Discover how to remove smells from wigs with our easy tips & tricks! Say goodbye to unwanted odors and enjoy fresh, clean hairpieces.
When you put on your wig - or even after you’ve been wearing it for a while, you may notice that it has a strange smell.
Sometimes, there are chemicals used in the manufacturing process to achieve a certain texture or color. These chemicals can leave behind a strange smell. Sometimes, storage and packing methods can cause your wig to develop an odor.
If you wear your wig while it’s wet, it could develop an odor. Finally, wigs absorb environmental smells, as well as odors from sweat. Therefore, if you are not washing your wig, it will develop an odor.
The team of professional stylists at Gabi’s Wigs can help you find the perfect wig, as well as offer some tips for properly caring for and maintaining your wig.
Human hair wigs are popular because they look and act the most like natural hair because they are made from natural hair. However, synthetic wigs are often the most affordable of the two. There is a third option- a combination of these two. This combines the benefits of both. All of these options can develop odors if they are not properly cared for.
There are a few things you can do to remove odors from your wig:
While you may not need to wash your wig as often as you do your natural hair, it still needs to be washed. Washing is the best way to remove any odors from your wig. The frequency that you wash it depends on your lifestyle and how often you wear it. If you wear your wig every day and are exposed to factors such as smoke, dust, and other odors, or if you wear your wig to work out and your scalp sweats, you’ll need to wash it every day.
If your wig is still damp when you pack it away, it could develop a musty odor. Therefore, it’s best to keep it dry. After washing it, place it in a cool, well-ventilated area. Avoid placing it in direct sunlight, as this could damage the fibers.
When you are not wearing your wig, it should be stored properly. After you have washed it and it is completely dry, it should be stored in a box where it is protected from dust and other environmental factors. If it is worn on a regular basis, it should be placed in a cool, well-ventilated area away from foul odors and away from sun exposure.
Once you’ve had your wig and worn it for several weeks/months, you may notice that it is losing its fresh, new smell and developing a foul odor. Choose some nice-smelling shampoo and conditioner to keep your wig soft and smelling good. If your wig has a foul odor and you don’t have the time to wash it properly, you can use a dryer sheet to clean off the sweat and dirt/dust as well as freshen it up. However, it is important to note that this is only a temporary fix, it should be properly washed and dried as soon as possible.
Baking soda, or sodium bicarbonate, is commonly used to remove odors in a variety of places because it absorbs and neutralizes the smells. This works especially well for removing odors from synthetic wigs.
Simply dilute a spoonful of baking soda in water and apply the mixture to the wig, especially around the cap. Allow it to sit for a few minutes before rinsing it off as you would when washing it with shampoo.
Baking soda can also be used to deep clean your wigs. Simply fill a basin with cold water and add several teaspoons of baking soda. Let the wig soak for 20 to 40 minutes. Then, remove the wig from the water and wash it thoroughly.
Another natural option known for neutralizing foul odors is apple cider vinegar. If you have not worn your wig for some time and it has developed a foul odor, you can use apple cider vinegar to freshen it up. Since it is natural, you don’t have to worry about it damaging the hair. However, it may cause it to lighten.
Simply fill a basin with warm water, add some apple cider vinegar and put the wig in to soak. The vinegar will loosen dirt and sweat from the wig, as well as any residual chemicals or other odors. When you take it out, rinse it with cold water. You can use a conditioner to help eliminate the vinegar scent. In addition to cleaning, apple cider vinegar can improve the softness and appearance of a human hair wig.
When you are shopping for a wig, make sure that you get a good quality wig. The higher the quality, the less likely that harsh chemicals will be left on the wig when you buy it - plus, the higher-quality fibers may not absorb the odors as much. A higher quality wig has a lot of benefits over a cheaper option.
A. Wigs can absorb odors from various sources, including sweat, smoke, hair products, and environmental pollutants. Additionally, improper storage or infrequent cleaning can contribute to unpleasant smells.
A. Yes, washing your wig is one of the most effective ways to remove odors. However, you must follow the proper cleaning techniques to avoid damaging the wig's fibers.
A. The frequency of washing your wig depends on how often you wear it and the level of odor accumulation. As a general guideline, it's recommended to clean your wig after wearing it around 8-10 times.
A. Use a wig-specific shampoo and conditioner or a mild, sulfate-free shampoo. Avoid using regular hair care products, as they can be too harsh for wig fibers.
A. No, it's not advisable to use fabric refreshers or sprays designed for other materials on your wig. These products may contain chemicals that could damage the wig's fibers or cause discoloration.
A. To wash your wig, fill a basin with cold water and add a small amount of wig shampoo. Gently swirl the wig in the water, avoiding any aggressive rubbing or twisting. Rinse thoroughly with cold water. Apply a wig conditioner, leave it for a few minutes, and then rinse again. Pat the wig dry with a soft towel and let it air dry on a wig stand.
A. Yes, you can use a similar cleaning method for synthetic wigs, but be sure to use products specifically designed for synthetic fibers. Avoid hot water, as it can damage synthetic wigs.
A. For specific odors, you can try placing your wig in a well-ventilated area and letting it air out for a few hours. Alternatively, you can create a solution of equal parts water and distilled white vinegar, and gently mist the wig. The vinegar will help neutralize the odors. However, be cautious not to overuse this method, as excessive vinegar application might harm the wig over time.
A. To prevent odors, avoid wearing your wig in situations where it might get exposed to strong smells, such as cooking areas or smoky environments. Store your wig on a wig stand or mannequin head when not in use and keep it in a clean, dry, and cool place.