Wigs are a fantastic way to change up your look, whether you’re experimenting with new styles, dealing with hair loss, or simply enjoying the versatility of alternative hair. However, proper care is essential to keep your wig looking its best. Washing your wig is a critical step in maintaining its shape, sheen, and longevity.
Whether you own a human hair wig or a synthetic hair wig, this guide will walk you through the detailed steps to ensure your wig stays clean and beautiful. Read on to learn more!
Preparing Your Wig for Washing
To prepare for a washing session, you need a wig stand or a wig head where you can hold your wig in place. This way, you can maintain the wig’s form even when wet, especially for delicate styles, such as a lace front human wig. If you know how to put on a wig in a way that will keep its shape and prevent damage, then you can apply the same when you place it on the wig head for washing. Also, you need a stable surface to place your wig head or wig stand, such as the edge of a sink or counter.
Once the wig is secured on the stand, start detangling using a wide tooth comb or a wig brush. For synthetic wigs, avoid using regular brushes meant for natural hair, as they can damage the wig fibers. Instead, opt for a paddle brush or a detangling brush explicitly designed for wigs.
If your wig has stubborn tangles, lightly spritz it with a detangling spray to make the process easier. Once the wig is tangle-free, place it on a wig head or mannequin head to keep it stable during washing. This step is essential for lace-front human hair wigs, as it helps maintain their delicate structure.
If your wig has lost its luster and become frizzy, don’t worry—there are ways to restore its smoothness before washing. Learning how to revive a frizzy wig can save you from having to replace it. For human hair wigs, apply a small amount of hair oil to reduce hair stress and restore its natural sheen. For synthetic wigs, use a finishing spray to tame frizz and add shine.
Washing Your Wig
Washing your wig is a critical step in maintaining its beauty and longevity, and doing it correctly ensures your wig stays fresh, vibrant, and tangle-free. Here’s how to effectively wash your wig:
Step 1: Choose the Right Products
The products you use will depend on whether your wig is made of human hair or artificial fibers. For human hair wigs, opt for a human hair shampoo and a human hair conditioner. These products are formulated to mimic the natural oils found in bio hair, ensuring your wig stays soft and manageable.
For synthetic wigs, use a wig shampoo or a mild baby shampoo, as products with harsh chemicals can damage the wig fibers. Additionally, never use fabric softener on synthetic wigs, as it can leave a residue and dull the hair sheen.
Step 2: Rinse with Cool Water
Fill a basin with cool water or lukewarm water. Hot water can damage both human hair and synthetic wigs, so it’s best to avoid it. Submerge the wig in the water and gently swish it around to remove any dirt or buildup.
Step 3: Clean the Wig
Add a quarter-size squeeze of shampoo to the water and mix it to create a soapy water solution. Gently massage the roots of the wig with shampoo and carefully work your way down to the ends. Carefully handle the hair fibers, avoiding rubbing or twisting the wig, which can cause tangling or damage.
Step 4: Rinse Thoroughly
Once the wig is clean, rinse it under fresh water or room-temperature water to remove all traces of shampoo. Rinse it thoroughly to remove all the products you applied to. This way, the strands won’t be weighed down by product residue, which will make it look lackluster.
Step 5: Condition the Wig
For human hair wigs, apply a leave-in conditioner or a human hair conditioner to the hair, focusing on the mid-lengths and ends. However, be careful not to put conditioner on the roots because the wig will look greasy. For synthetic wigs, skip this step unless you’re using a conditioner specifically designed for synthetic hair.
Step 6: Dry the Wig
Gently squeeze out the excess water from the wig using a clean towel or a microfibre towel. Avoid wringing or twisting the wig, as this can damage the hair fibers. Place the wig back on the wig head and allow it to air dry. Avoid using sources of heat like hairdryers, as intense heat can damage both human hair and synthetic wigs.
By following these detailed steps, you’ll keep your wig looking its best, whether it’s a luxurious human hair wig or a durable synthetic hair wig.
Conclusion
Washing a wig may seem like a bit of time and effort, but the results are well worth it. With the proper techniques and products, your wig will continue to enhance your everyday life and complement your unique style.
