When it comes to human hair wigs, you want them to look their best. You already know you have to wash and take good care of them, but it can be confusing figuring out some of the nuances, like how often and what products to use.

To help you with your at-home wig care routine, we’ve outlined all the do’s and don’ts to make sure your wig looks its finest. From explaining how to wash your wig at home to revealing how to dry it, we’ve got you covered.

Lace Wig Types

Before we jump right in, let’s do a rundown of two popular kinds of human hair wigs. Understanding these different types may help when it comes to your at-home care routine.

Lace front wigs: 

These wigs have a sheer lace base hairpiece that looks like your natural scalp, which is sewn into the crown of the wig. The lace is only in the front of the wig, giving the appearance of your natural hairline.

360 lace front wigs:

A 360 lace front wig includes the lace piece all around the outside edges of the wig, rather than only in the front. These wigs are a great option for when you’re looking to style your hair in a high ponytail, which         reveals your scalp around your neckline.

Should I Wash My Wig Before Wearing it?

Let’s start at the top. You just purchased a ready-to-wear wig, now what? Deciding if you want to wash it before wearing it is really a personal choice. It is important to keep in mind that every time you wash your wig, it shortens its lifespan. With that said, some women feel more comfortable putting on a freshly washed wig. Another option is to give it a quick rinse versus a full shampoo and condition.

How Often Should I Wash My Human Hair Wig?

Deciding how often you want to wash your wig is another personal choice. However, many women choose to wash their lace front wigs once every one to two weeks. If the hair begins to feel sticky or dry, it may be time to give it a rinse.

The same goes if it begins to lose its curl or volume. Remember, washing your wig will limit its lifespan, so you don’t want to over wash it. If you wear a wig cap underneath and remove your wig before going to bed, you can help reduce the number of times you need to shampoo and condition it.

How to Wash a Human Hair Wig?

Now that you know how often to wash it, it’s time to figure out how to wash a human hair wig. You’ll find that your wig washing ritual can be done in just five easy steps.

Step 1: Pre-wash care

Begin by prepping your wig. You’ll want to use a wide-tooth comb or your fingers to gently comb through any tangles. It’s best to start from the bottom and work your way up toward the roots.

Step 2: Rinse

The next step involves getting your lace wig wet. Place your wig under the faucet and use cool to lukewarm water to fully submerge it. If you have a long-haired wig, place it under a shower faucet to prevent the locks from going down the drain. After rinsing, gently remove the excess water with your hands and get ready to shampoo. Go easy on it—do not twist to wring it out.

Step 3: Shampoo

Place a small amount of shampoo into your hands and stroke the hair from roots to ends, keeping the shampoo away from the scalp of the wig. It’s important not to be heavy-handed when it comes to shampooing—avoid scrubbing or rubbing the hair, as this could damage the strands.

For the best results, use a clarifying shampoo that is specially made for human hair wigs. These shampoos are gentle enough not to damage the hair and they are designed especially for your wig’s needs. Some women prefer to use mild shampoos for color-treated hair.

To remove the shampoo, run cool water from the base down to the bottom of the hair. Once you’ve gotten rid of the shampoo and the water runs clear, use a towel to gently blot the hair before applying conditioner. The wig can still be damp, but you don’t want it to be sopping wet.

Step 4: Condition

Now you’re ready to condition. Just like the shampoo, you’ll want to use a wig-approved hydrating conditioner. Work a small dab into the wig, starting at the bottom. Gently comb through the strands with your fingers, keeping the conditioner away from the base of the wig. You can let most conditioners set for one to five minutes, but follow the directions on the bottle. Once the time’s up, run cold water from the top of the wig down to the ends of the strands, making sure you get rid of all the conditioner before blotting it dry.

Step 5: Dry

You’ve washed and cleansed your lace wig, so now you just have to wait for it to dry. Use a towel to lightly blot it and then leave it on a wig stand to air dry. Avoid using a blow dryer and brushing the hair until the lace wig is completely dry. Once it’s no longer wet, you can style your wig as you normally would.