Wigs are a great way to switch up your look without permanently changing your hair. Whether you’re wearing a wig for fun or out of necessity, it’s important to keep it clean to ensure its longevity and maintain its appearance. Washing your wig at home is a simple process that you can do yourself. In this article, we’ll go through step-by-step instructions on how to wash wigs at home.
What You’ll Need
Before we get started, here’s a list of things you’ll need:
- Wig brush or wide-tooth comb
- Shampoo designed for wigs
- Conditioner designed for wigs
- Bowl or sink
- Cool water
- Towel
Step 1: Brush Your Wig
Before washing your wig, it’s important to brush it out to remove any tangles or knots. Use a wig brush or wide-tooth comb to gently brush through the wig, starting at the ends and working your way up to the roots. Be gentle to avoid damaging the hair fibers.
Step 2: Fill a Bowl or Sink with Cool Water
Fill a bowl or sink with cool water. Avoid using hot water, as this can damage the fibers of the wig. If you’re not sure what temperature to use, stick with cool water to be safe.
Step 3: Add Shampoo
Add a small amount of wig shampoo to the water. You don’t need to use a lot – a dime-sized amount should suffice. Swirl the water with your hand to distribute the shampoo throughout the water.
Step 4: Soak Your Wig
Place your wig into the bowl or sink, and gently swirl it around in the water. Make sure the entire wig is submerged in the water. Let it soak for 5-10 minutes.
Step 5: Rinse Your Wig
After the wig has soaked, carefully remove it from the water and rinse it thoroughly with cool water. Be gentle when rinsing to avoid tangling or damaging the fibers of the wig.
Step 6: Apply Conditioner
Apply a small amount of wig conditioner to your hands, and gently work it into the wig. Pay special attention to the ends of the hair, which can become dry and damaged. Let the conditioner sit for a few minutes before rinsing it out with cool water.
Step 7: Rinse Again
After you’ve rinsed out the conditioner, rinse the wig again with cool water to ensure all the conditioner is removed.
Step 8: Gently Squeeze Out Excess Water
Once you’ve finished rinsing your wig, gently squeeze out excess water. Avoid twisting or wringing the wig, as this can cause damage.
Step 9: Pat Dry with a Towel
Place the wig onto a towel and gently pat it dry. Be careful not to rub the wig, as this can cause tangling or damage to the fibers.
Step 10: Place Your Wig on a Wig Stand
After you’ve towel-dried your wig, place it onto a wig stand to air dry. Avoid using heat to dry your wig, as this can damage the fibers. If you don’t have a wig stand, you can place the wig onto a towel or other flat surface to dry.
How Often Should You Wash Your Wig?
How often you should wash your wig depends on how often you wear it. If you wear your wig every day, you should wash it once a week. If you wear it less often, you can wash it every two weeks or as needed.
Can You Use Regular Shampoo and Conditioner on Wigs?
No, you should not use regular shampoo and conditioner on wigs. Regular hair care products can be too harsh for wig fibers, and can cause damage or tangling. Use shampoo and conditioner specifically designed for wigs to ensure the best care for your wig.
Can You Blow Dry Wigs?
No, you should avoid using heat to dry your wig. Blow drying can damage the fibers and ruin the style of the wig. Instead, allow your wig to air dry on a wig stand or other flat surface.
Can You Style Wigs with Heat?
It depends on the type of wig you have. Synthetic wigs cannot be styled with heat, as the fibers will melt. However, some human hair wigs can be styled with heat. If you’re unsure, consult the manufacturer’s guidelines or speak to a wig specialist.
Conclusion
Washing your wig at home is a simple process that can help extend the life of your wig and keep it looking its best. Remember to use cool water, wig shampoo and conditioner, and to be gentle when handling the wig. With proper care, your wig can last for months or even years.