How to Wash a Wig

Synthetic hair fiber is similar to the fiber used for textiles so it’s best to treat it almost like an item of clothing. When washing a synthetic wig, you can use baby shampoo but for the best results, it’s better to go for a specialized wig shampoo. 

Fabric softeners work as a great conditioner to soften the fibers of your wig as they get hard from use. All you need to do is soak your wig in cool to cold water (never hot) and the shampoo of your choice. It’s important to never brush or comb your wig while wet or handle your wig too roughly while it is in water.

When soaking your wig, you may swish it around gently in the water before leaving it for 30 minutes. After that you can rinse it and then soak it in water with a cup of fabric softener for an hour. When the time is up, let your wig hang dry. Don’t apply any heat and do not brush it yet. 

Try leaving your wig out in a sunny spot to speed up the drying time and only once it is absolutely dry can you begin to manipulate it with styling tools.

This Hairobics Unlimited shampoo is specially formulated to handle synthetic wig fibres and will leave your wig looking shiny and feeling silky.

Wigs have to deal with a lot of glue, gel and hairspray which can cause sticky, hard to remove residue over time. This shampoo is specially formulated to soften synthetic hair and tackle all the build-up.

If you’re not a fan of the strong scent of fabric conditioners, consider this Brandywine wig conditioner which also comes with a non-static shampoo. 

Synthetic fibres are very sensitive to static electricity and friction and that’s what causes them to go frizzy very quickly. However, this is easily fixed by following the next step you would in your laundry routine: ironing!

Of course, you’re not going to grab your regular iron – it would most likely melt your unit. Instead, you’ll need steam to soften the fibres of your wig. When your wig is completely dry, you’ll need to brush it out while applying a steamer in the same way you would use a flat iron. This makes the detangling process 100% easier and smoother while bringing a light amount of moisture to the wig. 

Once you’ve combed or brushed through your wig, track by track, apply steam directly to the strands then you have to go through the unit again with a flat iron which will help manage any frizzy ends.

Following this, you can go at it again with a straightener or curling iron. If your wig isn’t very heat resistant or you’d like defined curls, set the hair in rollers, flexi rods or and. For quick results, you can steam iron the hair while it’s in rollers or leave them to set overnight.

A wig head is essential to ease the process of drying and styling your wig. You’ll need to be able to assess all angles of your unit while being able to apply pressure and tension without it slipping off of your head.

This brush set has a nylon bristle and a steel needle paddle brush which are great for dealing with synthetic hair. The steel needle brush can untangle hair without too much shedding and pulling. The nylon bristles are great for removing dust as well as brushing out curls.

Prevention is always better than cure and this means making sure you store your wig properly to avoid tangling and frizziness. Synthetic hair is very sensitive and just like you have to fold and hang your clothes, so you need to carefully pack away your unit. You can store your wig on a wig head, wig stand, wall hooks, hangers or, if you’re in a pinch; vacuum sealed bags. Though, it’s always best to keep your wigs hanging and away from any friction so only use bags as a last resort.

Wig stands are perfect for hanging your wigs if you’ve got any flat surfaces to keep them on and they make great displays. Additionally, they’re also collapsible so you can put them away easily or travel with them whenever.

If you’re low on storage space, consider keeping your wigs with your clothes! These wig hangers don’t just have to hang on your closet rails though, you can also hang them over wall hooks, doors or bathroom racks.