How To Wash Wig With a Mild Regular Shampoo
Moonlight Whisperer
Posts: 163
in Fashions
If you wear wigs often, you probably know that keeping them clean is very important. Dust, sweat, and styling products can build up in the hair over time. Washing the wig helps it stay soft and fresh. But what happens when you run out of wig shampoo?
Don’t worry. It happens more often than you think. I remember one weekend when I was getting ready for a family event. I took out one of my favorite human hair wigs, and it clearly needed a wash. The problem was that my wig shampoo bottle was completely empty. I looked at it and said, “Well… this is not the plan today.”
After wearing wigs for many years, I’ve learned that there are still safe ways to wash a wig without special wig shampoo. You just have to be gentle and use the right steps.
Use a Mild Regular Shampoo
If you don’t have wig shampoo, a mild regular shampoo can work. The key word here is mild. Look for something that is moisturizing and not too harsh.
Baby shampoo is one option many wig wearers use. It cleans the hair but is gentle enough to avoid drying it out.
The first time I tried this trick, I was nervous. I kept thinking, “Please don’t ruin this wig.” But after washing and conditioning it, the hair actually looked great. Sometimes simple solutions really do the job.
This works especially well for human hair wigs, because they behave a lot like natural hair.
Detangle Before Washing
Before putting the wig into water, it’s important to detangle the hair. Use a wide-tooth comb or your fingers to gently remove knots.
Always start from the ends of the hair and slowly move upward. If you start at the top, you may pull too hard and cause shedding.
I learned this lesson years ago. I rushed through the detangling step and ended up with more tangles in the sink than I started with. After that day I told myself, “Slow down, girl. The wig isn’t going anywhere.”
Taking a few extra minutes can save a lot of trouble later.
Wash With Cool or Lukewarm Water
When washing a wig, avoid hot water. Hot water can damage the hair and loosen the wig knots over time.
Fill a sink or bowl with cool or lukewarm water. Add a small amount of shampoo and gently swirl the wig through the water.
Do not scrub or twist the hair. Just let the water and shampoo move through it.
Think of it like washing delicate fabric. The gentler you are, the longer the wig will last.
Condition the Hair
Conditioner is very important, especially for human hair wigs. It helps restore moisture and keeps the hair soft.
After rinsing out the shampoo, apply conditioner mainly to the mid-lengths and ends of the hair. Avoid putting too much conditioner on the wig cap or roots.
Let the conditioner sit for a few minutes. Then rinse it out with cool water.
One time I skipped conditioner because I was in a hurry. Big mistake. The wig felt dry afterward, and I had to deep condition it the next day. Lesson learned.
Gently Remove Extra Water
After washing, do not twist or wring the wig. That can damage the hair fibers and cause tangles.
Instead, gently squeeze out the extra water with your hands. Then place the wig on a clean towel and pat it dry.
If you rush this step, the wig can lose its shape. Trust me, patience really pays off here.
Let the Wig Air Dry
The best way to dry a wig is by letting it air dry. Place it on a wig stand if you have one. This helps the hair keep its natural shape.
Avoid using a blow dryer unless the wig is designed for heat styling.
Sometimes I wash my wig at night and let it dry overnight. By morning it usually looks fresh and ready to style again.
And when you see that clean, soft hair the next day, you’ll probably think, “Okay, that wash was worth it.”
Washing Half Wigs
The good news is that half wigs are often easier to wash than full wigs. Since the cap is smaller, the washing process feels quicker.
I wear half wigs in the glueless wigs series pretty often during busy weeks. When they need cleaning, I follow the same steps: detangle, wash gently, condition, and air dry.
One Sunday afternoon I washed two half wigs while watching TV. By the time my show ended, they were already drying on the stand. Multitasking at its finest.
Don’t worry. It happens more often than you think. I remember one weekend when I was getting ready for a family event. I took out one of my favorite human hair wigs, and it clearly needed a wash. The problem was that my wig shampoo bottle was completely empty. I looked at it and said, “Well… this is not the plan today.”
After wearing wigs for many years, I’ve learned that there are still safe ways to wash a wig without special wig shampoo. You just have to be gentle and use the right steps.
Use a Mild Regular Shampoo
If you don’t have wig shampoo, a mild regular shampoo can work. The key word here is mild. Look for something that is moisturizing and not too harsh.
Baby shampoo is one option many wig wearers use. It cleans the hair but is gentle enough to avoid drying it out.
The first time I tried this trick, I was nervous. I kept thinking, “Please don’t ruin this wig.” But after washing and conditioning it, the hair actually looked great. Sometimes simple solutions really do the job.
This works especially well for human hair wigs, because they behave a lot like natural hair.
Detangle Before Washing
Before putting the wig into water, it’s important to detangle the hair. Use a wide-tooth comb or your fingers to gently remove knots.
Always start from the ends of the hair and slowly move upward. If you start at the top, you may pull too hard and cause shedding.
I learned this lesson years ago. I rushed through the detangling step and ended up with more tangles in the sink than I started with. After that day I told myself, “Slow down, girl. The wig isn’t going anywhere.”
Taking a few extra minutes can save a lot of trouble later.
Wash With Cool or Lukewarm Water
When washing a wig, avoid hot water. Hot water can damage the hair and loosen the wig knots over time.
Fill a sink or bowl with cool or lukewarm water. Add a small amount of shampoo and gently swirl the wig through the water.
Do not scrub or twist the hair. Just let the water and shampoo move through it.
Think of it like washing delicate fabric. The gentler you are, the longer the wig will last.
Condition the Hair
Conditioner is very important, especially for human hair wigs. It helps restore moisture and keeps the hair soft.
After rinsing out the shampoo, apply conditioner mainly to the mid-lengths and ends of the hair. Avoid putting too much conditioner on the wig cap or roots.
Let the conditioner sit for a few minutes. Then rinse it out with cool water.
One time I skipped conditioner because I was in a hurry. Big mistake. The wig felt dry afterward, and I had to deep condition it the next day. Lesson learned.
Gently Remove Extra Water
After washing, do not twist or wring the wig. That can damage the hair fibers and cause tangles.
Instead, gently squeeze out the extra water with your hands. Then place the wig on a clean towel and pat it dry.
If you rush this step, the wig can lose its shape. Trust me, patience really pays off here.
Let the Wig Air Dry
The best way to dry a wig is by letting it air dry. Place it on a wig stand if you have one. This helps the hair keep its natural shape.
Avoid using a blow dryer unless the wig is designed for heat styling.
Sometimes I wash my wig at night and let it dry overnight. By morning it usually looks fresh and ready to style again.
And when you see that clean, soft hair the next day, you’ll probably think, “Okay, that wash was worth it.”
Washing Half Wigs
The good news is that half wigs are often easier to wash than full wigs. Since the cap is smaller, the washing process feels quicker.
I wear half wigs in the glueless wigs series pretty often during busy weeks. When they need cleaning, I follow the same steps: detangle, wash gently, condition, and air dry.
One Sunday afternoon I washed two half wigs while watching TV. By the time my show ended, they were already drying on the stand. Multitasking at its finest.
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