Properly washing a wig begins with using the right products, being gentle on the wig, not using hot water, not scrubbing, and not twisting. No matter if your wig is synthetic or human hair, the aim is to rinse it clean while avoiding stripping the fibers and weakening the cap structure.
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To begin, detangle the wig with a wide-tooth comb or your fingers, starting from the ends to avoid pulling. Prepare a basin or sink with cool to lukewarm (never hot) water and add a small amount of shampoo specifically made for wigs. Place the wig in the cool water and gently swish it around for about a minute or two. I don’t care how many people you see on YouTube scrubbing the hair and rubbing the cap, do not do the same, just let it soak and swish gently.
After rinsing with cool water, apply a small amount of wig conditioner (not at the roots or on the cap, only on the lengths), let it sit for a short while, and rinse again. To dry, gently blot with a towel (never wring). Then place your wig on a wig stand to air dry, preferably in a location that won’t get direct sun or heat.
For many wig wearers, especially those who daily style their wig or are dependent on their wig for confidence or medical reasons, this routine is a kind of care ritual. The time taken to wash a wig properly is not only going to extend the life of the wig but also protect the way it looks and the way it makes the wearer feel when they put it on.
These additional wig guides might be helpful too:
- How often should I wash my wig?
- How long does a wig typically last with regular use?
- What are the easiest wigs to maintain?
Discover focused answers in our – Wig Questions & Real Answers section.
