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Human Hair Wig Care
How to Wash a Human Hair Wig
The right technique makes the difference between a wig that lasts and one that doesn't. Here's exactly how to do it.
A human hair wig is a real investment. Washing it for the first time can feel nerve-wracking, and the conflicting advice out there doesn't help. This guide covers how to wash a human hair wig correctly, how often to wash it, and how to care for it between washes.
It's more forgiving than it seems, as long as you know what to avoid. After 30+ years, we see the same damage patterns over and over, and almost all of them are preventable.
Most human hair wigs have been dyed and chemically processed, which makes the fibers more delicate than natural growing hair. Remy hair retains the cuticle and is more durable, but still requires gentle handling. The steps below apply to both.
Brand new wig? Wash it before you wear it.
Human hair wigs go through significant processing and handling before they reach you. A wash before the first wear removes any factory residue, freshens the hair, and gives you a truer sense of how the wig will look and feel. Some women also notice a mild chemical smell on a new wig. This is normal and clears up after washing.
Also care for synthetic wigs?
The washing process is different. See our Synthetic Wig Care Guide for the correct steps.
Before You Start
Products for Human Hair Wigs
This is not the place to use whatever's in your shower. Standard drugstore shampoos and conditioners contain chemicals that break down wig fibers and shorten the life of the wig significantly. These are the exact products we use and recommend to extend the life of human hair wigs.
Products we recommend
Jon Renau Argan Smooth ShampooSulfate-free, gentle cleansing without stripping moisture
Jon Renau Argan Smooth ConditionerRestores softness and manageability, also used for deep conditioning
Jon Renau Argan Treatment MistLeave-in moisture, shine, and frizz control. Use between washes and in deep conditioning
Jon Renau Blown Away Blow Dry BalmApplied before blow drying to smooth, add shine, and protect the hair
Jon Renau Heat Treat Thermal SprayHeat protectant for styling with irons or flat iron
Tools you'll need
Portable Wig StandEssential for drying and storage. Keeps the cap from stretching
Wide-Tooth Wig CombFor gentle detangling before and after washing
Cardani Wig PickFor lifting and styling without pulling
Microfiber TowelGentler and more absorbent than regular towels, for blotting only
Canvas Wig BlockFor pinning the wig while washing long wigs or styling. Use with the suction stand and T-pins
Never use standard drugstore products
Regular shampoo, conditioner, and styling products are formulated for growing hair, not processed wig fibers. Even products labeled "gentle" or "moisturizing" can cause buildup and fiber breakdown. Use wig-specific products every time.
Timing
How Often to Wash Your Human Hair Wig
The most common mistake? Washing too often. How often to wash human hair wigs depends on how frequently you wear them. Every 7 to 14 days of wear is the general guideline. The more often you clean a wig, the shorter its lifespan. Wash only as often as necessary, not on a fixed schedule.
How to extend the time between washes
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Wear a wig cap underneath. It absorbs scalp oils and keeps them away from the base of the wig, which is where buildup causes the most damage.
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Use styling products sparingly. The more product you use, the more frequently you'll need to wash. Lighter application means longer wear between washes.
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Store it properly between wears. A wig stored flat or in a bag picks up odors and tangles that can make it feel like it needs washing sooner than it does. Store on a wig stand.
Step by Step
How to Wash Your Human Hair Wig
Whether you're learning how to wash a wig for the first time or refining an existing routine, the same rules apply throughout. Before you start, one rule covers every step of this process:
Never twist, wring, or rub. Ever.
These motions tangle and stretch wig fibers beyond recovery. Every step below uses gentle pressure only. Smooth, squeeze, blot. Nothing more.
1
Detangle before water touches it
Wet hair is more fragile and harder to detangle. Always comb the wig thoroughly while it's dry, before you wash it.
Start at the tips and work your way up toward the base in small sections. Never drag a comb from root to tip. Use only a wide-tooth comb or wig pick designed for wigs. Regular brushes and combs can pull and break the fibers. For stubborn tangles, a light mist of spray conditioner can help loosen them before you comb.
2
Wet and wash
Use cool water only throughout. Cool water seals the hair cuticle, locking in moisture and adding shine. Hot water opens it, dries the fiber, and can loosen the knots in the cap. Choose your method before you start.
