How to Wash a Wig: Kelsie's Simple and Caring 8-Step Guide
Knowing how to wash a wig properly is one of the most important parts of maintaining its beauty, comfort, and longevity. Whether you wear your wig every day or save it for special occasions, regular cleaning helps preserve its appearance and keeps it feeling fresh.
If you're new to wigs, the thought of washing one can feel surprisingly intimidating. Many women worry they'll damage the hair, ruin the style, or just do something wrong. The good news? Washing a wig is often much simpler than it seems.
In the video below, Kelsie Baldé, HEP’s owner, walks through her straightforward 8-step process for washing a human hair wig at home. If you've been putting it off because it feels overwhelming, let Kelsie guide you through it one step at a time.
Kelsie's eight simple steps for how to wash a human hair wig.
The Essentials: How to Wash a Wig
If you can’t watch the video right now or you did watch it but couldn’t take notes, we have written out the whole process for you below.
Here's Kelsie's simple process for washing a human hair wig:
-
Gently detangle the wig with a wide-tooth comb or vent brush.
-
Rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water.
-
Prepare a basin with lukewarm water and shampoo.
-
Soak the wig for up to five minutes.
-
Rinse thoroughly until all shampoo is removed.
-
Apply conditioner from the ends upward.
-
Rinse thoroughly again.
-
Towel dry and gently detangle.
That's it!
While each step matters, the overall process is designed to be approachable and manageable. You don't need specialized training or years of experience. With a little practice, caring for your wig can become a natural part of your self-care routine.
The Details: How to Wash a Human Hair Wig
You may be wondering why we keep talking about human hair wigs. At Hair Enhancements of Pittsburgh, we specialize in custom human hair wigs because they offer a natural appearance, styling flexibility, and exceptional quality. Because of that, this guide focuses specifically on how to wash a human hair wig.
One other important thing to also note is that if you use a clip on hair topper rather than a full wig, this tutorial will be equally applicable and helpful for you.
So, let’s get to it!
What are the details to takeaway from Kelsie’s video?
Step 1: Gently Detangle the Hair
Before introducing any water, use a wide-tooth comb or vent brush to gently remove tangles.
To be gentle, it can really help to start at the bottom and work your way to the top of the wig, particularly if you have a wig with thicker hair. This helps reduce unnecessary tension on the hair, which helps to protect it from breaking.
A little patience at the beginning quickly gives way to the best results.
Step 2: Rinse with Lukewarm Water
One of the most important details in Kelsie's process is the temperature of the water.
All you have to do is hold the wig by the top center and rinse from top to bottom using lukewarm water.
It's a common misconception that we see with clients that 'hot water is best.' The truth is that hot water can be unnecessarily harsh on the hair, while lukewarm water helps cleanse the wig gently and effectively.
Step 3: Create a Lovely Shampoo Bath
Baths can be a relaxing form of self-care for people. Wigs also benefit from a bath!
Fill a bowl or basin with about 1½ to 2 inches of lukewarm water. Add a cap-sized amount of shampoo and use your fingertips to create a sudsy consistency. Next, gently submerge the wig and allow it to soak for up to five minutes.
Notice that Kelsie's process doesn't involve aggressively scrubbing, twisting, or bunching the hair together. While it may seem that more aggressive cleaning could get the job done better, it can actually cause breakage in your wig. You got this: trust the process and handle gently.
Step 4: Rinse Thoroughly
After soaking your wig in its bubble bath, rinse it thoroughly under lukewarm water until all shampoo residue is gone. Again, work from top to bottom.
Step 5: Repeat If Necessary
If the wig still doesn't feel completely clean, Kelsie recommends simply repeating the shampoo process.
Sometimes a little extra attention is helpful, especially during the summer months when heat, humidity, sunscreen, and outdoor activities can cause more buildup.
Step 6: Condition the Hair
Now that your wig has enjoyed a bath, it’s time to take it to the spa – time to go from clean to radiant!
Gently remove excess water with a soft towel and apply conditioner, starting at the ends and working upward. Allow the conditioner to sit for 5-15 minutes.
This step helps maintain softness, manageability, and shine.
Step 7: Rinse Again
Now that you’ve given your wig the spa treatment, it’s time to rinse. Again using lukewarm water, rinse thoroughly until all conditioner residue has been removed.
By now, you know the drill: just like always, work from top to bottom.
Step 8: Towel Dry and Detangle
It’s time to get your wig ready for wear again.
Gently squeeze excess water from the wig and blot it with a towel. Again, avoid aggressively rubbing the hair. Once towel-dried, use a wide-tooth comb or vent brush to detangle the hair again, starting at the ends and working upward until it brushes smoothly.
And you’re done! Your wig is refreshed and ready to roll.
How to Wash a Wig at Home Without Feeling Overwhelmed
One thing we've learned from helping women navigate hair loss (from any of the types of alopecia) is that the emotional part is often harder than the practical part.
