Quick Answer
To shampoo a human hair wig, first brush out tangles, then wet the hair with lukewarm water, apply a sulfate-free shampoo from roots to ends, gently work it through, rinse thoroughly, and follow with a conditioner. Avoid rubbing or twisting the hair, and never use hot water or regular shampoos, which can strip the hair’s natural oils and cause dryness and tangling.
How Often to Shampoo
How often you shampoo a human hair wig depends on how often you wear it and how much product you use. As a general rule, wash every 6 to 8 wears, or every 1 to 2 weeks if you wear it daily. If you use heavy styling products or live in a dusty area, you may need to wash more frequently. Over-washing can dry out the hair, so wait until the wig feels sticky or looks dull.
What You Need
Before you start, gather these supplies:
- A wide-tooth comb or a wig brush
- Sulfate-free shampoo (specifically for human hair wigs)
- Conditioner (also sulfate-free)
- A clean sink or basin
- Lukewarm water
- A microfiber towel or cotton t-shirt
- Optional: a wig stand or mannequin head
Related read: Wig Cap Size Chart: How to Measure Your Head in 3 Steps
Step-by-Step Shampooing
Follow these steps to wash your human hair wig safely:
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Brush out tangles. Gently detangle the wig using a wide-tooth comb or wig brush. Start from the ends and work your way up to the roots. Never brush a wet wig, as that can cause breakage.
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Prepare the water. Fill a sink or basin with lukewarm water. Hot water can damage the hair, and cold water won’t clean effectively.
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Wet the wig. Submerge the wig in the water and gently swish it around to get it fully wet. Do not rub or scrub the hair.
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Apply shampoo. Squeeze a small amount of sulfate-free shampoo into your palm, then apply it to the wig from the roots to the ends. Work it through gently with your fingers, using a downward motion. Avoid tangling the hair.
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Rinse thoroughly. Drain the soapy water and refill the basin with clean lukewarm water. Rinse the wig by dipping it up and down until all shampoo is gone. Repeat if needed.
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Squeeze out excess water. Gently press the wig between your palms to remove excess water. Do not wring or twist the hair, as that can cause frizz and damage.
How to Condition
Conditioning is essential to keep the hair soft and manageable.
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Apply conditioner. After shampooing, apply a sulfate-free conditioner generously from mid-length to the ends, avoiding the roots and lace area.
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Let it sit. Leave the conditioner on for 5 to 10 minutes. For deeper conditioning, you can cover the wig with a plastic cap and apply gentle heat for 15 minutes.
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Rinse thoroughly. Rinse with cool or lukewarm water until the conditioner is completely removed.
How to Dry Your Wig
Proper drying prevents damage and maintains the wig’s shape.
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Pat dry. Gently pat the wig with a microfiber towel or a cotton t-shirt to remove excess water. Do not rub.
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Place on a wig stand. Put the wig on a wig stand or mannequin head to air dry. This helps preserve the cap shape and the hairline.
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Style when damp. Once the wig is about 80% dry, you can style it as desired using a wide-tooth comb or your fingers. Avoid using heat tools until the hair is completely dry.
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Avoid heat drying. Do not use a blow dryer unless it’s on a low, cool setting. High heat can damage the hair cuticle.
Common Mistakes
- Using regular shampoo. Regular shampoos contain sulfates that strip natural oils, leaving the wig dry and brittle. Use a sulfate-free shampoo specifically for human hair wigs.
- Washing too often. Over-washing dries out the hair. Stick to every 6-8 wears or when it feels dirty.
- Brushing while wet. Wet hair is fragile. Always detangle before washing and avoid brushing until the wig is dry.
- Twisting or wringing the hair. This causes frizz and breakage. Gently squeeze out water instead.
- Using hot water. Hot water damages the hair and can loosen the lace. Always use lukewarm water.
- Applying conditioner to the roots. This can weigh down the hair and cause buildup on the lace. Focus on the mid-lengths and ends.
Aftercare for Your Wig and Hair
After washing, let the wig air dry completely before storing. Store it on a wig stand or in a satin bag to maintain its shape. For your own hair, keep it moisturized and avoid tight braids that can cause tension. If you wear a wig cap, wash it regularly to prevent buildup.
FAQ
Can I use dry shampoo on a human hair wig?
Yes, dry shampoo can be used between washes to absorb oil and refresh the hair. Apply it sparingly to the roots and brush through. However, it doesn’t replace a proper wash.
How long does a human hair wig last?
With proper care, a human hair wig can last 1 to 3 years, depending on quality and how often you wear it. Regular washing and conditioning help extend its life.
Should I use a clarifying shampoo?
Clarifying shampoo can be used once a month to remove product buildup, but it can be drying. Follow with a deep conditioner. Avoid using it more often.
Can I shampoo a wig while wearing it?
It’s best to remove the wig before washing to avoid tangling and to clean the cap thoroughly. If you must wash it on your head, be very gentle and avoid getting the lace wet.
When to Consider a Replacement
If your wig is beyond repair—for example, the lace has torn, the hair is severely matted, or the cap is stretched out—it may be time for a new one. For a fresh start, consider a new human hair wig. You can browse the Human Hair Wigs collection at LaceWigsBuy to see current styles. If you prefer a glueless option, check out the Glueless Lace Wigs collection. For a specific recommendation, the 16 Inch Body Wave #1B Lace Front Wigs 100% Indian Remy Human Hair is a popular choice for its natural wave and comfortable lace front. Alternatively, the 10 Inch Silky Straight Natural Black 100% Virgin Human Hair Full Lace Wigs offers a sleek, short style with full lace for versatile parting.
About WigAnswers
WigAnswers is an independent, English-language wig guide site. We are not owned by any wig brand or retailer. Every guide opens with a direct answer, and our product recommendations are editorial picks that link to third-party retailers like LaceWigsBuy. For more wig care tips and buying advice, visit our homepage at WigAnswers.