How to Wash a Wig and Keep It Looking New

You want to wash a wig and keep it looking fresh? Use gentle washing and the right products. This simple routine works for both synthetic and human hair wigs. Anyone can do it at home. Grab your supplies and get started. Your wig will thank you with a long-lasting, beautiful look.

Key Takeaways

• Always look at your wig for damage before you wash it. This helps stop any problems from getting worse.

• Use cool or warm water and wig-safe shampoo. This keeps your wig’s shape and feel nice.

• Carefully untangle your wig from the ends to the roots. This stops it from breaking and helps it last longer.

How to Wash a Wig

Gather Supplies & Inspect Wig

Before you wash a wig, gather supplies to make the process smooth. You need a wide-tooth comb or a wig brush, wig shampoo, wig conditioner, a clean towel, and a wig stand. For synthetic wigs, pick a specialized wig shampoo. For human hair wigs, use gentle shampoos like Olaplex, SheaMoisture, L’Oréal EverPure, or even baby shampoo. You also need a small amount of shampoo and cool or lukewarm water.

Take a moment to inspect your wig. Look for signs of damage before you start. Common issues include excessive shedding, bald spots, frizz, tangles, a loose or stretched cap, fading color, dryness, split ends, or lingering odors. If you spot major damage, consider repairing or replacing your wig before you wash it.

Tip: Always check your wig for damage before washing. This helps you avoid making problems worse.

Detangle from Ends to Roots

Detangling is a key step when you wash a wig. Use a wide-tooth comb or a wig-specific detangling brush. Start at the ends and work your way up to the roots. This method prevents breakage and keeps your wig looking fresh. Lightly spritz the wig with distilled water or a conditioning spray to make detangling easier. You can also use a leave-in spray with argan oil or silk proteins, but avoid heavy silicones.

• Detangling from ends to roots helps prevent breakage and damage.

• Using the right comb or brush reduces pressure on the fibers.

• Proper detangling extends the lifespan of both synthetic and human hair wigs.

At night, secure your wig in a loose braid or low ponytail to minimize friction and tangling.

Prepare Cold or Lukewarm Water

Fill a basin or sink with cold or lukewarm water. Hot water can damage the fibers and ruin the shape of your wig. Always use cool or lukewarm water when you wash a wig. This keeps the hair soft and helps maintain its style.

Add Shampoo & Soak Wig

Add a small amount of shampoo to the water. For synthetic wigs, use a wig shampoo. For human hair wigs, choose a gentle shampoo that matches your wig’s texture and needs. Swish the water to mix the shampoo. Immerse your wig for one minute and agitate gently. Avoid rubbing or twisting the hair. This gentle shampoo application helps keep your wig in top condition.

Note: Never use laundry softener or hot water. These can damage your wig and shorten its lifespan.

Rinse & Condition

After soaking, rinse thoroughly with cool water until all shampoo is gone. Apply wig conditioner to the wet hair, but avoid the cap. This conditioner application keeps the hair soft and prevents tangling. Use a wide-tooth comb to detangle again from ends to roots. Rinse thoroughly to remove all conditioner.

• Wash your wig gently with cool water and wig-safe shampoo.

• Pat dry with a towel and air dry on a wig stand.

• Store your wig on a stand or in a silk/satin bag to prevent tangling.

• Keep synthetic wigs away from heat sources.

Blot Dry & Air-Dry

Lay your wig flat on a clean towel and blot gently. Do not wring or twist. Place the wig on a stand to air dry. Synthetic wigs usually need to dry overnight. Human hair wigs can be styled when damp. Avoid blow dryers unless your wig is heat-friendly, and always use a heat protectant if you must use heat.

Tip: Air drying helps maintain the shape and texture of your wig.

Style Gently

Once your wig is dry, style it gently. Use a microfiber towel to blot curly wigs and let them air dry on a stand. If you use a blow dryer, set it to low heat and use a diffuser. Always apply a heat protectant before using hot tools. Do not brush or comb your wig until it is completely dry. Use styling products designed for wigs to enhance their look.

