Wigs are an excellent way to change your look, boost your confidence, or make your day easier. Whether you wear human hair wigs every day or just for special occasions, taking care of them properly is the key to keeping them looking fantastic. But don’t worry—wig care isn’t as complex as it might seem.
When I first started wearing wigs, I made a few mistakes that caused them to wear out faster. Over time, I learned what to do and what not to do, and now I’m sharing my tips to help you avoid those same mistakes!
Let’s go over some simple do’s and do n’ts that will help you extend the life of your wig and keep it fresh and beautiful.
Why Wig Care Is So Important
If you’ve invested in a good lace front or body wave wig, you want it to last as long as possible. You can avoid tangling, shedding, and losing that beautiful shine by caring for your wig correctly. Plus, a well-cared-for wig feels more comfortable to wear. With just a few easy steps, you’ll keep your wig looking as good as the day you bought it.
Now, let’s dive into some helpful tips to get the most out of your wig.
The Do’s of Wig Care
1. Wash Your Wig Regularly (But Not Too Much)
One of my first mistakes was washing my blonde wig too often. I thought it would keep it looking fresh, but it made it dry and dull. Wigs, especially human hair wigs, don’t need to be washed as often as your natural hair.
How Often Should You Wash Your Wig?
Make sure to use shampoo and conditioner made for wigs. Regular hair products can be too harsh and will damage the fibres. I once used my regular shampoo on a wig, and it made the hair stiff and lifeless. After switching to wig-friendly products, my wigs stayed soft and manageable.
2. Store Your Wig Properly
After a long day, throwing your wig on a chair or a dresser is tempting, but how you store it matters. The best way to store your wig is on a wig stand or mannequin head with locs. This keeps its shape and prevents tangling.
What to Avoid When Storing Your Wig:
- Don’t leave your wig in direct sunlight. Sunlight can fade the colour of your wig, especially for human hair wigs like a 1b black hair wig.
- Avoid tight spaces. Storing your wig in a cramped space can cause it to get squished or tangled.
When I first travelled with my lace-front wig in my suitcase, it ended up in a knotted mess. Now, I always use a wig storage bag when I travel to keep my wigs neat and tangle-free.
3. Detangle Gently
Brushing through a wig roughly can cause damage, making it shed or frizz. Use a wide-tooth comb or a special wig brush, and always start at the ends, slowly working your way up. This gentle method keeps your wig from breaking or shedding.
Pro Tip: If you find tough tangles, spray a little leave-in conditioner or detangling spray designed for wigs. This softens the hair and makes detangling much more accessible.
4. Use Heat Safely
If your wig is heat-friendly, you can style it with tools like curling irons or straighteners. But be careful! Using too much heat can damage your wig.
Here’s What You Should Do:
- Use low heat settings: Always set your styling tools to low or medium heat to avoid burning the hair.
- Apply a heat protectant spray: This adds a layer of protection to the hair when using heat.
- Don’t use heat too often: Even with heat protectants, using heat tools too much can wear out the hair faster.
I learned the hard way when I accidentally fried the ends of my favourite 30-inch body wave wig with too much heat. Now, I use heat styling only when necessary and always use the lowest setting.
5. Keep Your Wig Moisturized
Human wigs, like natural black straight hair, need moisture to stay soft and smooth. Use a light wig oil or conditioning spray to keep the hair hydrated. Avoid heavy oils, which can weigh down the hair and make it look greasy.
Synthetic wigs don’t need as much moisture, but a little conditioning spray will help keep them soft.
The Don’ts of Wig Care
1. Don’t Overwash Your Wig
Washing your wig too much can dry it out and cause it to lose its shine. Human hair wigs become dull if washed too often, and synthetic wigs can become brittle. Stick to the abovementioned washing guidelines, and only wash your wig when needed.
How to Know When to Wash Your Wig:
- Your wig feels heavy because of product buildup.
- It looks limp and doesn’t hold its style as well.
- You notice a change in texture.
I used to wash my wigs too often because I thought it would keep them looking fresh. But once I washed them less frequently, they looked better and lasted longer.
2. Avoid Too Much Heat
Even if your wig is heat-friendly, be careful with heat tools. Too much heat can seriously damage the fibres, especially in synthetic wigs, which can melt or lose their structure.
Best Practices for Heat Styling:
- Please test a small section before you style the entire wig to see how it reacts.
- For a safer option, try heatless styling methods like curlers or braids. I switched to heatless curls, which has made a big difference in the lifespan of my wigs!
3. Don’t Sleep or Shower with Your Wig On
Wearing your wig to bed or in the shower is a big mistake. When you sleep in a wig, it can get tangled and matted. The friction between your wig and the pillow causes breakage. As for showering, the hot water and soap can ruin the texture of your wig.
What You Can Do Instead:
- If you must sleep in your wig, use a silk pillowcase and wear a satin bonnet to protect the hair.
- Use a shower cap if you’re wearing your wig and want to keep it dry during a quick shower.
4. Don’t Use Harsh Products
Some hair products can harm your wig. Avoid using anything with alcohol, sulfates, or parabens, as these can dry out and damage the hair. Also, avoid heavy oils and waxes, which weigh down the hair and make it look greasy.
Safe Products for Wig Care:
- Alcohol-free styling sprays to avoid drying out the wig.
- Lightweight conditioners to keep the hair soft without adding too much buildup.
I once used regular hairspray on my wig, leaving a sticky mess that was hard to wash. Since then, I’ve only used products made for wigs, and they work so much better.
5. Don’t Brush Wet Wigs
Brushing a wig while it’s wet can cause shedding and breakage. Please wait until your wig is completely dry before brushing or combing it.
How to Dry Your Wig:
- After washing, gently squeeze out the water—don’t twist or wring the hair.
- Lay the wig flat on a towel to air dry. If you’re in a hurry, you can use a blow dryer only in a relaxed setting.
Extra Tips for Making Your Wig Last Longer
1. Rotate Your Wigs
Wearing the same wig every day will wear it out faster. I recommend having at least two or three wigs that you can switch between. This gives each wig a break and keeps your look fresh.
2. Get Professional Maintenance
Sometimes, taking your wig to a professional stylist for a deep conditioning treatment or style touch-up can extend its life. Professionals know exactly how to care for wigs and can help restore them if they’re starting to show wear.
3. Use a Wig Cap
Wearing a wig cap under your wig can protect your scalp and keep your natural oils from transferring to the wig, which can make it greasy. It also helps your wig stay in place.
Conclusion
Taking care of your wig doesn’t have to be challenging or time-consuming. Following these simple dos and don’ts will keep your wig looking beautiful much longer. A well-maintained wig is an investment in your style, comfort, and confidence.
At Crown-Lux, we offer premium human hair wigs and wig care products to ensure you always look your best. With the proper care, your wig will stay gorgeous and feel as natural as your hair for years.
Now that you know how to take care of your wig, go ahead and give it the love and care it deserves!