Human hair wigs are generally considered to be the highest-quality wigs and are the most versatile. You can wash, dye, curl, and straighten them because they’re made of real hair. Hence, human hair wigs are expensive and require investment. Taking good care is the most effective method to protect your investment. Proper care and maintenance of your hair wigs can significantly enhance their beauty and longevity, allowing you to maximize their potential.
We’ve collected some of the best wig care tips for maintaining the best condition of your hair wig for years.
Keep Your Wig Clean
Regular and thorough cleaning is one of the most crucial steps in maintaining the cleanliness and longevity of your wig. Stylist Brittany Johnson states, “If you’re doing a lot of curling and using styling products like hairspray, you must shampoo your wig once or twice a week to prevent buildup. But if you only wear your wig occasionally and avoid using heavy gels or creams, you can get away with shampooing every 2-3 weeks.”
No specific washing frequency applies to everyone, but if your wig looks like it needs a wash, it’s probably time to do so. Maintaining a clean wig is similar to maintaining natural hair by washing it with shampoo and conditioner. When your wig is exposed to the natural oils on your scalp, it can become oily, accumulating hair products and debris. You should spend money on professional wig shampoos and conditioners for the best results, but you can also use your regular products.
Wash Your Custom-Made Human Hair Wig Sparingly
In general, synthetic wigs require more frequent washing than Custom Made Wigs. However, with both kinds, you need to wash the wig gently and sparingly to maintain the quality of the hair. Follow the guidance from the wig manufacturer, which will usually indicate the recommended frequency for washing and the specific cleansing products needed. You should wash a synthetic wig at least once a month.
Avoid Regular Heat Styling
Avoid regular heat styling and instead choose air drying or heatless curls. When using hot instruments, an adequate heat defence spray is essential. Remember, heat damage to real hair wigs is comparable to or even worse than that to biological hair. A real head of hair is in a constant cycle of growth and regeneration; unfortunately, a wig has not yet been designed to do the same.
Store your Wig Properly
Proper storage is vital for maintaining wig shape, texture, and style. Improper storage can cause tangling, flattening, and even damage.
Use a Wig Stand: When you’re not wearing your wig, store it on a wig stand or mannequin head. This helps maintain the wig’s shape, prevents it from slipping on surfaces, and promotes airflow, which helps prevent the buildup of odors or mildew.
Avoid Direct Sunlight and Heat: Keep your wig away from direct sunlight in a dry, cool place. Prolonged exposure to sunlight might result in fading, particularly in synthetic wigs.
Consider a Wig Bag for Travel: Keep your wig in a special wig bag or case. These bags prevent your wig from tangling and shield it from damage or flattening during shipment.
Use Special Shampoo, Conditioner and Wig Comb.
When purchasing products for cleaning your wig, you should know they are specifically made for wigs. Regular shampoos and conditioners contain chemicals that may damage the texture of your wig’s hair, especially if synthetic.
Additionally, there is a difference between how you wash your hair and how you wash your wig. You do this differently. First, soak the wig in the shampoo and water solution, and then comb the shampoo or conditioner out of the wig (with your wig comb). Then rinse the wig with warm water until the substance is completely gone. Finally, Comb the wig until it is free of tangles and allow it to dry naturally. Keep in mind that simply combing the wig is sufficient for washing; you don’t need to rub or massage the wig.