Human hair wigs are a fantastic investment. They look incredibly natural, can be styled just like your real hair, and are long-lasting if cared for properly. However, to maintain their beauty and extend their lifespan, human hair wigs require specific care routines. In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to properly care for your human hair wig, ensuring it stays soft, shiny, and tangle-free for as long as possible.
Step 1: Washing Your Human Hair Wig
Washing your wig is an essential part of keeping it looking fresh and healthy. Here’s how to do it the right way:
How Often to Wash
Unlike your natural hair, human hair wigs don’t need to be washed as frequently. Washing them too often can dry out the hair. Aim to wash your wig every 10-15 wears or when it feels dirty or greasy.
Pre-Wash Detangling
Before washing your wig, gently detangle it using a wide-tooth comb or a wig brush. Start at the ends and work your way up to the roots to avoid breakage. Be gentle, especially if your wig is curly, to prevent damaging the texture.
Washing Process
Fill a sink or basin with cool to lukewarm water and add a small amount of sulfate-free shampoo. Gently swish the wig in the water, being careful not to rub or scrub the hair, as this can cause tangling.
After a few minutes, rinse the wig with cool water until the shampoo is completely washed out.
Conditioning
Apply a moisturizing, sulfate-free conditioner to the wig, focusing on the mid-lengths and ends. Leave the conditioner on for 3-5 minutes, then rinse thoroughly with cool water.
For extra hydration, you can also use a deep conditioning treatment once a month to keep the hair soft and shiny.
Step 2: Drying Your Wig
After washing your wig, proper drying is crucial to maintain its shape and prevent damage.
Towel Drying
Gently blot the wig with a towel to remove excess water. Do not rub or wring the hair, as this can cause tangling or breakage.
Air Drying
The best way to dry your wig is to let it air dry. Place the wig on a wig stand or mannequin head to allow it to maintain its shape while drying. Make sure the hair is evenly spread out to prevent any sections from matting or becoming tangled. Air drying is the gentlest method and helps the wig retain its natural texture and shine.
Avoid Heat
While human hair wigs can withstand heat styling, it’s best to avoid using a blow dryer as it can dry out the hair and cause damage over time. If you must use a blow dryer, set it to the lowest heat setting and use a heat protectant spray to minimize damage.
Step 3: Styling Your Human Hair Wig
One of the major benefits of a human hair wig is that you can style it just like your own hair. Here are some tips to keep your wig looking fabulous without causing damage.
Use Heat Sparingly
Although human hair wigs can handle heat styling, too much heat can still lead to dryness and damage. Always apply a heat protectant spray before using any hot tools like curling irons or straighteners. Try to keep the heat setting on your tools low to medium to protect the hair.
Brushing and Detangling
Use a wide-tooth comb or a wig-specific brush to gently detangle your wig, starting from the ends and working your way up to the roots. This prevents unnecessary pulling or breakage. Avoid brushing curly wigs when they’re dry to maintain the curl pattern.
Cutting and Coloring
Human hair wigs can be cut and colored, but it’s always best to leave this to a professional stylist who specializes in wigs. Attempting to color your wig at home may result in uneven results or damage, especially if you’re using bleach or other harsh chemicals.
Product Use
Be mindful of the hair products you use on your wig. Opt for lightweight, sulfate-free products that won’t weigh down the hair or leave it feeling greasy. Avoid heavy styling products like gels or hairsprays, as they can build up on the hair and make it harder to clean.
Step 4: Storing Your Human Hair Wig
Proper storage is essential to maintain the shape and quality of your wig when you’re not wearing it.
Use a Wig Stand
When you’re not wearing your wig, store it on a wig stand or mannequin head. This helps it maintain its shape and prevents tangling. Avoid laying the wig flat, as this can cause creasing or matting.
Keep Away from Sunlight
Store your wig in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight, which can fade the color over time. If you’re not planning to wear your wig for a while, consider placing it in a breathable silk or satin bag to protect it from dust and moisture.
Traveling with Your Wig
If you’re traveling, store your wig in a travel-friendly wig box or a silk bag to protect it during transport. Make sure to pack it carefully to prevent tangling or flattening.
Step 5: Regular Maintenance
Just like natural hair, human hair wigs benefit from regular maintenance to keep them looking their best.
Deep Conditioning Treatments
Every 4-6 weeks, treat your wig to a deep conditioning treatment. This will help restore moisture, especially if you style the wig frequently with heat. Use a leave-in conditioner or a deep conditioning mask for 30 minutes, then rinse thoroughly.
Trimming
Over time, the ends of your wig may become dry or frayed, especially if you use heat styling tools often. Schedule regular trims (every 8-12 weeks) with a stylist who is experienced with wigs to keep the hair healthy and prevent split ends from traveling up the shaft.
Professional Care
If your wig starts to lose its luster or if you notice excessive tangling or shedding, take it to a professional for a refresh. They can deep clean and style your wig, restoring its original beauty.
Step 6: Special Care for Curly and Wavy Wigs
Curly and wavy human hair wigs require a bit of extra care to maintain their shape and bounce.
Moisturize Regularly
Curly hair tends to be drier than straight hair, so it’s important to keep your curly wig moisturized. Use a leave-in conditioner or lightweight curl cream to keep the curls hydrated and defined.
Detangling Curly Wigs
Detangle your curly wig when it’s damp, using a wide-tooth comb or your fingers. Avoid brushing or combing the curls when they’re dry, as this can cause frizz and disrupt the curl pattern.
Scrunching for Definition
After washing, scrunch the curls gently to encourage definition. You can also use a diffuser on a low heat setting to dry the curls without flattening them.
Conclusion
Taking proper care of your human hair wig is the key to keeping it looking beautiful and natural for as long as possible. By following these simple steps—washing gently, air-drying, styling with care, and storing properly—you can enjoy your wig for months or even years. Whether you’re wearing your wig daily or saving it for special occasions, maintaining it with the right products and techniques will ensure that it remains a stunning part of your beauty routine.
Human hair wigs offer incredible versatility and a natural look, and with the right care, they’ll continue to enhance your style and boost your confidence. Take the time to care for your wig just as you would your own hair, and it will reward you with long-lasting beauty and durability.
