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I've worn my cheapo wig quite a few times now and what with grease from the hands, the occasional food crumb (how do women with permanent long hair keep from eating it?!) and possible perspiration, I decided to shampoo it. It wasn't too much of a problem, although next time I think I'll do it with the wig on and try to wash it like real hair, but getting the hair of a cheap wig wet certainly shows off how much, or rather little, hair there is actually attached to the weft. I can see why one should pay rather more for wig if it's going to be worn regularly.
I do have three of these cheap wigs, two as yet unused, but once they've all had one, perhaps two, washes, I think they'll go in the bin. There is a wig online that has been calling to me but it costs £345 (four hundred plus dollars?), but now I see it might be worth it.
Anyone have any helpful tips on how to wash and condition a wig?
@rebeccabaxter I bought a shampoo and conditioner that is unscented, put a few drops in a bucket of cold water and soaked the wig in it for 5 minutes. Then rinsed thoroughly with cold water and stood allowing 24-36 hours drying time on a wig stand. It worked very well on a cheap, synthetic wig. I brushed the wig only after it had dried thoroughly.
This is what I've gleaned on wig care:
Washing: Wash your wig as little as possible. Unless you wear it every day / all day, often use product, or if it has picked up unpleasant smells (e.g. tobacco smoke) wash no more than every 15-25 times it is worn. Try to purchase wigs in a style close to what you want so that you don’t have to use sprays or other products to re-style them. The more hair product you use in the wig, the more you will have to wash it. Brush the wig through before washing and then submerge it in cool (NEVER hot) water with either a special wig shampoo or a fabric detergent, depending on what it’s made of. Leave it to soak for five to ten minutes. Rinse it in clean water, then soak it in clean water with a generous amount of fabric conditioner for artificial wigs, or hair conditioner if it’s made of human hair.
Drying: Never use a hair dryer on a synthetic wig. You should only use these on human hair wigs. Instead, give it a gentle squeeze, pat it dry with a fluffy towel, give it a good shake and then allow it to dry naturally on a wig stand. Afterwards, tease it with a wide-toothed comb.
Hugs
Ellie x
@rebeccabaxter Hi Becca, You might want to look at Godiva's Secret Wigs. They have numerous videos on UTube on how to wash and care for a wig. Even some on how to size, style and trim a wig.
I've bought several from them and everyone has been great for me.
I bought a shampoo and conditioner made specificially for wigs (synthetic or human, brand estetitca).
I have admit, both work very well and both really do help clean the wigs and it also helps detangle.
I follow the instructions, using the bathroom sink and filling it with luke cool water, dropping a few drops of shampoo, letting it soak, then rinse as well as I can. Then I use a few drops of conditioner on the wig, soak it again in luke cool water, then rinse and then use a towel to lightly pat dry.
I then take the wig downstairs and let it air dry. It looks like a hairy groundhog but after at least 24 hours the wig is dry and ready to be worn.
@wendyswift great tip, Wendy! I gave it a try and it really really worked well. Thank you so much!
I’ve been contemplating the same issue Becca! Thanks for the great idea Wendy! That is exactly what I will do too.
I use a wig shampoo and conditioner bought on amazon, Amy at Just You in Las Vegas turned me on to Mane and Tail for horses as a de-tangler.
Thanks for all your replies. I did use wig shampoo and conditioner and it is drying even as we speak. I brushed it out a little while it was wet as I thought the conditioner would improve the slidability of the wide comb and so far it seems to be ok.
@Ellie, don't think I waited that long before washing it, I went on how long I might wait if it was my real hair, forgetting that if it was real then my scalp would be putting out oils that a wig doesn't get much of, so thanks for bringing that to my attention.
I am a regular daily wearer. I have paid around £250-£300 for wigs and follow this regime.
I use a wig shampoo and separate conditioner. I use warm water in a sink and add the required amount of shampoo. I lay the pre combed wig in the water and leave for about ten minutes then gently press the wig in the water then scoop it up with my fingers at the front and lift and drop in the water a few times then change the water and swish through to cleanse the shampoo out. I refill the basin with warm water and the required amount of conditioner and follow the same process as washing.
I then hang the wig until the water drains then - this might go against the grain - I use a hairdryer to dry it off, gently brushing as I go.
The majority of good wigs are heat resistant so can take this, just read the information on the wig and they can be curled too! One wig will give me at least 6 months of regular wear. I have learned a few trimming tips from my hairdresser which I deploy if need be.
I have a hairdresser who styles the wig in and any maintenance if needed.
Best to use non-sulfate shampoos & conditioners on wigs. Also, wig makers recommend cool not hot water.
Hi all my sister wig wearers 🙂 Okay let me share what I do with my wigs, seeing as I wear one each and every day, the only time I'm not wearing my wig is if I'm asleep or in the shower.
Lots of similarities mentioned, but here's my routine: Fill the clean sink with lukewarm water and add the shampoo according to its instructions. I then place the combed out wig in the sink and gently press it down into the water. I leave it for 5 minutes and then take it by the crown and gently swish it around in the water. I then hold it by the crown and let water drip of by gently squeezing the tresses, while doing this I have drained the sink, rinsed it out and filled it with clear lukewarm water that I rinse the wig with. The same procedure is used for conditioner, also using lukewarm water. The wig is then laid on a thick dry towel and the towel is gently rolled up to remove dripping water. I then place the wig on a wig stand and let it air dry. When it is dry enough to do so, I then run my fingertips through the tresses to gently remove and tangles. When the wig has dried I comb it out and she's ready to tackle her world.
I currently have 4 wigs of the same style and color, these are Raquel Welch wigs and the stye is called "Classic Cut." I wash a wig about every six weeks and rotate them, so I figure they'll last me at least 18 months or longer.
Hugs girls,
Ms. Lauren M
Great Topic, somthing I need to do to my oldest wig.
