How to wash human hair wigs

Though expensive, human hair wigs are worth it, when it comes to straightening, curling, or dyeing, human hair wigs can withstand tough conditions, unlike synthetic fiber wigs. However, they still need to be washed regularly to keep them looking good.

The major challenge that comes with washing human hair wigs is that they are delicate. This requires you to be extra cautious when cleaning them. Knowing how to wash your human hair wig is a necessary step in maintaining and caring for your wig. To ensure that your wig looks amazing, we've highlighted all the do’s and don'ts to assist you with your human hair wig care routine.

Step 1: Washing Human Hair Wig

• First, comb out the ends of the wig to free any knots. Once the ends of your wig are free of knots, work your way up toward the root until you can run your brush through the wig without snagging. It’s best to use a wire brush for wavy or straight wigs, while a wide-toothed comb goes well with curly wigs.
• Fill your sink or washing bowl with cold water, add 1 or 2 squeezes of shampoo, and stir. It's preferable if you use a high-quality shampoo that's appropriate for the type of hair you are washing. If you're washing a curly wig, for example, use a shampoo designed for curly hair. Try a color-safe shampoo if your wig is dyed.
• Turn your wig inside out to make sure the shampoo reaches the wig cap since that is where most of the dirt resides. Place the wig in water press down the hair, and let them soak. To help distribute shampoo throughout the strands, give the wig a gentle whirl.
• Submerge the wig completely in water and leave it to soak for 5-10 minutes.
• Rinse the wig with cold water to remove any remaining shampoo. It's much easier to do this in a bucket filled with fresh cold water or running shower water. You may have to rinse it more than once until all shampoo is gone.
• Apply air conditioner to the wig and gently finger-comb it. Make sure to avoid the cap. Use high-quality conditioners or leave-in conditioners you prefer.
• Leave the conditioner on the wig for a few minutes before rinsing it with cold water. This will allow the nourishing oil to penetrate the hair dehydrating it. If you are using a leave-in conditioner, skip this step.

Step 2: Drying Human Hair Wig

• Your wig was inside-out while washing it. Turn it back right-side-out.  Hold the wig over the sink and gently squeeze the water out of the fiber using your fist. To avoid tangling or breaking the cuticleof the wig, do not wring or twist them.
• You can use a clean dry towel to squeeze the excess water out. Place the wig on one end of the towel and roll it into a tight bundle, starting from the end that has the wig. Ensure that the strands are smoothened out, especially if the wig is long.
• Apply the wig with the conditioning of your liking. Consider applying some styling mouses for a curly wig.
• Hang your human hair wig on a wig stand and allow it to air dry. You can hang it in Ventilated place. If you are in hurry, you can blow-dry(cold wind)the wig on your head using a hair drier. First, dry the wig cap. Once it’s dry place the wig on your head, secure it with bobby pins and finish blow drying it while on your head.

Step 3: Styling and Maintaining Human Hair Wig

• Get your wig ready for styling by brushing it once it is completely dry.  Once again, use a hairbrush if the wig is wavy or a wide-toothed brush if it is curly.
• Some wigs are naturally curled while others are curled using a curling iron. Wigs curled using a curling iron will lose their curl when washed. Fortunately, it is easier to re-curl them using the same approach you would on your hair. Hair rollers curl much more safely as they do not require heat. Try a lower heat range if you must use a curling iron.
• When you're not wearing your human hair wig, always place it on a wig stand. Consider placing a tissue sprayed with perfume inside the vase if you're using one. To give your wig a good scent.
• Rewash your wig when it gets dirty using the same technique we have discussed here. Plan on washing it every 2 to 4 weeks if you wear it daily. If you don't wear it that often, consider cleaning it at least once a month.
• If you wear your human hair wig daily, take care of your own hair. Just because you're wearing a wig does not mean you should ignore your own natural hair. If you keep your hair and scalp clean, your wig will stay cleaner for longer. Always keep your hair hydrated. This will not affect your wig, but it will help to maintain the health of your own hair.

Bottom Line

It's important to take good care of your human hair wig if you want it to last as long as possible and look its best. Maintaining a human hair wig is simple, and you only need to add a little effort to your routine. Most human hair wigs are designed with cuticle-removed hair that has been colored and chemically processed. Human hair wigs must be handled with care because the processing weakens the hair.

Don't let a pricey hair care product put you off hair care when you're looking for shampoos and conditioners. As a general rule, if a product is healthy for your natural hair, it will also be good for your wig. Look for a shampoo that is sulfate-free and will not dry out your hair.

Video updated on May 28, 2024