Human hair wigs can be a major investment, but they’ll last long with proper care. These washing, conditioning, styling, and storing tips will help ensure your wig or hairpiece looks great.
Wigs need to be washed about once a week.
Washing
One of the most asked questions of wig users and owners is how to maintain human hair wigs. According to experts, it is vital to wash it regularly to extend its life span. This will keep it clean and free of buildup, which can cause tangles and damage to the hair fibers. Stylists recommend washing your wig every six to eight wears. You should wash them more frequently if you use many styling products or curling irons.
To wash your wig:
- Begin by filling a basin with lukewarm water.
- Gently dip your wig in the water, being careful not to get it too wet.
- Gently massage a small amount of shampoo into the wig.
- When you are finished, rinse the wig thoroughly with cool water.
- Avoid squeezing or wringing the hair, as this can damage the fibers.
After rinsing your wig, gently detangle it with your fingers or a wide-tooth comb. Start at the ends and work your way up to the roots. Finally, apply a conditioner formulated for color-treated hair.
Conditioning
When it comes to human hair wigs, proper conditioning is essential for keeping them soft and manageable. Wigs are exposed to a lot of heat when you style them with hair dryers, curling irons, or flat irons, and this can cause them to become dry and brittle over time. Using a deep conditioner on your wig will help keep it from becoming dry and brittle and will also help to maintain its color and vibrancy.
A deep conditioner should be applied to your wig after every shampooing and before you style it. You should use a sulfate-free conditioner formulated for wigs and leave it on for a few minutes before rinsing it thoroughly. A sulfate-free shampoo and conditioner is important because sulfates can strip your wig of its natural color dye and moisture.
Another thing you should remember when caring for your human hair wig is to regularly brush it to detangle the hair and prevent it from getting tangled. This is especially important because wigs don’t benefit from the scalp’s natural lubricating oils and can be more prone to tangling than biohair. When brushing your wig, be gentle and always start from the ends of the hair and work your way up. You can use a wide-tooth comb or a detangling pin brush, and always be careful not to pull or tug at the hair as this will damage it.
Styling
Like natural hair, a human wig should be styled regularly to maintain its softness and shine. Styling is done with various tools and products, but it’s important to limit the use of heat styling tools since excessive heat can damage the hair fibers and cause frizz and dryness. If you use a curling iron, flat iron, or hairspray on your human hair wig, apply a heat protectant first to help reduce the risk of damage and keep the hair looking shiny and healthy.
Before washing your human hair wig, ensure it is free of tangles by using a wide-tooth comb or a brush designed for wigs to detangle the hair, starting at the ends and working toward the roots. If you have a wavy or curly human hair wig, using a leave-in conditioner that helps retain moisture will be beneficial.
When washing your wig, you must wash it with cool water to avoid stripping the color dye. You should also only use shampoo made specifically for wigs, and it’s best to use a sulfate-free product. After washing your wig:
- Gently squeeze out the excess water.
- Apply a quarter-sized amount of deep conditioner.
- Let it sit for about five minutes before rinsing thoroughly with cool water.
Storing
Storing your wigs properly is important for the longevity of your wig. It helps to prevent tangling, loss of shape, and mold growth. It is also crucial to store your wigs dry to avoid bacteria and germs. You can use a simple Tupperware or Ziploc bag to store your human hair wigs. You should also wash, condition, and detangle the wig before storing it.
One of the most common ways to store a human hair wig is by wrapping it in tissue paper. This is a cost-effective and convenient way to protect your wig from dust and other environmental factors that can damage it. When wrapping your wig, start at the base and work up to the top to cover the entire wig.
Another option is to store your wig in a wig box or bag designed for this purpose. These bags offer protection from dust and moisture and are compact, lightweight, and travel-friendly. If you live in a humid environment, consider using a dehumidifier or silica gel packs in your storage container to keep the humidity levels low and prevent moisture buildup.
You can also store your wigs on a mannequin head, a folding stand, or a canvas block. These options are ideal for storing a long or full-length human hair wig. They also help to maintain the wig’s shape and minimize friction during storage.
