
If you are considering a change in your hairstyle but are having a hard time deciding which style to go with, a good quality real hair wig is a great way to try out different looks.
Wigs come in all different cuts, lengths, sizes and colors – I promise you that no matter which style you want to try, there is always a wig available in the exact same cut. That said, real hair wigs aren’t cheap, and if you want one that doesn’t look like part of a Halloween costume, you’ll probably want to spend $300 or more.
Now that we’ve established that a good wig isn’t cheap, it’s important that you know how to maintain a wig after you’ve invested in it. According to celebrity hairstylist and Texture Style Awards founder Monae Everett, how you wash your wig can really determine how long it lasts and how “new” it looks. Below, we asked Everett to share all the information you should know about cleaning a real hair wig.
Should you wash your human hair wig?
Absolutely! Just like you would wash your natural hair, a human hair wig needs a little refreshing. “You should wash anything that comes in contact with your body,” Everett says. “In general, not only do all hair need to be washed, it’s important to remove dirt and oils from hair extensions because they can be distributed along your scalp, forehead, neck, back, etc. and can increase your chances of getting acne and pimples.”
What is the best way to wash a real hair wig?
“The easiest way to wash a real hair wig with shampoo is to fill a basin with room temperature water, add the shampoo, then the wig. Next, gently scrub the wig underwater,” says the stylist.
“Rinse the wig thoroughly and repeat. After washing the wig, apply conditioner, then comb through the wig with a wide-tooth comb or paddle brush, starting at the ends and working up to the roots. Allow hair to condition in the plastic bag for 10 minutes, then rinse off conditioner with cold water. Hang the wig up to dry. You can use a trouser rack to hang the wig.”
What shampoo should you use?
According to Everett, it’s best to use a shampoo that is sulfate- and paraben-free. “My wig shampoo is Biolage Smoothing Proof, which reduces frizz and adds smoothness,” she says.
Do you need to use conditioner?
Yes. Wigs need conditioner to stay fresh, soft, moisturized and shiny. Ultimately, this will also help the piece to last longer. Always use a moisturizing conditioner, such as As I Am Moisturizing Conditioner or Biolage HydraSource Conditioning Balm. “I recommend conditioning the wig directly after rinsing out the shampoo,” Everett says. “I would comb the wig while the conditioner is on, place the wig in a plastic bag, let the conditioner stay on for at least 15 minutes and then rinse.”
How often should you wash your wig?
If you’re trying to curl your wig but the curls aren’t really forming, or you’re trying to style your wig but it doesn’t look right, Everett says it’s time to give your wig a wash. “Whenever a wig is resistant to style, that’s a sign of product build-up,” she explains. “If the hair looks greasy or doesn’t have the volume and body you’re used to. Or, if you’re exposed to smoke, I would say you should definitely wash your wig – the smell of smoke can really stay in your hair.”
What are some things to avoid when washing a wig?
When washing any wig, be sure to take your time. After washing, make sure you brush your hair before blow-drying, otherwise tangles and knots will form. The more textured your hair is, the more likely it is to tangle and knot.
How do I dry my wig?
“If you don’t have a wig stand, simply hang your wig on a trouser rack and air dry it,” says the stylist. “If you’re in a hurry and don’t have time to let your wig air dry, I recommend hanging your hair in front of a cool fan to speed up the process.”
What’s the best way to style a freshly washed wig?
“The best way to finish a wig to make it look like new is to place the wig on the wig head, add a leave-in conditioner and your choice of foam, then blow dry the hair with a brush to create a smooth, shiny finish,” Everett says. “Then style as usual. If you’re using a hot tool, let your hair cool for 10 minutes after flat ironing or curling before styling, which helps make the style last longer.”