Wearing wigs is one thing and maintaining them is another. If you’ve ever worn a wig, then you know that they require a little tender loving care to keep them in the best condition. Wig maintenance is partially, if not fully, keeping your wig clean and ready-to-use time and time again.
You can choose to wash your wig on a weekly or bi-weekly basis, depending on how often you wear them. There is no right answer regarding the frequency of washing wigs, but a clean wig is definitely healthy.
My name is Lauren, and I’ve worn wigs for over 15 years. They are a great way to change your look and can even protect your natural hair. However, it is important to wash them and keep them in the best condition so they will last very long.
I have put together this easy step-by-step guide to help you understand the importance and benefits of washing your wig.
Not only will your wigs look and feel clean, but they’ll smell fresh too. Keep reading to learn more about how to wash your wigs.
Materials Needed
For the best results while washing your wig, I have listed a few of the items you will need to obtain the best results:
- Denman brush
- Wide tooth comb
- Wig shampoo
- Wig conditioner
- Clean towel
- Wig stand
Preparing to Wash Your Wig
Depending on your wig type, you may need to do some prep work before letting your wig touch any water. I would suggest using your wide-tooth comb to comb the wig to remove any tangles gently.
If you are washing a curly hair wig, then you should wet the hair beforehand to detangle it, using the denman brush as the styling tool to help you with this.
This article will walk you through how to wash a wig regardless of if it is human hair or synthetic. All the materials needed can be purchased from your local beauty supply store or from an online retailer.
Step-by-Step Guide to Washing Your Wig
Step 1: Fill your sink or a large basin with cold water. Then, mix in a capful of your wig shampoo.
Step 2: Turn your wig inside out, so the wig cap is front-facing. Gently submerge your wig into the water.
Step 3: Move the wig around in the water, swirling it for a few seconds. Let it soak for about 5 minutes afterward.
Step 4: Once the five minutes are up, you should lift your wig in and out of the water a few times and drain the sink. Next, you want to run it under the tap until the water turns clear.
Step 5: Take about a capful of conditioner and apply it to your wig and gently comb it in with your fingers to saturate the strands.
Step 6: Place the wig in the sink. You can follow the instructions on the bottle or leave the conditioner in for 2-5 minutes.
Step 7: Once the time is up, gently rinse your wig under the tap until the water runs clear.
Step 8: Wring out the excess water by taking your towel and squeezing the wig to begin the process of drying the hair.
Step 9: Place your wig on the wig stand where you can allow it to dry for a few hours.
It is your choice to use any additional styling products here, like a finishing spray or leave-in conditioner. This is optional and dependent on the type of wig you have.
FAQs
Here are some questions that come up when it comes to washing your wig. Consider some of these factors if you have any doubts or are unclear about some of the steps mentioned above.
How often should you wash your wigs you wear daily?
My advice for washing wigs that are worn daily would be a minimum of once a week. This is recommended if you use styling products such as gels, holding sprays, and other products that would weigh the hair down.
Some styling products can cause dryness and will cause the wig to tangle and frizz if not washed out often. So if you are a lover of products, then once a week is right for you.
If you don’t use products on your wigs, then you should be able to go up to two weeks between washes. Exercise and excess sweating should also be considered if you are wearing a wig. Maybe it is best to schedule your washes based on your lifestyle.
When in doubt, never let your wig go over the two-week mark.
Can I use regular shampoo and conditioner?
Regular shampoos and conditioners have harsher chemicals that can damage synthetic and human hair wigs. It is best to avoid the use of any regular shampoo for your wigs. Every wig is different, but you want to stick to ones that are of a milder formulation.
To avoid causing irreversible damage to your wigs, just stick to a wig shampoo and conditioner.
How can I restore a synthetic wig?
A cool and simple trick for restoring your synthetic wig is probably something you already have at home. Fabric softener is really an at-home hack for reviving and restoring your synthetic wigs.
It not only conditions the wigs fibers but also helps remove the static cling that many synthetic wigs have. All you have to do is mix equal parts of water with your fabric softener and spritz it onto the wig that needs reviving. This simple hack will keep your synthetic wigs in top shape.
Can I blow dry my wig?
By all means, you can undoubtedly blow dry your wig if you need to wear it immediately. However, it is best practice to let your wig air dry. Allowing the wig to air dry helps it to maintain its natural style.
This is great if you have a wig that is styled in body waves, curly, or wavy textures. The natural pattern will keep its shape when air-dried. This can be said for synthetic wigs too.
Wrap Up
A clean wig is nothing more than a healthy and lasting wig. Having a proper maintenance routine as simple as washing your wigs will keep them long-lasting and like new.
You don’t have to spend much money on products that will keep your wig happy and healthy. Always look for shampoos and conditioners with limited ingredients and milder formulas.
Have any additional questions or comments you would like to share? Drop them below in the comments and tell us about your wash routine!