How to Wash a Wig – A Step-by-Step Guide for Everyone

While it’s always best to take your wig to a salon or specialist for proper care, we understand that sometimes you prefer to wash it at home. If you want to know how to wash a wig by yourself, this article is for you. There are two types of wigs: human hair and synthetic, and each requires a different washing method. Let’s dive into the details of today’s topic!

How to Wash a Human Hair Wig

Human hair wigs offer the most natural look and feel, but they also require more care, much like your natural hair. If you’ve invested in a quality wig, knowing how to wash a human hair wig correctly will help extend its lifespan and maintain its beauty. So follow these steps for the best results.

What to Prepare

Before you start, make sure you have the following:

• Sulfate-free shampoo
• Moisturizing conditioner
• A wide-tooth comb
• Lukewarm water
• A towel
• A wig stand (optional but recommended)

Step 1: Detangle the Wig

Before learning how to wash a wig, start by gently detangling your human hair wig. Use a wide-tooth comb, starting from the ends and working your way to the roots. This prevents hair breakage during the washing process.

Step 2: Soak the Wig

Hold the wig at the crown and let the water flow in the direction the hair falls. Avoiding hot water, as it can dry out the human hair strands. Apply a small amount of sulfate-free shampoo to your hands and lather it gently through the wig. Dip the wig into the water around for a few minutes to loosen dirt and oil. The biggest remember in how to wash a human hair wig is to avoid scrubbing or twisting the hair to prevent tangling.

Step 3: Rinse and Condition

Rinse the wig with lukewarm water until all the shampoo is washed out. Apply a moisturizing conditioner, focusing on the mid-lengths and ends, and let it sit for a few minutes to hydrate the hair. This step is crucial when learning how to wash a wig made from human hair to keep the strands soft and smooth.

Step 4: Rinse Again and Dry

Rinse out the conditioner thoroughly, ensuring no remains. Gently pat the wig with a towel to remove excess water. Place it on a wig stand and allow it to air dry in a well-airy area ensuring it keeps its shape. Avoid using heat tools unless necessary.

How to Wash a Synthetic Wig at Home

Synthetic wigs are more affordable and easier to maintain, but they require a different washing technique. If you’re wondering how to wash a synthetic wig at home, here’s the guide you need to follow.

What to Prepare

You’ll need:

• A wig shampoo specifically designed for synthetic hair
• A conditioner for synthetic wigs (optional)
• A cold water sink
• A towel
• A wig stand for drying

Step 1: Detangle the Wig

Just like human hair wigs, synthetic wigs can tangle, so it’s essential to comb through any knots. Use a wide-tooth comb and be gentle while working out the tangles.

Step 2: Shampoo the Wig

Unlike human hair, synthetic wigs can be damaged by warm or hot water, so make sure the water is cool. In a sink of cold water, mix in a capful of wig shampoo made specifically for synthetic wigs. Gently place the wig into the water and swirl it around. If you’re learning how to wash a wig at home for the first time, remember not to rub or scrub the synthetic wig, as this can cause tangling.

Step 3: Rinse 

Rinse the wig in cool water until all the shampoo is removed.

Step 4: Condition (Optional)

If your synthetic wig is feeling a bit dry, you can use a wig conditioner designed for synthetic fibers. Apply it gently, then rinse.

Step 5: Dry the wig

Carefully squeeze out the excess water (never twist or wring it). Place the wig on a wig stand to air-dry. It’s essential to avoid using any heat when drying synthetic wigs

How to Care for Your Wig After Washing

Caring for your wig after washing is just as important as the washing process itself. Both human hair and synthetic wigs need special attention so let’s explore how to treat each type after a wash

Human Hair Wig Care

Human hair wigs, just like your natural hair, need extra attention after washing. Here are the key steps after processing how to wash a wig to ensure your human hair wig stays in perfect condition.

Detangle Gently: Once your human hair wig is about 80% dry, use a wide-tooth comb to gently detangle any knots. Work your way from the ends of the hair up to the roots to avoid unnecessary tension on the hair strands, which can cause breakage or shedding. If the wig is curly, you can use your fingers to detangle and define the curls.

Moisturize: To maintain softness and shine, apply a lightweight, leave-in conditioner or wig-specific serum to the hair. This step is crucial, especially for wigs that have been colored or styled with heat, as it helps lock in moisture and prevents dryness.

Drying and Styling: For best results, always air dry your human hair wig on a wig stand in a well-breezy area. Avoid exposing it to direct sunlight, as this can fade the color over time. If you’re in a hurry and need to style the wig, you can blow-dry it using a low heat setting. However, always apply a heat protectant spray before using any heat tools to protect the hair strands.

