Let us first start by saying your natural hair isn't something that needs to be fixed or covered up with a wig. But for all those times you may want a little va-va-voom for your hair, we’ve listed all the dos and don’ts of taking care of your wig or basic weaves. Luckily for you, we’ve compiled this handy guide on how to care for your wig and weaves so that they last for as long as possible.
How Often Should I Wash My Wig or Weave?
So, how often should you wash your wig or weave? We say it depends on how often you wear your wig! A good rule of thumb is washing it every two weeks but, if you’re wearing it out and about, it could get dirtier the longer you leave it. At the end of the day, it should always smell fresh and feel silky smooth.
What Tools Do I Need to Clean My Wig or Weave?
Start with a brush that will comb through the hair thoroughly but gently. Our Tangle Teezer Fine and Fragile Brush acts as the perfect wig brush. The soft-flex teeth are designed to brush through the hair to remove any tangles or knots without excessive pulling or breakage. You’ll also need some wig-friendly shampoo and conditioner (depending on the type of weave you have) and a resealable bag to safely store your hair.
Wash Your Wig Or Weave With Shampoo And Conditioner
Weird as it may sound, but the best way to care for your wig is to wash it. Yes, you read that right. Wigs can get dirty and smelly, just like any other piece of clothing. If you’re washing real human hair, all you need to do is wash it with a mild shampoo and conditioner like you would wash your own hair. If you’re washing synthetic hair, make sure you use a wig shampoo and wig conditioner that will clean the hair gently.
There are two reasons why you should wash your wig: first, it will remove the dirt and old styling products from the wig. Second, washing it will make it softer and more manageable to style. Don’t worry about harming your wig or weaves with washing - you can safely wash them in cold water and mild shampoos. Just make sure you blot it dry with a towel and don’t twist or wring it.
Don’t Use Hot Water
While washing your wig/weave, never use hot water - this will damage the hair. Instead, use cold water which is just as effective at cleaning the wig. You might be tempted to use hot water because it will clean the wig quicker, but if you use hot water, you’ll damage the hair follicles and the wig will lose its volume and shine.
Tangle Teezer Top Tip: If your wig is synthetic, you’ll be fine using cold water. If it is a human hair wig, then use warm water instead.
Turn It Inside Out Before Washing
Even if you wash your wig in cold water, it will still be pretty warm. That is why you should turn your wig inside out before washing it so that the inside of the wig is protected from dirt and water. This way, you’ll extend the life of your wig by at least a few months!
Let It Air Dry
After rinsing off the shampoo, turn your wig inside out again. Let it air dry on a shower cap or on a towel. You can also try blow-drying the hair to speed up the process, but make sure the heat is on low so you don’t damage the wig. Just make sure you don’t get the blow dryer too close to the wig or you might damage it.
Store In The Resealable Bag It Came In
Some wig and weave sellers will come with a resealable bag. Make sure you store your wig or set of weaves in that bag. If it is synthetic, you can also use an anti-static bag. This will keep the wig and weave clean, safe from germs and dust, and will let it breathe. Make sure you don’t store your wig/weave in direct sunlight - this will damage the fibres and make it look faded! Also, don’t stack your wigs - it will cause creases and damage. But, if you want to keep your hair in the ultimate condition, try investing in a wig stand.
Don’t Toss Your Wig/Weave in The Dryer!
Some wig and weave sellers will say that you can throw your wig in the washing machine or dryer. Take our advice: don’t! Not only will doing so damage the hair and make it look frizzy and brittle, but the heat from the dryer can melt or burn the hair fibres on both human hair wigs and synthetic wigs. The result? Some burnt hair on a misshapen wig cap...
There you have it, our six tips for washing and caring for your wig and weave. Essentially, the better you care for your wig or weave = the longer it will last. If you take anything away from our article, let it be this: make sure to use cool water, a wig-friendly shampoo and conditioner, and never throw the hair in the dryer. If you follow these steps, you’ll be able to make your hair last longer. If you're curious to find out how to style your wig, read our article on how to find the best wig for you.