Whether you own synthetic or human hair wigs, there are special wig care techniques and products you must use to clean those locks without causing damage.
It's always important to read the manufacturer instructions, especially when it comes to proper wig care. The instructions should give you an outline of how to wash and care for your wig, not to mention the best products to use with the threaded tresses.
Regardless of whether your wig is real or synthetic, you should always allow it to air dry. Never use a blow dryer on a wig, as it will just cause split ends and general damage. Place your wig on a form smaller than its overall size. If you hang a wig on a large object, such as a Styrofoam form the same size as your head, you'll actually stretch it out too much. Use a small head form or tall and round object, such as a large can of hairspray.
Proper procedure
Synthetic wigs should be washed and rinsed only in cool or cold water. Human hair wigs should be washed and rinsed in cool or room temperature water. Most labels recommend filling a sink with cool water and a capful of synthetic or human hair wig shampoo. Make sure to use shampoo and conditioner made specifically for your wig type.
To wash the wig, you need to gently swirl it around in the soapy water and then let it soak for 10 to 20 minutes. Rinse the wig very, very well with cool or room temperature water. Carefully squeeze the excess water from the wig and let it drip into the sink. Never twist the hair around to get rid of extra water, it will stretch and tear the strands.
If your wig needs conditioning, use a rinse during the washing process or a spray afterwards, according to your preference. Place the wig on a thick, dry towel and let it start to air dry. If needed, you can transfer the damp wig to a raised form to finish drying. Always wait until the wig is completely dry before performing any combing or styling on it.
