How to Wash a Wig

Introduction:

Learning how to wash a wig correctly can be confusing at first but it is critical in protecting and extending the life of your wig and also ensuring that your investment continues to deliver a fabulous look. In most cases the manufacturers will include instructions on caring for your wig in the box. Beware, washing a synthetic wig is absolutely not the same as how to wash a human hair wig. There are differences that should be followed closely.

Items that you will need:

When you order yours, give some thought to the tools and accessories that you’ll need to care for your wig. It’s best to be prepared before receiving your new wig rather than waiting until the last minute.

Here are some items that you will need: Shop Wig Accessories at LA Wig Company

Shampoo and Conditioner specific to your type of wig. Don‘t interchange synthetic fiber shampoo and conditioner with human hair shampoo and conditioner. If you make this mistake it’s likely that you’ll damage your wig beyond repair.
Leave in Sprays, Finishers and Detanglers. Available for Human Hair, HD as well as Synthetic wigs. Designed to moisturize and prevent your wig from drying out, losing its color, luster and loosen any tangles to reduce combing.
Paddle Brush or Wide Tooth Comb. Very important for gently removing tangles without excessive tugging or pulling
Wig Stand or Block Head. Ideal for maintaining the correct wig shape while letting it dry.

How often should I wash my wig?

Manufacturers such as Jon Renau recommend every 6-8 wears for both Synthetic and Human Hair wigs, while other contributors will suggest that a frequency of every 4-8 weeks is best. The truth lies somewhere in the middle and is frankly dependent on the climate where you live, level of activity and how often you wear your wig.

How to Wash a Human Hair Wig

Preparation:

Before washing your human hair wig gently remove any tangles using your Paddle Brush or Wide Tooth Comb. Start at the ends and slowly work toward the roots to avoid damage
Wet hair completely using cool running water. Allow the water to run from roots to ends and comb through hair with your fingers several times.
Beware: Hot water will cause damage to wig hair fibers so always use cold water.
If no signs of tangling/matting* occur, continue to the washing stage while checking for excessive tangling as you go

Washing your Human Hair Wig:

Gently lather the hair with a small amount of Human Hair Shampoo. Place a small amount of shampoo in your hand, evenly and gently stroke it through the hair in a downwards motion from the roots to the ends. Beware: DO NOT rub hair as this may cause tangling.
Rinse thoroughly in cool running water until the water runs clear. Gently squeeze to press out excess water. Do not twist or wring.
Place a small amount of Human Hair Conditioner for color-treated hair in your hand, evenly and gently work it through the hair in a downward motion from the mid-shaft down to the ends avoiding the base and root for 3-5 minutes. Applying conditioner to the base may cause shedding.
Rinse thoroughly in cool running water until the water runs clear. Gently squeeze or use a clean, dry towel to press out excess water. Do not twist or wring.

Dry and Style Your Human Hair Wig

Wrap wig in a towel and lightly squeeze or pat gently to remove excess water
Gently remove any tangles using a Paddle Brush
Allow cap to dry completely before applying to a canvas block head
Dampen hair again and apply a small amount of a Jon Renau Product called Blown Away Blow Dry Balm; distribute evenly throughout hair, keeping away from base.
Starting at nape, work in 2″ sections using a Round Boar-Bristle brush and blow dry each section completely
Use medium-high heat on full power to blow dry hair. Use the “cool shot” button to lock in style
Human hair must be dried and styled after washing. Air-drying will leave the hair ‘un-polished’ and can trap water in the hair causing frizz

Shop Human Hair Care at LA Wig Company

How to Wash a Synthetic Wig

Preparation:

Before washing your synthetic hair wig gently remove any tangles using a Paddle Brush or Wide Tooth Comb. Start at the ends and slowly work toward the roots to avoid damage
Wet hair completely using cool running water. Allow the water to run from roots to ends and comb through hair with your fingers several times.
Beware: Hot water will cause damage to wig hair fibers so always use cold water.
If no signs of tangling/matting* occur, continue to the washing stage while checking for excessive tangling as you go

Washing your Synthetic Wig:

Gently lather the hair with a small amount of Synthetic Shampoo. Place a small amount of shampoo in your hand, evenly and gently stroke it through the hair in a downwards motion from the roots to the ends. DO NOT rub hair as this may cause tangling.
Rinse thoroughly in cool running water until the water runs clear. Gently squeeze to press out excess water. Do not twist or wring.
Wrap wig or hairpiece in a towel and gently pat dry
Spray with Conditioning Spray (3-5 pumps) keeping away from the base of the wig or hairpiece. Do not rinse out conditioner.
Gently detangle hair using your Wide Tooth Comb

Dry and Style Your Synthetic Wig:

Allow the wig or hairpiece to air dry naturally by placing it on a plastic or wire wig stand. DO NOT blow dry
For mid-length to long length styles, apply Detangling Spray, (3-5 pumps) focusing on the bottom half of the wig. Gently comb through using your Wide Tooth Comb. Jon Renau Recommends Smooth HD Detangler.
We recommend using your fingertips or wig brush/comb for your desired style
Consider a small amount of styling products like Jon Renau’s Piece Out Contour Fiber Crème and apply using fingertips. This adds texture, volume and sculpting without weighing hair down
Beware: Do NOT use heat to style synthetic fiber (curling irons, flat irons or blow dryers)

Shop Synthetic Hair Care at LA Wig Company

Summary:

Wig care is a huge part of wig ownership and how to wash a wig is a critical practice. If done right it can enhance the life and brilliance of your purchase and extend your overall satisfaction. remember that there are distinct differences in how to wash a synthetic wig and how to wash a human hair wig so be clear on the individual practices. Use the appropriate tools and products, be gentle and avoid hot water at all costs.

LA Wig Company

The LA Wig Company is an online wig boutique that specializes in the best quality products from the most respected manufacturers at the best prices. We carry an inventory of dozens of human hair wigs from Jon Renau, Noriko and Raquel Welch as well as styling and cleaning accessories to take care of your wigs. Shop Wig Accessories at LA Wig Company.