It is common knowledge that human hair wigs are pricier compared to synthetic hair fiber wigs. However, the advantage of a more natural appearance makes them worth the additional investment. Once you have found a human hair wig that fits you perfectly and enhances your personality, it becomes crucial to learn the proper care techniques to avoid any potential damage and ensure its longevity.

Whether you are a wig-wearing novice or simply curious about the care of human hair wigs, we have all the information you need. Our comprehensive guide covers everything from the various types of human hair wigs to proper washing frequency and techniques to extend their lifespan. You can trust us to provide you with all the necessary knowledge for washing your human hair wigs at home.

Wig Maintenance: Cleaning and Care

1. Brush or comb the wig starting from the ends. To properly groom the wig, begin by brushing or combing it from the ends. Begin by gently combing out the ends of the wig, ensuring there are no knots. Gradually work your way up towards the roots until the brush or comb can smoothly pass through without any snags. For straight or wavy wigs, utilize a wire wig brush, while for curly wigs, including those with natural or African-textured hair, opt for a wide-toothed comb or use your fingers.

2. Fill your sink with cold water, then stir in 1 to 2 squeezes of shampoo. To prepare the sink for washing, start by filling it with cold water. Next, add 1 to 2 squeezes of shampoo to the water. It is important to choose a high-quality shampoo that matches the specific hair type of the wig you are washing. For instance, if the wig is curly, opt for a shampoo designed for curly hair. In case the wig has been dyed, consider using a color-safe shampoo instead.

– Instead of applying the shampoo directly to the wig fibers, the recommended method is to use the soapy water for washing the wig.

– Avoid using 2-in-1 shampoos with conditioner included. While it is suitable to apply conditioner to your wig, make sure to keep it away from the roots to avoid any unwanted build-up.

– Whenever feasible, opt for hair care products that are specifically formulated for washing human hair wigs. Such products typically contain fewer harmful chemicals compared to traditional hair care items.

3. Turn the wig inside out and place it into the water. To start, invert the wig cap using your fingers, allowing the wig fibers to hang freely. Next, immerse the wig in water and press down gently to ensure all the fibers are submerged. Give the wig a delicate swirl to evenly distribute the shampoo among the strands.

– To facilitate the shampoo’s reach to the wig cap, where the majority of dirt, sweat, and oils accumulate, it is recommended to invert the wig.

4. Soak the wig for 5 minutes. Ensure the wig is fully immersed in the water, avoiding any movement. Excessive agitation, squeezing, or swirling may result in the fibers becoming tangled.

5. Rinse the wig with cold water until the shampoo is all gone. There are a few options for rinsing the wig. You can choose to use a bucket filled with fresh, cold water, or alternatively, you can rinse it in the sink or shower. Keep in mind that the wig’s thickness may require a second rinse

6. Apply conditioner to the wig. To apply conditioner to your wig, start by lightly pouring a small amount onto the hair. Next, use your fingers to carefully comb through the strands. If your wig happens to be a lace front or ventilated wig, it is important to be mindful of the wig cap. The knots that secure the strands are tied onto the lace, so avoid applying conditioner directly to those areas to prevent the knots from coming undone and the strands from shedding. However, with a regular wefted wig, you can freely apply conditioner as the fibers are sewn onto the cap rather than knotted.

– Make sure to use a conditioner of excellent quality.

– If you prefer, you can also opt for a leave-in conditioner instead.

7. Wait 2 minutes before rinsing the conditioner out with cold water. To ensure that the wig receives proper nourishment and hydration, it is recommended to leave the conditioner on for a few minutes. This allows the beneficial oils to deeply penetrate the hair, similar to how they nourish the natural hair on your head. After the allotted 2 minutes, rinse the wig with cold water until the water runs clear.

– If you are using a leave-in conditioner, you can skip this step.

Drying the Wig

1. Turn the wig right-side-out and gently squeeze the water out. To properly clean the wig, hold it over the sink and gently compress the fibers in your hand. Avoid wringing or twisting the fibers, as this may lead to tangling or breakage.

– To prevent fiber damage and frizz, avoid brushing the wig when it is wet.

2. Roll the wig up in a towel to remove the excess water. To properly store the wig, begin by placing it on the edge of a fresh towel. Carefully roll the towel, starting from the end where the wig is located, until it forms a compact bundle. Apply some pressure on the towel, then gently unroll it to safely remove the wig.

– Ensure that the strands of a long wig are smooth and not gathered in bunches.

3. Apply your desired products to the wig. To make detangling the wig easier later on, apply a conditioning spray by spraying it from a distance of 10 to 12 inches (25 to 30 cm) away. If the wig has curls, you may want to consider using styling mousse instead.

4. Allow the wig to air dry on a wig stand out of direct sunlight. To prevent any damage to the wig fibers, avoid brushing it when it is wet. Instead, if your wig has curls, gently scrunch it occasionally using your fingers.

– Scrunching refers to a technique where you gently hold the ends of your hair in your hand, lifting it upwards, and then curling your fingers inward. This method encourages the curls to gather together and form a more defined shape.

– To ensure stability, if you’re using a Styrofoam wig head, ensure it’s securely fastened onto a reliable wig stand. If necessary, use pins to firmly attach the wig to the wig head.

5. Blow dry the wig on your head if you are in a hurry. To dry the wig cap, start by using a hair dryer. Once the cap is completely dry, carefully put the wig on your head and use bobby pins to secure it in place. Continue blow drying the wig while it is on your head, making sure to use a low-heat setting to prevent any potential damage to the fibers.

– Ensure that you secure your natural hair in an updo and shield it with a wig cap prior to donning the wig.

6. Allow the wig to dry upside down if you want more volume. To properly air dry the wig, follow these steps: invert the wig so it is upside down, and secure the nape part of the wig cape onto a pants hanger. Adjust the pins on the pants hanger to ensure a secure hold. Hang the wig in the shower for several hours to allow for effective drying. During this time, it is important to avoid using the shower.

– If the shower is inaccessible, find a safe spot to hang the wig where water dripping from the fibers won’t cause any damage.

Styling and Maintaining the Wig

1. Brush the wig once it is completely dry. To properly maintain your wig, choose a wire wig brush for straight or wavy hair, and a wide-toothed comb for curly hair. Begin untangling from the ends and gently work your way up to the roots. If necessary, you can also use a detangling product for assistance.

2. Re-curl the wig, if needed. There are two types of wigs in terms of hair texture. The first type is crafted from naturally curly hair, while the second type is made from straight hair that has been curled with a curling iron. It’s important to note that the latter type might lose its curl after washing. However, the good news is that you can easily re-curl it using the same technique you would use on your own hair.

– Hair rollers are a safer option as they do not rely on heat. However, if you find yourself needing to use a curling iron, it is advisable to opt for a lower heat setting.

3. Keep the wig on a vase or wig stand when you are not wearing it. If you plan on utilizing a vase, you may want to consider placing a scented tissue inside as a pleasant addition.

4. Re-wash the wig when it gets dirty. If you wear your wig on a daily basis, it is recommended to wash it every 2 to 4 weeks. However, if you wear it less frequently, washing it once a month should suffice.

5. Take care of your own hair if you are wearing the wig daily. Ensuring your own hair stays healthy and well-maintained is equally important even when you choose to wear a wig. Don’t overlook the care of your natural hair just because you cover it up. By keeping your hair and scalp clean, you can extend the cleanliness and longevity of your wig.

– To maintain the health of your own hair, it is important to keep it hydrated if it tends to be dry. This practice will not have any negative impact on your wig, but it will certainly promote the overall well-being of your natural hair.