Turn my 'shroom head into a hipster do instead of a soccer mom don't

What you describe is what my hair does in the presence of any kind of humidity. I have had very good luck with http://www.biosilk.com/silk/st.html products. They are the only thing that keeps my hair looking decent in our frequently 100% humidity where I live. It isn't cheap, but a small bottle will last longer than you expect.

Hairspray is your friend. I have the exact same problem with my hair, and I’ve discovered the key to keeping it down is spraying it when it’s still damp, then LEAVING IT ALONE. When I fiddle with it too much, I “break” the style and it goes to pot. I love John Frieda’s Frizz-Ease line, including his hairspray. I usually use another product first (like his Dream Curls spray, because my hair is wavy), then use the hairspray.

Yes, I swear by John Frieda's Frizz-Ease line too. It is cheap and available at drugstores all over (here in the northeastern U.S., anyway). I use the hairspray at times, but the product I use every day after I dry and iron my hair (which is pin straight but has tons of little frizzies) is http://www.walgreens.com/store/catalog/Conditioner/Frizz-Ease-Secret-Weapon-Flawless-Finishing-Cream/ID=prod9011&navCount=1&navAction=push-product?V=G&ec=frgl_738970&ci_src=14110944&ci_sku=sku309011. It doesn't leave build-up the way hairspray does, so it might be better for your wig.

I have no idea if this would work on/destroy a wig. But when I have the problem with my hair that you describe (i.e. when it looks like it does in my profile, and I want it to look more civilized), I blow-dry it. If it's going to be particularly humid, I also flat-iron. Do you know how to blow dry properly? How to section the hair, how to aim the dryer, the distance at which to keep the dryer, etc? It might be worthwhile to go the stylist who cut the wig for a blowout and ask him/her to show you how it's done. Same for flat-ironing.

Your wig is doing exactly what curly hair does that grows out of peoples heads. I suggest using a leave in conditioner(i use Frizz Ease conditioner in the shower, but it probably makes more sense to use a lighter leave in on wig, i'm guessing) and some hair gel (I use biolage Gelee). The conditioner sort of 'weighs it down', and the gel give is some control, and can give you that piece-y look. Cruise by the other askme threads looking for frizzy/dry/curly hair advice. (Nair that's curly ends up poofy and frizzy because scalp oils don't travel down the hair; your wig is probably doing what its doing because it of course also isn't coated with scalp oils when you brush your hair.)

Welcome to my life. Little things that help: * Use a t-shirt and PAT dry your hair. Towels suck too much moisture too quickly. * After styling, DON'T TOUCH (esp when wet). * Let it air dry. * If you use shampoo, don't. Use "No-Poo" (available at salons) instead of Shampoo. Shampoo is a little too harsh and strips away good oils that help prevent the poofball. It has taken me a long time to figure out how to deal with my hair. It'll take you some time too. While you are figuring things out, keep armed with hair ties for when your hair rebels.

FWIW, I have tried the John Frieda products and No Poo, and have gone back to Biosilk. I have thick, very long hair, and I use about the size of a dime on my hair.

I recommend that you make sure the wig is completely dry before leaving the house. My hair is very prone to doing the mushroom poof thing, and in my experience going outside while it is still even the slightest bit damp makes the problem exponentially worse. (On preview, what grapesaresour said.) I usually let mine air dry almost all the way, then finish it off with a gentle blow-drying and tame down any poofies with John Frieda Secret Weapon, the stuff katie linked http://ask.metafilter.com/143800/Turn-my-shroom-head-into-a-hipster-do-instead-of-a-soccer-mom-dont#2058733.

Have you explored the world of http://thewigcompany.com/search.asp_Q_ipp_E_5000_A_t_E_c_A_c_E_10000_A_a1_E_? I would be leery of using hair products on a wig. People on various forums mention the product Wig Luster in particular as helping with frizz. That's such a good Gmail account name. I'm sad you're using it as a throwaway. Can I have it when you're done??