a woman's hand brushing a black human hair wig with a comb

How To Take Care Of Human Hair Wigs: A Complete Guide

Let's face it: investing in a human hair wig is no small feat.

These beautiful, natural-looking wigs can be a game-changer for your confidence and style.

But here's the kicker – they require some serious TLC to keep them looking their best.

As someone who's been wearing and caring for human hair wigs for years, I'm here to spill all my secrets on how to keep your wig looking fabulous for months (or even years) to come.

Why Proper Care Matters

Before we dive into the nitty-gritty, let's talk about why caring for your human hair wig is so crucial:

Longevity: With proper care, your wig can last much longer, saving you money in the long run.
Natural look: Well-maintained wigs look more natural and blend seamlessly with your style.
Comfort: A clean, well-cared-for wig is more comfortable to wear.
Confidence boost: When your wig looks good, you feel good!

Now, let's get into the good stuff – how to actually take care of your human hair wig.

Washing Your Human Hair Wig

First things first – washing your wig. This is where many wig wearers go wrong, so pay attention!

Start with lukewarm water – not hot! Hot water can damage the hair fibers.
Use a sulfate-free, wig-specific shampoo. Regular shampoos can be too harsh.
Gently work the shampoo through the hair, avoiding rubbing or twisting.
Rinse thoroughly with cool water to seal the cuticles.
Apply a wig-friendly conditioner, focusing on the ends.
Rinse again with cool water until the water runs clear.

Pro tip: Don't wash your wig too often! Once every 6-8 wears is usually sufficient unless you're using a lot of styling products.

Drying Your Wig

Drying might seem straightforward, but there's a right way and a wrong way:

Gently squeeze out excess water with a towel – don't rub!
Place your wig on a wig stand to air dry.
Avoid using heat to dry your wig – this can damage the hair fibers.
Once dry, gently brush or comb the wig, starting from the ends and working your way up.

Styling Your Human Hair Wig

One of the best things about human hair wigs is their versatility. Whether you're rocking a short wig or loving your lace wig, here are some styling tips:

Use heat styling tools sparingly, and always use a heat protectant spray.
When curling or straightening, start with a lower temperature and work your way up if needed.
For wigs with bangs, trim them carefully when needed – or better yet, have a professional do it.
Experiment with different styles, but be gentle to avoid tangling or damaging the hair.

Storing Your Wig

Proper storage is key to maintaining your wig's shape and preventing tangling:

Always store your wig on a wig stand or mannequin head.
Keep it in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.
If you're traveling, use a wig box or case to protect it.

Special Care for Different Wig Types

Different wig types might need some extra TLC:

For braided wigs, be extra gentle when washing and avoid rubbing the braids together.
Lace wigs require careful cleaning around the lace to prevent lifting.
Curly wigs benefit from leave-in conditioners and finger-combing to maintain their curl pattern.

My Personal Wig Care Routine

Here's a little peek into my personal wig care routine:

I wash my wig every 7-10 wears, or when it starts to feel a bit "heavy."
Once a month, I do a deep conditioning treatment to keep the hair soft and manageable.
I always sleep with my wig on a stand to maintain its shape.
When I'm not wearing my wig, I keep it covered with a silk scarf to prevent dust accumulation.