How To Wash Wig At Home In 5 Easy Steps

Step-by-step Guide on How To Wash Wig At Home

Maintaining a wig is crucial for its longevity and appearance. When it comes to washing your wig, there are a few simple steps to follow to ensure a proper and effective cleaning process. By implementing these steps, you can preserve the quality of your wig and keep it looking its best.

Before you begin washing your wig, it’s important to prepare it by removing any tangles or knots. Use a wide-toothed comb or a wig brush to gently remove any snarls, starting from the ends and working your way up to the roots. This will help prevent further damage during the washing process. Additionally, check the wig’s care label for specific instructions on washing and drying to avoid any potential harm.

To wash your wig, fill a sink or basin with lukewarm water and add a small amount of gentle shampoo formulated for wigs. Avoid using harsh detergents or regular shampoos, as they can strip the wig of its natural oils and damage the fibers. Submerge the wig in the water and gently agitate it to remove any dirt or product buildup. Rinse the wig thoroughly with clean water, ensuring that all the shampoo is removed. Finally, gently pat the wig dry with a towel and air dry it on a wig stand or lay it flat on a towel to prevent stretching or damage.

Gathering Necessary Materials

1. Wig-Specific Shampoo and Conditioner

These products are specially formulated for use on wigs and contain ingredients that gently cleanse and condition the fibers without stripping them of their natural oils. Look for shampoos with a low pH level to prevent damage to the wig’s fibers. Conditioners should be moisturizing and detangling to keep the wig soft and manageable.

Recommended Brands:

Argan Oil Shampoo and Conditioner for Wigs
Paul Mitchell Shampoo Two and Conditioner for Wigs
Biotique Bio Kelp Protein Shampoo for Wigs

Tips:

Avoid using regular hair shampoo and conditioner, as they can be harsh on wigs.
Dilute the shampoo and conditioner according to the manufacturer’s instructions to prevent over-saturating the wig.

Preparing the Wig

1. Gather Your Supplies

You’ll need:

– Shampoo and conditioner specifically designed for wigs

– Soft-bristled brush or wide-toothed comb

– Towel or wig stand

– Sink or basin

– Cold water

2. Detangling the Wig

Before wetting the wig, it’s crucial to carefully detangle it to prevent matting and breakage. Here are detailed steps to detangle your wig thoroughly:

Separate the Hair into Sections: Divide the wig into smaller sections to make the detangling process manageable.
Start from the Ends: Begin detangling at the very ends of the hair using a soft-bristled brush or wide-toothed comb.
Work Your Way Up Gradually: Gradually work your way up the hair strands, gently brushing or combing towards the roots.
Minimize Tugs and Pulls: Avoid excessive tugging or pulling on the hair as it can cause breakage. Handle the hair with care throughout the process.
Remove Knots and Tangles: Be patient and work through knots or tangles by holding the hair above the knot and detangling the ends first.
Check for Snags: Regularly check for any snags or debris that might get caught in the brush or comb. Remove them promptly to prevent damage.

3. Rinsing the Wig

Once the wig is detangled, rinse it thoroughly under cold water. Gently squeeze out excess water, being careful not to wring or twist the hair.

Type of Wig	Water Temperature
Human Hair	Cool or Cold
Synthetic Hair	Cold

Choosing a Suitable Shampoo

The choice of shampoo for your wig depends on the type of wig you have. If you have a synthetic wig, choose a shampoo specifically designed for synthetic hair. These shampoos are gentler and will not damage the delicate fibers of synthetic hair. If you have a human hair wig, you can use a regular shampoo, but be sure to use one that is sulfate-free. Sulfates can strip away the natural oils from human hair, making it dry and brittle.

Here is a table with some recommended shampoos for wigs:

Type of Wig	Recommended Shampoo
Synthetic Wig	TRESemmé Pro Pure Gentle Shampoo
Human Hair Wig	Olaplex No. 4 Bond Maintenance Shampoo
Lace Front Wig	The Mane Choice Pure Apple Cider Vinegar Clarifying Shampoo

In addition to choosing the right shampoo, it is also important to use a conditioner. Conditioner will help to keep your wig soft and tangle-free. Choose a conditioner that is specifically designed for the type of hair your wig is made from.

