There is a specific moment of panic that almost every new wig wearer experiences. You’ve just unboxed a stunning new style, perhaps a voluminous bob or a spirited shag, and as you inspect the cap, you notice something at the root. It looks crimped, perhaps even slightly matted. Is it a defect? Did the manufacturing go wrong?
Take a deep breath—what you are seeing is actually a feature, not a flaw. It is the secret engineering behind the style’s lasting volume.
This structural element is known as permatease, and it is the “skeleton” that holds your style in place. Without it, many of the industry’s most beloved looks would fall flat against the head, revealing the cap underneath. When you are starting the journey of Choosing Your Wig Pro Wig: The Complete Guide, understanding how this cap construction works is vital for your long-term satisfaction. By shifting your perspective from seeing it as “tangles” to viewing it as “volume integration,” you unlock the ability to master your look.
The Anatomy of Permatease: Structural Volume Support
Think of permatease like the back-combing or “teasing” techniques hairstylists used in the 1960s to create height at the crown. The difference is that with Wig Pro wigs, this lift is baked permanently into the construction of the wig.
Short, crimped fibers are sewn at the base of the wefts, specifically at the root area. These shorter hairs act as a cushion, propping up the longer, visible fibers. This allows for:
- Weightless Lift: You get significant volume without the heaviness of high-density hair.
- Cap Concealment: The texture hides the material of the wig cap, meaning you don’t have to worry about wefts showing when the wind blows.
- Style Memory: The style bounces back after washing because the structural support remains intact.
In Wig Pro collections, this feature is often utilized in styles that require a bit of “oomph,” like the Joy or Heather II. It is not accidental matting; it is intentional architecture.
The “Pinch Test”: Distinguishing Volume from Damage
One of the greatest points of confusion for wig wearers is the difference between healthy permatease and damaged frizz. Because permatease looks textured, it is easy to mistake friction damage for a construction feature.
To determine what you are looking at, try the Pinch Test:
- Locate the Texture: Is the “frizzy” look located exclusively at the root, close to the cap? Or is it at the nape of the neck and the ends of the hair?
- Check Uniformity: Is the crimping uniform and consistent across the top? Or is it sporadic and rough to the touch?
If the texture is at the root and uniform, it is Volume Integration (Permatease). Leave it alone—it’s doing its job!
If the texture is at the ends, feels rough like steel wool, and causes the hair to clump, you are dealing with friction damage. If you find yourself thinking, “my synthetic wig is frizzy,” it is likely caused by the hair rubbing against collars or car seats, not the manufacturing of the wig.
The Wig Pro 3-Step Volume Guard
To keep your Wig Pro style looking salon-fresh, you need to maintain the permatease without disturbing it, while simultaneously protecting the lengths from friction. We recommend this specific maintenance ritual:
1. Vertical Finger Teasing
Never take a fine-tooth comb to the roots of a wig with permatease. You risk pulling out the shorter structural hairs or matting them further. Instead, use your fingers to lift the hair at the root vertically. This “wakes up” the volume after the wig has been stored in a box.
2. The Silicone Shield
Synthetic fibers rely on moisture retention to stay smooth. Over time, friction wears down the coating on the hair strands. To counteract this, use a specialized spray. When looking for the best conditioner for synthetic wigs, opt for a leave-in spray specifically designed to reduce static and friction. Mist this primarily on the mid-lengths and ends—avoiding the permatease at the root, as you don’t want to weigh that volume down.
3. Cold Setting
If you feel your volume is getting too high or “poofy,” don’t use heat to flatten it immediately. Heat can permanently alter the synthetic fibers. Instead, use the heat of your hands. Rub your palms together to create warmth, press them against the area you want to tame, and hold for 10-15 seconds. The gentle warmth helps settle the fiber without damaging the permatease.
Daily Habits to Prevent the “Frizz Halo”
While permatease handles the volume, your daily habits determine the lifespan of the fiber. The “Frizz Halo” occurs when the ends of the wig become damaged and start to expand, creating an unnatural look.
- Comb Correctly: Always use a wide-tooth comb. Start at the ends and work your way up to the mid-lengths. Stop before you hit the permatease at the root.
- Watch Your Wardrobe: In winter, heavy wool scarves and high collars act like sandpaper against synthetic fibers. Try to wear silk scarves or natural fibers where the hair touches your clothing.
- Rotation is Key: Just like shoes, wigs last longer if they aren’t worn every single day. Rotating between two styles gives the fibers time to rest and return to their shape.
For a deeper dive into preserving your investment, reviewing proper synthetic wig care protocols can add months to the life of your piece.
Advanced Care: The Gentle Steam Restoration
Eventually, even the best-cared-for wig may look a little tired. The permatease might get too compacted, or the ends might start to fray.
For Wig Pro synthetic wigs, steam is the safest restoration tool. Unlike a curling iron, which applies direct, scorching heat, steam relaxes the fiber at a lower temperature (around 212°F), which is generally safe for high-quality synthetics.
By gently steaming the ends and combing through with a wide-tooth comb, you can smooth out friction frizz. However, proceed with caution. Many wearers ask, “can you use heat on synthetic hair?” The answer depends entirely on the fiber type. Unless your Wig Pro wig is specifically labeled “Heat Friendly,” stick to steam only, and keep direct heat tools away to avoid melting the fibers.
FAQ: Common Questions About Wig Pro Volume
Q: Can I comb the permatease out to make the wig flatter?
A: No. The short hairs are sewn in; attempting to comb them out will only damage the cap and rip the hair. If you prefer a flatter look, look for “monofilament top” wigs which typically have less permatease.
Q: Why does the top of my wig feel “matted”?
A: Remember the “Pinch Test.” If it’s at the root, that “matting” is the architectural support for your volume. It is supposed to be there.
Q: How do I hide the permatease if it looks obvious?
A: Sometimes, right out of the box, the fibers part too cleanly, revealing the crimped texture. Use the “zigzag” part method: use a comb tail or your finger to create a jagged part line rather than a straight one. This diffuses the look of the roots and creates a more natural appearance.
Understanding the difference between the intentional engineering of permatease and the preventable issue of frizz changes your relationship with your wig. It transforms a source of worry into a styling tool, ensuring your Wig Pro style stays voluminous and beautiful for the long haul.
