irons or straighteners on synthetic wigs, as they will permanently damage the fibers. The only heat tool we recommend is our 1" Hot Air Brush, which can safely smooth your wig.

Do wigs tangle less if I cut them?
Yes. Shorter wigs have less fiber rubbing on clothing and stay smoother longer.

Is it normal for wigs to tangle at the nape?
Yes—this area rubs against your neck and collar, so it’s usually where tangles happen most. A quick brush during the day will help.

Why Trust Godiva’s Secret Wigs

At Godiva’s Secret Wigs, we’re a mother-daughter team (Dani & Ro) who not only sell wigs, but wear them ourselves. Since 1997, we’ve helped hundreds of thousands of women feel confident with our exclusive line of lightweight, natural-looking synthetic wigs and toppers. With over 50 years of combined wig-wearing experience, plus our thriving YouTube channel and private Facebook group—Godiva’s Secret Wig Community — you’ll never be on this journey alone. Our community is filled with supportive women who share their stories, photos, and tips, making it the most encouraging place online for wig wearers. You can trust that every product we recommend has been tried, tested, and loved.

Before you buy, click here to virtually try-on our beautiful wig styles and colors:
Dani & Ro's Virtual Wig Try-On Room

■ Shop our complete collection of wig care products to keep your wigs smooth and tangle-free.