How to Protect and Care for a Wig

Last Updated: September 2, 2022

Wigs: an investment. You wouldn't just pay a couple hundred to a couple thousand dollars for nothing, would you? Proper care for a wig can help protect it's longevity and keep you looking great.

Steps

1
Be gentle when combing a wig. Do not use regular brushes, and if you can, only comb it. It doesn't need combed every day, so let it rest.^{[1]
X
Research source}
2
While you're sitting at home, take it off and put it on a wig stand. The stand will help keep its shape and taking it off your head takes away from your own tugging and pulling hairs out.^{[2]
X
Research source}

Advertisement
3
After washing a wig, do not shake it in a towel. Be careful and dry it piece-by-piece. This makes sure that strands of fibers don't fall off. Also, never style your wig while it's wet. Even those wet-to-style hair stylers are known to damage your wig.^{[3]
X
Trustworthy Source
BreastCancer.org
Patient-focused nonprofit organization providing resources for those affected by breast cancer
Go to source}
4
After saturating your wig in water, squeeze it dry. Don't wring it or the base of your wig could become mis-shaped and dry funny.^{[4]
X
Research source}
5
While washing your hair, never use shampoo meant for natural hair. ''Even though normal conditioner is OK, the shampoo is too harsh and can lead to hair falling out.
6
You can condition your hair every couple weeks or so, to keep it shiny and soft. Make sure you don't do that every day and be sure to rinse it all out or it could lead to build-up in your wig.
7
Only wash your wig after wearing it 25 times. If you do this daily or even weekly, it can lead to your wig looking less realistic and falling apart.^{[5]
X
Trustworthy Source
BreastCancer.org
Patient-focused nonprofit organization providing resources for those affected by breast cancer
Go to source}

Community Q&A

Question

How do I store it?

Community Answer

You can put it in the bag it came in, or you can put it on a wig stand. Keep high and away from pets and children.
Question

Why do the ends of my wig get frizzy?

Community Answer

It's most likely because of constant use or brushing too aggressively. Wigs are fragile, you need to be really careful when handling them.
Question

How do I untangle the hair of my wig? It's frizzy and looks like a mess.

Community Answer

You can gently untangle the hair with your hands, and use a conditioner afterwards if needed.