How to Best Wash a Human Hair Wig: Complete UK Guide 2025

Introduction: The Essential Guide to Washing Your Human Hair Wig

Learning how to best wash a human hair wig properly is essential for maintaining its quality, softness, and natural appearance. Your Evara human hair wig is a significant investment that deserves expert care. With the right washing routine, your wig can stay beautiful, soft, and last up to two years or longer.

Unlike your natural hair, a wig doesn’t receive natural oils from your scalp. This means it needs specialised care to stay hydrated, tangle-free, and healthy-looking. According to hair care experts at Byrdie, proper wig maintenance can dramatically extend the lifespan of human hair wigs while maintaining their luxurious feel.

Think of caring for your human hair wig like maintaining a delicate cashmere garment—it can handle regular wear, but it thrives with gentle, intentional care. So learning how to best wash a human hair wig is key, below is a table of contents:

Table of Contents

1. Why Proper Care Matters When You Wash a Human Hair Wig
2. Daily Use & Maintenance Checklist
3. How Often Should You Wash a Human Hair Wig?
4. How to Wash a Human Hair Wig: Step-by-Step Guide
5. How to Dry and Store Your Wig Properly
6. Best Products for Human Hair Wigs
7. FAQs & Quick Dos/Don’ts
8. Conclusion: Simple Care for Lasting Confidence

Why Proper Care Matters When You Wash a Human Hair Wig {#why-proper-care-matters}

Taking excellent care of your wig goes beyond aesthetics, it directly impacts how long it lasts and how natural it looks on you. So follow the guide on how to best wash a human hair wig below:

Benefits of proper washing:

• Maximise lifespan: A consistent care routine can add months or even years to your wig’s life, protecting your investment.
• Prevent matting and damage: Avoid wearing your wig while sleeping, showering, or swimming. These activities cause tangles, dryness, and wear on the delicate lace. Friction from scarves or high collars can also create tangles at the nape.
• Preserve softness and texture: Using sulphate-free shampoos and moisturising conditioners helps the hair retain moisture and maintain its silky feel.
• Maintain natural appearance: A clean, well-maintained wigs look more realistic and blend seamlessly with your style.

Professional stylists at Good Housekeeping emphasise that gentle washing techniques are crucial for preserving the integrity of human hair wigs.

If you’re interested in exploring my collection of premium human hair wigs, each one is personally customised in London for a flawless, natural look.

Daily Use & Maintenance Checklist {#daily-maintenance}

Before washing, daily maintenance is part of how to best wash a human hair wig because it prevents build-up and keeps your wig in optimal condition:

• Brush daily: Gently detangle with a wide-tooth comb or wig brush, always starting from the ends and working upward
• Avoid excessive heat: Limit heat styling to preserve hair structure
• Protect at night: Remove your wig before sleeping or use a satin bonnet and silk pillowcase
• Keep away from harsh environments: Avoid chlorine, salt water, and extreme weather
• Store properly: Use a wig stand or the original box when not wearing

How Often Should You Wash a Human Hair Wig? {#wash-frequency}

The frequency of washing a human hair wig depends on how often you wear it:

• Daily wear: Wash every 6 to 8 wears
• Occasional wear: Every 2 to 3 weeks is typically sufficient
• Signs it needs washing: Feels heavy, tangles more than usual, looks dull even after detangling, or has product buildup

Pay attention to how your wig feels and looks. When it starts losing its bounce or feels weighted down, it’s time for a wash.

How to Wash a Human Hair Wig: Step-by-Step Guide {#washing-steps}

When you wash a human hair wig, following the correct process prevents damage and maintains quality. Here’s the best way to wash your wig:

Step 1: Prep and Detangle

Place your wig on a wig block head or stand if you have one. This makes handling easier and protects the cap structure.

Gently detangle using a wide-tooth comb, always starting from the ends and working your way up to the roots. Never pull or tug—patience prevents breakage.

Step 2: Wet the Hair Properly

Use cool to lukewarm water—never hot, as heat can damage the hair fibers and loosen the knots.

Let water run down the hair from roots to ends in a downward motion. Don’t soak the wig in a bowl or swirl it around, as this causes unnecessary tangling.

Step 3: Shampoo Gently

Put a small amount of sulfate-free shampoo in your palms and rub your hands together to create a light lather.

Smooth the shampoo through the hair using gentle downward strokes. Don’t scrub, bunch, or rub the hair together—treat it like delicate silk.

Rinse thoroughly in a downward motion until the water runs completely clear.

Step 4: Condition from Mid-Lengths to Ends

Apply a moisturizing conditioner to the middle section and ends of the hair. Avoid the base and lace area where knots are tied, as conditioner can loosen them.

Leave the conditioner in for 2-3 minutes to allow it to penetrate and hydrate the hair fibers.

