How to Wash wigs made from real hair

Wigs made from real hair are quite expensive but well worth the money. Because they are made from natural hair, they have much better elasticity than synthetic fiber wigs when straightening, curling and coloring. Like synthetic wigs, wigs made from real hair need to be washed regularly, but you have to be very careful because they are quite fragile.

Table of Contents

Washing wigs

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Comb the wig starting from the ends of the hair. Gently brush from the ends of the hair first. Once you have removed all the tangles, you can gradually brush up to the roots until you can run your fingers all the way through the hair without entanglement. Use a wig brush to brush straight or wavy hair and a wide brush to comb through curls (including natural curls and African curls). ^{[1] X Research Source}

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Fill the sink with cold water and stir some shampoo into the water. Use a high-quality shampoo that is suitable for the type of hair you are using. For example, if it’s a curly wig, you should use shampoo for curly hair. If you know the wig is dyed, use a color-retaining shampoo.

Don’t put shampoo directly on the wig. Instead, you will use soapy water to wash.
Do not use a 2-in-1 shampoo, which is a combination shampoo and conditioner. You can use conditioner for wigs, but don’t use it too close to the roots. ^{[2] X Research Source}

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Turn the wig inside out and soak it in water. Use your fingers to turn the wig inside out and let the hairs loose. Drop the hair into the water and submerge the strands. Gently stir to distribute the shampoo evenly throughout the hair. ^{[3] X Research Sources}

Turn the wig upside down to let the shampoo easily get into the mesh cap, where dirt, sweat and oil accumulate the most.

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Soak the wig for 5 minutes. Make sure the wig is completely submerged in the water and do not toss it back and forth while soaking. Wigs are prone to tangles if you squeeze, press or stir them too much. ^{[4] X Research Sources}

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Rinse with cold water until the shampoo is clean. You can rinse the wig in a bucket of cold water, or run it under the faucet in the sink or shower. Depending on the thickness of the wig, you may need to rinse twice. ^{[5] X Research Sources}

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Rub conditioner into the wig. You just need to spray a little conditioner on your hair and comb it with your fingers. If it is a wig with a mesh cap, you should avoid letting conditioner get into the mesh. The hairs are attached to the mesh by knots. If you let conditioner get in, the knots will loosen and the strand of hair will come out. ^{[6] X Research Source} With a normally woven wig it is not a problem, as the hairs are sewn into the mesh cap.

Use a high quality conditioner.
You can also use dry conditioner if you want.

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Wait 2 minutes before rinsing the conditioner off with cold water. Leaving the conditioner on for a few minutes will help the oil penetrate the hair shaft and moisturize the hair, similar to the natural hair growth on the head. After 2 minutes, rinse off the conditioner until the water runs down really clear. ^{[7] X Research Sources}

Skip this step if you use dry conditioner.

Dry the wig

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Turn the wig upside down and gently squeeze the hair to drain the water. Hold the wig over the sink and gently squeeze the hair in your fist. Do not twist or wring to avoid tangling or breaking hair. ^{[8] X Research Sources}

Do not brush your hair while it is wet. You could damage your hair by doing so.

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Roll your hair in a towel to remove the water. Place the wig on one end of a clean towel and roll it into a tight bundle, starting at the top of the towel that covers the hair. Compress your hair in the towel, then gently lift the towel to remove the wig. ^{[9] X Research Source}

If you have long hair, you need to straighten the strands and make sure the hair is not bunched.

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Condition your wig with your favorite products. Use a hairspray to make it easier to detangle later; Remember to keep the spray bottle about 25-30 cm away from the wig. ^{[10] X Research Source} If you have frizzy hair, you might consider using hairspray. ^{[11] X Research Source}

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Let the wig dry naturally on the stand and avoid direct sunlight. Do not brush the wig while it is wet, as this can damage the hair strands. ^{[12] X Research Source} If you have curly hair, you may occasionally “twist” your curls. ^{[13] X Research Source}

Twisting here is to support the hand below the ponytail, lift the hair and use your fingers to wrap the hair inward. This will form curls.
If using a foam mannequin head to support the wig, make sure to mount it on a sturdy stand. Secure the wig to the mannequin head with hairpins if necessary.

Styling and maintaining wigs

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Comb the wig when it is completely dry. Again, you should use a special brush to brush straight or wavy wigs, and use a wide brush if you have curly hair. Start at the ends of your hair and work your way up to the roots. If needed, you can use a detangling product.

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Curl your hair if necessary. Some wigs are made from naturally curly hair, others are made from straight hair that is curled with a curling iron. Curly hair will lose its curl when washed. Fortunately, you can also curl your hair with real curls. ^{[16] X Research Source}

Hair curlers are much safer because no heat is required. If you must use a curling iron, keep the heat low.

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Place the wig on a vase or stand when you are not using it. If you’re using a vase, you can stuff a paper towel soaked in perfume into the vase. ^{[17] X Research Source}

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Wash the wig again when it gets dirty. If you wear a wig every day, every 2-4 weeks you should wash it. ^{[18] X Research Source} If you use it less often, you can wash the wig once a month.

Advice

Remember to be gentle when untangling the wig. Use more detangling oil if needed. ^{[19] X Research Source}
Wash the wig before putting it on for the first time. Even brand new, wigs can become contaminated during manufacturing, packaging, and shipping. ^{[20] X Research Source}
If the wig cannot be washed with cold water, you can use warm water up to 35 degrees Celsius. ^{[21] X Research Source}
Choose good quality hair products that are free of sulfates, parabens, and minerals. Instead, look for products with aloe and/or glycerin. ^{[22] X Research Source}
You can buy wig stands or foam mannequins online or at wig stores. Some costume or craft stores also sell foam mannequin heads.
If you can’t afford a wig stand or foam mannequin head, you can make your own by attaching a round cylinder to a Christmas tree stand.
You can use a shampoo and conditioner made specifically for wigs, but be sure to double-check the label to make sure the product is for wigs made from real hair.

Warning

Do not use a hairbrush to comb curly wigs; Use only fingers or a wide comb to comb. Hairbrushes can mess up frizzy hair.
Avoid using high heat to process the wig. Even if it doesn’t bleed, the wigs can still be damaged.

Things you need

High quality shampoo and conditioner
Wig brush (for straight or wavy hair)
Comb (for curly/curly hair)
Wig holder or foam mannequin head
Clean sink or bucket
Clean towels

Steps