Many people mistakenly treat wigs like natural hair, but wigs need special attention to stay in shape. Taking good care of a wig is the key to making it last longer and look its best. Whether you own human hair or synthetic styles, knowing how to take care of a wig can help extend its lifespan.
In this guide, Arabella Hair will walk you through 10 essential wig care tips — from detangling and washing to storing and protecting. By following the simple advice, you'll not only protect your investment but also enjoy effortless style every time you wear your wig.
1. Learn About Human Hair vs Synthetic Wigs
The specifics of how to take care of a wig vary depending on the wig type. Human hair wigs are crafted from 100% real hair, giving them a natural look, longer lifespan, and the ability to be heat-styled or colored by professionals. In contrast, synthetic wigs are made from man-made fibers, designed to hold their style even after washing, but they are more sensitive to heat and chemical treatments.
When it comes to wig maintenance, the differences matter. Human hair wigs require gentle washing, conditioning, and occasional styling—similar to natural hair care. Synthetic wig care, however, involves avoiding heat tools, using cool water washes, and applying products made specifically for synthetic fibers. Knowing your wig type helps you choose the right routine, so you can keep it looking fresh and extend its wear.
2. Detangle Your Wig Before Wearing
A simple yet crucial step in how to take care of a wig is gently detangling it before each wear. Always use a wide-tooth comb or a special wig brush, starting from the ends and working your way up to the roots gradually. This prevents unnecessary pulling and stress on the fibers or hair strands.
Detangling not only keeps your wig looking smooth and natural but also prevents matting and extends its lifespan. It is an essential part of wig care, ensuring your hairstyle stays polished and manageable every day. Taking just a few minutes to detangle can make a big difference in maintaining your wig's appearance and durability.
3. Never Sleep in Your Wig
All wig care tips warn against sleeping with your wig on. This makes sense; because doing so causes intense friction against the pillow, leading to severe tangling, matting, and premature frizz. The constant rubbing can also break the fibers of a synthetic wig or strain the knots of a human hair wig, accelerating wear and tear.
For proper human hair wig care and synthetic maintenance, always remove your wig before bed. Gently brush it and place it on a wig stand or mannequin head overnight. This simple habit allows the fibers to breathe, helps them retain their intended shape, and is essential for keeping your investment looking flawless for much longer.
4. Skip DIY Wig Coloring
When considering how to take care of a wig, coloring is an area where extra caution is needed. Human hair wigs can technically be dyed, but frequent or improper coloring weakens the strands, reducing shine and softness. Synthetic wigs, on the other hand, are made from artificial fibers that do not absorb dye in the same way; traditional coloring methods can easily ruin them. For synthetic wig care, it’s best to avoid dyeing altogether.
No matter the wig type, DIY coloring carries risks of uneven shades, dryness, or even permanent damage. If you want a new look, consult a professional stylist who has experience with wigs. They can apply safe techniques and products to help you achieve the color you want without compromising the quality of your wig. Keeping dyeing moderate and professional ensures your wig lasts longer and maintains its natural appeal.
5. Use Wig-Safe Care Products
To properly take care of a wig, remember that washing wigs requires different products than natural hair. Regular shampoos and conditioners often contain harsh chemicals that can strip moisture, weaken fibers, and shorten the wig’s lifespan if used frequently.
Always opt for gentle, wig-specific shampoos, conditioners, and sprays. For a synthetic wig, use cool water and cleaners designed for synthetic fibers. For human hair wigs, sulfate-free and moisturizing products are best. Investing in the right wig care products is a simple way to preserve the vibrancy, softness, and style of your investment.
6. Dry Your Wig Properly
How you dry your wig is a critical part of how to take care of a wig. Improper drying — such as rubbing with a towel or using high heat — can cause frizz, breakage, or permanent fiber damage. To correctly care for a wig, drying it with patience is essential.
For human hair wigs, gently blot with a microfiber towel to remove excess water, then let it air-dry on a wig stand. If you must use a blow dryer, keep it on a low-heat setting and use a heat protectant. For synthetic wigs, avoid blow dryers altogether; allow them to air-dry naturally, as heat can melt or warp the fibers.
