Everything You Need to Know About Storing Your Wigs

You’ve mastered ordering wigs online, styling wigs and putting them on, and cleaning and washings your wigs, but have you figured out how to store you wig?

Wigs are a big investment. And while we know that all wigs lose their natural luster and shine over time, there are some things you can do to make your wig last even longer, including learning how to properly store your wig.

Learning how to store a wig is a surefire way to improve the overall quality of your wig and keep it looking fresher, longer.

Whether you wear synthetic wigs, heat-friendly synthetic wigs, or their more expensive older sister, human hair wigs, here are some tried-and-true tips to help keep your wig looking fantastic.

Wig Storage 101: General Rules

Human Hair Wig Storage vs. Synthetic Wig Storage

In most areas of wig maintenance and care, there’s a big difference between how you treat human hair wigs and synthetic wigs.

But when it comes to wig storage, there is no difference!

The correct storage method for both types of wigs is exactly the same.

Clean it before you store it

Putting away a wig before cleaning it is like putting dirty dishes back in the cabinet: your dishes will get even dirtier in the cabinet than they were when you placed them there.

To maintain your wig’s quality for the longest possible period of time, clean your wig before putting it away.

*Note: NEVER put your wig away damp. If the wig hair or cap is wet when you put your wig away, it will attract dust, mold, and other not-so-nice chemicals.

Store Your Wig Out of Direct Sunlight

Wigs are designed to hold up to a lot, but there are certain things you should avoid doing with your wig.

Number one on that list of things not to do with your wigs? Storing your wigs in direct sunlight or hot areas.

Sunlight and heat will dull the color of your wig and break down the hair fibers. If you store your wig in direct sunlight, not only will it have a faded look but it will also be weaker.

If your wig spends too much time in the heat, it can even start to fall apart.
Store your wigs in a dry, cool place.

Closets: AKA Wig Storage Containers

Unless your closet is already completely full with shoes and clothes - and let’s be honest, whose isn’t? - your closet is a great place to store your wigs.

Already have a full closet? It’s worth Marie Kondo-ing things to make room for your wigs.

Keeping your wigs in your bedroom closet will:

• Make sure your wigs are easily accessible
• Keep them cool and dry
• Keep them away from everyone else

Small children and pets, especially cats, have a propensity for destroying wigs.

Keeping your wigs in an off-limits closet will keep them away from the wig-destroying hands and paws of the little people in your life.

Stock Up on Hairnets

Yes, those hairnets.

The ones your mother wore to keep her perfect bun in place at church and while she was baking your favorite after school snack.

If you want your wig to maintain its style while it’s in storage, invest in some good quality hairnets.

When you put a hairnet over your wig while you aren’t wearing it, you’re encouraging the style to stay in place, just like how hairnets encourage styles to stay in place while they’re on your head (we see you, Kate Middleton).

Gently put an appropriately sized hairnet over your wig before storing it.

How to Store Wigs at Home

Short-Term Storage

Store Your Wig in its Box

If you rotate your wigs on a daily basis, which we definitely recommend, you probably need a short term storage option.

For the short term, storing your wig in the box it came from is the best approach.

Wig boxes are designed to keep your wig in good shape, so they’re the perfect place to keep them. It’s also easy to stack these boxes, making this a small-space-friendly approach.

Before you store your wig, just make sure the wig is thoroughly combed and be sure to spray it with a conditioning spray, like the Revlon Revitalizing Dual Conditioner, to keep the wig fibers strong.

Return your wig to its box, cover it, then place it in your closet.

Folding Your Wig

If you don’t still have your wig box, or you need a place to store it traveling, folding your wig is a good choice.

To properly fold your wig, fold it in half from ear to ear and slip it into a clean, plastic bag. If you have some handy, place some tissue paper inside the wig to help it hold its shape in the bag.

Travel With a Storage Container

Bringing your wig with you on your next vacation? Make sure to bring a sturdy wig storage container with you.

A wig case can will help make sure your wig doesn’t get squished or tangled up in your suitcase.

If you’re a frequent traveler, it might be worth it to buy a custom wig box and folding wig stand to use at your travel destination so that you can ensure your wig holds its style while you’re traveling.

Pro tip: ALWAYS travel with at least two wigs when you’re going on vacation. Accidents happen and you don’t want to be stuck in some far away location without a wig to wear!

Long-Term Storage

Wig Stands and Mannequins

Any stylist worth their styling fee will tell you that a wig stand or mannequin is the best place to store a wig.

Even if you don’t have room for multiple wig stands, it’s worth purchasing at least one wig stand for the wig you use most often.

Storing a wig on a mannequin or stand will help maintain your wig’s style and shape.

Buy a Shoe Rack

Remember that over-the-door shoe rack you bought your son or daughter for their first dorm room? Those shoe racks are great wig storage devices, especially if you have multiple wigs.

Just make sure you only hang one wig on each ‘foot hold’ and you’ll be good to go.

Need some more wig care advice? Read our Wig Maintenance Guide and guide for How to Put on a Wig.