What is a wig drying cabinet?
Basically, it is what it says on the tin! A wig drying cabinet is used solely to dry wigs. So if you are involved in theatre productions or you are teaching the next generation of wig makers, a wig drying cabinet plays an instrumental role in keeping all sorts of wigs well cared for – so they can be worn again and again.
Wigs can often be the final finishing touch to a costume on stage or television, whether it be a period drama or extra hair needed for the follicly-challenged, and, whilst often underrated, a wig can really transport the audience to a different place or time.
So do you have to treat wigs differently depending on whether they are made from synthetic or human hair, or whether they have been made via machine or hand-tied versions? In short, no. All of these versions should be looked after in exactly the same way. With care!
Caring for wigs
Before you can even think about drying a wig – or wigs – you need to consider how you are going to wash them. It’s important to use lukewarm / tepid water and a sulphate-free mild shampoo. This prevents any colours that have been put into the hair from washing out and also protects the hair itself.
Where we are often none-to-gentle on our own heads of hair, the opposite should be true when it comes to caring for wigs. The shampoo should be worked through the hair, in sections, from top to bottom, squeezing the shampoo and moisture into it. Once this has been done and thoroughly rinsed off, the hair shouldn’t be wrung out, or towelled hard, but rather gently patted to get rid of the excess moisture.
Applying oil – such as Argon or Jojoba oil – ensures that the moisture is locked into the wig, keeping it in excellent condition, before the wig is dried. It is possible to dry wigs naturally, in the open air, although the temperature in the room would need to be well controlled to prevent any mildew or microbial growth, and you can use a hairdryer – although it would need to be on a cooler, less powerful setting.
Of course, both of these drying techniques can be very time-consuming and when there is a daily show, or even two-show days, or multiple filming days, then this isn’t the best way to go. And with wig drying cabinets having the capacity to house between 9 and 42 wigs at any one time, it is definitely the quicker and more convenient route.
Wig drying cabinets
When it comes to choosing the right size and type of wig drying cabinet, there are some different options on the market:
- Floor or bench models
- Temperature controlled with overheat safety protection
- Internal fan for optimum temperature control stability
- Adjustable wire shelves to fit your requirements
- Minimum warm-up times
- Insulated versions that reduce power use by up to 50%
- Door locks and lockable wheels
- CE Certified with UK warranty
These drying cabinets not only dry wigs quickly, but also safely, as overheat safety protection comes as standard. Providing virtually no damage to wigs, they can be dried with minimal handling and more importantly, can be ready in time for the next show!
To find a wig drying cabinet that is the right fit for what you need, you can try QED Scientific, who have a range of different capacities and sizes to choose from.
