How to Wash Your Wig
Overall, wigs are a great low-maintenance way to achieve a new style without all the effort. That being said, wigs do require some care to keep them looking their best. Washing your wig regularly is an important part of the care process but overdoing it can have the opposite effect! It’s also important to use products specifically formulated for wig care. Read on to learn more about the wig care process and how to wash your wig.
How Often Should You Wash Your Wig?
Your natural hair tends to accumulate oil and dead skin cells from the scalp, which means it needs to be washed more often. In contrast, your wig sits on an artificial base and does not need to be washed as frequently. How often you should wash your wig varies based on the type of wig and how often you wear it. A good rule of thumb is to wash your wig after about 20-30 wears.
How to Wash Your Wig
First, start by mixing cool water with your favorite wig shampoo in a sink or basin. Once this mix is prepared, let your wig soak for around 5 minutes (or longer if it needs a little extra cleaning), then gently move it up and down in the water to distribute the shampoo.
While cleaning your wig, make sure to never rub, twist, or wring it. Once your wig is clean, gently rinse under more cool water. Next, soak your cleansed wig in a mixture of water and one to two capfuls of conditioner, gently working it through with your fingers.
After gently rinsing again, place your wig loosely on a wig stand and allow it to air dry. For human hair wigs, you also have the option to blow dry, but try using a lower setting to avoid too much heat.
Wig Care Tips
Now that you know how to wash your synthetic or human hair wig, here are a few extra tips for wig care:
- Don’t over-wash: While washing your wig is an important part of basic wig care, over-washing can damage your wig and decrease its lifespan.
- Use wig-specific products: Harsh chemicals in regular shampoos and conditioners are too harsh to be used on wigs. Try to stick to products specifically formulated for wig care.
- Avoid intense heat: This tip is especially important for synthetic wigs, which can melt if exposed to too much heat. Natural hair wigs (just like your own hair) can be damaged by using heated styling tools at very high temperatures.
- Hydrate: Your natural hair is moisturized daily by the oils produced by your scalp. Since wigs are not naturally hydrated, it’s always a good idea to use a hydrating product (like a wig conditioner) to help seal in moisture.
Caring for Your Wig at Rosalind Stella’s
Giving your wig the proper care it needs goes a long way in preserving its lifespan and maintaining its style. While washing is an important part of wig care, over-washing can have a damaging effect.
At Rosalind Stella’s, our expert team has many years of experience helping clients learn how to care for their wigs. In addition to helping you find your next wig, we can also show you the best ways to care for it!