When you own and wear a wig, you will inevitably need to wash it at some point. Washing a lace front wig doesn’t have to be a complicated process, but doing it with care is key. The lace used for wigs is delicate and can easily tear or stretch.
Hi, my name is Lori and I love wigs, I have been wearing wigs and hair extensions for over 7 years. I have asked my team members Lauren (a Hairstylist) and Alexis (a licensed cosmetologist) how to wash lace front wigs.
Read on for our advice on the easiest way to wash your wigs! Be very gentle through each step in the process and you should have excellent results.
Detailed Steps to Wash a Lace Front Wig (Synthetic & Human Hair)
The steps of washing a synthetic or human hair wig is pretty much the same. Just you need to choose appropriate products so you will not damage your wigs.
For synthetic, make sure to avoid using the products you will use for your own hair. Instead, look for specially designed wig shampoos and conditioners.
Avoid applying synthetic wig products on your human hair wigs unless the label has marked it as friendly for both human hair wigs and synthetic wigs.
Step 1: Before washing any wig, you need to detangle it first. Start at the ends of the hair and gently work your way up to the cap, removing tangles as you go. For straight hair, use a wide-toothed comb; for curly hair, no matter whether it is a wig, hair extension, or even hair topper, I recommend using your fingers to avoid creating excess frizz.
Pro Tips: Avoid brushing your wet hair because they are very vulnerable, this golden rule applies to both natural hair, human hair, and synthetic hair. Also, always combing your hair slowly will help to keep your hair in great conditions as well.
Step 2: Once the hair is free of tangles, you can begin washing. Now, fill a bowl or sink with cool to lukewarm water. Do not use hot water for washing or rinsing your wig.
Put up to one tablespoon of your favorite wig shampoo in the water and mix it in. I like Brandywine Non-Static Shampoo for either synthetic or human hair. Use less shampoo for shorter or thinner wigs.
Step 3: Next, you want to turn the wig cap inside out and place the wig in the bowl of shampoo and water. As you swirl the hair gently through the water, evenly coating it with shampoo. You can gently work the shampoo through the hair with your fingers.
Avoid scrubbing the lace or rubbing the hair strands together. This increases the chance of tangling and jeopardizes the integrity of the lace, making the wig more likely to tear and/or shed in the future.
If there is an excess of the buildup of glue or product on the cap, you can use your fingers to very gently work the shampoo into the cap to clear it of the product. Don’t use a brush or other tools for this step as you will be much more likely to rip the lace.
Tips: Be extra care if you are washing an HD lace wig, they are undetectable, very flexible, and yet a bit more fragile than regular laces.
Step 4: Let the wig soak for about 5 minutes, then empty the bowl. Run cool water over the hair and cap, rinsing it of all shampoo until the water runs clear.
Step 5: Apply up to one tablespoon of conditioner to the hair by working it directly into the hair with your fingers. I like Brandywine Non-Static Revitalizing Conditioner. Avoid getting conditioner on the lace or cap.
Step 6: Repeat step 4 and let the wig soak for about 5 minutes to ensure it is thoroughly conditioned. Then run cool water over the hair until the water runs clear.
Step 7: Squeeze out excess water, then pat, not rub, the hair with a towel. Let the wig air dry either on a wig stand, or laid out on a towel. Avoid using a blow dryer on the hair as this will increase frizz and breakage.
Gently work your fingers through the hair to remove any tangles that may have formed during washing. You can apply a wig-specific detangler, but I rarely think it’s necessary if you’ve used a good conditioner. Once dry, you can wear and style your wig as normal!
Pro Tips: Making use of leave-in conditioners and hair oil before styling your wig is a great idea to extend your wig’s lifespan.
Why Washing Your Lace Front Wig is So Important?
Washing your lace front wigs regularly is a great way to extend their lifespan. For natural hair, our scalp will produce sebum to keep our hair moist.
When it comes to wigs, there is no sebum. Therefore, washing your lace front wig from time to time can remove the germs and dirt caught by the hair, plus give you a great chance to moisturize your wigs.
Brushing your wigs during the washing process also serves excellent help in keeping your wigs tangle-free.
Frequently Asked Questions
Keep reading for answers to common washing questions!
How often should I wash my wig?
How often you wash your wig depends on how often you wear it. If you are wearing your wig every day or almost every day, you’ll want to wash it much more frequently, about every one to two weeks. This is also true if you live in a hot or humid climate.
If you wear your wig infrequently or only for special occasions, you’ll want to wash it when it starts getting frizzier, or when it loses its natural style. Avoid overwashing, as too much washing will shorten the lifespan of the wig.
Why do I need special shampoo and conditioner?
Many, if not most, shampoos and conditioners have sulfates and parabens that break down wig hair. Using these will increase the risk of hair breaking and the wig will not last as long.
If you have to use shampoo and conditioner for normal hair, look for sulfate- and paraben-free products and products specifically made for fine or color-treated hair. They will be more gentle on your wig.
Can I wash my wig while wearing it?
You can, but again be gentle. Don’t scrub your scalp as you would with your natural hair and avoid placing any product directly on the lace.
Also, you want to keep in mind the length of your natural hair under the wig. Shorter hair will dry much quicker than longer, thicker hair.
Wrapping Up
Washing and maintaining your wig and extension does not have to be a complicated process, and you don’t have to take it to a professional stylist. Follow the steps outlined above and easily wash your wig at home while maintaining its integrity and long lifespan.
Comment below how often you wash your wigs!