Human hair wig: How to wash and care for it properly

Human hair wigs – with its versatility and naturalness, have now become one type of hair extensions that everyone is seeking for. Human hair wigs are not only soft, smooth and silky, they are also flexible and durable just like your real hair. However, in order to maintain the best condition of human hair wigs for a long time, you need a proper and careful hair care routine. Whether it’s at-home hair care or at a professional hair salon, there are certain notices you should not ignore. Follow Anka Hair in this article to find out! 

I. Human hair wigs need special care

There is one thing so important that no matter how many times it is mentioned, it’s still not enough: Human hair wigs need special care. The day you decide to have a wig that is made from human hair is the day you learn to start a totally new hair care routine with new brushing, washing and styling techniques and special hair care products. This is because your wig has no other source of nourishment. Everything you do or not do will have a direct impact on the condition of your wig. 

II. How often should you wash human hair wigs

In theory, you can wash your wig as often as you want, daily or weekly. There is no restriction related to the frequency of washing human hair wigs. However, keep in mind that the hair is not nourished by the scalp now, over washing it would make the worn out process happen faster. Wash your human hair wig once every week or when the hair begins to get greasy and sticky. 

III. Special hair care products for human hair wigs

To remain soft, smooth and silky, human hair wigs need a large amount of nutrients and moisture that can only be provided through shampoos, conditioners and other hair care products. Regular products can not meet this demand. Some even contain too many chemicals or additives that are harmful to the hair, leaving it dry, easy to get shedding and tangling. That’s why human hair wigs need special hair care products which are nutrient-rich and safe. You can see lists of recommended shampoos for human hair extensions HERE or contact the Anka Hair team to be advised. 

VI. How to wash a human hair wig

Before we start to point out important steps to wash and take care of a human hair wig properly, let’s break down two popular types of human hair wigs. Understanding the differences between them may help when you have to wash it at home. 

• Lace frontal/closure wigs: This type of wig involves a frontal or closure which is sewn into a lace cap together with human hair weaves to form a complete wig. Therefore, you may not be able to remove lace frontal/closure wigs everytime you wash them. 

• Full lace wigs/silk top lace wigs: Human hair is hand-crocheted directly onto a pre-form lace. Sometimes, a piece of silk is added on the top to emphasize the illusion of hair really growing from it. With a full lace wig or silk top lace wig, you can remove it and wash separately.

1.Wash with shampoo

Do a little preparation before washing your wig. With a wide-tooth comb, you brush your hair thoroughly from the tips and work it gently upward to the roots to detangle any frizzy part without breaking the hair. Many people are confused about whether or not to comb their hair when it is wet. Well, of course you can brush it wet. If you are afraid of your hair getting tangled, use a brush that is specialized for wet hair and gently comb it upwardly. It does not matter if you brush when your hair is wet or not, it is the way you brush it that matters. Remember to always be gentle, do not brush with too much force, it will make the hair even more tangled.

Wet your hair under running water. Take a suitable amount of shampoo onto the palm of your hand, leather it and apply on your hair, avoid contacting with the scalp or rubbing the hair too hard. You can use your fingers to massage the scalp and remove all excess oil, buildup sebum and dirt. After washing, rinse your hair well from top to tip with cool water. 

2. Conditioner, hair mask or serum

After washing your wig thoroughly, gently squeeze out the water by using your hands and apply an amount of conditioner to your hair from middle to the tip. Depending on different types of conditioner, you may leave it for a few minutes on your hair and then rinse with cool water. 

Always use a conditioner after washing your human hair wig. Conditioner will nourish the hair, keeping it soft, smooth and shiny for a long time. Adding a hair mask or hair serum after conditioning is optional. If your human hair wig is too dry or frizzy, providing extra nutrition and moisture through hair mask and hair serum will be very effective.

3. Drying and styling

Use your hands or a soft towel to squeeze out the water from your hair and let it air dry. With removable wigs, you can leave it on a wig stand. If possible, avoid using a blow-dryer or brushing until the hair and lace is completely dry. If you have to, use your blow-dryer at low or medium temperature to minimize damage. When the hair is dry, you can style it as normal.

V. Human hair wigs care tips

1. Shampoos, conditioners, hair masks or hair serum specialized for hair extensions are recommended. 
2. Never wash or rinse with hot water since it will damage the outer cuticles of the hair and make it dry. 
3. Always use a brush for dry hair and wet hair separately. 
4. The lace of every wig is delicate. It is recommended that you remove your wig before washing to avoid any tugging or pulling that may tear out the lace. 
5. If the wig is unremovable and you are not sure of how to wash it properly, let a professional hairstylist do it for you. 

Taking care of human hair extensions always requires much effort. Washing a human hair wig and maintaining it the right way is even more challenging since it may involve laces, hair wefts, closures and frontals. However, nothing is impossible if you pay attention. If you have any questions about washing wigs or hair extensions, feel free to contact Anka Hair’s consultant team for the best support. Anka Hair is not only known for its high quality hair products, but also loved by customers for its optimal and extremely helpful support service.