Step 5: Final Rinse and Brush-Through

Rinse with cool water, continuing the downward motion. Cool water helps seal the hair cuticle for added shine.

While rinsing, gently brush through the hair with your fingers or a wide-tooth comb to remove any remaining conditioner and smooth the strands.

Step 6: Optional Leave-In Treatment

For extra moisture and protection, mist a light leave-in conditioner onto the damp hair. Focus on the lengths and ends, avoiding the lace and cap area to prevent buildup.

Step 7: Dry Gently with a Towel

Gently blot excess water with a soft, clean towel. Never rub, twist, or wring the hair as this causes frizz and breakage.

Pat and press the towel against the hair to absorb moisture without roughing up the cuticle.

For more detailed guidance on wig care, read our article on natural hair care under wigs.

How to Dry and Store Your Wig Properly {#drying-storage}

Proper drying and storage are just as important as washing when you care for a human hair wig.

Drying Your Wig

Air drying is always best:

1. Place the wig on a wig stand so air can circulate evenly around all sides
2. Allow it to air dry naturally—this typically takes 4-6 hours depending on density
3. When it’s about 80% dry, you can give the roots a quick 1-2 minute blast of low heat with a blow dryer. This helps dry the cap faster and keeps the knots secure
4. Once fully dry, you can style it lightly with low-heat tools if desired. Always use heat protectant spray first

Storing Your Wig

When your wig is completely dry:

• Detangle gently before putting it away
• Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight, which can fade color
• Use a wig stand if you wear it frequently for easy access and shape retention
• Use the original box for long-term storage or travel to protect it from dust and damage

Proper storage prevents tangling, maintains the wig’s shape, and protects the lace from tearing.

If you’re looking for premium HD lace wigs that blend seamlessly with your scalp, explore our London-customised collection.

Best Products for Human Hair Wigs {#best-products}

Using wig-safe products makes all the difference in how your wig looks and feels:

Essential products:

• Sulfate-free shampoo: Cleanses gently without stripping natural moisture
• Deep moisturizing conditioner: Apply only to mid-lengths and ends to maintain softness
• Light leave-in spray: Helps with daily detangling and adds a protective layer
• Heat protectant spray: Essential before using any heat styling tools
• Silicone-free shine serum (optional): Just a tiny drop on the ends adds polish and reduces frizz. Avoid applying to the lace area

According to beauty experts at Allure, choosing products specifically designed for chemically untreated hair ensures your wig maintains its texture and longevity.

FAQs & Quick Dos/Don’ts {#faqs}

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I sleep in my wig?

It’s not recommended. Friction from your pillow can cause tangles and weaken the lace. If you must sleep in it occasionally, wrap your hair in a silk scarf and use a silk pillowcase to minimize friction.

Can I swim in my human hair wig?

Avoid swimming in your wig if possible. Chlorine, salt water, and turbulent water movement can severely damage the hair and lace. If you do swim, use an older wig, braid the hair beforehand, wear a swim cap, and deep-condition immediately afterward.

Do I need special brushes?

Yes. Use a wide-tooth comb or a wig brush with smooth, rounded tips. Always work from the ends upward to prevent pulling and breakage.

Can I colour or bleach my human hair wig?

Human hair wigs can be coloured, but it’s best done by a professional to avoid damage. At Evara Wigs, I offer customisation services in London. Contact us for consultations.

How do I know if my wig needs washing?

Signs include: feeling heavier than usual, increased tangling, dullness even after brushing, or visible product build-up.

Quick Dos ✅

• Detangle every single day before and after wearing
• Use sulphate-free, gentle products designed for human hair
• Apply heat protectant before any heat styling
• Let your wig air-dry on a stand whenever possible
• Store properly when not in use

Quick Don’ts ❌

• Don’t rub or scrub the hair aggressively while washing
• Don’t pile on heavy oils or sticky styling products
• Don’t use high heat settings on styling tools
• Don’t store your wig while it’s still damp
• Don’t wear your wig to bed, in the shower, or while swimming

For more tips on achieving a natural look, check out our guide on how to wear a wig with confidence and style.

Conclusion: Simple Care for Lasting Confidence {#conclusion}

A proper care routine for washing your human hair wig doesn’t have to be complicated. By following these expert steps—gentle washing, proper conditioning, careful drying, and smart storage—your Evara wig will stay soft, smooth, and beautifully natural-looking for years to come.

A little consistent effort makes a dramatic difference in preserving your investment and maintaining that fresh, luxurious feel day after day.

Ready to experience the confidence of a perfectly maintained wig?

✨ Shop our collection of premium human hair wigs
🎯 Book a custom consultation with me
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Have questions about caring for your specific wig? Our London-based experts are here to help. Contact us for personalized advice tailored to your wig type and lifestyle.