Human hair wigs are a smart investment for those who want to have natural hair that can be comfortably styled like real hair. However, just like real hair, they also need proper care to maintain their natural beauty and longevity. In this guide, we’ll show you how to wash a human hair wig to maintain its best condition!
How to Wash a Human Hair Wig: Why is it Important to Wash Correctly?
A beautiful human hair wig is not cheap, and if washed incorrectly, you might inadvertently damage its structure, causing it to become dry, tangled, and even break. Unlike synthetic wigs, human hair needs more careful maintenance to maintain its natural shine and softness.
If you’ve seen ATM Wigs’ How to Wash a Wig Properly previously, then you probably already know the basics. However, with How to Wash Human Hair Wigs, it has to be even more in-depth!
How to Wash a Human Hair Wig: Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare Your Tools
Before washing, gather all the tools you’ll require:
- Wig stand or mannequin head
- Wig brush or wide-tooth comb
- Sulfate-free shampoo
- Conditioner for human hair wigs
- Clean towel
- Heat protectant serum (optional)
Having all the tools ready will help make the washing process smoother and more efficient.
Step 2: Secure the Wig on a Stand
To prevent tangling during washing, you have to pin your wig on a mannequin head or a wig stand. This will make the wig retain its shape and will also enable you to wash it in a uniform manner without damaging it.
Tip: For added protection, utilize a rubber head block to prevent the wig from slipping and tangling.
Step 3: Detangle the Wig
Prior to wetting your wig, detangle the hair with a wig brush or wide-tooth comb. Begin at the ends and work upwards towards the roots to avoid breakage. This will make washing easier and decrease the likelihood of tangling.
Step 4: Wet the Wig
Wet the entire wig with warm water. Avoid hot water as it dries the hair and causes it to lose its natural sheen. Hold the wig carefully under the running water, ensuring that the hair is thoroughly moistened.
Step 5: Apply Shampoo
Use a mild, sulfate-free shampoo designed for human hair wigs. Squeeze an adequate amount of shampoo into your hand and apply the shampoo to the wig from roots to ends in a downward direction, gently. Do not rub or twist the hair, as this will lead to tangling.
Tip: If the wig is soiled or has excessive styling product on it, you may have to wash it twice to get it totally clean.
Step 6: Rinse Thoroughly
After shampooing, rinse the wig thoroughly under warm water. Ensure all of the shampoo is rinsed out thoroughly to avoid the buildup of the product.
Step 7: Apply Conditioner
After rinsing off the shampoo, apply a conditioner designed for human hair wigs. Pump an adequate amount into your hand and distribute it evenly to the ends and mid-lengths of the wig. Avoid putting conditioner on the roots, as this will cause the hair to become flat and limp.
Tip: Leave the conditioner on the hair for 2-3 minutes to allow it to penetrate the hair.
Step 8: Rinse Again
Rinse the conditioner out thoroughly with lukewarm water. Make sure there is no residue of any product, as remaining conditioner will weigh the hair down and lead to greasiness.
Step 9: Pat Dry with a Towel
Pat the wig gently with a clean towel to blot out excess water. Avoid rubbing the wig with the towel, as this will cause friction and lead to frizz. Once you have blotted out most of the water, you can apply a heat protectant serum to the ends of the hair if necessary.
Step 10: Air Dry the Wig
Air drying is the best way to dry a human hair wig. Lay the wig on a clean towel, flat, or on a stand, and keep it away from direct sunlight and heat. If you really need to have it dried quickly, you can blow-dry the roots for 1-2 minutes using low heat, but not high heat.
Tip: For styling, consider using heat-free methods such as rollers or heatless curl kits to protect the hair’s health.
Additional Tips for Maintaining Your Human Hair Wig
Wash every 8-10 days: Over-washing can strip the natural oils from the hair. Wash your wig only when necessary to preserve its quality.
Daily maintenance: Gently detangle the wig every day with a wide-tooth comb to prevent tangling. Apply serum to the ends if the hair feels dry.
Avoid harsh chemicals: Stay away from products like hairspray, as they can cause buildup and damage to the hair.
Storage: Store your wig on a wig stand or mannequin head when not in use so that it retains its shape and does not get tangled.
Why Choose ATM Wigs for Your Wig Care?
Choosing ATM Wigs is not just about buying quality human hair wigs but also about receiving expert advice on wig care and maintenance. Continue following ATM Wigs for helpful tips and step-by-step care instructions to allow you to get the most out of your wig and keep it in a new state.
FAQs about “How to wash a human hair wig?”
Can I use regular shampoo on my human hair wig?
While you can use regular shampoo, it is better to use sulfate-free shampoo specifically designed for wigs to preserve the hair’s quality.
How often should I wash my human hair wig?
We recommend that you wash your wig every 8-10 days, depending on the usage frequency and your environment.
Can I style my human hair wig?
Yes, you can style your human hair wig, but always apply heat protectant and try not to use too much heat to prevent damage.
Can I dye my human hair wig?
Yes, you can dye your wig. We do, however, recommend getting it professionally dyed to ensure hair is not damaged.
How should I store my wig?
Store your wig on a wig stand or mannequin head in a cool, dry location away from direct sunlight to avoid damage.
Knowing how to wash a human hair wig properly will save you a lot of money on replacing wigs! With just a little patience, your wig will always be bouncy and shiny, just like it came straight from the salon. Take care of your human hair wig the right way with ATM Wigs to keep it looking fresh and flawless!
