July 14, 2021

How To Store Wigs

how to store wigs

Table of Contents

Okay, you have found the perfect wig. You purchase it, your collection is starting, and you look amazing wearing it. Now how do you store it in between wears?

My name is Lori and I am a wig enthusiast for over six years with a growing collection. I’ve been on a quest to find out the best way to store my wigs, so I continue to get the most out of each purchase. After spending the time and money to make sure I get the wig I want, I need to make sure it lasts.

Storing your wigs and hair extensions can add years of wear to them if you know how to do so. In fact, one of the fastest ways to ruin a wig is with improper storing. Read on for my favorite ways to store your wigs!

Why Storing Your Wig Properly is So Important?

If you store your wig in a humid, hot, or somewhere with direct sunlight exposure, your wigs are facing molding, drying out, and fading.

Once my friend folded her wavy wig and stored it in a drawer, then she forgot about it and placed two bath towels on top of it for around a month. The wig was totally collapsed, and it took us almost 2 hours to restore the beautiful bouncy look.

It was a nightmare. So gals, make sure you store your wigs properly, and here are some great ways, according to my experience.

Besides, wig rotation is a key to making your wig last longer, so storing your wig properly is definitely a must when it comes to wig maintenance.

How To Store Wigs – 4 Best Ways

Unlike other aspects of daily care, wig storage recommendations are the same regardless of if your wig is synthetic or human hair. There are several options to choose from that will keep your wig looking fresh.

Make Use of Wig Stand or Mannequin Head

A wig stand or mannequin head is a great option for storing and displaying your wigs. These will keep your wig cap from stretching and becoming misshapen and will keep the wig’s style intact. Plus, they are an awesome way to display your wigs for all to see!

This is a great option for your wig(s) that you wear all the time because it’s easy to access. Place the stand or head on a shelf out of reach of children or pets, who can be rather destructive.

Wig stands and wig heads come in various heights to fit the various wig lengths you may have. So, if you have a short wig you’ll want a stand with a shorter neck, and for a long wig choose a stand with a longer neck. Using a long neck for a short wig can throw off the balance of the stand. It happened once and took me 1 hour to make up my closet…

Use a Box

Using a box is another great option for storing wigs. If possible, use the box the wig was packaged in as it is designed to keep the wig safe and intact. If you do not have the original packaging, a shoebox or air-tight plastic container will work just as nicely.

Lining the box with soft tissue paper is another technique that will protect the wig, keeping out dust, etc. I live in a rather humid area, so place a moisture absorbers packet in it as well.

Just remember, always wash, and dry your wig completely, then apply some leave-in conditioner and hair oil before you put your wigs into the box to prevent them from drying out.

Use a Plastic or Silk Bag

Another great way to store your wigs is in a plastic ziplock bag or a silk bag. Both options will keep dust and debris from the hair.

Plastic bags are more air-tight and the hair will move less than in a silk bag, which helps prevent tangling. While the hair will move more freely in a silk bag, which increases the likelihood of disturbing the style, the silk fabric discourages frizz so it is still a good option for storage.

Use a Wig Bag

There are bags you can purchase specifically designed for wigs. These look like mini garment bags. There is a clip inside to secure the cap and a hook for hanging.

Carefully clip the cap inside the wig and tuck the hair into the bag. Zip the bag up like you would with a garment bag and hang it up in your closet or another secure location.

Important Considerations and Tips

Prior to storing your wig, it is important to prep it. If you have worn it several times or are putting it away for longer-term storage, it is recommended that you wash the wig and apply hair oil first.

Make sure it is completely dry, like Sahara Desert dry, before storing it. If it is damp when placed in a box or bag there is a higher probability of mold, mildew, and bacteria growing in the hair. It’s a good way to ruin your beloved wig.

You should comb through the hair with a wide-toothed wig comb to remove any tangles. I also recommend using a hairnet, regardless of which storage method you choose. This will keep the wig’s style intact.

Fold the cap from ear to ear, place the wig in the hairnet, and put it in your preferred bag or box.

Always store your wig out of direct sunlight and out of reach of children and pets. Sunlight will fade the color, and children and pets are just destructive in general. I like to keep my wigs either hung up in my closet or tucked securely on my closet shelf.

FAQs

Here are the answers to the most commonly asked questions about storing your wigs.

What is the Best Way to Store Wigs For Travel?

You can choose any of the above methods when traveling with wigs. I really like using a thin box or a wig bag when I have the time to get away. Both are small enough to be tucked into a suitcase without taking up much space and keeps the hair from moving around too much en route.

You can also bring a collapsible wig stand to set your wig on once you arrive at your destination.

How Do You Store Wigs in Small Spaces?

Using wig heads and stands is not ideal when you have limited space. When you are short on space, I recommend hanging them in a wig bag or using the plastic bag option. If you have several wigs, you can label the outside of the bag as which wig is which for quick reference.

To keep them all secured in one place, I like to put all my ziplock bags in one secured box tucked up in my closet. This reduces clutter and keeps the wigs safe.

How Long Can You Keep a Wig?

High-quality human hair wigs (virgin hair and high-quality lace), with proper care, can last for over 7 – 8 years. Standard quality ones usually last for around a year, while synthetic wigs can last for around 6 months.

Heat-resistant synthetic wigs last the shortest – they may last for only 3 – 5 months. If you wear your wig to sleep and swim, you may shorten their lifespan too.

The less you wear and the more you care, the longer your wig will last.

Wrapping Up

You put a lot of time and effort into choosing the perfect wig and making it look fantastic. Daily care is important, and proper storing is a crucial step in keeping your wigs looking great and extending their life.

There are several great options for effectively storing your wigs. These include wig heads or stands, boxes, or a variety of bag options. Comment below how you store your wigs!

Share

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This website uses cookies to ensure you get the best experience on our website.