Wig First Aid 101: An Expert Guide to Saving Your Child's Scissor-Damaged Wig

We've all been there: you turn around for 30 seconds and suddenly your $200 real hair wig looks like a punk rock experiment. While panic is normal, most scissor-damaged wigs can be salvaged with the right techniques. This guide covers everything from quick fixes for synthetic fiber wigs to salon-level restoration of high-end real hair wigs without professional help.

Step 1: Damage Assessment (Is this salvageable?)
Assess the damage before picking up the restoration tools:

Light trims (1 - 3 strands of uneven hair): easily repaired by combing and blending or clever styling.
Large missing strands (greater than 2 inches of missing section): requires reweaving or the use of clip-in wig pieces.
Completely destroyed (multiple layers of jagged, broken hair): may require lace repair or a creative updo makeover.
*Pro tip: Use a wig stand immediately to prevent further tangling.

Step 2: Essential Tools
Get ready with these essentials (all found in our Wig First Aid Repair Kit):

Micro braiding pins ($12.99) - to reattach disconnected hair ties
Heat-resistant wig glue ($18.50) - for bonding synthetic fibers without melting them
Adjustable Thinning Shears ($27.00) - to blend in raw cuts
Silk-based detangling spray ($15.00) - prevents further breakage
Real Hair Wig Repair
For lace front wigs, closed back wigs and U-shaped wigs:

A. Strand by Strand Repair

Separate damaged sections with a sharp-tailed comb.
Apply Protein Bonding Sealer (available in our Hair First Aid Essentials) to split ends.
Use a 1mm crochet hook to re-knot the detached hair to the lace base.
B. Wig Piece Integration

Cut matching clip-in wig pieces to fill in gaps.
Secure with medical-grade silicone clips (gentler than traditional snap fasteners).
Integrate using a 320°F hair straightener with heat protection spray.
Synthetic Fiber Repair
For heat resistant fibers only (check label for “heat resistant” label):

A. Hot Melt Repair Method

Heat low-temperature glue gun (below 200°F).
Apply melted glue to disconnected fiber.
Press together with tweezers until secure.
B. Steam Reshaping

Hang wig on adjustable mannequin head.
Iron the handheld steam iron 6 inches from the damaged area.
Comb fibers upward to restore original shape.
*WARNING: Avoid products containing acetone - they can dissolve synthetic polymers.

Prevention: Keep wigs away from children
Storage: Keep wigs in a locked, sealed display box away from the craft area.
Distraction strategy: Give kids practice wigs (available in our $9.99 Synthetic Practice Wigs) for harmless play.
EDUCATION: Turn the restoration process into an interactive parent-child time - teach older children basic wig care with styling tools that are free of sharp parts.