How to Wash a Human Hair Wig

How often

Wash a human hair wig every 8 to 10 wears, or sooner if you use a lot of product, oils or heat. Over-washing dries out hair that no longer receives natural scalp oils.

What you need

• Sulfate-free shampoo and a rich moisturising conditioner
• Wide-tooth comb and a soft towel
• A wig stand or mannequin head
• Lightweight hair oil or leave-in

Step 1 — Detangle dry

Always detangle before water. Work from the ends up in small sections with a wide-tooth comb, holding the hair above the section so you never pull on the knots.

Step 2 — Cleanse

Fill a basin with cool to lukewarm water. Never hot — heat lifts the cuticle and loosens the knots in the lace. Hold the wig at the cap and let water run downward, then work a small amount of shampoo through the hair in one direction with flat palms. Do not scrub or bunch the hair, and keep shampoo off the lace and the knots.

Step 3 — Condition

Rinse fully, then apply conditioner from mid-shaft to ends, avoiding the roots and lace. Leave it for five to ten minutes, comb through gently, and rinse until the water runs clear.

Step 4 — Dry

Press the hair between a towel — never wring or rub. Set the wig on a stand, apply a leave-in and a few drops of oil, and let it air dry completely. If you must speed things up, use cool air on low and keep the nozzle moving.

Step 5 — Restyle

Once dry, comb through again, style on medium heat with heat protectant, and store on a stand or in a satin bag away from direct sunlight.

Mistakes to avoid

• Hot water and hot tools on high — the two fastest ways to age a unit
• Shampooing the lace or the knots
• Sleeping or storing the wig while it is still damp
• Brushing wet hair with a fine-tooth brush
• Skipping the conditioner because the hair "still feels soft"