
How Often Should Human Hair Wigs Be Cleaned? Essential Care Tips
In this article, Unihairvn will explain how often should human hair wigs be cleaned and the best ways to store them for longevity. If you wear wigs, proper care is essential, especially for human hair wigs. These wigs are an investment and not easily replaced.
What Is a Human Hair Wig?

A human hair wig is made from real human hair, carefully collected to keep the cuticles intact. The strands are handwoven into a flexible cap, ensuring a natural look. These wigs can last as long as three years with the right care.
Unlike the past, when wigs had synthetic appearances and were hard to maintain, today’s human hair wigs can be styled just like natural hair. This makes them an excellent choice for those experiencing hair loss.
How Long Do Human Hair Wigs Last?
The longevity of a human hair wig depends on factors like hair quality, construction, and how well it’s maintained. With proper care, a high-quality wig can last anywhere from one to three years.
Daily wear and exposure to heat and humidity can reduce the wig’s lifespan, while proper handling and regular upkeep can help extend it.
To maintain its shape and longevity, it’s important to follow a good hair care routine, including gentle washing, conditioning, and proper storage.
Understanding Essential Wig Care
Proper wig care is key to keeping your wig looking great and ensuring its longevity. Before we get into washing details, let’s review the basics of wig maintenance.
First, using a wig stand is essential for storage. It helps preserve the wig’s shape, reduces tangling, and promotes airflow to keep it fresh when not in use.
Second, a wig cap adds comfort and security. It keeps your natural hair in place, preventing it from shifting under the wig, and reduces friction between your scalp and the wig to prevent irritation.
Lastly, understanding your natural hair is important. If you have long or thick hair, secure it properly under a wig cap to avoid discomfort or bulges caused by your hair pressing against the wig.
By following these basic wig care steps, you’ll help ensure your wig stays in top condition and remains comfortable to wear.
Difference Between Synthetic and Human Hair Wigs

Before washing your wig, it’s essential to know the differences between synthetic and human hair wigs, as each requires specific care and maintenance.
A synthetic wig is crafted from fibers that replicate the appearance and texture of natural hair. These wigs are pre-styled, require minimal upkeep, and are more affordable. However, they cannot be heat-styled and typically have a shorter lifespan than human hair wigs.
In comparison, a human hair wig is made from real hair, providing a more authentic and lifelike appearance. These wigs can be heat-styled for greater styling flexibility but require more care due to their natural properties. Though pricier, human hair wigs last longer with proper maintenance.
When it comes to washing, synthetic wigs should only be cleaned with special wig shampoos and conditioners designed for synthetic fibers, as regular products can damage them.
Human hair wigs, however, can be washed with standard human hair shampoo and conditioner. Using the appropriate products for each type of wig is essential for maintaining their quality and overall look.
How Often Should Human Hair Wigs Be Cleaned at Home?

Understanding how often should human hair wigs be cleaned is essential to maintain their beauty and longevity. Washing too frequently can strip the wig of its natural moisture, while washing too rarely can lead to product buildup, dullness, and reduced lifespan.
For most users, cleaning your human hair wig once every 3 to 4 weeks is ideal. However, how often should human hair wigs be cleaned also depends on how often you wear them and your lifestyle.
If you wear your wig infrequently and it remains clean, you can stretch the time between washes to every 6–8 weeks. If you wear it daily or expose it to sweat, styling products, or the elements, washing every 2-3 weeks may be necessary.
Ultimately, listen to your wig. If it starts looking dull, tangled, or heavy, it’s time for a wash.
How Often Should I Wash My Synthetic Wig?
The frequency of washing your synthetic wig depends on how often you wear it and exposure to smoke, perfume, or strong odors, which may necessitate more frequent cleaning. Typically, it’s best to wash your wig every 2–3 weeks or after about 20 wears.
How to Store Human Hair Wigs
If you’re wondering how often should human hair wigs be cleaned, the answer typically depends on how frequently you wear them. But once your wig is washed and dried, proper storage becomes just as important as the cleaning process to maintain its quality and lifespan.
Wig stand
- Best for: Short-term storage
- Benefits: Maintains shape, prevents tangles, and protects from dust.
Mannequin or wig head
- Best for: Short-term and long-term storage
- Benefits: Helps preserve style and form while reducing dust exposure.
Satin or silk bag
- Best for: Long-term storage
- Benefits: Minimizes friction, prevents tangling, retains moisture, and protects from dust. Wig boxes also provide extra protection.
Avoid plastic bags
Plastic traps moisture which can cause mildew, odors, and damage to your wig’s texture.
Choose the right place for storage
The environment where you store your wig is just as important as how you store it. For optimal protection:
- Choose cool, dry places: Store wigs in a closet or cabinet away from heat and sunlight.
- Steer clear of humid areas: Bathrooms or laundry rooms can lead to frizz, color fading, and style distortion due to excess moisture.
By storing your wig properly after each wash, you help preserve its natural appearance—and ensure that when you next ask yourself how often should human hair wigs be cleaned, you’re starting from a fresh, well-kept base.
Top 5 Human Hair Wig Care Products
When considering how often should human hair wigs be cleaned, the answer often depends on your usage. However, no matter how frequently you wash your wig, choosing the right products is essential for maintaining its softness, shine, and longevity. Here are five top-rated care products to keep your human hair wig looking flawless.

Pureology Hydrate Shampoo
Pureology Hydrate Shampoo is packed with natural ingredients that cleanse, hydrate, and preserve your wig. It effectively removes buildup, keeping your wig lightweight and preventing it from becoming dull and dry.
It’s ideal for preserving colored wigs by safeguarding the color from fading. Available at an affordable price, it’s easy to find at most stores.
Tgin Rose Water Sulfate-Free Hydrating Shampoo
Tgin Rose Water Sulfate-Free Hydrating Shampoo is perfect for removing buildup and refreshing your wig. It cleanses thoroughly, leaving your wig free of styling products.
This sulfate- and paraben-free shampoo hydrates and moisturizes, combating frizz and dryness while keeping your wig healthy.
Aveeno Hair Apple Cider Vinegar Blend Shampoo
Aveeno Apple Cider Vinegar Blend Shampoo cleanses your wig while adding shine. With ingredients like apple cider vinegar and oats, it nourishes and soothes the hair. This shampoo is great for restoring your wig’s health, leaving it fresh, shiny, and revitalized.
Shea Moisture Raw Shea Butter Moisture Retention Shampoo
Shea Moisture Raw Shea Butter Moisture Retention Shampoo works wonders on dry wigs with its nourishing ingredients, including argan oil and sea kelp.
Ideal for textured wigs, it hydrates and moisturizes, leaving your wig soft, clean, and beautiful after each wash.
Joico Moisture Recovery Shampoo
Joico Moisture Recovery Shampoo is excellent for restoring shine and hydration to lace front wigs. It’s perfect for dry wigs, making them more manageable while preventing breakage.
This shampoo cleanses without stripping natural oils, ensuring your wig stays healthy and vibrant.
Conclusion
That wraps up our guide on “how often should human hair wigs be cleaned“. Since real human hair wigs are a significant investment, it’s important to take proper care to extend their lifespan. These tips will help you wash, condition, style, and store your wig to keep it looking great for years to come.