Maybe you've never owned a wig before. Maybe you're worried about damaging an investment you've grown to love. Maybe washing it feels like one more thing to manage during an already busy season of life.
If any of that sounds familiar, you're not alone.
Many women tell us they were nervous the first time they washed their wig. Then they do it once and realize:
"Oh. I can do this."
And that's exactly what we want for you.
This process isn't about perfection. It's about learning a simple skill that helps you care for something valuable.
The first wash often feels like the hardest one. After that, many women discover something surprising: caring for their wig becomes less about maintenance and more about caring for themselves.
Whether you're preparing for a family wedding, a beach vacation, a church event, lunch with friends, or simply another quiet day at home, taking care of your wig can help you feel fresh, confident, and ready for whatever the day brings.
How to Wash a Lace Front Wig
Lace front wigs are a very popular choice, so you may be wondering if there is a specific way to wash yours. If you have a lace front wig, you'll want to be especially gentle during the washing process. This is because the lace itself is delicate, so avoid pulling, stretching, or scrubbing near the front hairline.
As always, gentleness goes a long way when it comes to washing wigs.
How to Wash a Curly Wig
When washing a curly wig, gentle handling becomes even more important.
Rather than aggressively combing through your curls, work slowly and carefully to preserve the curl pattern.
The same basic washing process applies:
-
Detangle carefully.
-
Use lukewarm water.
-
Shampoo gently.
-
Condition thoroughly.
-
Towel blot rather than rub.
Patience helps maintain the shape and movement that make curly wigs so beautiful.
Common Wig Washing Mistakes to Avoid
Even though washing a wig is straightforward, there are a few mistakes worth avoiding:
-
Using hot water instead of lukewarm water.
-
Brushing aggressively through tangles.
-
Twisting or wringing the hair.
-
Skipping conditioner.
-
Applying conditioner directly to the root knotting area (this will make your wig or topper shed quicker)
-
Rushing through the rinsing process.
-
Using products that aren't appropriate for human hair wigs.
The goal isn't perfection. It's consistency.
Self-care for your wig is self-care for yourself. Give your wig the spa treatment that you both deserve.
Caring for Your Wig Is Caring for Yourself
For many women, a wig is more than hair.
It can represent confidence. Normalcy. Comfort. Courage. Your wig can help to create a sense of identity during a season that may feel unfamiliar. That's why learning how to care for it matters.
Of course, that doesn’t mean your value depends on your appearance – it just means that taking good care of yourself is always worthwhile. Some days that might mean getting ready for a milestone event. Other days it might mean enjoying a peaceful afternoon at home.
Both matter.
You deserve to feel beautiful, dignified, and confident in every season of life.
Book Professional Wig Care Support
If you'd rather have a little help, you don't have to wash your wig for the first time all by yourself. Our professional wash and style services are available for women who would prefer extra support maintaining their wigs.
And if you're looking for wig-safe shampoos, conditioners, brushes, and accessories, browse our collection of wig care products designed to help you get the most from your investment.
If you’re hoping to find a new human hair wig that is customized for you, book a confidential consultation or browse our collection.
Further Reading
Frequently Asked Questions
Can You Wash a Wig at Home?
Yes. Most human hair wigs can be safely washed at home using lukewarm water, wig-safe shampoo, conditioner, and a gentle washing process.
Many women are surprised by how simple the process becomes once they've done it a few times. Kelsie's 8-step method was specifically designed to make at-home wig care approachable and manageable.
How Often Should You Wash a Human Hair Wig?
Most human hair wigs should be washed every 14-21 full day wears, though your routine may vary depending on your lifestyle.
During the summer months, factors like humidity, perspiration, sunscreen, and outdoor activities may make more frequent washing necessary. Pay attention to how the hair feels and moves rather than following a rigid schedule.
Can You Use Regular Shampoo on a Human Hair Wig?
It’s generally best to use high-quality, professional-grade products.
In particular, hydrating and moisturizing products are best for prolonging the longevity of your human hair wig or hair topper.
Can You Blow Dry a Human Hair Wig?
Many human hair wigs can be blow dried, but appropriate heat settings and techniques are important.
Because every wig is different, it's wise to understand your specific unit before applying heat. When in doubt, consult your stylist or wig professional for guidance.
How Long Does It Take to Wash a Wig?
The washing process itself is relatively quick, though conditioning and drying time should also be considered.
Many women imagine wig washing will take far longer than it actually does. Once you're familiar with the process, it often becomes a simple and comfortable part of your routine.
What If I'm Nervous About Washing My Wig Myself?
You're not alone. Many women feel nervous the first time they wash a wig.
That's one reason Kelsie created the video featured in this guide. Seeing the process demonstrated step by step often makes it feel much more approachable. And if you'd prefer additional support, our team is always here to help.