Styling Tools: Human hair wigs can be styled with curling irons, straighteners, and blow dryers just like your natural hair. The key is to use them sparingly and with a heat protectant to avoid damage. Overuse of heat can weaken the wig and reduce its lifespan.

* For top-quality wigs, consider Vietnamese hair known for premium quality that can help you easier to care for.

Storage: When you’re not wearing your human hair wig, store it on a wig stand or mannequin head to retain its shape. Covering it with a silk or satin scarf can help prevent dust buildup and tangling. If you’re traveling, keep it in a breathable wig bag to avoid any flattening or damage.

Long-Term Care: Over time, human hair wigs may require deep conditioning treatments, especially if you’ve been using heat styling tools frequently. You can apply a deep conditioning mask every 5-6 washes to restore the wig’s shine and elasticity. Be sure to use a product designed specifically for human hair wigs to avoid weighing it down or causing buildup.

Synthetic Wig Care

You have to know how to wash a wig from the previous part so let’s step into to synthetic wig care routine for better use. Synthetic hair is made from fibers that are more sensitive to heat and certain products. Here’s how to care for your synthetic wig after washing.

Detangle with Care: Synthetic wigs are more prone to tangling, especially at the nape of the neck. After washing, use a wide-tooth comb or your fingers to gently detangle the wig. Avoid using any regular brushes, as they can pull on the fibers and cause damage.

Avoid Heat Styling: Unlike human hair wigs, synthetic wigs are not typically heat-friendly unless specifically labeled as “heat-resistant“. Once your wig is dry, it will naturally revert to its pre-styled shape, so there’s no need to style it with curling irons or flat irons. If you need to adjust the style, opt for a gentle steam method to refresh curls or waves without using direct heat.

Air Dry Only: Always air dry your synthetic wig after washing. Place it on a wig stand and allow it to dry naturally. Never use a blow dryer or expose the wig to direct heat, as this can permanently damage the synthetic fibers, causing them to melt or frizz.

Shine Control:  Synthetic wigs can sometimes have an unnatural shine after washing. To reduce this, you can lightly spritz the wig with a wig-specific leave-in conditioner or wig spray. If the shine is still noticeable, a small amount of dry shampoo can help absorb excess shine, giving the wig a more natural appearance.

Synthetic hair is prone to tangling after washing so spray conditioner on and smooth it out.

Storage: When not wearing your synthetic wig, store it on a wig stand to maintain its shape. Be sure to keep it away from any heat sources, such as radiators or direct sunlight, as excessive heat can warp the synthetic fibers.

General Tips for Better Wig Use

Whether you’re caring for a human hair wig or a synthetic wig, here are some universal tips to keep in mind when reading about how to wash a wig.

1. Rotate Your Wigs: If you wear wigs regularly, consider owning more than one. This allows you to rotate between them and give each one time to rest, ensuring they last longer.
2. Avoid Excessive Products: Both human hair and synthetic wigs do not require as much product as natural hair. Avoid using too many styling products, as they can build up on the wig and cause tangling or damage over time.
3. Handle with Care: Always handle your wig with clean hands to avoid transferring oils, dirt, or product residue. This helps prolong the wig’s cleanliness and overall lifespan.

Note these steps to ensure your wig maintains its texture, shine, and shape

FAQs

1. Why Should You Wash Your Wig?

Washing your wig removes dirt, oils, and product build-up that can weigh it down and affect its appearance. Keeping your wig clean is crucial for maintaining its natural look and feel.

2. When Should You Wash Your Wig?

It depends on how often you wear it. Typically, human hair wigs should be washed every 8-10 wears, while synthetic wigs can go longer between washes, around 15-20 wears.

3. How Often Should You Wash Your Wig?

For human hair wigs, washing every two weeks is generally recommended, but if you wear your wig daily, you may need to wash it more often. Synthetic wigs require less frequent washing but should still be cleaned regularly.

Conclusion

When you’re learning how to wash a wig whether a synthetic wig or a human hair wig, the key is using the right products and techniques to keep your wig in top condition. By following the steps in this guide, you can confidently take care of your wig at home.

When it comes to high-quality wigs, Vietnamese hair is highly sought after for its strength, natural shine, and softness, making it a popular choice among wig wearers worldwide. As a leading Vietnam hair supplier, Apo Hair provides premium human hair wigs that offer a natural look and feel, ensuring longevity and versatility.