Part1 Washing the Wig

Step1 Brush or comb the wig starting from the ends

Start by gently untangling the strands of the wig, beginning from the tips. Take your brush or comb and carefully work through the ends of the wig, ensuring they are free from any knots or tangles. Once the ends are smooth, gradually move upwards towards the roots, ensuring a smooth and snag-free motion with your brush or comb. Depending on the texture of the wig, opt for a suitable tool – a wire wig brush works well for straight or slightly wavy wigs, while a wide-toothed comb or even your fingers are better suited for curly wigs, including those with natural or African-textured hair.

Step2 Fill your sink with cold water, then stir in 1 to 2 squeezes of shampoo

Prepare your basin or sink by filling it with cold water. Next, add 1 to 2 pumps of shampoo into the water. It’s crucial to opt for a high-quality shampoo that matches the hair type of the wig you’re cleaning. For instance, if you’re dealing with a curly wig, reach for a shampoo formulated specifically for curly hair. Similarly, if the wig has been previously dyed, consider using a color-safe shampoo to preserve its hue.

Remember, you’re not directly applying the shampoo onto the wig fibers; rather, you’re utilizing the soapy water to cleanse the wig thoroughly. Avoid using 2-in-1 shampoos that combine shampoo and conditioner, as conditioner should be used sparingly and kept away from the roots of the wig.

If available, it’s advisable to employ products specifically designed for washing human hair wigs. These products typically contain fewer harsh chemicals compared to conventional hair care items, thus minimizing potential damage to the wig fibers.

Step3 Turn the wig inside out and place it into the water

Invert the wig so that the inner cap is exposed, then immerse it in the water. Utilize your fingertips to carefully invert the wig cap, allowing the strands to dangle freely. Submerge the wig into the water and gently press down on the fibers to ensure they are fully immersed. Employ a delicate swirling motion to aid in the even distribution of shampoo throughout the hair strands. This method of turning the wig inside out facilitates better access for the shampoo to cleanse the wig cap, where the majority of dirt, sweat, and oils tend to accumulate.

Step4 Soak the wig for 5 minutes

Immerse the wig in the water and allow it to soak for a duration of 5 minutes without any agitation, ensuring full submersion to effectively saturate the fibers. Avoid excessive movement or manipulation of the wig during this time to prevent tangling of the fibers.

Step5 Rinse the wig with cold water until the shampoo is all gone

After completing the soaking process, proceed to rinse the wig thoroughly with cold water until all traces of shampoo have been removed. This rinsing can be done either by immersing the wig in a container filled with fresh, cold water, or by rinsing it directly under a faucet in the sink or shower. Depending on the density of the wig, it may be necessary to repeat the rinsing process to ensure complete removal of the shampoo residue.

Step6 Apply conditioner to the wig

Dispense a generous amount of conditioner onto the wig strands, ensuring even coverage, and gently comb through with your fingers to distribute the product thoroughly. Exercise caution when applying conditioner to lace front or ventilated wigs to prevent loosening the knots securing the strands to the lace cap, as this could lead to hair loss. Opt for a premium-quality conditioner for optimal results, or alternatively, employ a leave-in conditioner if preferred.

Step7 Wait 2 minutes before rinsing the conditioner out with cold water

Allow the conditioner to sit on the wig for a duration of 2 minutes before rinsing it off with cold water, as this brief period enables the beneficial oils to deeply nourish and moisturize the hair fibers, akin to the natural hair growth process. After the 2-minute interval, thoroughly rinse the wig with cold water until the water runs clear. It’s important to note that if you’re utilizing a leave-in conditioner, you can bypass this step altogether.

Part2 Drying the Wig

Step1 Turn the wig right-side-out and gently squeeze the water out

Once the conditioning process is complete, carefully reverse the wig to its original position and gently press out excess water by softly squeezing the fibers with your hand over the sink, avoiding any wringing or twisting motions to prevent potential tangling or breakage. It’s crucial to refrain from brushing the wig while it’s still damp, as this could result in fiber damage and undesirable frizz.

Step2 Roll the wig up in a towel to remove the excess water

Wrap the wig in a towel to extract any remaining moisture, positioning the wig at one end of a fresh towel before rolling it tightly into a compact bundle, exerting pressure to absorb excess water, then carefully unfurl the towel to release the wig. For longer wigs, ensure that the strands are evenly smoothed out to prevent any bunching or tangling.

Step3 Apply your desired products to the wig.

Prepare your chosen wig products for application by selecting the appropriate formulas: lightly mist the wig with conditioning spray, ensuring the bottle is held at a distance of 10 to 12 inches, to facilitate future detangling, while for curly wigs, opt for the application of styling mousse for enhanced definition and hold.

Step4 Properly air dry the wig on a stand, avoid wet brushing, enhance curls by scrunching

After washing, allow the wig to naturally air dry on a wig stand away from direct sunlight to prevent damage to the fibers. Avoid brushing the wig while it’s wet, as this can cause harm. For curly wigs, periodically use your fingers to scrunch the hair, lifting it and curling your fingers inward to enhance the curls. Ensure the stability of a Styrofoam wig head by mounting it securely onto a stable wig stand, and use pins if necessary to secure the wig in place.

Step5 Blow dry the wig on your head if you are in a hurry.

In instances of time constraint, expedite the drying process by blow drying the wig directly on your head, starting with the wig cap to ensure it’s dry, then securing the wig with bobby pins before continuing to blow dry the entirety of the wig while employing a low-heat setting to safeguard the fibers. Prioritize the preparation of your natural hair by pinning it up and concealing it with a wig cap before donning the wig to ensure a seamless fit and appearance.

Step6 Allow the wig to dry upside down if you want more volume

To enhance volume, opt for drying the wig upside down by flipping it over and securing the nape portion of the wig cap onto a pants hanger, adjusting the pins to accommodate this position, and allowing the wig to air dry in a shower-free environment for several hours to avoid water damage to surrounding areas.

Part3 Styling and Maintaining the Wig

Step1 Brush the wig once it is completely dry

After the wig has thoroughly dried, proceed to gently brush it using either a wire wig brush for straight or wavy styles, or a wide-toothed comb for curly textures, working methodically from the ends towards the roots. If necessary, apply a detangling product to aid in the process and ensure smooth, knot-free strands.

Step2 Re-curl the wig, if needed

Should the need arise, consider re-curling the wig to restore its original texture. While some wigs are crafted from naturally curly hair, others are styled with a curling iron and may lose their curl after washing. However, fear not, as re-curling can be easily accomplished using methods akin to those employed on natural hair. Opt for hair rollers as a safer alternative, as they do not require heat, but if a curling iron is necessary, ensure to utilize a lower heat setting to mitigate the risk of damage to the wig fibers.

Step3 Keep the wig on a vase or wig stand when you are not wearing it

When the wig is not in use, ensure its proper storage by placing it on a vase or wig stand to maintain its shape and prevent tangling. Additionally, for a refreshing scent, consider inserting a tissue sprayed with perfume inside the vase to keep the wig smelling pleasant.

Step4 Re-wash the wig when it gets dirty.

When the wig accumulates dirt, it’s time for another wash. For daily wearers, aim to cleanse it every 2 to 4 weeks, whereas for less frequent wearers, a monthly wash should suffice to maintain cleanliness and freshness.

Step5

It’s important to maintain the health of your natural hair, especially if you wear the wig daily, as neglecting your own hair can lead to issues. Prioritize regular hair and scalp care to ensure cleanliness, which in turn extends the cleanliness of your wig. Additionally, if you have dry hair, ensure it stays hydrated to promote overall hair health, although this won’t directly impact the condition of your wig.