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How to Wash a Wig?

Wigs are a great fashion accessory to change your look or to maintain your confidence if you are dealing with hair loss. There are many different styles and types of wigs and the professional stylists at Gabi’s Wigs can help you find the one that is right for you.

Once you have your wig, it's important to properly maintain it, which includes washing it every 2 to 3 weeks. The proper method for washing varies depending on whether you have a synthetic or human hair wig. In this article, we’ll explain how to properly wash each one to keep it looking nice for as long as possible.

How To Wash A Human Hair Wig?

Since they are made with real hair, human hair wigs are delicate. Therefore, you must be careful when washing them.

  • Brush/comb it out, starting at the ends and working your way up to the roots. You’ll want to brush until it is free of knots/snags.
  • Fill the sink with cold water and at 1 to 2 squeezes of shampoo formulated for the type of wig that you have. You will not put the shampoo directly on the wig.
  • Turn the wig inside out and submerge it in the water. This allows the shampoo to get to the cap, which is where the dirt and sweat collect. Swirl it around a few times to ensure that the shampoo is evenly distributed.
  • Allow the wig to soak for 5 minutes. Do not touch it during this time.
  • Take the wig out of the shampoo water and turn it right side out and rinse under cold water until the water runs clear.
  • Apply conditioner to the strands, avoiding the cap- especially if it is lace front. Take time to gently finger-comb the conditioner through the strands to evenly distribute it.
  • Allow the conditioner to sit on the wig for 2 minutes before rinsing with cold water.
  • Gently squeeze the excess water out of the wig. If necessary, roll in a towel to absorb the water. Do not wring or twist the hair, as it could cause it to break.
  • Place the wig on a wig stand to air dry the rest of the way. If you’re in a hurry, you can put it on your head and blow dry it. If you want more volume, hang it upside down to dry.

How To Wash A Synthetic Wig?

The first step is to find a shampoo that is specially formulated for synthetic wigs.

  • Brush/comb out any tangles starting at the bottom and working your way up to the top.
  • Fill the sink with cold water and follow the directions on the shampoo bottle. Most shampoos recommend adding 1 to 2 capfuls to the water.
  • Fully submerge the wig into the water, gently scrubbing the cap. Do not scrub the hair.
  • Allow the wig to soak for five minutes before taking it out and rinsing it under cold water until the water runs clear.
  • Shake the excess water out of the wig- do not twist or wring it.
  • Spray it with a wig conditioner and place it on a drying rack or spray can. You should never place it on a mannequin, as this may stretch the cap and it won’t fit properly anymore.
  • When the wig is dry, comb it out and store it. You should never use heat-styling products on your synthetic wig.

Let Gabi’s Wigs find Your Perfect Wig

Whether you are dealing with hair loss, or you just want to try something new, a wig can be the answer. Shopping for a wig can be overwhelming because there are so many different options. However, the stylists at Gabi’s Wigs can make it easier. We will work with you, helping you try on various styles, colors, and types of wigs until you find the one that you like. Then, we will help you customize it to get the exact look you want.

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