How to properly cleanse and condition your human hair wig and synthetic wig

We wear wigs for various reasons; some have hairline issues, others are undergoing chemotherapy, while others just do it for a different look. Wigs also don’t come cheap and as such need to be well taken care of. To make them look great longer, they must be given proper care. Just like they say about your hair, love your wig and it will love you back.

To keep your wig in tip top shape, you should cleanse regularly. Here is how to properly cleanse and condition your human hair wig for the best look.

Detangle: The first thing you should do before washing a wig is to detangle it using a wide tooth comb. Work gradually from the ends and working toward the base.

Shampoo: Use lukewarm water and a gentle touch to get the hair wet. Hot water is discouraged as it can loosen the wefts of the hair. Do not, however, soak the hair as this can lead to tangling. Distribute the shampoo evenly throughout the hair. If your wig is human hair, avoid abrasive type of shampoo e.g. dandruff or medical shampoos.

Rinse: When rinsing, ensure the water that runs through the hair flows in the same direction so that the hair does not tangle. Never submerge a human hair wig in water, as this will result in matting. Once all the shampoo is removed, pat the hair gently using a soft towel to remove excess water. Do not wring or twist the towel.

Conditioner: If your wig is human hair, an occasional deep conditioning treatment will be ideal. Distribute the conditioner throughout the hair but do not get to the roots. Rinse the hair thoroughly with lukewarm water.

Dry: Use a soft towel to gently pat and press the hair to remove excess water, ensuring you don’t rub, squeeze, twist or wring the hair. Place the wig on a stand and let it air dry. Brush it using a wide tooth comb once it is dry. Brushing it while still wet will do more harm.

For synthetic wigs, fill a basin or sink with lukewarm water. Add a tablespoon of shampoo; this makes suds. Thoroughly brush the wig then submerge it in the water. Gently shake it and massage it gently using your finger tips to remove any hair products you may have used to style the wig.

Do not rub or pull the wig. You will notice the water getting discoloured as a result of the oils, dust and other hair products that may have come into contact with the hair. Pour out the water and replace with clean water and let the wig soak for about five minutes. Remove it and then gently pat it with a soft towel. Apply a conditioning spray lightly across the wig; hold it approximately a foot away from the wig. Let the wig air dry then you can brush it.

Apart from washing, you still need to do other things to maintain the hair. Hydrate: Whether it is synthetic or human hair, your wig will still need hydration and that is best achieved using a leave-in conditioner.

Generally, only wash your wig when you need to so that you prolong its life. Use products designed for wigs. Treat the wig as you would your own natural hair. When it’s time to sleep, remove your wig so that you don’t compromise its structure and style.