To maintain the softness, shine, and durability of a human hair wig, it is essential to care for it properly during the cleansing process. Few items in the world can replicate the texture, appearance, and overall integrity of premium wigs, like those made with 100% human hair. When it comes to how to wash a human hair wig, think light and frequent. Rinse it under cool water, adding a few drops of mild shampoo to your hands, lather, and apply. Work the lather through the wig as you would through the hair of a person you care about.
Choosing the Right Time and Environment to Wash
The process of washing a wig made from human hair starts not at the sink but with knowing when to wash a wig, as two things can happen if you wash too often or too little: Too much washing can dry out the hair; too little can lead to a wig that looks and feels icky. You should aim to wash a human hair wig every 8 to 10 years.
If you've perspired a lot in or near the wig, been in very hot environments (like next to an active oven), or styled with products that you might use if you were styling your hair (and it might be worth noting here that if you have a natural hair texture that has high frizz potential, your stylists likely used products to get that look, and they can be pretty heavy), then you should wash the wig sooner than your next scheduled hair cleanse.
Selecting Mild Cleansing Products Designed for Human Hair Wigs
Another key part of learning how to wash a human hair wig is choosing shampoos and conditioners that are free of sulfates and safe for hair that's been chemically processed or dyed. Too often, the products we use on our hair (and the hair of our clients) contain irritating surfactants and other nasty ingredients that strip our strands of their moisture and make them more likely to tangle.
Shampoos that don't produce much lather can still cleanse effectively. This is because the foaming agents (surfactants) found in many traditional shampoos can sometimes be overly harsh. The reduced lathering doesn't indicate inferior cleaning power; rather, it reflects a formulation designed to be less stripping of natural oils.
Gentle Washing Techniques That Protect the Hair Fiber
Once your wig has been properly saturated with lukewarm water, take a small amount of shampoo and rub it between your hands to create a lather. Then, gently and evenly distribute the shampoo through the wig, working it in as you would have if the wig were a slightly gelled mass of wet hair.
Remember not to rub or swirl the strands between your hands, as this can lead to inevitable tangling and potential damage down the line. Let the wig buy some time and space to be cleaned, then rinse your wig thoroughly under clean, cool water to ensure that all the shampoo is gone.
When rinsing, use the same downward motion as when shampooing, but this time focus solely on removing the product. Continue rinsing until the water runs completely clear, ensuring no shampoo residue remains before proceeding to the next step.
Post-Wash Maintenance to Keep the Wig in Prime Condition
Once the wig has dried completely, use a wide-tooth comb or a brush specially made for human hair wigs to detangle the strands. Always start at the ends of the hair and work your way up. At this point, it's a good idea to use a leave-in conditioner that is lightweight and specially designed for human hair. This will provide a bit of extra moisture that the hair fibers need right now.
Additionally, since a wig is essentially human hair attached to a cap, proper storage between wears is essential. When not in use, store it in a breathable satin or silk bag to maintain its quality and prevent tangling.
Common Mistakes to Avoid During the Washing Process
Among the common errors made during the wig washing routine is using hot water, which can cause excessive dryness, or using products that contain alcohol or sulfates, which dehydrate the strands and create breakage over time. Many also make the mistake of brushing the wig while it's soaking wet, which leads to stretching and damaging the hair strands and knots.
Another overlooked but significant aspect of learning how to wash a human hair wig is ensuring the wig cap is also gently cleaned, especially around the lace area, to remove oils and glue residue that can build up with regular use. Finally, never store a damp wig as it can result in unpleasant odors and mildew, compromising the quality of the hair permanently.
The Role of Consistency in Wig Longevity
Creating a systematic routine that incorporates the correct washing, conditioning, drying, and storing techniques will not only make your wig look amazing, but it will also extend its lifespan far beyond anything you can imagine. In the long run, keeping your wig in good shape will make this investment quite worthwhile. In this course, you will learn the exact method of how to wash a human hair wig.
Recommendation
For customers wanting the finest standards in both products and assistance, WIGGINSHAIR provides a low-shedding, tangle-free, human hair wig, and has posted information on our website about how to wash a human hair wig. This is not your average, run-of-the-mill maintenance guide. WIGGINSHAIR stands out by providing exceptional upkeep advice for human hair wigs.