How to Wash and Care for a Wig

It’s no surprise that wigs have become a hot commodity in the beauty world. They’re super easy to install and work wonders to keep your strands stylishly tucked away. Not to mention, you have free reign to cut, dye, and style a wig as you please—without sacrificing your precious strands. From lace front wigs to trendy U-part wigs, the possibilities are endless.

Whether or not you consider yourself to be a wig expert, there is one important thing you need to learn: how to wash a wig. After all, don’t you want your investment—and wigs can definitely be an investment—to last for as long as possible? If you’re not too skilled in the art of washing a wig, we’re here to help. Keep reading for tips on how to wash and care for your wigs, as well as your natural hair underneath.

HOW OFTEN SHOULD YOU WASH A WIG?

Before we dive into how to wash a wig, you need to know how often you should wash it. The truth is, it really depends on how often you wear a wig and what hair products you use. As a general rule, you should wash wigs made with human hair once every two weeks. However, if you frequently apply hair-styling products to your wig, you should up your wash routine to once a week to control product buildup.

HOW TO WASH A WIG

Ready to learn how to wash a wig? Follow our step-by-step routine below to get started!

STEP #1: DETANGLE

First, you need to learn how to detangle a wig. You’ll want to detangle before beginning the wash process. Start by spritzing your wig with a hair detangler. If your wig is made with human hair, try the L’Oréal Kids Burst of Sweet Pear Tangle Tamer for All Hair Types. Using a wide-tooth comb, gently comb through your wig from the ends up to the roots. Work in small sections, and continue combing until your entire wig is nice and smooth.

STEP #2: RINSE WITH WARM WATER

Once your wig is detangled, you should rinse it in lukewarm water. This temperature is key as hot water can leave your wig feeling super dry, which is the last thing that you want. Make sure that your wig is thoroughly rinsed, and you’re ready for the next step.

STEP #3: WASH YOUR WIG

Suds up! For human hair wigs, the L’Oréal Paris EverPure Moisture Shampoo and L’Oréal Paris EverPure Moisture Conditioner will provide the necessary TLC. This sulfate-free system works to nourish and soften hair for a luminous finish. This step is really exactly what you would do with your natural hair, so you shouldn’t run into any surprises. Apply the shampoo to the wet wig, then rinse with more lukewarm water.

STEP #4: LET YOUR WIG AIR DRY

Finish your wash routine by allowing your wig to air dry. Simply lay your wig flat on a towel to keep the strands intact.

4 TIPS TO KEEP YOUR WIG IN SHAPE

As you already know, a wig can be pretty expensive, so it’s essential that you handle your wig with care—and this goes beyond how you wash it. Keep these four tips in mind during your hair care routine for desired results.

TIP #1: USE A WIG STAND

Always put your wig on a wig stand when you’re not wearing it. This helps your wig maintain its shape and prevents any knots or tangles.

TIP #2: BE GENTLE

We can’t say this enough: Be gentle with your wig. Constant pulling or tugging can ruin your wig. Not to mention, if you’re working with a lace front wig, you run the risk of ripping the lace.

TIP #3: TAKE IT EASY WITH STYLING PRODUCTS

Depending on the texture of your wig, you may feel the need to apply styling products daily. Don’t fall for it. Using too much product can weigh down your wig and ruin your style. Instead, use hair products like hair mousse and hair spray only once or twice a week.

TIP #4: SKIP THE HEAT

Put your heat tools on ice! Blow-drying and excessive heat can take a toll on your wig. So, keep things simple and flaunt the natural texture of your wig. However, if you decide to use any heat, spritz your wig with a heat protectant before styling your hair.

Editor’s tip: Styling a curly wig? Instead of reaching for a curling iron, here are 7 Easy Ways to Get Heatless Curls.

HOW TO CARE FOR HAIR UNDER YOUR WIG

Now that you know how to wash and care for a wig, there is one more thing left on your hair care list: washing your natural hair underneath. Since hair under a wig will typically be kept braided, you’ll need to adapt your hair care routine, especially if you plan to wear your braids for longer than a week. Let’s dive right in.

STEP #1: WASH YOUR BRAIDS

Whether you prefer to keep your braids intact for a week or two, it’s important to clean your hair to help keep dirt, oil, and impurities at bay, just as you would with your normal wash schedule. Reach for a nourishing hair care system, like the L’Oréal Paris EverCreme Deep Nourish Shampoo and L’Oréal Paris EverCreme Deep Nourish Conditioner for your cleansing session.

STEP #2: LEAVE-IN CONDITIONER

Once your braids are nice and clean, it’s time to boost your natural hair with moisture. Grab the L’Oréal Paris EverStrong Break Proof Lotion, which has a lightweight formula that moisturizes and helps revive the look of shine. Apply a dime-sized amount of the leave-in conditioner to towel-dried braids and gently work through your hair to evenly distribute.

STEP #3: LET YOUR BRAIDS AIR DRY

After you’ve applied your leave-in conditioner, it’s time to let your braids dry. Simply put, if you decide to install your wig on top of wet braids, it can cause bacteria and hair breakage to become a factor. Not what you want! Instead, give your braids time to dry or use a blow-dryer on its lowest setting to speed up the process. If you choose to do the latter, you’ll want to spritz your braids with a heat protectant, like the L’Oréal Paris Advanced Hairstyle SLEEK IT Iron Straight Heatspray, to protect your hair before applying heat.

Next: How to Take Care of Hair Extensions