How to Wash a Wig Real Hair and Keep It Looking Fabulous

Whether you're a seasoned wig wearer or new to the world of real hair wigs, proper care is essential to maintain their beauty and longevity. Here's a comprehensive guide to help you wash a wig real hair effortlessly and effectively.

Step-by-Step Guide to Washing Real Hair Wigs

Gather Your Supplies: Before you begin, gather the following: shampoo and conditioner designed for human hair wigs, wig brush, wide-toothed comb, towel, basin or sink, and a wig stand or styrofoam head.

Supply	Purpose
Shampoo and conditioner	Cleanses and moisturizes the hair
Wig brush	Removes tangles and promotes healthy hair
Wide-toothed comb	Gently detangles wet hair without damage
Towel	Absorbs excess water and speeds up drying time
Basin or sink	Place to wash and rinse the wig
Wig stand or styrofoam head	Secures the wig during washing and styling

Detangle the Wig: Before washing, gently detangle the wig using a wide-toothed comb. Avoid brushing the hair from root to tip; instead, work in small sections from ends to roots to minimize breakage.

Detangling Tip	Benefit
Start from the ends and work your way up	Prevents tangles from forming at the roots
Use a wide-toothed comb	Reduces hair breakage and tearing
Be gentle and patient	Avoid causing damage to the delicate hair fibers

Wet Your Wig: Fill a basin or sink with lukewarm water and gently submerge the wig. Avoid using hot water, as it can damage the hair.

Water Temperature	Effect
Lukewarm water	Cleanses hair without stripping it of natural oils
Hot water	Dries out hair, making it brittle and prone to breakage
Cold water	Seals in dirt and oil, making washing ineffective

Apply Shampoo: Apply a small amount of shampoo designed for human hair wigs to the hair. Work it through gently using your fingers or a soft brush. Avoid rubbing or twisting the hair, as this can cause tangling.

Shampooing Technique	Benefit
Use a wig-specific shampoo	Formulated to cleanse and protect real hair wigs
Apply gently	Prevents tangling and hair damage
Don't over-shampoo	Can strip hair of essential oils and moisture

Rinse Thoroughly: Rinse the wig with lukewarm water until all shampoo residue is removed. Be sure to rinse both the inside and outside of the wig cap.

Rinsing Tips	Importance
Use lukewarm water	Prevents hair damage and preserves color
Rinse thoroughly	Removes all shampoo residue, preventing buildup
Rinse from multiple angles	Ensures complete removal of shampoo

Apply Conditioner: Apply conditioner to the hair, focusing on the ends. Leave it in for the time specified on the product label. Conditioner helps to moisturize and detangle the hair, making it soft and manageable.

Conditioning Benefits	Results
Moisturizes hair	Prevents dryness and breakage
Detangles hair	Makes combing easier and prevents tangles
Softens hair	Improves hair texture and appearance

Rinse Conditioner: Rinse the conditioner thoroughly with lukewarm water until all residue is removed.

Proper Rinsing	Importance
Remove all conditioner residue	Prevents product buildup and hair greasiness
Use lukewarm water	Preserves hair color and texture
Rinse thoroughly	Ensures no conditioner remains, avoiding hair weighing down

Towel Dry: Gently pat the wig dry with a towel to remove excess water. Avoid rubbing or twisting the hair, as this can cause tangling.

Towel Drying Technique	Benefits
Pat dry gently	Prevents hair breakage and tangling
Don't over-dry	Leaves hair slightly damp, making it easier to style
Use a microfiber towel	Absorbs water more effectively than regular towels

Air Dry or Use a Blow Dryer: Air drying is the gentlest option for drying your wig, but it can take several hours. If you're short on time, you can use a blow dryer on a low heat setting. Be sure to hold the dryer at a distance from the hair to avoid heat damage.

Drying Options	Pros and Cons
Air drying	Preserves hair quality but takes longer
Blow drying	Faster drying time but requires careful usage to prevent heat damage
Avoid high heat	Damages hair fibers and causes brittleness

Style Your Wig: Once the wig is dry, you can style it as desired. Use heat protectant spray if you're using hot tools.

Success Stories

"I've been using this method to wash my real hair wigs for years, and they always look amazing! The hair stays soft and manageable, and I've never had any problems with tangling or breakage." - Sarah, wig enthusiast

"I used to be so scared to wash my wig myself, but this guide made it so easy. Now I can keep my wig looking its best without spending a fortune on professional cleaning." - Jessica, wig wearer

"I'm a hairstylist, and I recommend this washing technique to all my clients with real hair wigs. It's gentle on the hair and keeps it looking healthy and natural." - Emily, hairstylist

FAQs About How to Wash a Wig Real Hair

1. How often should I wash my real hair wig?

The frequency of washing depends on how often you wear your wig and how much product you use. Generally, it's recommended to wash your wig every 7-10 wears or after using a lot of styling products.

2. Can I use regular shampoo and conditioner on my real hair wig?

No, it's important to use shampoo and conditioner specifically designed for human hair wigs. Regular products can contain harsh ingredients that can damage the hair fibers.

3. How do I prevent tangling when washing my wig?

Detangle the wig thoroughly before washing

Use a wide-toothed comb to gently remove tangles

Avoid rubbing or twisting the hair when washing

Use a conditioner to moisturize and detangle the hair

4. Can I use a blow dryer to dry my wig?

Yes, you can use a blow dryer to dry your wig on a low heat setting. Be sure to hold the dryer at a distance from the hair to avoid heat damage.

5. How do I store my real hair wig?

Store your wig on a wig stand or styrofoam head

Avoid storing your wig in plastic bags, as this can trap moisture and cause damage

Keep your wig away from direct sunlight and heat sources

How to Wash a Wig Real Hair and Keep It Looking Fabulous