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Knowing how to wash a wig properly is one of the most overlooked aspects of non-surgical hair replacement care. It has been observed that incorrect washing is the leading cause of early shedding and fibre stiffness.
Many hair system wearers unknowingly damage their wigs by treating them like natural hair. This wig washing guide provides a wig washing step-by-step approach for both synthetic and human hair wigs, designed to preserve softness, longevity, natural shine and hairline finish.
This guide is for anyone wearing a wig or hair system, whether you’ve just started your hair loss journey, you’re researching alternatives to surgery, or you’re a long-time wig wearer looking to extend your hair system’s lifespan.
You might be wearing a synthetic wig for convenience and affordability, or you might have invested in a human hair system for a more natural look and versatility. Perhaps you’ve noticed your wig looking dull, frizzy, or matted after washing, or you’re simply unsure if you’re doing it right. This blog applies to all of you.
Your wig might look fine on your head, but tangles lurk throughout. Using a wig brush (not a regular brush), start at the ends and work your way up to the roots with soft, downward strokes.
One basin is for washing, the other for rinsing. This keeps you from overworking the wig by dunking it repeatedly in dirty water.
For synthetic wigs, you need wig-specific shampoo and conditioner (regular shampoo strips the polymer coating that keeps synthetic fibres looking smooth). For human hair wigs, you can use gentle, sulfate-free shampoos designed for colour-treated hair.
Keep a microfibre towel ready, as cotton towels create friction and damage. You’ll also want a wig stand or clean sink edge where you can lay your wig flat to dry.
Before washing, inspect it for any damage, loose threads, loose knots, or areas where the base is exposed. If your wig is custom-made, note any problem areas so you can be extra gentle there during washing.
Place your men’s or women’s hair wig in the basin of lukewarm water using the recommended shampoo for the wig. Wet your wig fully and let it soak for 5-10 minutes.
Let the water and shampoo begin loosening dirt and oils. This is why soaking matters: it does much of the cleaning work without you doing much to the wig.
After soaking, use your fingers to gently massage the shampoo through the fibres in the direction of the hair growth downward, never twisting or scrunching. Treat it like you’re washing delicate silk, because synthetics are genuinely fragile when wet.
After 2-3 minutes of gentle massage, rinse thoroughly in your second basin of clean, lukewarm water. Repeat this rinse with fresh water until the water runs clear.
Synthetic wigs benefit from conditioner, but use a wig-specific conditioner. Apply it sparingly to the mid-lengths and ends to avoid the roots to prevent product buildup.
Leave it on for 2-3 minutes, then rinse gently until the water is completely clear. Over-conditioning synthetic wigs makes them look dull and limp.
Don’t squeeze or wring. Instead, gently press the wig against the basin wall to release water, or wrap it loosely in your microfibre towel and press gently.
The goal is to remove excess water without applying pressure.
Place your synthetic wig on a wig stand (ideally a head-shaped form) in a well-ventilated area away from direct heat or sunlight.
One of the best tips for wig wearers is that synthetic fibres can be damaged by heat and UV exposure. It typically takes 4-8 hours to air-dry completely. Never use a hairdryer, radiator, or direct sunlight; this is where synthetic wigs get permanently damaged.
Synthetic wigs, when properly maintained, last 4-6 months with regular wear. Improper washing cuts that lifespan in half.
If you’re wearing a synthetic hair system because you need an affordable, low-maintenance option, proper care is how you get real value from it.
Human hair wigs behave like your natural hair, but with one difference: they have no living scalp producing oils to protect them.
This means they need moisturising care that regular shampoo alone can’t provide.
Before shampooing, wet your human hair wig in lukewarm (not hot) water and let it soak for 2-3 minutes. This hydrates the hair and prepares it to receive shampoo without shock. Skip hot water entirely; it opens the cuticle layer and causes frizz, particularly for colour-treated human hair wigs.
Use a gentle, sulfate-free shampoo.
Apply it in downward motions only, never scrub, never twist. The cuticle of human hair is directional; washing against it causes tangles and breakage. Massage gently for 3-4 minutes, then rinse thoroughly in clean water.
This is where human hair wigs differ most from synthetic wigs. Use a nourishing conditioner and apply it throughout the mid-lengths and ends. For wigs worn frequently, use a deep conditioning mask once a month. Leave the conditioner on for 5-10 minutes. Human hair absorbs it and needs it to stay soft and manageable.
After conditioning, give your women’s or men’s hair wig a final rinse in cool (not cold) water. Cool water seals the cuticle, locks in moisture, and adds shine. Rinse until the water runs completely clear.
Press the wig gently against the basin to release excess water. Never squeeze from the roots downward (this causes matting). If you need to speed up drying, wrap the wig loosely in a microfibre towel, but don’t twist it.
Human hair wigs should be combed while still slightly damp, which makes detangling easier and prevents breakage.
Use a wide-tooth comb to detangle a wig and work section by section, starting from the ends and working upward. This takes 3-5 minutes but prevents tangles from setting in as the hair dries.
Place your human hair wig on a wig stand in a well-ventilated area. You can use a low-heat hairdryer if you’re in a rush (in a cool setting), but air-drying is safest. Human hair wigs take 6-12 hours to dry completely, depending on thickness and length.
For more tips on proper wig storage, you can check out our wig storage guide.
Human hair wigs work exactly like your real hair. They’re also more versatile: you can style them with heat, colour them, and customise them. But that investment only pays off if you maintain it properly. Follow a wig care guide to see how your wig can last more than 1 year with regular wear. Neglect, and you’re looking at replacement within months.
This method helps identify a high-quality wig by preserving softness and movement.
Washing your wig correctly is a small effort that makes a big difference. Using the right products, gentle techniques, and proper drying helps maintain softness, shine, and longevity – whether your wig is synthetic or human hair.
At Oxea London, we specialise in offering high-quality wigs for men and women, designed to look natural and last longer with the right care. If you’re looking to invest in a premium wig, get in touch with us – we’re here to help you look and feel your best.
Megan Brooks is a Certified Trichologist at Oxea Invisible Hair Solutions with over 21 years of Unbeatable experience. Throughout her remarkable career, she has successfully completed an impressive 8000+ hair replacement systems. Megan is dedicated to transforming lives and boosting self-confidence so that one can live with all the pride. She has served over 800 satisfied clients and still-counting, while helping them regain their natural appearance and feel their best.
