If you’re the proud owner of a beautiful human hair wig, you may be wondering how to properly care for it to maintain its impeccable appearance. Washing a human hair wig at home is a simple and essential step in its maintenance routine. By following a few easy steps, you can ensure that your wig remains clean, fresh, and ready to style whenever you desire. In this article, we’ll guide you through the process of washing your human hair wig at home, giving you the confidence to keep your wig looking its best and prolong its lifespan.
Prepare Your Wig
Before you begin washing your human hair wig, it’s important to gather all the necessary supplies. You will need a wide-toothed comb or a wig brush, a sink or basin, a mild shampoo specifically formulated for human hair, a conditioner, a towel, and a wig stand.
Once you have all the supplies ready, the first step is to detangle the wig. Start by gently combing through the hair strands with a wide-toothed comb or a wig brush. Work your way from the ends to the roots, ensuring that all knots and tangles are removed. This step is crucial to prevent any further tangling during the washing process.
Prepare the Washing Solution
Now that your wig is free from tangles, it’s time to prepare the washing solution. Fill a sink or basin with cool or lukewarm water. Make sure the water level is sufficient to fully submerge the wig without causing any overflow.
Next, add a small amount of a mild shampoo specifically formulated for human hair to the water. Be careful not to use too much shampoo, as this can leave a residue on the wig. Mix the solution gently with your hand to create a soapy mixture.
Wash the Wig
Now that your washing solution is ready, it’s time to wash the wig. Begin by submerging the wig in the soapy water. Gently swish the wig around in the water, ensuring that all hair strands are fully immersed. This will help to loosen any dirt, oil, or product build-up.
Focus on the hair strands while washing the wig, but be sure to avoid scrubbing or aggressive rubbing, as this can cause damage or tangling. Instead, use gentle swirling motions to cleanse the hair thoroughly.
Once you feel that the wig is clean, it’s time to rinse out the shampoo. Drain the soapy water from the sink or basin and refill it with clean, cool water. Submerge the wig and gently swish it around to remove any remaining shampoo residue.
Condition the Wig
After washing the wig, it’s important to condition it to keep the hair soft, smooth, and manageable. Apply a small amount of a conditioner specifically formulated for human hair to the wig. Distribute the conditioner evenly throughout the hair strands using your fingers or a wide-toothed comb.
Once the conditioner is applied, gently comb through the wig to detangle any knots or tangles that may have formed during the washing process. Leave the conditioner in the wig for a few minutes to allow it to penetrate the hair strands and provide nourishment.
After the conditioning time has elapsed, it’s time to rinse out the conditioner. Drain the water from the sink or basin and refill it with clean, cool water. Submerge the wig and gently swish it around to ensure that all the conditioner is thoroughly rinsed out.
Drying the Wig
Now that your wig is clean and conditioned, it’s time to dry it. Start by gently squeezing out any excess water from the wig. Be careful not to twist or wring the wig, as this can cause damage to the hair strands. Instead, use a gentle squeezing motion to remove the water.
Once you have removed as much water as possible, it’s time to pat dry the wig with a towel. Place the wig on a clean, dry towel and gently pat the hair strands to absorb any remaining moisture. Avoid rubbing the hair vigorously, as this can cause frizz or tangling.
To complete the drying process, it’s best to air dry the wig. Place the wig on a wig stand or a mannequin head to maintain its shape while it dries. Avoid using heat sources such as hairdryers or direct sunlight, as excessive heat can damage the wig.
Styling the Wig
Once your wig is fully dry, it’s time to style it according to your preference. Start by brushing the wig gently with a wig brush or a wide-toothed comb. This will help to detangle any knots and give the hair a smooth appearance.
Before applying any heat styling tools, it’s important to protect the wig from heat damage. Apply a heat protectant spray or serum to the hair strands to create a barrier between the hair and the heat. This will help to prevent the hair from becoming dry or brittle.
If you desire to use heat tools such as straighteners, curling irons, or hairdryers to style the wig, make sure to set them to a low or medium heat setting. Excessive heat can cause damage to the hair strands, so it’s important to proceed with caution.
Once you have achieved your desired style, it’s best to set it to ensure that it lasts longer. You can use hair clips or pins to secure any curls or waves, or you can use a light-hold hairspray to lock in the style. This will help the wig maintain its shape throughout the day.
Storing the Wig
When you’re not wearing your wig, it’s important to store it properly to maintain its shape and quality. Start by removing any tangles or knots from the hair strands using a wide-toothed comb or a wig brush. This will prevent any matting or tangling while the wig is in storage.
Next, place the wig on a wig stand or a mannequin head to support its structure. This will help the wig retain its shape and prevent any unnecessary creasing or folding. Avoid storing the wig in a tight or cramped space, as this can cause the hair to become tangled or matted.
To protect the wig from dust, dirt, and moisture, cover it with a hairnet or a silk scarf. This will help to preserve the quality and lifespan of the wig. Additionally, store the wig in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight or heat sources, as these can cause damage to the hair strands.
Maintaining the Wig
To keep your human hair wig looking its best, it’s important to maintain it regularly. This includes cleaning the wig, avoiding excessive heat styling, protecting it from environmental factors, and storing it properly.
Regularly clean the wig by following the steps mentioned above. Depending on how often you wear the wig, it’s recommended to wash it every 7 to 10 wears. This will help to prevent any dirt or product build-up and keep the hair looking fresh and vibrant.
While human hair wigs can withstand heat, it’s important to avoid excessive heat styling. Frequent or high-temperature styling can cause the hair to become dry, brittle, or damaged. If possible, opt for heatless styling methods to preserve the health and integrity of the hair strands.
Protecting the wig from environmental factors is crucial to maintaining its quality. Avoid exposing the wig to excessive sunlight, humidity, or harsh weather conditions, as these can cause the hair to become dry, frizzy, or damaged. If necessary, wear a hat or a scarf to shield the wig from these elements.
Properly storing the wig when it’s not in use is essential for its longevity. By following the steps mentioned earlier, you can ensure that the wig retains its shape, remains tangle-free, and stays free from dust or moisture. Regularly check the wig for any signs of damage or wear and seek professional help if needed.
Tips and Tricks
Here are some additional tips and tricks to help you in washing and maintaining your human hair wig:
- Use cool or lukewarm water to wash the wig, as hot water can damage the hair strands.
- Avoid rough towel drying, as this can cause frizz or tangling. Instead, gently pat the hair dry with a towel.
- Do not brush the wig when it’s wet, as this can cause breakage or hair loss. Wait until the wig is fully dry before brushing.
- Avoid sleeping in the wig to prevent tangling or matting. Instead, remove the wig before bedtime and store it properly.
- If you’re unsure about washing or maintaining your wig at home, consider seeking professional help. Professional wig cleaners or hairstylists can provide expert advice and services to ensure the longevity and quality of your wig.
Seek Professional Help
If you’re unsure about how to wash your human hair wig at home or if you want to ensure optimal care for your wig, consider seeking professional help. Professional wig cleaners or hairstylists have the necessary expertise and experience to handle human hair wigs and can provide specialized services to maintain the quality and longevity of your wig.
Professional cleaning services can deep clean the wig, removing any stubborn residue or build-up that may be difficult to remove at home. Additionally, professional hairstylists can offer guidance on styling techniques, product recommendations, and personalized care instructions for your specific wig.
By seeking professional help, you can have peace of mind knowing that your human hair wig is in the hands of experts who understand the unique needs and requirements of these wigs. This can help you maintain the integrity of the hair strands and ensure that your wig looks and feels its best for years to come.
