The Dos and Don’ts of Proper Wig Maintenance

Are you new to the world of wigs? If so, then you’re in for a treat! Nothing beats being able to pull off any look or hairstyle that you want in minutes, all without needing to take a trip to the salon.

Wigs also create fashionable looks, such as knotless braids and bandana wigs, within seconds instead of taking hours to achieve. Yet, if we don’t know how to care for our wigs properly, they won’t last very long. Like anything else, there’s a right way and a wrong way to maintain wigs. We want to get the most out of them, so here are the dos and don’ts of proper wig maintenance.

Know the Difference Between Synthetic and Human Hair

First, there are two types of wigs: human hair and synthetic. Knowing the difference is crucial, as it will affect your maintenance routine. Here’s a way to distinguish the two: human wigs have significant strength, while synthetic wigs feel slick and have a high shine. That means it will take more effort to tangle or melt the strands on a wig made of human hair.

A synthetic wig will have weaker hair strands. They’re more prone to melting, so don’t expose them to excessive heat. Another way to tell the difference is to check the label of each wig you buy. It will tell you if the wig is synthetic or human hair and inform you about any special maintenance necessary.

Do Use Proper Shampoo and Conditioner

Just like how we protect our natural hair with proper hydration and while we sleep, it’s best to use regular shampoo and conditioner for our wigs. The wrong shampoo can contain dangerous chemicals that can harm a wig and ruin the texture. This is especially true if you’re using synthetic wigs. It would work best if you purchased proper shampoo and conditioner made for wigs.

Cleaning them is also different than a standard hair washing routine. Do not harshly rub or massage the wig. Instead, soak it in a sink full of cool water, and then apply the shampoo. Gently comb the shampoo out of the wig and rinse it thoroughly. From there, comb out the tangles and let the wig hang dry.

Don’t Use Hairspray

Hairspray is a big no-no for wigs. Why? Because it will tangle your wig and make it greasy. That can damage your wig, thus making it very unmanageable. We recommend not using any spray, but use it in moderation if you must. A tiny amount of hairspray won’t harm your wig, but an excessive amount will.

Don’t Use Excessive Heat

Don’t reach for your blow-dryer after you wash your wig. Excessive heat will cause your wig to melt—which you don’t want to happen. If you have synthetic wigs, keep them away from all heat sources. While human hair wigs are more resilient to heat, you shouldn’t expose them to too much of it. Always use oil on your wig after adequately cleaning your wig for smooth, frizz-free strands.

Knowing the dos and don’ts of proper wig maintenance will result in beautiful and healthy wigs for years to come. It’s essential to remember that synthetic wigs and human hair wigs will behave differently. You’ll need special shampoo and conditioner for your wigs, and you need to clean them uniquely. It’s best not to massage or rub your wig but to instead comb it clean gently. Always remember that your wigs will not respond well to hairspray or excessive heat.