Proper wig care is key to preserving its quality, style, and natural appearance. Knowing how to wash a human hair wig properly not only keeps your wig looking its best but also supports good hygiene. Follow this simple step-by-step guide to keep your wig soft, smooth, and lifelike for as long as possible.

How to Wash a Human Hair Wig at Home

Content

Here is the step-by-step guide on how to wash a human hair wig.

What you’ll need

A set of human hair wig care (shampoo, conditioner, and wig brush designed for human hair)
Bowl
Access to a running tap
Clean towel
Suction wig clamp holder
Polystyrene styling head or wig stand

Step 1: Detangle

Start by gently detangling your human hair wig. Use your fingers, a wide-tooth comb, or a standard brush. Just steer clear of wire wig brushes, as they can damage the hair fibers.

Step 2: Shampoo your wig

Once your wig is knot-free, fill a bowl with lukewarm water and add a small amount of human hair wig shampoo. Mix it with your hands to ensure it’s evenly dissolved.

Place your wig in the water and gently massage the shampoo into the crown and the inside of the cap. Let it soak for a few minutes. You can also do this step in a sink, following the same method.

Step 3: Rinse the shampoo

Rinse the wig under a running tap, keeping the strands flowing in the same direction to prevent tangling. Use your fingers to help guide the water through the hair, making sure all the shampoo is washed out.

After rinsing, place a clean towel underneath to catch any drips. Then, lay the wig on the towel and pat it dry gently to remove excess moisture. Avoid rubbing it.

Step 4: How to wash a human hair wig with conditioner

Empty the bowl and refill it with fresh lukewarm water. Add a small amount of conditioner, mixing it thoroughly.

Place the wig in the bowl and apply the conditioner gently to the ends of the hair. Let it soak for a few minutes so the strands absorb the moisture and nourishment.

Step 5: Rinse the conditioner

Rinse the wig again under the tap, just like with the shampoo. Let the water flow through the strands naturally. There’s no need to manipulate the wig too much. The water will rinse the conditioner out gently.

Step 6: Dry and style

Pat the wig gently with a towel until it’s no longer dripping. Secure it onto a wig stand or polystyrene head and begin brushing from the ends upward to remove any tangles.

Allow the wig to air dry until it’s just slightly damp. Then, if needed, style it using heat tools on the lowest setting. Always keep the wig away from direct sunlight during this process to avoid fading or heat damage.

A suction wig clamp holder paired with a polystyrene head or wig stand makes drying your wig much simpler. It keeps your wig secure and helps it return to its natural shape while drying.

How Often to Wash Human Hair Wig?

It’s recommended to wash your human hair wig every 7 to 14 wears. Keep in mind that each wash can slightly reduce the wig’s lifespan, so it’s best to only wash it when necessary.

To help extend the life of your wig, try to limit the use of styling products, less buildup means fewer washes are needed.

If you wear a wig every day, consider having more than one. Whether you stick to the same style or like to change things up, having a few options allows you to rotate between them. This not only helps each wig last longer, but also ensures you have a backup while one is being washed and dried.

Can You Wash a Human Hair Wig with Regular Shampoo?

Many people wonder if regular shampoo can be used on synthetic wigs when washing human hair wigs. Technically, it can, but it’s not ideal.

Most regular shampoos contain harsh ingredients like sulfates and parabens, which can strip the wig’s fibers of moisture, leaving them dry, brittle, and dull over time.

For the best results, use a shampoo that is specially formulated for synthetic or human hair wigs. These gentle products are designed to cleanse without causing damage, helping to maintain the wig’s softness, shine, and natural appearance.

While regular shampoo might work in a pinch, using dedicated wig care products consistently will help protect the fibers and extend the life of your wig, keeping it looking fresh and healthy for longer.

How to Wash a Human Hair Wig without Wig Shampoo

Keeping your wig clean helps it last longer and look its best. While wig shampoos are commonly used, there are several effective alternatives you can try when you’re out of your regular product.

How to wash a human hair wig with baking soda

This alternative is great for removing odors from cooking, smoke, or the environment.

Fill your sink with about 3 quarts of warm water and add 1/2 to 3/4 cup of baking soda.
Stir until the baking soda is completely dissolved, then submerge your wig.
Let it soak for at least 4 hours or overnight for stronger odors.
Rinse thoroughly with clean water, gently squeeze out excess moisture, and place the wig on a stand to air dry.

Dish soap

Fill the sink with cold water and add a small amount of mild dish soap.
Detangle and brush your wig before placing it in the soapy water.
Gently press the water through the fibers without rubbing or scrubbing to avoid tangling.
Rinse with cold water, squeeze out the excess gently, and place it on a stand to dry naturally.

Cornstarch

Make sure your wig is completely dry before applying cornstarch.
Sprinkle cornstarch evenly over the wig and let it sit for about five minutes.
Shake off the excess powder, then brush the wig thoroughly to remove any remaining residue and refresh the fibers.

Baby shampoo

Add a small amount of baby shampoo to a sink filled with cold water.
Swish your wig in the water gently to lift dirt and oils.
Rinse thoroughly with cold water, swirling lightly to remove all the shampoo.
Squeeze out excess water and place the wig on a stand to air dry.

Best Human Hair Wig Shampoo

Selecting the right shampoo for your human hair wig is key to preserving its softness, shine, and longevity. Here are some top-rated options, each offering unique benefits depending on your wig’s needs:

Pure Care Wig Shampoo

A go-to favorite for many wig wearers, this shampoo is praised for preventing matting and buildup. Its lightweight, gentle formula keeps your wig feeling soft, manageable, and tangle-free, helping extend its natural look and overall lifespan.

La Gem Pearl Shampoo

Effective at thoroughly cleansing wigs, this shampoo removes dirt and product residue without being overly harsh. However, it may lack the deep moisturizing benefits some wigs require, so pairing it with a good conditioner is recommended.

Pureology (Purple Bottle)

Loved for its hydrating qualities and color-safe formula, this shampoo is especially ideal for colored human hair wigs. It also comes with the added bonus of free samples, making it an appealing choice for those wanting to try before committing.

ELC Pure Olove Shampoo

This sulfate-free option is packed with moisturizing ingredients that nourish the wig without stripping essential oils. It enhances softness and improves manageability, making it a great pick for wigs that need a hydration boost.

Moroccan Oil Shampoo

Infused with rich argan oil, this shampoo is a user favorite for giving wigs a glossy, vibrant finish. It helps revive the appearance of the hair, especially around the roots, and leaves the wig silky-smooth with a natural-looking shine.

Each of these shampoos is tailored to different needs, whether you’re looking to fight buildup, preserve color, or boost moisture. Select one that matches your wig care priorities to keep your hairpiece looking its best.

Conclusion

And there you have it—a complete guide on how to wash a human hair wig! We hope this tutorial from Unihairvn helped answer your questions and gave you the confidence to care for your wig like a pro. With the right routine, your wig can stay fresh, flawless, and long-lasting.

Do you have a favorite shampoo or conditioner you love using? Any personal tips or hacks for washing your human hair wigs? How often do you wash yours? We’d love to hear your thoughts—share your experiences with us in the comments below. Thanks for reading and for trusting Unihairvn with your hair care journey!

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Simple Guide: How to Wash a Human Hair Wig Safely