How To Wash A Wig In 7 Steps

So you’ve bought a quality lacefront wig and it’s time to wash it. How do you clean it in a way that doesn’t damage the hair? Keep reading.

This article is going to go over some easy steps on how to wash a wig. This information comes from tried-and-true methods and years of dealing with wigs and losing money so I know what I’m talking about.

How To Wash A Wig In 7 Steps

  1. Here’s the first thing you need to do: Fill a bowl with cold water
  2. Add your wig shampoo of choice and stir it so that it mixes well
  3. Immerse the wig in the water and let it sit for 5 minutes
  4. With soft strokes, run your fingers through the hair strands. You can also gently use a comb
  5. Empty the bowl and refill it with water
  6. Add some conditioner to the wig and use a towel to dry it
  7. After that, just let it dry

When it is dry, make sure you detangle it with a comb. That way, styling the wig will be much easier.

Wash a Wig: 4 Easy Steps

Before washing, gently comb through the wig with a wide-tooth comb or wig brush to remove any tangles or knots. Start from the ends and work your way up to the roots to avoid damaging the fibers.

Where To Get Wig Shampoo

Here are some of the best brands of wig shampoo:

Once you’ve purchased the wig shampoo, it’s time to use it.

Fill a basin or sink with lukewarm water. Avoid using hot water as it can damage synthetic fibers or loosen the adhesive on a lace front wig. Add a small amount of wig shampoo to the water and mix it in until it’s evenly distributed.

Submerge the wig in the water and gently swish it around. Avoid rubbing or twisting the wig, as this can cause tangling or damage. Let it soak for a few minutes, then rinse thoroughly with clean, lukewarm water until all the shampoo is removed.

Condition the Wig (Optional)

As an option, if your wig is made of human hair or a high-quality synthetic material, you can use a wig conditioner to help keep it soft and manageable.

Apply a small amount of conditioner to the wig, focusing on the mid-lengths and ends, and gently comb through with your fingers. Let it sit for a few minutes, then rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water.

Dry and Style the Wig

Gently blot the wig with a towel to remove excess water. Avoid wringing or twisting the wig, as this can cause damage. Place the wig on a wig stand or a clean, dry towel to air dry. Avoid using a hairdryer or exposing the wig to direct heat, as this can damage the fibers.

Once the wig is completely dry, you can style it as desired using wig styling tools such as brushes, combs, or heat styling tools (if applicable). Make sure to use products specifically designed for wigs to avoid buildup or damage.

How Do You Maintain A Wig?

The key to maintaining a wig is to be gentle with it. Just like your real hair, a wig is made up of delicate hair follicles that break or can be damaged.

You should never wash your wig in hot water either, because that’s how you ruin it with heat. Natural virgin hair should be shampoo’ed gently, not roughly.

How Often Do You Wash A Wig?

The more you wear a wig, the more you’ll need to maintain it and wash it. If you wear your wig every day, then you should wash it about every fifth week.

But much of your wig’s care will depend on your activities. If you’re a waitress in a smokey bar or  strip club, you might want to wash your wig much more frequently.

Final Word

After you’ve purchased a quality lace-front wig, you may be curious about how to take care of it. Washing your wig is one of the best ways to make it last.

After you spend your hard-earned money on a new lace front, wig care becomes very important. Anything less than regular maintenance is not acceptable.

If you do Zumba three times a week, you might want to wash your week on a weekly basis.

Other Haircare Links To Check Out:

Tee Johnson: Tee Johnson is the co-founder of AtlantaFi.com and as an unofficial ambassador of the city, she's a lover of all things Atlanta. She writes about Travel News, Events, Business, Hair Care (Wigs!) and Money.