How to Clean and Wash a Wig – Including Synthetic Wig Care

If you’re wondering how to clean your wig properly or asking yourself, “How do I wash my wig without ruining it?” — you’re in the right place. Whether you wear a wig for fashion, convenience, or medical reasons, learning the right way to care for it will help you maintain its quality and extend its lifespan.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know — including how to wash a synthetic wig safely at home.

Why Cleaning Your Wig Matters

Over time, wigs can accumulate oils, sweat, styling products, and environmental dirt. If not cleaned regularly, this buildup can dull the fibers, cause unpleasant odors, and shorten the life of your wig.

Proper cleaning restores freshness, volume, and shine — keeping your wig looking as beautiful as the day you bought it.

How Do I Wash My Wig?

The process of washing a wig varies slightly depending on whether it’s human hair or synthetic, but the general steps remain the same:

What You’ll Need:

• Wide-tooth comb or wig brush

• Wig shampoo (specifically for synthetic or human hair wigs)

• Wig conditioner (for human hair wigs or leave-in spray for synthetics)

• Towel

• Basin or sink

• Wig stand or mannequin head

Step-by-Step: How to Clean Wig

Step 1: Detangle Gently
Use a wide-tooth comb to detangle your wig. Start from the ends and slowly work your way up to the roots.

Step 2: Fill Basin with Cool Water
Fill a sink or basin with cool to lukewarm water. Hot water should be avoided, especially for synthetic wigs, as it can damage the fibers.

Step 3: Add Wig Shampoo
Mix a small amount of wig-specific shampoo into the water and gently swirl to create a mild lather.

Step 4: Soak the Wig
Place the wig in the water and let it soak for 5–10 minutes. Swish it around gently without scrubbing or wringing.

Step 5: Rinse Thoroughly
Rinse the wig under cool running water until all shampoo is gone. Rinse in the direction of the hair to prevent tangling.

Step 6: Condition (Optional)
For human hair wigs, apply conditioner from mid-length to ends. For synthetic wigs, you can use a leave-in conditioning spray if needed.

Step 7: Blot & Dry
Pat the wig dry with a towel — do not rub. Place the wig on a stand and let it air dry completely. Never use a blow dryer on synthetic wigs unless it's heat-safe.

How to Wash a Synthetic Wig

Synthetic wigs require extra care because the fibers are heat-sensitive and can lose shape if handled improperly. Here are a few special tips:

• Use only products labeled “for synthetic wigs”

• Never expose synthetic wigs to heat from dryers, straighteners, or hot water

• Let synthetic wigs air dry naturally

• Avoid brushing while wet — detangle only when dry using a wig brush or wide-tooth comb

Synthetic wigs are designed to hold their style, so there’s no need to re-style them after each wash.

How Often Should I Wash My Wig?

• Every 6–10 wears for occasional use

• Every 4–6 wears if used daily or exposed to heavy styling products

• After workouts or hot weather if sweat buildup occurs

Final Thoughts

Now that you know how to clean a wig, how to wash your wig at home, and specifically how to wash a synthetic wig, you’re set up to keep your hairpiece fresh, stylish, and long-lasting.

Regular care = longer life + better style + more confidence.

Have any more wig care questions? Drop them in the comments below or contact our team for one-on-one support.