How to Wash a Wig

Let’s be real, sis—wearing wigs is not just about switching up your style, it’s about protecting your natural hair, keeping life convenient, and serving looks whenever you feel like it. But here’s the deal: a wig, no matter how bomb it is, won’t last long if you don’t take care of it. And the foundation of wig care? Washing.

I know, washing a wig sounds a little intimidating at first. Some of us grew up washing our braids in the sink with dish soap (don’t act like I’m the only one!), so when we hear about wig care, we imagine a long, complicated process. But honestly? It doesn’t have to be that way. Washing your wig is not rocket science—it’s about patience, the right products, and a little bit of love.

Today, I’m walking you through exactly how to wash a wig—whether it’s human hair or synthetic, curly or straight, a no-lace half wig or full-coverage lace glueless wigs. I’ll break it down step by step, sprinkle in some personal tips, and keep it as real as possible. Let’s dive in.

Why Washing Matters (More Than You Think)

First things first: why should you even bother? After all, it’s not like a wig sweats the way your scalp does. Well, think about it.

When you wear your wig out—whether it’s to brunch, the club, or just running errands—it’s catching everything in the air: smoke, dust, oil, perfume, even food smells. (Raise your hand if you’ve ever cooked fried chicken and then realized your wig smelled like the fryer. Yep, it happens.)

Washing your wig does three main things:

1. Keeps it Fresh – Nobody wants a wig that smells stale or dusty. A clean wig feels and looks brand new.

2. Protects the Fibers – Dirt, sweat, and product build-up can actually break down the hair, especially on human hair wigs. Washing helps preserve softness and shine.

3. Boosts Longevity– Let’s face it, wigs aren’t cheap. A good Burmese curly wig, for example, can cost real money. Washing it properly means you’ll get way more wears for your dollar.

So yes, washing matters—a lot.

How Often Should You Wash a Wig?

This is one of the biggest questions I hear. And the answer is—it depends.

Human hair wigs: every 7–10 wears (or once every 2–3 weeks if you’re wearing it often).

Synthetic wigs: every 10–15 wears (they don’t soak up oils like human hair does).

But here’s the kicker: if your wig starts to look stiff, dry, or smell funky, don’t wait—wash it. Trust your senses.

What You’ll Need (Gather Your Tools Like a Pro)

Before you dunk your wig in the sink, let’s get organized. You’ll need:

A wide-tooth comb or detangling brush (gentle is key).

Wig shampoo (or a mild sulfate-free shampoo).

Wig conditioner (or lightweight conditioner for human hair).

A sink or basin.

A towel (microfiber is the best).

A wig stand or mannequin head for drying.

Optional but highly recommended:

A detangling spray (for curly textures).

A little argan oil or lightweight serum (for human hair wigs).

Step 1: Detangle First

Never, and I mean never, wash a wig that hasn’t been detangled. You’ll regret it.

Lay your wig flat or hold it on a mannequin head, then gently comb through the strands starting at the ends and working your way up to the roots. Use small sections. If it’s a curly wig—like Burmese curly or deep wave—use your fingers or a wide-tooth comb to keep the curl pattern intact.

Think of this step as prepping the canvas before painting—you’re setting the stage.

Step 2: Prep the Water

Fill your sink or basin with cool to lukewarm water. Not hot. Why? Because hot water can mess with both synthetic fibers and the lace on human hair wigs, making them shed or lose shape.

Add a small amount of wig shampoo (about a capful). Mix it in so the water gets nice and soapy.

Step 3: Wash Gently

Now it’s time to give your wig a bath.

Place the wig in the water and gently swish it around. Don’t rub or twist—it’s not laundry.

Let it soak for about 5 minutes.

If it’s really dirty, use your fingers to lightly massage the strands, especially near the lace or cap where sweat and oil collect.

Here’s the golden rule: treat your wig like it’s delicate silk, not a pair of jeans.

Step 4: Rinse Thoroughly

Drain the soapy water, then rinse the wig under cool running water until it’s clean. No suds left.

Pro tip: Always rinse in the direction the hair naturally falls. Let the water run from root to tip. This prevents tangling and keeps the cuticles (on human hair wigs) laying flat.

Step 5: Condition Like You Care

Conditioner is where the magic happens. Apply a small amount of wig conditioner—focusing on the mid-lengths and ends. Avoid the roots and lace, since conditioner can loosen knots and make shedding worse.

Let it sit for 3–5 minutes, then rinse with cool water. If you’ve got a curly wig, you can even leave a tiny bit of conditioner in for extra softness.

Step 6: Dry With Love

Never, ever wring out your wig. Instead:

Lay it on a towel and gently pat out excess water.

Place it on a wig stand or mannequin head to air dry.

Keep it away from direct sunlight or heat.

If you’re in a rush, you can use a blow dryer on the cool setting only. Heat can fry both synthetic and human hair fibers, so keep it chill.

Step 7: Style & Slay

Once your wig is dry, detangle again if needed and style it as usual. For human hair wigs, you can use heat tools (flat irons, curling wands) but don’t overdo it. For synthetic wigs, stick to styles that don’t require heat unless they’re labeled “heat-friendly.”

At this point, your wig should feel soft, bouncy, and ready to rock.

Pro Tips to Keep Your Wig Looking Fresh Longer

1. Don’t Over-Wash.

Too much washing strips natural shine and weakens fibers. Stick to the schedule.

2. Use a Silk or Satin Bag.

Store your wig properly to avoid friction and tangles.

3. Avoid Heavy Oils.

A little serum is fine, but drowning your wig in oil will weigh it down.

4. Finger-Comb Curls.

For curly wigs, keep the curl pattern by using fingers or a wide-tooth comb only.

5. Invest in a Wig Stand.

Hanging your wig on a chair is cute until it gets lopsided.

Common Mistakes (And How to Avoid Them)

Mistake 1: Using Regular Shampoo.** Your regular shampoo may be too harsh for wigs. Stick to wig-specific or sulfate-free formulas.

Mistake 2: Hot Water.

Just…don’t.

Mistake 3: Rubbing or Twisting.

This is how you create frizz and tangles.

Mistake 4: Skipping Conditioner.

Wigs may not “grow” but they still need hydration.

Mistake 5: Storing Carelessly.

Throwing your wig on the dresser is the quickest way to shorten its life.