How to Wash Human Hair Wigs

Not everyone rocks a natural hair style. Some people use hair extensions attached to their own hair, others enjoy the look of synthetic wigs, and some opt for a human hair wig. Most human hair wigs look, move and act like the real thing, and are easier to style. 

However, if you don’t take care of them, soon enough you find wig fibers hanging loose and you’ll have to buy a new one. That’s why, when it’s wash day, there are a few tried and true techniques that you should use to help you wash that human hair wig properly and keep it looking great for up to three years. Hera Beauty has collected all the best tips below.

Collect Your Wig Washing Tools

If you don’t have them already, the first thing you’ll want to do is get yourself some high quality tools to help you clean your human hair wig. This includes the right shampoo, the right conditioner, and an appropriate set of wig & braid care products, including a wide-toothed comb, a towel, and a wig stand. 

Detangle

Using your wide-toothed comb, gently comb and detangle the hair on the wig. This is true whether you have wavy wigs, curly wigs or wig hair that is straight. 

Rinse in Water

Using luke-warm water, rinse your wig from root to ends, and make sure it is fully soaked and saturated. 

Shampoo

Now that the wig has been detangled and fully rinsed, use your shampoo. However, instead of massaging into the hair like you would in the shower, instead, massage the shampoo in your hands first to activate the product, then gently massage the shampoo into the strands of hair on your wig. Don’t forget to turn it inside out and massage the shampoo into the wig cap as well!

Rinse Again

Now that the shampoo has been massaged into your straight or curly wig, rinse out the wig gently, making sure to gently squeeze it to remove any excess water. However, don’t wring the hair out, as it will cause damage. This is true for both a human hair or a synthetic wig, and in straight or wavy wigs.

Conditioner

Unlike with the shampoo, you can apply the conditioner directly to the strands of the wet wig. It is best to let the wig sit on a towel for a few minutes before you rinse out the conditioner. However, it’s important not to massage the conditioner into the roots too much, because it could loosen the knots that keep the wig together over time. 

Rinse in Cool Water

Rinsing the wig one more time is necessary, and using cold water helps to seal the cuticles and deliver a nice shine. As it was in the last rinse, gently squeeze the strands of hair to remove any excess water. 

Dry

This is not the time to blow dry yet. Instead, using the towel, gently dab at the wig and blot dry it. Once it has been dried relatively completely, place the wig back on the wig stand, and run the comb through the hair to define the part you prefer. Only then should you gently blow dry it.

How Often Should I Wash My Wig?

You should wash your wig once every one or two weeks, but the frequency will depend on how much you wear it. If you’re wearing it only once every few days, then you can extend the time between washes slightly. 

However, it’s important to know, every time you wash your human hair wig, you’ll be lowering its lifespan. You can help preserve your human hair wigs by using a wig cap inside, over your real hair. This will help absorb oils and other elements that damage wigs over the long term. 

Should I Wash My Human Hair Wig Before Wearing It?

That’s really a personal choice. Because every wash shortens your wig’s lifespan, it’s really a matter of whether or not you think it is necessary. However, because some wigs come with conditioner coating that’s used to preserve the style of the wig and retain moisture, you might find that you can’t easily change the style of the wig without a shampoo first. Washing off the old conditioner can make it easier to style the wig the way you want. 

Should I Use Regular Shampoo?

At Hera Beauty, we recommend that you find a shampoo that is designed for use with color-treated hair when wearing wigs and clearing them. We also recommend that you avoid using clarifying shampoos, since those are designed to strip hair of oils and moisture, and can leave your wig looking dried out.