How to Clean Synthetic Wigs

Synthetic Hair Isn’t Human Hair

…To state the obvious. Many different man-made filaments and polymers can be used to make wigs. This means your normal hair products won’t work with a synthetic wig. Worst case, they can actually damage them. Thankfully, if you follow a few of the steps below, you will see how to clean synthetic wigs; it’s easy. There are a few tools that can make things even easier available online for pretty cheap, or you can use what you have on hand. This process should work for cap synthetic wigs or lace front synthetic wigs. Just a note; links in this article are affiliate links. If you use them to purchase anything, I will receive a small amount of commission at no cost to you.

How to Care for Synthetic Wigs

So you’ve just opened up your wig. Now what? It’s best to follow a few simple steps to get the best use out of your synthetic wig:

1. Comb out your wig

It’s best to use a wide-toothed comb. I mostly see metal-toothed wig brush recommended for this. There are combs specially designed for wigs. You can find plenty of examples on Amazon, of course. Be gentle. Start by combing out the bottom of the wig first, close to the ends, and slowly work your way up to the scalp.

2. Wash with cold, soapy water

There are wig-specific shampoos that work well. This is the one I use on my synthetic wigs. It’s important to use cold water. Heat can damage or reset the style of your wig, which can be used if you want to straighten or curl your wig. If you’re washing, use cold water only. A bucket or a clean sink will work well if you’re washing your wig at home. A large enough bowl will work, too.

If you’ve been wearing your wig, this step can remove a build-up of sweat, makeup, hairspray and dust that can collect in the wig over time. It’s best to follow any directions included with whatever wig shampoo you are using. The one you see in the photo recommends allowing the wig to soak for a minimum of 10 minutes.

3. Let the Wig Air-Dry

After swishing your wig around in the cool, soapy water for a minute or two, remove and set on a towel to air-dry before doing anything else. Alternatively, you can set your wig on a wig form or wig stand. Wigs can be patted with a towel to keep them from dripping so much while they dry. It’s best to keep wigs out of direct sunlight, which can damage the fibers.

4. Comb and Condition

Once your wig is dry, comb it out again. I use this spray-on leave-in conditioner before I comb (I really like the scent it has, which is also subtle enough not to be overpowering). Once again, start at the bottom of the wig and work your way to the scalp.

Remember to be gentle with your wig. Here’s a really cool thing about synthetic wigs; many of the pre-styled wigs will go back to that style after being washed and dried. This can save a lot of time, since you should only need to re-style your wig when you want a different look. I’ve written a short guide to how to style a synthetic wig here.

Storing Your Synthetic Wig

Once your wig is clean, dry, conditioned and combed, it can be stored on a wig stand if you have one (I found my foam wig head at walmart for less than five bucks), or hanging up in a closet (a coat hanger isn’t ideal, but works in a pinch). As long as you keep your hairpiece cool, dry and out of direct sunlight, it will be fine. If you’re putting your synthetic wig away for an extended period, it can be laid carefully into a box or plastic container for storage. I found these wig hanging bags, too, but I haven’t tried them. It looks like a great way to keep wigs from accumulating dust. If you do get them, shoot me a message and tell me how it went.

When you get the wig out to use again, all you will need to do is run your fingers through the locks, and it will be ready to go.

It’s best to wash a regularly used wig once a month, maybe every two weeks at most. Washing and combing a hairpiece provides plenty of opportunity for wear or damage that having it on your head will not. You can use your discretion in special cases; if something gets spilled on your wig, like food or drink, it’s probably best to go ahead and get that clean as soon as possible.

It’s also a lot easier to take care of hair that you can remove from your head; if you’ve taken care of natural long hair, you’re in for a very different experience that you’ll probably like when you take care of a wig. If you follow these steps for wig maintenance, it will help your wig last as long as possible, giving you plenty of opportunities to rock whatever look you are going for.