Whether you love experimenting with different hairstyles or struggle with hair loss, a human hair wig can be a great option to achieve a natural-looking hairstyle. However, maintaining the appearance and durability requires proper care, particularly when it comes to washing. Follow this guide on how to wash your human hair wig.
One of the essential aspects of retaining the curls of your synthetic hair wig is washing it correctly. As simple as it may sound, incorrect washing techniques can damage the wig.
In this article, I’ll show you the secrets to how to wash your wig at home, ensuring it stays beautiful and lasts longer.
Can You Wash a Human Hair Wig with Regular Shampoo?
Yes, you can wash a human hair wig with regular shampoo, but it’s vital to choose the right type of regular shampoo to ensure the health and longevity of your wig.
Regular shampoos are designed for natural hair and can potentially be too harsh for human hair wigs since wigs lack the natural oils produced on the scalp to protect and moisturize the hair.
This absence of natural oils makes human hair wigs more susceptible to drying out and becoming damaged when exposed to regular shampoos.
However, not all regular shampoos are harmful to human hair wigs. You can use a regular shampoo to wash your wig if it is sulfate- and paraben-free.
Sulfates, found in many regular shampoos, can be overly stripping and may lead to dryness and tangling in wig hair. Parabens, which are preservatives, may not be ideal for wig care as they can accumulate over time.
So, the best approach is to choose a sulfate- and paraben-free regular shampoo when washing your human hair wig.
These shampoos are gentler and less likely to cause damage or dryness, ensuring that your wig stays soft, manageable, and in good condition. Remember to follow up with a suitable conditioner to keep the wig looking its best.
5 Steps How To Wash Your Human Hair Wig
- Get all the required items
- Preparing the Wig
- Washing and rinsing
- Drying
- Styling
1. Get all the required items
To wash your human hair wig by yourself, you must know the needed items. Make sure that you have all the necessary tools at hand. Here’s what you’ll need:
First, you’ll need a gentle shampoo. Look for one that is specifically formulated for human hair wigs. Avoid using regular shampoos, as they can be too harsh and strip away the wig’s natural shine.
Next is conditioner. Choose a conditioner that is specially designed for human hair wigs to keep them soft and manageable, such as:
Aveeno Pure Renewal Conditioner
Maui Moisture Nourish & Moisture + Coconut Milk Conditioner
Synovation Conditioning Spray
Cyber Intensive Treatment Conditioner
Make sure to apply the conditioner only to the ends of the wig, avoiding the roots, to prevent oil buildup.
A wide-toothed comb is also essential. This will help you detangle the wig without causing any damage. Start combing from the ends and work your way up gradually to avoid any breakage.
Lastly, you’ll need a towel and a wig stand. Gently blot the wig with the towel to remove excess water after washing. Then, place the wig on the stand to air dry completely.
2. Preparing the Wig
Preparing the wig is an essential step in how to wash your human hair wig. To get the best out of the washing process, here’s how:
Make sure to remove any tangles by gently combing through the hair with a wide-toothed comb or your fingers. This will prevent any further damage to the wig.
3. Washing and Rinsing
Washing and rinsing your human hair wig properly is key to keeping it looking natural and beautiful.
Step 1: Fill a basin with lukewarm water. Make sure it’s not too hot, as heat can damage the wig.
Step 2: Add a small amount of sulfate-free shampoo to the water. Swirl it around to create a gentle soapy mix.
Step 3: Submerge your wig in the soapy water. Gently swish it around for a minute or two, avoiding any rough scrubbing.
Step 4: Rinse the wig under cool, running water. Let the water flow in the same direction as the hair to prevent tangling.
Step 5: Once the shampoo is completely washed out, apply a bit of conditioner to the ends of the wig. Avoid the roots, as they can make the wig oily.
Step 6: Let the conditioner sit for a few minutes, then rinse again under cool water.
Step 7: Gently pat the wig with a clean towel to remove excess water. Avoid wringing or twisting, as it can damage the hair.
4. Drying
Proper drying and styling techniques are also vital to maintaining the longevity and appearance of your human hair wig. Follow these guidelines:
Drying: Wrap your wig gently in a clean, soft towel and press lightly to remove excess water. Avoid rubbing or wringing, as this can lead to hair damage.
Air-drying: Place your wig on a wig stand or a drying rack in a well-ventilated area, away from direct sunlight. Allow it to air dry naturally, ensuring that the wig is not damp before storing or styling.
5. Styling
Once your wig is completely dry, you can style it as desired using heating tools designed for human hair. Use heat-protectant products to protect the wig from excessive heat damage.
Style with care, maintaining a safe distance from the wig’s cap or lace to prevent any potential melting or damage.
Washing Wig without Shampoo
To wash a human hair wig without wig shampoo, you can create a gentle cleansing solution using common household ingredients like baking soda and water. Here’s a unique method:
Baking soda and water:
Prepare the mixture. In a container, dilute two tablespoons of baking soda with one cup of cold water. Stir until the baking soda dissolves completely.
Application: Carefully pour the baking soda and water mixture onto your wig. Distribute it evenly, focusing on areas with product buildup, such as the hairline and the ends.
Massage and Soak: Gently massage the mixture into the wig’s hair using your fingertips. Allow it to sit for about 5–10 minutes, allowing the baking soda to break down any residue.
Rinse: Rinse the wig thoroughly with cold water until the baking soda is completely washed out. Make sure to rinse from the roots to the tips to ensure no residue remains.
Dry: Gently pat the wig with a towel to remove excess moisture, then place it on a wig stand or a clean, dry towel to air dry. Avoid using heat-styling tools until it’s fully dry.
This baking soda and water method offers an effective alternative to wig shampoo, leaving your human hair wig refreshed and free of buildup.
Conclusion
Taking care of your human hair wig is not difficult. By following the step-by-step instructions outlined in this article, your wig stays full and soft.
If you want your human hair wig to last longer, it is recommended that you wash every 7–10 wears. However, if you use an excessive amount of styling products or sweat a lot, you might need to wash it more often.
