How to Clean Real Hair Wigs

Real hair wigs can be quite expensive, but they are definitely worth the investment. Made from natural hair, they have better elasticity compared to synthetic wigs, especially when it comes to styling, curling, or dyeing. Like synthetic wigs, real hair wigs also need regular cleaning, but you must handle them with care as they are more delicate.

Start by combing the wig from the ends. Gently brush from the ends first. Once you’ve untangled the knots, you can gradually work your way up to the roots until your fingers can glide through the entire length without snagging. Use a wig brush for straight or wavy hair, and a wide-tooth comb for curly hair (whether it’s natural curls or Afro-style curls).

Fill the sink with cold water and add a little bit of shampoo. Use a high-quality shampoo suited for the type of hair you're cleaning. For example, if you have curly hair, choose a shampoo specifically for curly hair. If the wig is dyed, use a shampoo designed to preserve color.

• Do not apply shampoo directly onto the wig. Instead, you’ll wash it with the soapy water.
• Avoid 2-in-1 shampoo, which combines shampoo and conditioner. You can use conditioner, but keep it away from the roots of the wig.

Turn the wig inside out and submerge it in water. Use your fingers to flip the wig inside out and allow the strands to loosen. Place the wig in the water and submerge it completely, gently agitating to distribute the shampoo throughout the hair.

• Turning the wig inside out allows the shampoo to reach the mesh cap, where dirt, sweat, and oils accumulate the most.

Let the wig soak for 5 minutes. Ensure the entire wig is submerged in water, but do not agitate it while soaking. Over-wringing, squeezing, or stirring too much can cause tangling of the wig strands.

Rinse with cold water until the shampoo is completely washed out. You can either rinse the wig in a bucket of cold water or under the tap in a sink or shower. Depending on the thickness of the wig, you may need to rinse it twice.

Apply conditioner to the wig. Lightly spray some conditioner onto the wig and comb through with your fingers. If your wig has a mesh cap, be careful not to let conditioner seep into the cap. The hair is attached to the mesh with knots, and conditioner can loosen these knots, causing the hair to fall out. For wigs with regular wefts, this is not an issue, as the hair is sewn into the cap.

• Use high-quality conditioner.
• You can also use leave-in conditioner if preferred.

Wait 2 minutes before rinsing out the conditioner with cold water. Letting the conditioner sit on the hair for a few minutes allows it to penetrate the strands and hydrate the hair, much like conditioning natural hair growing on your scalp. After 2 minutes, rinse thoroughly until the water runs clear.

• Skip this step if you're using leave-in conditioner.

Turn the wig inside out and gently squeeze to remove excess water. Hold the wig over the sink and gently squeeze the hair with your hands. Do not twist or wring the wig, as this can cause tangling or breakage.

• Do not brush the hair while it's still wet. Brushing can damage the fibers.

Roll the wig in a towel to absorb the water. Place the wig on one end of a clean towel and roll it up tightly, starting from the end where the wig is placed. Press the towel gently to absorb moisture, then carefully unfold the towel to remove the wig.

• If the wig is long, be sure to spread the hair out to avoid clumping.

Condition the wig with your preferred hair products. Use a leave-in spray to help with detangling later, making sure to hold the spray bottle 25-30 cm away from the wig. If the wig is curly, consider using mousse to define the curls.

Allow the wig to dry naturally on a stand, away from direct sunlight. Do not comb the wig when it's still wet, as this may damage the fibers. If it's a curly wig, you can occasionally "twist" the curls.

• Twisting the curls involves placing your hand underneath the ends of the hair, lifting it up, and using your fingers to curl the hair inward. This will create defined curls.
• If using a foam mannequin head to support the wig, make sure it's securely placed on a stand. Use hair clips if necessary to hold the wig in place on the mannequin head.

If you're in a rush, you can wear the wig and use a blow dryer to dry it. Start by drying the net cap first. Once the cap is dry, place the wig on your head and secure it with hairpins. Continue blow-drying the wig while it's on your head. Be sure to use the low heat setting to prevent damaging the hair fibers.

• Remember to pin your natural hair up and cover it with the net cap before putting on the wig.

Turn the wig inside out when drying it to achieve more volume. Flip the wig over, then clip the back of the net cap onto a clothes hanger. You will need to adjust the clips on the hanger to hold the wig securely. Hang the wig in the bathroom on the shower rod for several hours to dry naturally, and avoid using the shower during this time.

• If you don't have a shower rod, you can hang it somewhere else where water from the wig won't cause damage.

Brush the wig once it’s completely dry. To reiterate, it’s important to use a special wig brush for straight or wavy wigs, and a wide-tooth comb for curly wigs. Start brushing from the tips and work your way up to the roots. If needed, you can use a detangling spray to help smooth out any knots.

Re-curl the wig if necessary. Some wigs are made from natural curly hair, while others are straight hair that has been curled with a curling iron. Curled wigs may lose their shape after washing. The good news is that you can re-curl them using the same method you would for natural hair.

• Hair curlers are a safer option since they don’t require heat. If you must use a curling iron, make sure the heat is set to low.

Place the wig on a vase or stand when not in use. If using a vase, you can place some scented tissue paper inside to keep the wig fresh and fragrant.

Wash the wig when it gets dirty. If you wear the wig daily, it’s recommended to wash it every 2 to 4 weeks. For less frequent use, washing once a month is usually sufficient.

Take care of your natural hair if you wear a wig every day. Don’t neglect your natural hair just because it’s hidden under the wig. Keeping your hair and scalp clean also helps your wig stay fresh for longer.

• If your natural hair is dry, moisturize it. This won't affect your wig, but it will keep your real hair healthy.

• Be gentle when detangling the wig. Use plenty of conditioner if needed.
• Wash the wig before wearing it for the first time. Even if it's brand new, wigs can pick up dirt during manufacturing, packaging, and shipping.
• If you're unable to wash the wig with cold water, you can use warm water, up to 35°C.
• Choose high-quality hair care products that are sulfate-free, paraben-free, and mineral-free. Look for products that contain aloe vera and/or glycerin instead.
• You can purchase a wig stand or a foam mannequin head online or at wig stores. Some costume or craft stores may also sell foam mannequin heads.
• If you can’t find a wig stand or foam mannequin head, you can create your own by attaching a round cylinder to a Christmas tree stand.
• You can use shampoo and conditioner designed for wigs, but be sure to check the label to ensure they are meant for wigs made from real hair.

• Avoid using a regular hairbrush to comb curly wigs; instead, use your fingers or a wide-tooth comb. Hairbrushes can cause frizz in curly hair.
• Steer clear of high heat when styling wigs. Although wigs won’t melt, the fibers can still get damaged by excessive heat.

• High-quality shampoo and conditioner
• Wig brush (for straight or wavy hair)
• Wide-tooth comb (for curly/wavy hair)
• Wig stand or foam mannequin head
• Clean sink or basin
• Clean bath towel