How to Wash a Wig? Guide for Human Hair & Synthetic Wigs

Can you wash a wig? Absolutely — cleaning is essential to keep your wig looking fresh, natural, and comfortable to wear. But the right method depends on the type of wig you have. Human hair wigs require gentle care similar to natural hair, while synthetic wigs need special handling to protect their fibers.

In this article, Arabella Hair will explain step by step how to wash a wig, from preparation to drying, so you know exactly what to do. You'll also learn how to properly wash human hair wig styles, the differences compared with synthetic options, and the best aftercare tips. By the end, you'll feel confident about maintaining your wig's beauty and extending its lifespan.

What You Need Before Washing a Wig

Proper preparation is crucial to successfully cleaning your wig. Having the right tools on hand will make the process smooth and protect your investment. Before you step into how to wash a wig, gather these essentials to ensure you're ready for either method.

Tools for Human Hair Wigs:

When preparing for how to wash a human hair wig, you'll need:

● A clean basin or sink with cool to lukewarm water

● A towel for blotting excess water

● A wide-tooth comb or wig brush to gently detangle strands

● Mild, sulfate-free shampoo and moisturizing conditioner

● A wig stand or mannequin head for drying and styling

Tools for Synthetic Wigs:

If you want to know how to wash a synthetic wig, the tools are slightly different:

● A clean basin with cool water only (never hot)

● A soft towel for gentle drying

● A wig brush or wide-tooth comb designed for synthetic fibers

● Wig-specific shampoo and conditioner (formulated for synthetic hair)

● A wig stand to air dry without losing shape

How to Wash a Human Hair Wig

Perfect! With your supplies gathered, you're ready to begin. Learning how to wash a human hair wig requires a gentle touch, much like caring for your own natural hair. Follow these steps carefully to clean your human hair wig effectively without tangles or damage.

Step 1. Secure the wig on a stand. Using a wide-tooth comb, start from the ends and work upward to gently remove all knots. Remember not to brush a dry wig from the roots.

Step 2. Fill a basin with cool, lukewarm water. Add a small amount of sulfate-free shampoo. Swirl gently to mix.

Step 3. Immerse the wig in the water, letting it soak for 2–3 minutes. Swish gently without rubbing or twisting. This helps to clean human hair wig strands without damaging the cuticles.

Step 4. Rinse under cool running water until all shampoo is gone. Avoid using hot water, which can dry out the hair.

Step 5. Apply a moisturizing conditioner, avoiding the base or knots to prevent loosening. Leave it for 3–5 minutes, then rinse thoroughly.

Step 6. Gently pat the wig with a towel to remove excess water. Place it back on the stand and allow it to air dry completely before styling.

Note: Don't use a hairdryer on high heat.

How to Wash a Synthetic Wig

Just like human hair wigs, synthetic wigs also need regular cleaning — but the process is different. Follow the steps to how to wash a synthetic wig below help maintain its style, softness, and shape without causing fiber damage.

Step 1. Place the wig on a stand and gently comb through with a wide-tooth comb, starting from the ends. For heavily tangled wigs, a spritz of synthetic wig detangler can help.

Step 2. Fill a basin with cold water. Add a small amount of specialized synthetic wig shampoo and swirl to create suds.

Step 3. Submerge the wig in soapy water. Gently swish it back and forth for 2-3 minutes. Never rub or wring the fibers, as this causes frizz and tangling.

Step 4. Drain the soapy water. Refill the basin with fresh, cold water and rinse the wig by swishing it until all soap residue is gone.

Note: You can add a drop of fabric softener to the final rinse water for extra softness.

Step 5. Gently press excess water from the wig with a towel. Do not twist or rub. Place the wig on its stand and allow it to air-dry naturally away from direct heat or sunlight. Never use a blow dryer on a synthetic wig.

How to Wash a Synthetic Wig

Differences Between Washing Human Hair and Synthetic Wigs

Not all wigs are cleaned in the same way. Therefore, understanding the washing differences between human hair and synthetic wigs is crucial for proper care. Here's a side-by-side comparison to guide you in choosing the right care routine when learning how to wash a wig.

	Human Hair Wigs	Synthetic Wigs
Shampoo Type	Sulfate-free human hair shampoo	Specialized synthetic wig shampoo
Detangling	Easier to detangle with a wide-tooth comb	Must be very gentle, tangles more easily
Water Temperature	Cool to lukewarm	Always Cold
Drying & Styling	Can be blow-dried and heat-styled (low to medium heat)	Cannot use heat styling; must air dry
Frequency	Can be washed frequently like natural hair	Wash less to preserve style and fibers
Lifespan	1–2 years with proper care	4–6 months with regular wear

Extra Care Tips After Washing a Wig

Learning how to wash a wig is just the first step. Proper aftercare is equally important to keep your wig looking fresh, natural, and long-lasting. Here are some wig care tips for both human hair and synthetic options, along with common mistakes to avoid.

For human hair wigs, always air-dry on a stand and use low-heat tools only when completely dry. A key tip is to wash it every 7-14 wears to prevent oil and product buildup. For storage, always keep it on a wig stand and away from direct sunlight to preserve its color and shape. A common mistake is brushing the wig while it's still wet, which can lead to stretching and breakage.

For synthetic wigs, air-drying on a stand is non-negotiable. Wash it less frequently—only after 15-20 wears—to maintain its style. Never brush it until it's 90% dry to prevent frizz. Store it on a stand away from sunlight to avoid fiber degradation. Avoid any heat styling, as it melts the fibers. Proper storage is just as important as the wash itself.

Final Thoughts

Learning how to wash a wig properly helps keep your wig long-lasting, whether it's human hair or synthetic. Preparing the right tools, following careful washing steps, and practicing proper aftercare ensure your wig looks natural and stays manageable for every wear.

For those who want high-quality, easy-to-maintain options, consider Arabella Hair. Its collection features 100% human hair wigs, offering unparalleled realism and durability. Unlike synthetic options, they can be washed, styled with heat, and even dyed to match your desired look. From beginners learning to wash a human hair wig to experienced wearers, Arabella Hair is perfect for everyone.

FAQs About How to Wash a Wig

How to wash a synthetic wig without wig shampoo?

You can wash a synthetic wig without wig shampoo using gentle alternatives. Fill a basin with cool water and add a small amount of mild detergent, baby shampoo, or gentle fabric softener. Submerge the wig, gently swirl for a few minutes, then rinse thoroughly with cool water. Blot excess water with a towel and place on a wig stand to air dry, away from direct sunlight or heat.

How often should you wash your wig?

Wig washing frequency depends on wear and type. Human hair wigs: every 7–14 wears; synthetic wigs: 10–15 wears. Exposure to products, sweat, or pollutants may require more frequent washing. Avoid over-washing to protect fibers, and always condition and dry properly to maintain texture and shape.

How long should you let your wig soak?

When washing a wig, soaking time depends on the wig type and the purpose of washing. For most wigs, including human hair and synthetic, a gentle soak of 5–10 minutes is sufficient to loosen dirt and styling products. Avoid soaking for too long, especially synthetic wigs, as prolonged exposure to water can affect the fibers and cause tangling or frizz.