Can I wash my wig?

There are so many great benefits that go hand-in-hand with wearing a wig. Whatever your wig type – human hair or synthetic – or your reason for resorting to this popular hair loss solution, wearing a wig gives you the chance to experiment with your style, conceal thinning hair or baldness, and protect the health of your scalp and hair.

Wigs are also extremely convenient. You’ll spend less time styling, colouring and maintaining your hair as a result. Yet one maintenance must never be forgotten – washing your wig. Here’s why…

Should I wash my wig?

Washing your wig regularly will keep it in the very best condition. It’ll also extend its lifespan, giving you even more time to enjoy your desired wig style.

If you regularly style your wig, washing it will allow you to take your wig back to its original look so you can start experimenting all over again!

Do I need to wash my wig after every wear?

Whilst washing your wig is important, over-washing your wig or hairpiece can do more harm than good.

Each time you wash your wig, you expose the fibres to water. This can weaken fibres, and affect the longevity and durability of the entire wig. Striking the right balance with wig washing is therefore vital.

We recommend washing your synthetic wig after approx. 7 days wear or sooner depending on the environment the wig is  being subjected to.  Human hair wigs can be washed more often – but not as often as you’d wash your natural hair. Unlike your natural hair, human hair wigs don’t contain the oils you need to protect the hair from water damage.

Your wig should be washed more frequently if you exercise (and sweat) regularly, use lots of product to style your wig or wear your wig in settings that have lots of smoke, perfume or strong odours present.

Where do I begin when washing my wig?

Preparation is key when washing your synthetic or human hair wig. Take the time to detangle your wig with a wide-toothed comb or wig brush before washing.

Using the right products to wash your wig is also essential, especially if your wig is colour treated as Between Carpools details:

“Even some professional stylists are not aware that the products used in caring for a wig can preserve the life of the colour of your wig. A human head gives off oil which protects the hair colour. We don’t have that advantage when wearing a wig and that’s why it’s so important to know what to use when caring for your wig. The products need to be able to protect the colour.”

Should I wash my wig in cold or warm water?

Tepid water is best for washing both synthetic and human hair wigs. You should also avoid wringing your wig out during washing and drying.

Fill a basin with tepid water and add one capful of Hair World REFRESH shampoo. Order code: WG/REF.

Turn the wig inside out, wash gently (do not rub the fibres) and leave to soak submerged for 20 minutes.

Remove the wig from the solution and reverse it back to its normal form, carefully rinse with cold water.

Place on a towel and gently blot dry (do not rub the fibres or attempt to brush the wig when wet).

Place on a wig drying frame and leave overnight to dry naturally (do not dry on a polystyrene head). Order code: AC023T

Once dry, shake the wig to separate the fibres and spray with Hair World REVIVE conditioning spray. Order code: WG/REV