Wetting the Wig

Before shampooing the wig, it is important to wet it thoroughly with lukewarm water. Use a gentle stream of water and avoid rubbing the hair, which can cause tangles and damage. Begin by wetting the crown of the wig and work your way down to the ends. Ensure that all hair fibers are saturated with water before proceeding to the next step.

Step-by-Step Guide to Wetting the Wig:

Step	Instructions
1	Turn your bathroom sink or a large bowl to lukewarm water.
2	Place the wig upside down in the water and gently dunk it up and down to remove any debris or dust.
3	Use your fingers or a wide-toothed comb to gently separate any tangled strands of hair.
4	Gradually increase the water flow to a gentle stream and hold the wig under it, starting from the crown. Use your fingers to massage the hair fibers and remove any dirt or product buildup.
5	Continue wetting the wig from the crown to the ends, ensuring that all hair fibers are thoroughly saturated.

Applying Shampoo

Choosing the right shampoo is crucial. Look for products specifically formulated for wigs, as they will gently cleanse without damaging the fibers. Follow these steps to apply shampoo:

Wet the wig with cold water: Avoid using hot water, as it can damage the fibers.
Apply a small amount of shampoo: Use a quarter-sized dollop of shampoo and apply it to the crown of the wig.
Work the shampoo in gently: Use your fingers to gently massage the shampoo into the fibers. Avoid rubbing or scrubbing, as this can cause tangles.
Rinse thoroughly: Use cold water to rinse the shampoo out of the wig. Continue rinsing until the water runs clear.
Repeat if necessary: If the wig is heavily soiled, you may need to repeat steps 2-4.

Here’s a table summarizing the key points for applying shampoo:

Step	Action
1	Wet wig with cold water
2	Apply small amount of shampoo
3	Work shampoo in gently
4	Rinse thoroughly with cold water
5	Repeat if necessary

Rinsing Thoroughly

After shampooing your wig, it’s crucial to rinse it thoroughly to remove any remaining shampoo residue or dirt. Follow these steps for effective rinsing:

Rinse under running water: Hold the wig securely under a gentle stream of cold or lukewarm water, tilting it to allow the water to flow through every area.
Gently squeeze the water: Without wringing or twisting, gently squeeze the wig to remove excess water. Avoid rubbing, as this can damage the fibers.
Use a showerhead: For a more thorough rinse, use a detachable showerhead to direct water into the base of the wig and all around the cap.
Repeat the rinsing process: Rinse the wig multiple times until the water runs clear, indicating that all the shampoo residue has been removed.
Check for suds: If you notice any suds remaining, repeat the rinsing process until the water is completely suds-free.
Use a colander or drying rack: Place the wig in a colander or on a drying rack to allow excess water to drain away.

Rinse Temperature	Effect on Wig Fibers
Cold Water	Seals cuticles, reducing frizz and promoting shine
Lukewarm Water	Gently cleanses without damaging fibers
Hot Water	Can dry out and damage wig fibers

Conditioning the Wig

Conditioning the wig is crucial to maintain its softness and prevent tangling. Follow these steps for effective conditioning:

**1. Choose the Right Conditioner:** Opt for a conditioner specifically formulated for wigs or synthetic hair. These conditioners contain ingredients that detangle and smooth the fibers.

**2. Dilute the Conditioner:** Mix the conditioner with water in a ratio of 1:3 or 1:4. This dilution helps the conditioner penetrate the fibers better.

**3. Apply Evenly:** Apply the diluted conditioner to the wig using a wide-toothed comb or your fingers. Avoid saturating the wig; apply it in sections.

**4. Let it Sit:** Leave the conditioner on for the recommended time, typically around 5-15 minutes. This gives the conditioner time to penetrate the fibers.

**5. Rinse Thoroughly:** After the conditioning time, rinse the wig gently with lukewarm water. Ensure all the conditioner is removed to prevent any buildup.

**6. Dry the Wig:** Use a towel to gently blot the excess water from the wig. Avoid wringing or twisting the wig, as this can cause tangling.

**7. Specific Conditioning Techniques:** Depending on the type of wig, additional conditioning techniques may be beneficial:

Wig Type	Conditioning Technique
Human Hair	Use a deep conditioner once a week to restore moisture.
Synthetic Hair	Use a spray-on conditioner to detangle and reduce static.
Lace Front	Apply conditioner to the lace area to prevent shedding.

