How To Wash A Human Hair Wig At Home?
, by DongJack , 4 min reading time
One of the most effective ways to care for your human hair wigs is to take them to a professional wig-cleaning service. However, we understand that sometimes you might be too busy or want to save a little, so you may prefer to clean your human hair wigs at home.
Over the years, Keswigs has collaborated with many talented hairstylists who have provided our customers with valuable tips and information.
In the following article, we have compiled some practical, valuable knowledge for washing human hair wigs at home so you can keep your wig looking fresh and fabulous.
Ready to become a pro at wig-washing? Let's dive in!
Tools Needed To Wash A Human Hair Wig At Home
Before cleaning your human hair wigs, make sure to prepare the following supplies.
Wig brush or a wide-tooth comb: Before washing your wig, gently detangle it to prevent any knots or tangles from worsening during the washing process. A wig brush or wide-tooth comb is ideal.
Mild shampoo: Use a mild shampoo formulated explicitly for human hair wigs to avoid damaging the hair fibers. Use shampoos that are sulfate-free and have a low pH balance.
Conditioner: After shampooing your wig, use a conditioner to restore moisture and prevent the hair fibers from becoming dry and brittle. A leave-in conditioner is also a great option, as it can provide ongoing hydration and detangling.
Towel: A clean towel will come in handy for gently patting your wig dry after washing. Avoid using a rough or textured towel, as it can cause frizz and damage the hair fibers.
Wig stand or mannequin head: A wig stand or mannequin head will help your wig maintain its shape and prevent it from tangling while it dries. You can improvise with a tall vase if you don't have a wig stand or mannequin head.
Spritzer bottle: A spritzer bottle filled with water can help dampen your wig during washing, especially if you're you're not submerging it in water.
Step-By-Step Method Of Washing A Human Hair Wig At Home
Here's a step-by-step process:
Step 1: Brush or Comb the Wig
Start by gently detangling your wig using a wig brush or wide-tooth comb. Begin at the ends of the hair, working your way up to the roots, and take your time to avoid pulling or tugging the hair fibers.
Take a look at this article for detailed steps on how to brush your human hair wig.
Step 2: Fill a Sink or Basin with Lukewarm Water
Fill a sink or basin with lukewarm water, ensuring it's not too hot, as high temperatures can damage the hair fibers. Add a small amount of mild shampoo to the water and swirl with your hand to create suds.
Step 3: Submerge the Wig
Pro Tips: If you have an HD lace wig, you should handle the cleaning process more gently. Firstly, HD lace wigs are usually more expensive. Secondly, HD lace is more transparent, delicate and hence more fragile to achieve a more natural hair-like effect, so it requires more careful handling.
Step 4: Rinse the Wig
After a few minutes, remove the wig from the water and rinse it thoroughly under running water until all the shampoo suds are removed. Gently squeeze out any excess water, but avoid wringing or twisting the hair fibers.
Step 5: Apply Conditioner
Apply a small amount of conditioner to the wig, focusing on the ends of the hair. Avoid applying conditioner to the roots to avoid buildup or greasiness on the wig. Use your fingers or a wide tooth comb to distribute the conditioner evenly through the hair fibers.
Step 6: Rinse the Wig Again
Rinse the wig under running water until all the conditioner is removed. Gently squeeze out excess water, but avoid twisting or rubbing the hair fibers.
Step 7: Pat dry
Lay a clean towel on a flat surface and place the wig on top. Gently pat the wig with the towel to remove any excess water. Be careful not to rub or twist the hair fibers. You can also use a gentle and absorbent microfiber towel to pat dry your wig.
Step 8: Air dry
Place the wig on a wig stand or mannequin head and let it air dry completely before storing it. If you don't have a wig stand or mannequin head available, learn how to store a wig without a head using alternative methods that maintain proper shape during drying.
Avoid using heat tools or styling products on the wig until it is fully dry. You can also use a hairdryer on the cold setting to speed up the drying process, but hold it at least 12 inches away from the wig to avoid heat damage.