How to Wash a Wig: A Must-See for Wearers

How to wash a wig is the second most frequently searched problem. The first is styling. Data shows that incorrect cleaning methods lead 83% beginners to shorten wigs’ lifespan by more than 40%. This article classifies wigs according to their materials and combines them with scenarios.

Material and cleaning method

How to wash a wig? The core of wig cleaning is material adaptation. Different materials have different resistance to temperature. The wrong method can directly damage wigs. Therefore, distinguish two mainstream materials first is a necessary and essential step.

Microfiber wigs are cost-effective. They are commonly used in daily life. This type of wig accounts for 70% of market sales. Its main and particular advantage is affordability. However, it has poor temperature and alkali resistance. Avoid high temperatures and strong cleaning.

The key to cleaning this material is low temperature and gentleness. If you wash it with warm water above 40 ℃, 80% of the hair will soften, deform, or even adhere and clump. Do not use alkaline shampoo, and avoid rubbing vigorously. Focus more on protecting the hair's shape.

The human hair wig is an upscale style. A realistic texture is its key feature. This material is very close to real hair. It can be lightly styled. During the cleaning, nourishment should be focused on. That can avoid dry and frizzy hair.

You can choose gentle hair care products specially designed for human hair wigs. Keep the wig away from high heat and avoid rough handling. Be gentle and use nourishing products during cleaning. Simple care after washing will help prolong its life and keep it shiny.

How to Wash a Wig: 3 scenarios

Wondering how to wash a wig properly? The right cleaning method varies based on how often you wear it and how dirty it gets. Choose the appropriate way according to your needs. Proper cleaning protects the wig; over-cleaning can damage the hair strands.

Scenario 1: Daily cleaning. This applies when you’ve worn the wig for 3-5 days. And it only has light dust and sweat on it. The cleaning process takes just 5 minutes, focusing on quickly removing dust and keeping the wig fluffy.

Step 1: Prepare your tools. Use warm water (around 30℃, warm but not scalding). A wig-specific cleaning solution (avoid alkaline products) is the key tool. A wide-toothed comb and a clean towel.

Step 2: Detangle the wig. Use the wide-toothed comb to gently brush from the ends up to the roots. That is to make sure any knots are untied,this prevents hair loss during cleaning.

Step 3: Clean gently. Submerge the wig in warm water, add a small amount of cleaning solution, and gently press with your hands. Do not rub or twist. Let it soak for 3 minutes.

Step 4: Rinse and dry. Rinse gently with warm water until no foam remains. Use a towel to press and absorb water. Still, do not wring it dry. Then place the wig on a stand to air dry naturally.

Scenario 2: Emergency Cleaning. There are times when you need to go out suddenly, but your wig has a bit of dust or odor, and there’s no time for a thorough cleaning. This emergency method can remove odors without damaging the wig.

Step 1: Fill a spray bottle with warm water, add 1-2 drops of wig cleaning solution, and shake well. Gently spray the surface of the wig. Pay special attention to the ends and top of the wig.

Step 2: Use a clean towel to gently press the wig to absorb dust and odors. Then comb it smoothly with a wide-toothed comb.

Step 3: Put the wig in a well-ventilated area to air dry for 10-15 minutes. It will then be ready to wear. This method is quick and won’t affect the wig’s style.

Scenario 3: Deep Cleaning. After wearing the wig for more than 10 days, it will accumulate oil, dust, and even odors. Deep cleaning is required. The focus here is on removing oil and odors while nourishing the hair strands.

Step 1: Detangle the wig thoroughly, then rinse the surface with warm water to remove any loose dust.

Step 2: Prepare the cleaning solution by mixing a wig-specific cleaning solution with a small amount of hair conditioner. If your wig is microfiber, omit the hair conditioner. Then pour into warm water.

Step 3: Soak and nourish. Put the wig in the mixture and soak for 10 minutes. During this time, gently press it with your hand to help remove oil stains.

Step 4: Rinse and care, using warm water to rinse. Directly press and absorb water to dry the microfiber wig. A human hair wig can be coated with a small amount of conditioner, left for 2 minutes, and then rinsed to enhance the shine of the hair.

Cleaning and maintenance

Many people neglect maintenance after washing the wig. That will lead to  a situation：wigs may be clean after washing, but quickly become tangled and frizzy. Taking the following steps seriously can extend the wigs’ lifespan.

Tip 1: After natural drying, use a wide-toothed comb to gently comb the hair. Then spray a small amount of wig care solution. Gently rub with your hands to restore the wig’s fluffy feeling. Stiff hair is avoided as well.

Tip 2: When not wearing, put the cleaned wig on a dedicated stand. That can avoid compression and deformation. Remember to keep it away from damp and high-temperature environments. Prevent mold and hair adhesion.

Try to wear 2-3 wigs alternately. Give you a while to rest and recover. That can effectively reduce wear and tear. If you wear one wig every day, the wear and tear rate will be more than twice as fast.

After each cleaning, check the internal network and elastic bands. Timely adjustment upon looseness can improve wearing comfort and firmness. Pay attention to the details of “how to wash a wig” to make the wig’s wearing time longer and look better.

Recommendation

The core of how to wash a wig is ’washing it right '. Novices need to distinguish the wig’s material and choose the corresponding cleaning method according to the scene. Follow Westkiss for first-hand practical information, easily manage wigs, and unlock more beautiful looks.