Drying the Wig

Once the wig is washed, it needs to be dried thoroughly to prevent it from becoming moldy or mildewing. Here are some tips for drying a wig:

Wrap the wig in a towel: Gently pat the wig with a towel to remove excess water. Do not rub the wig, as this can damage the hair fibers.
Shake the wig: Shake the wig vigorously to remove any remaining water droplets.
Air dry the wig: Place the wig on a wig stand or mannequin head and allow it to air dry at room temperature. Do not use a hair dryer, as this can damage the hair fibers.
Use a fan: If you need to dry the wig faster, you can use a fan to circulate the air around it. Be sure to keep the fan on a low setting to avoid tangling the hair.
Use a blow dryer: If you are using a blow dryer to dry the wig, use the lowest heat setting and hold the dryer at least 6 inches away from the wig. Avoid using a concentrator nozzle, as this can damage the hair fibers.
Do not brush the wig while it is wet: Brushing a wet wig can damage the hair fibers. Allow the wig to dry completely before brushing it.
Use a wide-tooth comb: When brushing a wig, use a wide-tooth comb to avoid tangling the hair.
Store the wig properly: Once the wig is dry, store it in a cool, dry place. Do not store the wig in a plastic bag, as this can trap moisture and damage the hair fibers.

Drying Method	Advantages	Disadvantages
Air drying	Gentle on hair fibers	Can take a long time to dry
Fan drying	Faster than air drying	Can tangle hair
Blow drying	Fastest method	Can damage hair fibers if not used properly

Styling

After washing and conditioning your wig, it’s time to style it. Here are a few tips:

Use a wide-toothed comb or brush to detangle the wig.
Apply a heat protectant spray to the wig.
Use a blow dryer on a low heat setting to style the wig.
Use a curling iron or flat iron to create curls or waves.
Finish with a light hold hairspray to keep the style in place.

Storage

When you’re not wearing your wig, it’s important to store it properly. Here are a few tips:

Store the wig on a wig stand or in a box.
Avoid storing the wig in direct sunlight or heat.
If the wig is wet, allow it to air dry completely before storing it.
Brush the wig regularly to prevent tangles.
Wash the wig every 6-8 weeks to keep it clean and fresh.

Wig Washing Frequency

The frequency with which you should wash your wig depends on several factors, including:

Factor	Influence on Washing Frequency
Wig type	Human hair wigs require more frequent washing than synthetic wigs.
Wear frequency	Wigs worn daily should be washed more often than wigs worn occasionally.
Activity level	Wigs worn during strenuous activities should be washed more often to remove sweat and oils.
Styling products	Using styling products can make wigs appear dirty more quickly.
Personal preference	Some people prefer to wash their wigs more frequently, while others prefer to wash them less often.

Generally, it is recommended to wash human hair wigs every 6-8 weeks and synthetic wigs every 10-12 weeks. However, you may need to adjust the washing frequency based on the factors listed above.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

If you encounter any problems while washing your wig, don’t panic. Here are some common issues and how to resolve them:

Wig Tangles Easily

Cause: Improper detangling before washing.

Solution: Detangle the wig thoroughly with a wig brush before washing. Start from the ends and work your way up to the roots.

Wig Lost Its Curl Pattern

Cause: Using too much heat or washing too often.

Solution: Wash the wig less frequently. If you use heat styling tools, apply a heat protectant spray to the wig before using.

Wig Feels Stiff After Washing

Cause: Overuse of conditioner or using the wrong type.

Solution: Rinse the wig thoroughly to remove excess conditioner. Use a conditioner specifically designed for wigs.

Wig Has a Musty Odor

Cause: Improper storage or buildup of hair products.

Solution: Store the wig in a dry, well-ventilated place. Wash the wig more frequently to remove any buildup.

Wig Shedding Excessively

Cause: Friction, poor quality wig, or incorrect detangling.

Solution: Handle the wig gently. Avoid rubbing or pulling. Detangle the wig regularly with the proper brush.

Wig Matted After Washing

Cause: Improper detangling or using too much conditioner.

Solution: Detangle the wig carefully with a wig brush. Use a conditioner specifically designed for wigs and rinse thoroughly.

Wig Color Fades After Washing

Cause: Using harsh detergents or washing too often.

Solution: Use a gentle detergent designed for wigs. Wash the wig less frequently.