How to Wash Human Hair Wigs

Human hair wigs can be an excellent way to alter your appearance or safeguard your natural hair, but they need proper care and upkeep to stay in good condition. Washing is a crucial part of wig maintenance because it helps eliminate dirt, oil, and other buildups that can develop over time. 

Washing human hair wigs is not difficult, but it requires special care and attention to ensure that the wig is not damaged. 

Following the steps in this article, you can effectively clean your human hair wig. We will also provide some tips to maintain the quality of your wig and keep it in good condition for as long as possible. 

Whether you’re a wig beginner or an experienced wearer, this guide will help you keep your human hair wig looking its best for a longer time.

Your human hair wig needs to be washed frequently to stay clean and healthy, but how often you should do so depends on a few factors.

You’ll need to wash your wig more if you wear it more often. On average, it is recommended to wash your human hair wigs every six to eight wears.

You wash your wig to prevent it from accumulating oil and dirt, especially if your scalp sweats excessively. This also depends on the weather, as wigs must be washed more often during hot seasons than in cold seasons.

Before washing your human hair wig, ensure you have all the required equipment. The following is a list of what you will need:

To support the wig while you wash it, you can use a wig stand, a mannequin head, or a styrofoam head.

Before washing the wig, you will need to gently detangle it with a wig brush or a wide-toothed comb. Avoid using a regular hairbrush or comb because they can damage the wig.

When washing your human hair wig, it’s crucial to use wig-specific shampoo, as regular shampoos can be too abrasive and strip the wig of its natural oils. A gentle, sulfate-free shampoo designed for human hair wigs is a good choice.

Human hair wigs must be nourished and moisturized by a wig conditioner to keep it soft and silky. Choose a conditioner that is made specifically for human hair wigs and is devoid of harmful chemicals.

To wash your wig, you will require a basin or sink. It’s crucial to use a clean surface and lukewarm water, not too hot.

After washing the wig, gently blot it with a towel. Avoid rubbing the wig with the towel, as this can damage it and cause tangles.

By gathering these tools and supplies before you begin, you can wash your human hair wig safely and effectively.

Here are the detailed steps to wash a human hair wig:

Place your wig on a wig stand, mannequin head, or Styrofoam head. Then, using a wig brush or wide-toothed comb, brush and detangle the ends, slowly working your way up to the roots. Be gentle, as the wig can be damaged if you forcefully pull or tug on it.

Next, pour a small amount of wig shampoo into a sink or basin filled with warm water. Swish the water around gently to dissolve the shampoo and produce suds.

Let the wig sink, then gently swirl it in the suds. For the shampoo to clean every strand of hair on the wig, let it soak for five minutes.

Next, thoroughly rinse the wig under cool running water to eliminate all the shampoo and suds. Gently squeeze out excess water from the wig.

Focusing on the hair ends, lightly coat the wig with wig conditioner. Use your fingers or a wide-tooth comb and gently work the product through the wig while being mindful not to pull or tug on the fibers. Let it sit for at least three minutes.

After that, thoroughly rinse the wig under cool running water. Gently squeeze out the extra water and put the wig back on the wig stand or mannequin head. Use a towel to gently blot out excess moisture from the wig. Remember not to rub the hair strands, as this can cause damage and frizz.

Before styling or wearing the wig, let it completely air-dry it. You can also use a blow dryer, but ensure that it is set at the lowest heat setting to avoid damaging the wig.

By following these instructions, you can effectively clean your human hair wig and maintain its best appearance. It’s crucial to be gentle and refrain from pulling or tugging on the wig because doing so could harm it. With the right upkeep, your human hair wig will stay soft, smooth, and lovely for a very long time.

Here are some commonly asked questions about washing human hair wigs and their quick answers.

No, unless your shampoo is sulfate-free and made for color-treated hair. Regular shampoos contain harsh chemicals that will damage the hair and strip it of its natural oils.

Yes, you can style your human hair wigs by using wig-specific styling products. These include items like leave-in conditioner, mousse, and hair spray. Remember that applying too much product can weigh down the hair and make it appear greasy, so apply lightly.

Your human hair wig should generally only be washed in cool or lukewarm water. Freezing cold water might not be sufficient to thoroughly clean the wig, while hot water might strip the wig of its natural oils and make the hair dry and brittle. 

Washing your human hair wig is crucial in preserving its longevity and health. By following these steps, you can gently clean your wig without harming the hair. Your human hair wig will stay beautiful and natural-looking with the right maintenance for many more wears. 

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