Basic method
Place your hand inside the cap to support the wig and hold it under the faucet. Let cool water flow from base to tips, always in the direction the hair falls. Keep the hair traveling in one direction throughout. This is what prevents tangling.
Short wigs: a sink faucet works well. Long wigs: use the showerhead or bathtub faucet. The weight of long wet hair needs room to hang.
Apply shampoo to your palms and smooth through the hair from base to tips. Rinse until clear. Briefly let cool water run over the inside of the cap. Gently squeeze from base to tips and blot with a microfiber towel.
Our preferred method
After 30+ years
Pin the wig to a canvas block before you start. The hair stays oriented in one direction throughout. No floating free, no tangling risk.
- Pin securely using T-pins at the ear tabs and nape.
- Wet thoroughly with cool running water from base to tips.
- Apply shampoo to your palms and smooth through downward. Do not rub.
- Rinse until clear. Turn over and rinse inside of cap with cool water. No shampoo on the cap.
- Unpin, blot hair and cap with a microfiber towel, transfer to a wig stand.
Requires two canvas blocks. The washing block gets wet and needs to dry before reuse. Keep a second dry block for the styling step.
How to tell if it's rinsed well enough
Run your fingers through the damp hair. It should feel clean and slightly squeaky, not slippery or slick. If it feels coated or heavy, there's still shampoo in it. Keep rinsing.
3
Condition
Everything up to this point has been preparation. This is where most of the damage either happens or doesn't.
Apply a small amount of Jon Renau Argan Smooth Conditioner to your palms and work it evenly through the hair, focusing on the mid-lengths and tips.
Keep conditioner away from the base of the cap
Conditioner applied to the cap can loosen the knots that hold the hair in place, causing shedding. Apply only to the hair itself, starting at least an inch below where the hair meets the cap. If you have a lace front wig, be especially careful. Conditioner on the lace can release the knots faster than on a standard cap. If you're caring for a human hair topper, the same rule applies. Keep conditioner away from the clip teeth as well. Buildup there affects grip over time.
Leave the conditioner in for 3 to 5 minutes. While it's in, gently detangle the wet hair using your fingertips or a wide-tooth comb, starting at the tips and working up. The conditioner helps the comb move through without pulling.
Rinse thoroughly under cool running water until the water runs clear. Conditioner left in the hair weighs it down and affects how it styles. Gently squeeze out excess water and blot with a microfiber towel.
How to tell if the conditioning worked
Run your fingers through the damp hair from root to tip. It should feel smooth and slightly slippery, not rough or coarse. If it still feels dry or resistant, the hair is telling you it needs more moisture. This is when a deep conditioning treatment is most useful.
Deep Conditioning Treatments
Human hair wigs don't receive natural scalp oils, so they dry out faster than growing hair. A deep conditioning treatment every 3 to 5 washes adds back that moisture and significantly extends the life of the wig.
We recommend this two-product method using products you may already have:
- Blend 1 Tbsp Argan Smooth Conditioner with 3 to 5 sprays of Argan Treatment Mist in your palm
- Apply to the bottom half of the hair only, using a wide-tooth comb to distribute evenly. Keep away from the base of the cap.
- Cover the wig with a plastic shower cap and apply low heat with a blow dryer for about 20 minutes. For a more intense treatment, leave it on overnight without heat.
- Rinse thoroughly with cool water until the water runs clear.
The Argan Treatment Mist is also good on its own after washing: spray onto damp hair before drying to add shine, reduce frizz, and speed up drying time.
After Washing
Drying and Styling Your Human Hair Wig
How you dry your wig matters as much as how you wash it. The most common mistakes happen here.
Air drying
Place the damp wig on a wig stand and let it dry naturally. This causes the least stress on the fibers. Once fully dry, pin it to a canvas block for styling. Optional but useful: give the roots and cap a brief 1 to 2 minute blast on low heat before air drying to prevent moisture sitting under the cap foundation. Avoid direct sunlight while drying.
