A Comprehensive Guide on How to Wash Human Hair Wigs?

Human hair wigs offer unparalleled versatility and a natural look, but keeping them looking their best requires proper care. Unlike your natural hair, wigs can’t benefit from the natural oils your scalp produces. Regular washing is essential to remove product buildup, sweat, and dirt, keeping your wig tangle-free, shiny, and healthy.

This comprehensive guide will equip you with the knowledge and confidence to wash your human hair wig like a pro. We’ll delve into the essential steps, product recommendations, and expert tips to ensure your wig maintains its luxurious feel and vibrant look for years to come.

Gathering Your Essentials

Before diving into the washing process, gather the necessary tools to ensure a smooth and successful experience. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Wig shampoo and conditioner: Opt for sulfate-free formulas designed specifically for human hair wigs. These gentle cleansers remove dirt and product buildup without stripping away natural oils.
• Wide-tooth comb or detangling brush: A wide-tooth comb or a detangling brush minimizes tangles and breakage when combing through wet hair.
• Large basin or sink: A clean basin or sink large enough to fully submerge your wig is ideal.
• Towel: A microfiber towel is recommended as it absorbs excess water gently without causing friction.
• Wig stand or drying rack: A wig stand or drying rack allows for proper air circulation while your wig dries.

Optional but helpful:

• Showerhead with a detachable spray nozzle: This provides more control when rinsing the shampoo and conditioner from your wig.
• Leave-in conditioner or detangling spray: A leave-in conditioner or detangling spray adds extra moisture and manageability, especially for curly or textured hair wigs.

Pre-Washing Prep

Now that you have everything you need, let’s prepare your wig for a gentle yet thorough wash. Here’s a step-by-step breakdown:

1. Gently detangle the hair: Before washing, use a wide-tooth comb or detangling brush to remove any tangles or knots. Start at the ends and work your way up to the roots to avoid pulling or damaging the hair.
2. Remove any clips or accessories: Take out any hair clips, barrettes, or headbands attached to the wig. These can snag or damage the hair during washing.

Washing Your Human Hair Wig

Let’s get down to the nitty-gritty! Here’s how to wash your human hair wig:

1. Fill the basin with lukewarm water: Fill your basin or sink with lukewarm water. Avoid using hot water, as it can damage the hair and make it frizzy.
2. Dilute the shampoo: Add a small amount of your chosen wig shampoo to the water. A dime-sized amount is usually sufficient for most wigs. Gently swirl the water to create a light lather.
3. Submerge the wig: Carefully turn the wig inside out and gently submerge it in the shampoo water. Let it soak for 5-10 minutes, depending on how dirty the wig is.
4. Swirl and cleanse gently: After soaking, gently swirl the wig in the water to loosen any dirt or product buildup. Avoid scrubbing or rubbing the hair, as this can cause matting and tangles.
5. Rinse thoroughly: Rinse the wig under cool running water until all the shampoo is removed. Use a detachable showerhead spray nozzle if you have one, for better control over the water flow.

Conditioning and Detangling

Conditioning is crucial for human hair wigs, as it replenishes moisture and keeps the hair soft and manageable. Here’s how to do it:

1. Fill the basin with fresh cool water: Empty the shampoo water and refill the basin with fresh cool water.
2. Dilute the conditioner: Add a generous amount of your chosen wig conditioner to the cool water. Unlike shampoo, be more generous with the conditioner, as it helps maintain the softness and manageability of the hair.
3. Soak and detangle: Submerge the wig in the conditioner water and let it soak for 10-15 minutes. While submerged, gently detangle the hair with a wide-tooth comb or your fingers, working from the ends upwards.
4. Rinse thoroughly with cool water: Once detangled, thoroughly rinse the conditioner out of the wig with cool running water.

Drying Your Human Hair Wig

Now that your wig is clean and conditioned, it’s time for the drying process. Here are some key points to remember:

1. Gently remove excess water: After rinsing, gently squeeze out the excess water from the wig. Do not wring or twist the wig, as this can cause matting and breakage. Instead, press the wig between a clean microfiber towel to absorb most of the moisture.

2. Air dry on a wig stand or drying rack: Place the wig on a wig stand or drying rack. Ensure the wig is positioned so that the hair hangs freely and air can circulate throughout. Avoid placing the wig in direct sunlight or near heat sources, as this can damage the hair.

3. Optional: Use a leave-in conditioner or detangling spray: If your wig has a curly or textured hair type, you can apply a small amount of leave-in conditioner or detangling spray to the damp hair. This adds extra moisture and manageability, making it easier to style later.

4. Avoid using heat styling tools while wet: Never use heat styling tools like blow dryers, straighteners, or curling irons on your wig while it’s still wet. The heat can damage the hair fibers and shorten the lifespan of your wig. Let the wig air dry completely before using any heat styling tools.

Maintaining Your Human Hair Wig Between Washes

Here are some additional tips to keep your human hair wig looking its best between washes:

• Brush your wig regularly: Use a wide-tooth comb or detangling brush to gently brush your wig daily or every other day. This helps remove any tangles and distribute natural oils throughout the hair.
• Store your wig properly: When not in use, store your wig on a wig stand or mannequin head to maintain its shape. Avoid storing your wig in a plastic bag, as this can trap moisture and lead to mildew growth.
• Deep condition occasionally: For extra moisture and nourishment, you can deep condition your wig every 1-2 weeks, depending on how often you wear it. Deep conditioning treatments are especially beneficial for wigs with curly or textured hair.

Troubleshooting Common Human Hair Wig Washing Issues

Even with the best intentions, occasional mishaps might occur during the washing process. Here’s how to address some common problems:

• Tangled wig: If your wig gets tangled during washing, don’t panic! Use a detangling spray or conditioner to loosen the knots and gently work through the tangles with a wide-tooth comb, starting from the ends and working your way up.
• Wig lost its shape: If your wig loses its shape after washing, don’t force it back into place while it’s wet. Let it air dry completely on a wig stand, and then style it as usual.
• Wig feels dry or frizzy: If your wig feels dry or frizzy after washing, it might need more moisture. Apply a leave-in conditioner or hair oil specifically formulated for human hair wigs to add extra hydration.

Invest in Quality and Enjoy Long-Lasting Beauty

Human hair wigs are an investment, and proper care is essential to maximize their lifespan and maintain their luxurious look. By following the steps outlined in this guide and using high-quality wig care products, you can ensure your human hair wig continues to bring you joy and confidence for years to come.

Embrace the versatility and beauty of human hair wigs! With proper care and maintenance, your wig can become a cherished part of your hairstyling routine.