It is essential to practice wig care by washing it with gentle wig products to not damage the wig. Washing and maintaining your wig regularly can help it last longer, prevent permanent damage, and stop tangling.
Things You’ll Need Before Washing a Wig
To wash a wig at home, you must have the following tools to execute the washing process:
- Gentle wig products such as sulfate-free shampoo and gentle conditioner, we recommend salon brands for best results.
- Wide-tooth wig comb or brush to detangle the hair.
- Lukewarm water to rinse the hair.
- Wig stand or mannequin head to prevent tangling and damage.
- Towel to gently remove excess water from hair.
How to Wash a Human Hair Wig
Keeping your human hair wig clean is key to maintaining its natural look, softness, and longevity. With the right approach, you can wash it safely without causing damage - helping it stay smooth, manageable, and looking its best.
- Put It On a Wig Stand or a Mannequin Head
First, you need to properly place your human hair wig on a wig stand or a mannequin head. It will prevent wig tangling and damage during washing. Also, it allows you to position your wig correctly, making it easier to wash the hair fibers.
- Smooth the Wig Hair
Use a wide-tooth wig comb or brush to untangle hair and keep it smooth before washing. Remember not to pull or stretch the hair fibers to avoid breakage from roots.
- Wet the Wig with Lukewarm Water
Use one hand to hold the wig and the other to pour lukewarm water over the hair, gently wetting it.
- Wash the Wig with Shampoo
Apply wig-friendly shampoo to the wig and gently work it through with your hands. Wash in one downward direction to prevent tangling the hair. Then, rinse it with water to clean the shampoo off the hair.
- Apply Conditioner on the Wig
Apply the wig conditioner to the middle or ends, then gently spread it throughout the wig. Leave it on for 3-4 minutes, then wash the wig properly with lukewarm water to remove the product.
- Remove Excess Water
After conditioning, gently pat the wig with a towel to remove excess water. Make sure not to rub it harshly while drying.
- Dry It On Wig Stand
Finally, place the wig on a wig stand to air-dry naturally. You can also use a blow dryer on a medium to high heat setting.
How to Wash a Synthetic Wig
Washing a synthetic wig isn’t much different from washing a human hair wig. Similarly, you begin by placing it on a wig stand or a mannequin head, then follow the process below.
- Prepare the Synthetic Wig for Washing
First, smooth the wig's hair with a wide-tooth comb or brush. Avoid pulling or stretching of hair fibers during this step.
- Wash & Rinse It with Wig Shampoo
Place a small cap of synthetic wig shampoo in a basin of cool or cold water. Place the wig in the water and let it soak for 10 minutes. Then, rinse with cool/ cold water.
- Condition It Gently
Pour a capful of conditioner into a bucket or basin full of water. Then, dip the wig into the water and gently swish it.
- Remove Excess Moisturizer
Use a towel to gently pat the synthetic wig to remove excess water. Don’t rub it roughly. After removing excess water, place it back on a wig stand or a mannequin head.
- Air Dry It Naturally
Allow natural air to dry it completely in some time. Don’t dry it using heat, as it could damage the synthetic wig.
After drying, spray detangler or a moisturizing product for synthetic hair. Then, style the hair gently using a wide-tooth wig brush or your hands.
Avoid These Common Wig-Washing Mistakes
Just knowing how to wash a wig at home isn’t enough. It’s common for people to make the following mistakes while washing their wigs, and it could result in severe damage to the wig's texture or color.
Mistakes to avoid:
- Scrubbing it harshly while washing.
- Using too much hot water.
- Not using the prescribed wig shampoo and washing it with regular, harsh, chemical-rich shampoo.
- Not detangling your wig before washing. This could lead to severe hair shedding.
- Using blow dryers on synthetic wigs.
Final Thoughts
Now you know how to wash a wig at home. If you follow the step-by-step process, you’ll be able to wash it without damaging it.
However, sometimes you may need to consult a professional to properly wash your wig. This may be required under the following circumstances:
- Your wig has lost its texture or color due to damage.
- The wig is heavily tangled, and you can’t untangle it on your own.
- The wig has discoloration in some areas and needs to be colored.
Seeking a professional service in these cases can help maintain your wig properly. At Bravadas Wigs & Hair Restoration, you can get the best-quality wig maintenance solutions in Dallas and many other locations.
FAQs
- What is the best way to wash a wig?
The best way to wash a wig involves a series of steps: gently detangle it, rinse it with a recommended shampoo, apply conditioner, rinse it thoroughly, and then air-dry it on a wig stand. You should not rub it harshly as it could damage the wig.
- What can I use if I don't have wig shampoo?
If you don’t have wig shampoo, you can use gentle products like a mild, sulfate-free baby shampoo, baking soda soaks, and diluted Dawn soap. For synthetic wigs, it’s safe to use a fabric softener. However, we recommend using salon brands of shampoo to achieve the best results.
- Should I wash my wig in hot or cold water?
Synthetic wigs should be washed in cool water to protect the fibers from melting, stretching, or losing their shape. Human hair wigs are best washed in lukewarm water, which helps open the cuticles for a deeper clean and better conditioning - similar to natural hair care - without the risk of damage from hot water.
