Inevitably, our wigs will need a wash from time to time. Whether it’s exposure to perspiration, makeup, face creams, or natural oils from our scalp… this video will show you how to wash it ALL away and leave your wig looking it’s best!
But just how often do you need to wash your wig?
This varies depending on your daily routine, but a wig generally needs a washing every 3 weeks. If you aren’t a frequent wearer, you can stretch the time between washes even further. This applies to both real and synthetic hair wigs.
The Golden Rule: The less you wash your wig, the longer it’ll last! To extend between washes, try to minimize exposure to styling products that will cause product build-up, like hairspray, mousse, or gels.
For washing your human hair wig, you’ll need:
- A wide-tooth comb
- A towel
- Sulfate and alcohol free shampoo and conditioner
- A wig stand... but if you don’t have a wig stand, we will show you how to use a towel as a substitute method.
If you are washing a synthetic hair wig, the items needed are the same… except you will need to swap out the shampoo and conditioner with a Specialized Synthetic Hair Shampoo and Conditioner.
- The very first step is to ensure we are working with a tangle-free wig. Take your comb and gently remove any knots before the washing process. When combing, start from the tips of the hair and work your way up. Avoiding tangles throughout the steps that follow will prevent unnecessary shedding of your wig.
- Step two! To rinse our wig, we will use lukewarm water. Starting from root to tip, allow the water to flow in the natural direction of the hair strands. Once we’ve gotten it completely wet, go ahead and squeeze out excess water from the hair. Avoid wringing it out as this will create tangles. As a side note, don’t soak your wig in your sink as this will inevitably lead to tangling.
- Step three! It’s time to shampoo! Take a small amount of shampoo and squeeze it in to your hand. Lather the product between your hands and begin applying it to your wig. Gently work the shampoo through the hair with your fingers. Now, flip the wig over to wash the cap inside. You will do this by taking some shampoo and using small circular motions on the cap.
- Step Four! Let’s rinse the shampoo from our wig! Starting with the cap first, rinse with lukewarm water… allowing the the water to fall towards the bottom of the hair. Again, keeping the flow of water going in the natural direction of the hair eliminates tangles. Now that our cap is rinsed, let’s flip our wig over and rinse the shampoo from the hair… starting from root to tip. Gently squeeze out excess water.
- Step Five! It’s time to condition our wig to restore it’s luster. If you have a synthetic hair wig, simply spray a leave-in conditioner from mid-length of the hair to the ends. If you have a human hair wig, it’s now time to apply conditioner. Taking some product, gently blend it between your hands. This allows the product to warm up and apply easier. Begin putting the conditioner on the hair, avoiding application directly to the root area as this can loosen the wig hair and cause shedding. A pro conditioning tip: replace Step 5 with a deep conditioning treatment that can be left on the hair for 2-4 hours. This will provide the ultimate care and protection for your wig. If you do this, just remember to avoid applying the conditioning product directly to the roots as this will reduce shedding. During this 2-4 hour conditioning process, you can set your wig on a wig stand or lay it flat on a towel.
- Step 6! Rinse out the conditioner in the same manner as the shampoo. From root to tip, allow the lukewarm water to flow in the same direction of the hair strands. Gently squeeze out excess water from the hair.
- Step 7! It’s time to dry! For both synthetic hair and human hair wigs, you’ll allow the wig to air dry by placing it in it’s natural position on a wig stand. Use a comb to gently style the hair as desired, also defining the part before it dries. If you don’t have a wig stand, lay the wig flat on a towel so it can air dry overnight. If you choose the towel method, be sure to use a comb to position the hair into your desired style and part before it dries.
You’ve just learned how to wash your wig, keeping it looking vibrant and fresh for many more uses! If you’re searching online for the best wigs, look no further! At USA Hair, you will find high quality wigs in various lengths and colors and ALL at affordable prices!