7. Apply Makeup Carefully with a Wig On
An essential part of wig care tips is being mindful of your beauty routine. The golden rule is to apply your makeup before putting on your wig. This prevents foundation, powders, and setting sprays from settling on the hairline and fibers, which can cause stubborn buildup and dullness.
If you need to touch up your makeup afterward, take extra care. Use a small, precise brush and avoid powdery or aerosol products that can easily drift onto the wig. Oils and alcohol in cosmetics can be particularly damaging to synthetic fibers, making proper synthetic wig care vital. If any product does get on the wig, gently spot-clean the area with a damp cloth and wig-safe cleaner immediately.
8. Protect Your Wig from Sun and Heat
Understanding how to take care of a wig means knowing that prolonged exposure to intense sun and high heat is its enemy. UV rays can cause the fibers to fade and become brittle, while excessive heat, especially from styling tools, can permanently damage both synthetic and human hair wigs. For synthetic fibers, high heat can melt or singe them, ruining the style irreversibly.
If you have a human hair wig, minimize heat styling. When using hot tools, always apply a heat protectant spray first and use the lowest effective temperature. A key part of synthetic wig care is to avoid heat styling altogether. Whenever you're in direct sunlight for extended periods, consider wearing a hat or scarf to shield your wig, or use a UV protection spray designed for wigs. This simple vigilance will preserve its color and texture.
9. Keep Your Natural Hair Clean
A crucial but often overlooked aspect of how to care for a wig is maintaining clean natural hair underneath. Oils, sweat, and product buildup from your own hair can quickly transfer to the wig cap, leading to odors and staining, which can shorten its lifespan.
For optimal synthetic and human hair wig care, it's recommended to wash and thoroughly dry your natural hair before wearing a wig. If you wear wigs daily, maintain a regular hair washing routine that suits your scalp type. As a general rule, your wig itself does not need to be washed after every wear. Synthetic wigs may need washing every 10-15 wears, while human hair wigs can often go 15-20 wears between washes, depending on use and environment. This balance keeps both your natural hair and your wig fresh and healthy.
10. Get Help from Wig Professionals
Even with the best wig care tips, some challenges require an expert's touch. If your wig has severe tangling, unusual shedding, or complex styling needs, seeking professional help is the safest way to restore it. Specialists have the tools and expertise to restore shape, refresh color, and guide you on how to take care of a wig without risking damage.
At the same time, remember that caring for a wig isn't only about upkeep — it's also about knowing when to invest in a new piece. Arabella Hair offers high-quality human hair wigs in multiple styles, colors, and lengths, also perfect for anyone wanting a fresh look or those experiencing hair loss. Even if you don't have professional help nearby, choosing a reliable brand like Arabella gives you a natural, ready-to-wear option that requires minimal effort.
FAQs About How to Take Care of a Wig
What is the lifespan of a wig?
The lifespan of a wig depends on several factors, including the type of hair, frequency of use, and how well it is cared for. Human hair wigs generally last longer than synthetic wigs, often ranging from 6 months to over a year with regular wear and proper maintenance. Synthetic wigs, while more affordable, typically last between 4 to 6 months if worn daily.
What should you not use on a wig?
You should not use regular shampoos, conditioners, or styling products meant for natural hair on synthetic wigs, as these can cause tangling, frizz, or fiber melting. Avoid applying excessive heat to synthetic wigs unless they are specifically labeled as heat-resistant. Alcohol-based products, oils, or heavy creams can weigh down the wig, leave residue, or make it look greasy. Additionally, never brush a wet wig aggressively, as this can stretch or break the fibers. Using products and tools specifically designed for wigs ensures they stay soft, natural-looking, and long-lasting.
Can wigs be worn every day?
Yes, wigs can be worn daily, but proper care is key to maintaining their appearance and longevity. Wash them regularly according to type, avoid excessive heat or harsh products, and rotate between wigs to reduce wear. With proper maintenance, daily-worn wigs can stay natural-looking and comfortable for months.
