Everything You Ever Needed to Know About Wig Maintenance

1. Wear your wig less often
We aren’t saying not to wear a wig every day. We’re saying you shouldn’t wear the same wig every day. Wearing a wig is like wearing an LBD. Over time the color fades, the threads to start to run, and the overall appearance diminishes.

If you’re an everyday wig wearer, you may want to consider buying two wigs and rotating them. The less you wear your wig, the longer it will last. Besides that, rotating will allow you to care properly for your wigs on “off” days.

 

2. Wash your hair...but not too often
You don’t need us to tell you that washing your hair too often can dry it out, turn it brittle, and make it lose shine. The same is true of wigs, both synthetic and human hair wigs. If you’re rotating your wigs, you should be able to wait a few days between washes. If you only have one wig, wait a few days between washes to maintain your wig’s natural luster.

 

3. You paid good money for your wig, invest in high-quality products to maintain it
Say it with us: “Not all shampoos and conditioners are created equal.” You know it, we know it, your stylist knows it. Even your husband - who says he is okay with Pert and has secretly used your shampoo for the past 25 years - knows it.

Using shampoos and conditioners specially designed for wigs is the key to wig longevity. Traditional shampoos and conditioners have harsh chemicals that can permanently damage your wig, and your wig hair won’t repair itself over time like natural hair. Here are some of our favorite wig care products:

 

4. Put down your curling iron
Everyone knows heat tools damage hair, and the same is true with wigs.

When you use a heating tool on your wig the hair gets damaged, dry, and brittle, split ends form, and the hair loses natural shine. Moreover, because wig hair doesn’t repair like natural hair, the damage is permanent.

Hair dryers, curling irons, and flat irons can all permanently damage your wig. If you own a synthetic wig, heating tools can melt your wig.

Make sure always to let your wig air dry. If you want a wavy or curly look, use non-heating curlers. Keep in mind; most wigs come pre-styled, so you can choose your look before your wig arrives at your home.

 

5. Do not sleep or shower with your wig
Just trust us on this one, okay? Wig bed head is significantly worse than regular bed head.

 

6. Keep your wig covered and upright between uses
When you aren’t wearing your wig, make sure it is appropriately stored. Keep your wig in a cool room. If you’ve learned nothing else reading this post, it should be that heat and wigs are a dangerous combination. It’s also a good idea to keep a small humidifier in the room you store your wigs in, especially if you live in a drier climate. A humidifier will keep your wig from drying out. Leave your wig on a mannequin head (an expensive styrofoam one is fine) and use a light cover to protect the wig from dust and exposure.

 

7. Don’t neglect your hair just because you wear a wig every day
This tip is last, but it’s probably the most important. Maintaining clean hair and a healthy scalp is something you should be doing already. When you have a healthy scalp, you’ll prevent residues, oils, and grease from seeping into your wig. Plus, with a healthy scalp, your wig will feel more comfortable.