Gentle styling techniques, like using the right tools and heat protectants, help maintain the structure of your wig. These methods can extend the lifespan of your wig by up to 300%. Preventative maintenance reduces repair needs and keeps your wig looking new.

Note: Consider UV protection products to prevent color fading, especially for human hair wigs.

By following these steps, you can properly shampoo your wig and keep it looking fresh. Remember to wash your wig every three weeks or as needed, depending on how often you wear it. With the right care, your wig will stay beautiful and last longer.

Wig Care & Maintenance Tips

Choosing the Right Products

Picking the right products makes a big difference in how your wig looks and feels. Always check the label before you buy anything. Stay away from products with sulfates or alcohol. These can dry out your wig and make it tangle or look dull. Instead, look for sulfate-free and alcohol-free shampoos and conditioners. Fatty alcohols like Cetyl and Stearyl help keep your wig soft and shiny. Sticky products can build up and force you to wash your wig more often, which can shorten its life.

Here’s a quick guide to top-rated wig care products:

Tip: Always use products made for wigs to keep them looking their best.

Synthetic vs. Human Hair Wig Care

You need to treat synthetic and human hair wigs differently. Synthetic wigs like cool water and special wig shampoo. Swirl them gently and let them air dry on a stand. Never use heat tools on a synthetic wig unless it says “heat-friendly.” Human hair wigs can handle lukewarm water and mild shampoo. You can use a blow dryer on low heat, but always use a heat protector. Human hair wigs also like regular conditioner and can be styled just like your own hair.

How Often to Wash Your Wig

You might wonder, “How often should I care for my wig?” The answer depends on how much you wear it and your lifestyle. Synthetic wigs usually need washing every 6-8 wears. Human hair wigs do best with a wash every 4-6 wears. If you wear your wig every day, wash it every 2-4 weeks. If you only wear it for special events, you can wait longer. Hot weather, sweat, or lots of styling products mean you should wash your wig more often. Overwashing or underwashing can cause shedding and damage, so find a routine that works for you.

Drying & Styling Tips

Drying your wig the right way keeps it looking new. After washing, blot your wig with a towel. Never wring or twist it. Set it on a wig stand to air dry in a cool spot. Don’t leave it wrapped in a towel or near heat. Once dry, detangle gently from the ends up. Use a wide-tooth comb or a loop brush. If you want to style your human hair wig, use low heat and always spray on a heat protectant. For synthetic wigs, stick to fiber-safe sprays and avoid hot tools.

Note: Letting your wig air dry helps it keep its shape and texture.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Many people make simple mistakes that can ruin a wig. Here are some things to watch out for:

• Using regular hair products instead of wig-safe ones

• Brushing too hard or starting at the roots

• Putting conditioner on the cap

• Leaving your wig to dry wrapped in a towel

• Using high heat on synthetic wigs

• Wearing a wig that doesn’t fit right

• Not attaching your wig securely

• Over-plucking or over-bleaching the lace

Tip: Skip laundry softener. It can make your wig feel soft, but it may also cause build-up and shorten its life.

Taking good care of your wig means you get to enjoy it longer and keep it looking great.

You can keep your wig looking new with gentle washing, the right products, and regular care.

• Proper care helps human hair wigs last for years and synthetic wigs stay fresh for months.

• Consistent routines, gentle brushing, and cool water protect your wig’s shape and shine.

• Clean wigs boost your confidence and keep you happy every day.

FAQ

How do you store your wig when you are not wearing it?

Keep your wig on a stand or in a silk bag. This helps it keep its shape and stops tangling.

Can you use regular shampoo on your wig?

No, you should not use regular shampoo. Wig-safe shampoo protects the fibers and keeps your wig looking fresh.

What should you do if your wig smells bad?

Sprinkle a little baking soda inside the cap. Let it sit for a few hours. Shake it out before wearing.