Caring for your Wig
Whether you’ve decided on a synthetic or human hair wig, a little care and attention will ensure your wig continues to looks its best. Learn how to wash, dry and maintain your wig like a pro.
Wig Care: What do you need?
A wire stand that allows air to circulate through the wig
If your wig is synthetic, special cleansers and leave-in conditioners (available at all wig salons), and a wide-tooth comb
If your wig is human hair, salon-quality shampoo and conditioner for chemically treated hair
About an hour for your first wig-cleaning experience
It will eventually take less time as you practice and gain experience caring for your wig
Cleaning Your Wig
Synthetic-Hair Wig:
- With a wide-tooth comb, gently but thoroughly brush or comb your wig before washing.
- Fill sink with cold water and thoroughly mix in 1 to 2 tbsp. (15–30 ml) of appropriate shampoo.
- Turn wig inside out, swish through water, and submerge a few times.
- Drain sink and refill with fresh cold water, then immerse wig a few times to rinse.
- Gently shake water from wig over the sink – do not squeeze or twist.
- Place on wire stand to dry – about eight to 12 hours.
- Never comb or brush a wig when it’s wet; wait until it’s completely dry.
Human-Hair Wig:
- Run wig under warm water.
- Place a small amount of shampoo on fingers and gently work into the hair, stroking downward from the weft (base) to the ends.
- Rinse thoroughly under warm running water until water runs clear.
- Place a small amount of conditioner in your hand; gently work into hair and let sit for three to five minutes.
- Rinse thoroughly in warm water.
- Gently comb wet hair with a wide-tooth comb from weft to ends.
- Place on wire stand to dry.
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