How to wash a synthetic and human hair wig like a pro

When you buy a wig, sellers explain how to properly wash it, manufacturers include instructions, and online stores post checklists and recommendations on their websites. However, practice shows that half of wig and hairpiece owners initially care for them incorrectly and then complain about poor quality and unattractive appearance.

We interviewed hairdressers and professional stylists to write a detailed guide on how to properly wash a wig. Bookmark this article right away so you don’t lose it and always have it on hand.

How Often Should You Wash a Wig?

Experts advise not to overdo it and wash the wig as it gets dirty, ideally after 12 days of wear. However, there are some nuances:

• The wig needs washing if the hair has become tangled from wind and rain, or if it has been stored in a stuffy place for a long time and has acquired a specific smell.
• Short wigs need to be washed less frequently than models with long locks. Natural strands get dirty faster than synthetic ones.
• In high humidity, hair gets dirty faster, so it needs more thorough care and frequent washing.

But again, it’s all individual. If the strands look clean and don’t have an unpleasant odor even after 10 days of daily wear, you can postpone washing. But if you got caught in a downpour and strong wind, you won’t be able to comb the tangled locks without washing.

What to Wash With?

Before washing a wig, you need to choose the right product:

• Human hair wigs can be washed with regular shampoo and conditioner. There’s no need to spend a lot on special care products — what works for natural hair will also be good for natural wigs.
• Experts recommend washing kanekalon and thermofiber wigs with products for weakened, split hair. Also, include a conditioner in the care routine — it makes combing easier.
• Cheap polyamide and acrylic get dirty very quickly. Moreover, these synthetic fibers cause increased sweating, leading to discomfort and a characteristic smell. Wash these wigs with regular shampoo, and to reduce artificial shine and detangle the strands, soak them in fabric conditioner for 12 hours.

Important! Frequent washing shortens the lifespan of a wig, so for non-critical dirt, use dry shampoo. Minimize the use of various styling products.

How to Wash a Synthetic Wig

Kanekalon revolutionized the wig industry, making these products highly accessible. The material, based on seaweed extract, is highly elastic, durable, and incredibly lightweight. It lacks artificial shine and is aesthetically comparable to natural hair.

The main advantage of kanekalon wigs is their ability to return to the shape set during production after each wash. These wigs hold curls, waves, and volume well even in windy, rainy weather. After washing, just dry and comb them — the hairstyle will look the same as the day you bought it.

Here’s a detailed guide on how to wash a wig:

1. Boiled warm water is ideal for washing. If you don’t have time, soften the water by adding a little baking soda. This helps remove dirt more effectively.

2. Dissolve a capful of shampoo in a bowl of water and immerse the pre-combed wig. Let it soak for 10-15 minutes.

3. Gently rinse the locks without enthusiasm, sharp movements, or vigorous rubbing. Pay special attention to the most contaminated areas — the forehead, temples, and nape. Rinse under a light stream of water.

4. Soften the strands for easier combing by filling a bowl with water and dissolving a capful (2 tbsp) of conditioner (Lenor works well). Leave the wig in this solution for half an hour, then rinse under cool water.

5. Lay the washed wig on a soft cloth to dry, then place it on a special stand or jar. Dry the wig away from sunlight and heat sources.

6. After drying, comb the kanekalon strands. Use a wide-tooth comb to avoid damaging the hair.

7. The final touch is styling. Shake the wig, and it will take its original shape effortlessly. This is the magic of kanekalon!

If you have a modacrylic wig, follow this instruction, as this fiber is similar in composition and form to kanekalon and requires the same care.

Important! Kanekalon and modacrylic are sensitive to high temperatures, so flat irons, curling irons, and thermal rollers are prohibited. We have detailed how to curl such wigs here.

How to Wash a Thermofiber Wig

These wigs are resistant to high temperatures, so they can be styled with a curling iron, flat iron, and hairdryer without any issues. The fibers are completely shine-free, pleasant to the touch, and look natural. Wash these wigs following the rules mentioned above, but with some nuances:

• If the strands become highly static, dilute some fabric softener in water and rinse the wig. Regular anti-static spray for clothes also works well.
• Use shampoos designed for brittle, split ends for washing.
• Minor dirt on thermofiber is easily removed with dry shampoos.

Despite the locks' resistance to heat styling, professionals do not recommend frequent use of curling irons and hot blow dryers. The more gently you treat your wig, the longer its impeccable styling will last.

How to Wash a Human Hair Wig

Human hair wigs are bestsellers because, no matter how hard manufacturers of synthetic fibers try, human hair will always win in beauty and naturalness. They can be dyed, toned, curled with thermal rollers, and styled with a hairdryer — basically, you can experiment with looks according to your taste and mood.

Caring for a natural wig is no more complicated than caring for your own hair: gentle combing, regular washing, and gentle styling. Hairdressers provide a clear instruction on how to wash natural wigs at home:

1. Start with gently detangling and combing the hair. Use a flat wooden comb with wide teeth. If the hair is curled into locks and curls, comb them with your fingers.

2. Prepare warm soft water for washing — add some baking soda and shampoo. Soak the wig for a few minutes and gently run your fingers along the hair. Do not rub or wring the strands.

3. Rinse the shampoo under running water and apply conditioner to the strands to keep them elastic and lively. After 5 minutes, rinse the conditioner, holding the wig strictly vertically under the water flow so it runs from the base to the ends.

4. Lay the wet hair on a soft towel and leave it to dry for a few hours. Style the locks with a hairdryer on a stand or a jar.

Important! To avoid damaging natural hair with a curling iron or tongs, try to curl only the ends.

How to Comb a Wig

Comb only a completely dry wig to avoid damaging the hair and pulling it out of the base. Professional stylists follow this scheme:

1. Use a regular comb with wide teeth.
2. Start from the ends. First, comb them well, gradually moving up to the top.
3. Divide the hair into small sections for convenience and comb each separately.
4. Gently detangle knotted strands by hand to avoid pulling them out of the base.
5. Cut knots that can't be untangled with sharp scissors.
6. Style and shape the wig by putting it on your head.

Store the wig in a special breathable mesh bag that protects against dust and dirt. Keep it away from UV rays, radiators, and heaters.

Now you have a detailed guide on how to wash a wig without damaging it. Follow our tips and always look beautiful!