How to Wash and Care for Human Hair Wigs
Investing in a high-quality human hair wig from T&R Beauty Supply Store is an exciting step toward achieving flawless, versatile style. However, unlike the hair growing from your scalp, a wig doesn't receive natural oils to keep it moisturized. This means proper care and washing are absolutely essential to maintaining its luster, softness, and longevity.
If you're unsure how to properly clean your unit without causing damage, don't worry! Our experts have put together this step-by-step guide on how to wash and care for human hair wigs.
How Often Should You Wash Your Wig?
A common mistake is over-washing. Washing your wig too frequently strips it of moisture and shortens its lifespan. As a general rule, you should wash your human hair wig every 7 to 14 wears. If you use a lot of styling products (like heavy gels or hairsprays), or if you live in a very humid environment, you may need to wash it closer to the 7-wear mark.
Step-by-Step Washing Guide
Step 1: Pre-Wash Detangling
Never wash a tangled wig. Place your wig on a canvas block head or hold it gently. Using a wide-tooth comb or a specialized wig brush, start detangling from the ends of the hair and slowly work your way up to the roots. Be incredibly gentle around the lace area to avoid tearing the delicate material or causing shedding.
Step 2: Prepare the Water
Fill a clean sink or basin with cool or lukewarm water. Never use hot water, as it can dry out the hair and damage the wig cap structure.
Step 3: Shampooing
Add a small amount of high-quality, sulfate-free shampoo to the water. Gently submerge the wig. Do not rub, scrub, or massage the hair, as this will cause severe tangling. Instead, gently swish the wig in the water and use your fingers to stroke the shampoo downward through the hair strands.
Step 4: Rinsing
Empty the sink and refill it with clean, cool water. Submerge the wig and gently swish it to remove the shampoo. You may need to hold it under a gentle stream of cool running water to ensure all the soap is out. Squeeze the hair gently from top to bottom to remove excess water—never wring or twist it.
Step 5: Conditioning
Conditioning is crucial for human hair wigs. Apply a generous amount of moisturizing conditioner, avoiding the roots and the lace cap (conditioner on the hand-tied knots can cause them to loosen and shed). Leave the conditioner on for 5-10 minutes. For deep conditioning, you can place the wig in a plastic bag and leave it for 30 minutes.
Step 6: Final Rinse and Drying
Rinse the conditioner out thoroughly with cool water. Gently squeeze out the excess water. Lay the wig on a clean, dry towel and roll the towel up to press out more moisture. Never brush the wig while it is wet. Place the wig on a wig stand (preferably an open-air wire or plastic stand) and allow it to air dry completely.
Daily Care Tips
- Hydration: Use a lightweight, leave-in conditioner or hair serum specifically formulated for wigs to keep the hair hydrated between washes.
- Heat Styling: Because it is human hair, you can use flat irons and curling wands. However, always use a heat protectant spray and keep the temperature on a medium setting to prevent heat damage.
- Sleeping: If you sleep in your wig, wrap it in a silk or satin scarf, or sleep on a satin pillowcase to reduce friction and tangling.
Quality Products Make a Difference
The products you use play a massive role in the lifespan of your wig. At T&R Beauty Supply Store, we carry a curated selection of sulfate-free shampoos, deep conditioners, and styling serums designed specifically for human hair extensions and wigs. Visit us in New Hill, NC, to pick up your wig care essentials today!