It’s important to wash your wig regularly so that it stays in good shape for as long as possible. Washing a wig might seem straightforward at first – it’s pretty much like washing your hair, right? Not quite. There are some similarities, but properly washing a wig requires a unique approach.
Many new wig owners make the same common mistakes while washing their wigs, like the wrong water temperature or the wrong products. Don’t let that be you! Here are 8 common wig-washing mistakes to avoid.
Not Detangling First
Just like your natural hair, your wig needs to be carefully detangled from root to tip before shampooing to avoid hair loss or damage. Use a wide-toothed comb and start at the ends, then work your way upward.
Using Hot Water
Always use cool or cold water to rinse your wigs, not hot water. Hot water can damage the fibers of your wig – not a good idea!
“Scrubbing” the Wig
Similarly, you don’t ever want to “scrub” your wig. It’s too delicate for that! Be gentle and don’t risk the damage.
Skipping Conditioner
Your wig needs conditioner to keep it soft, moisturized, and shiny. A good option is a conditioning spray, which nourishes the fibers without weighing them down. If your wig is synthetic, it’s a good idea to use products made for synthetic fibers to make your wig last as long as possible.
Applying Conditioner to the Roots
If you apply conditioner on or near the wig cap, the hair may start to come loose. Instead, focus on the mid-shaft and ends of the hair.
Brushing or Combing While Wet
For many women, it’s natural to brush or comb your hair while it’s wet to make detangling easier. But for wigs, it’s a no-no. It can cause the hair to break, stretch, or frizz. You can use your fingers to comb through product, but you should wait until your wig is 100% dry before reaching for a brush or comb.
Blow Drying
It’s safe to use blow dryers and heat on a human hair wig. For synthetic wigs, though, you can potentially destroy your wig by melting the fibers. Instead of a blow-dryer, hang your wig on a wig stand to air dry after gently blotting with a towel.
Not Washing Often Enough
Lastly, it’s important to wash your wig roughly every 10 wears, or 15 wears if it’s synthetic. However, this is a general rule of thumb. You can wash it more or less often depending on how many styling products you use. By caring for your wig regularly, you’ll allow it to last longer.
Need a new wig? Check out our collection of human hair wigs!