Blow drying for a polished finish
If you've ever wondered why your wig looks frizzy after washing, this is usually why: air drying alone rarely gives a polished finish. After blotting with a microfiber towel, let the cap rest on a wig stand briefly so it's stable enough to pin. The hair should still be damp. Then pin to a canvas block, apply Argan Treatment Mist and a small amount of Blown Away Blow Dry Balm, and blow dry section by section using a round brush in a downward motion.
Hooded dryer
A hood dryer on a low setting is gentle and effective. Set rollers in the damp hair first to shape the style as it dries. Good option when you want to set a style without heat tool damage.
Heat styling tools
Once the wig is fully dry, curling irons and flat irons can be used. Always apply heat protectant spray first. Use the lowest effective temperature. Human hair wigs are more heat-sensitive than natural growing hair because of the processing they've already undergone.
Curly and wavy wigs
Don't brush while drying. Brushing a curly or wavy wig while it's still damp separates the curls into frizz and you won't get them back until the next wash. Instead, scrunch the hair gently with your hands to encourage the curl pattern as it dries. A diffuser attachment on a blow dryer on low heat speeds up drying while keeping the curl intact. Once fully dry, you can brush for a looser wave or leave the curl definition alone.
Heatless styling
Foam rollers or flexi-rods set in damp hair give curl and volume without any heat damage. Leave them in while the wig air dries on the stand, then remove once fully dry. In our experience this is the gentlest way to add style and significantly extends the life of the wig over time.
Use styling products made for human hair wigs
Standard hairspray and styling products can build up on wig fibers faster than on natural hair. Use products specifically formulated for human hair wigs and apply them sparingly. The less product you use, the longer your wig stays clean between washes.
How to tell when it's fully dry and in good condition
Once dry, run your fingers through the hair from root to tip. It should feel soft and move freely. If it feels stiff or crunchy, there's product buildup, more likely from styling products than from washing. If it feels dry and rough at the ends, it's time for a deep conditioning treatment. If it feels brittle and snaps easily, that's a sign of heat damage or significant moisture loss.
Avoid heavy oils, pomades, and gels
Products like coconut oil and heavy styling gels absorb into natural growing hair because the scalp continuously replenishes moisture. Wig hair has no scalp. Heavy products don't absorb. They sit on the fibers, making the hair greasy and limp and attracting buildup faster. Stick to lightweight wig-specific sprays and serums only.
Ongoing Care
How to Care for Human Hair Wigs
Also see: How to wash human hair wigs step by step | How to wash a human hair wig without overwashing
How you store and wear your wig between washes determines as much of its lifespan as the washing itself.
Daily habits
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Detangle gently at the end of each day. A quick pass with a wide-tooth comb while the hair is dry keeps tangles from setting overnight. Start at the tips and work up. Never pull through a knot.
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Mist the ends with Argan Treatment Mist between washes. Human hair wigs don't get natural scalp oils. A light mist of Jon Renau Argan Treatment Mist on the mid-lengths and ends keeps the hair from drying out and adds shine.
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Watch for friction at the nape and shoulders. The ends and nape are where the hair rubs against clothing, scarves, and car headrests. This friction causes frizz and tangling. If you notice frizz building there, a light application of the Argan Treatment Mist and gentle finger-smoothing usually settles it.
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In cold or dry months, watch for static. Low humidity causes static in human hair just as it does in natural hair. A light mist of leave-in conditioner or the Argan Treatment Mist helps. Storing on a wig stand also reduces static buildup.
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Be careful with makeup, SPF, and skincare at the hairline. Foundation, self-tanner, and sunscreen that contacts the hair around your face causes buildup and dulling over time. For lighter-colored wigs, some products can actually tint the hair pink. Apply these products before putting the wig on and let them dry first.
Storage and wear
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Store on a wig stand sized smaller than the cap. A stand that's too large stretches the cap over time and affects fit. Use a stand slightly smaller than the wig's base.
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Drape a silk scarf loosely over the wig when it's on the stand. It keeps dust off the hair and reduces static and frizz between wears. A lightweight silk scarf is all you need. Just lay it over the top, don't wrap it tight.
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Never store a wig that isn't fully dry. Moisture trapped inside the cap can cause mildew and odor that's very difficult to get rid of. After washing, let the wig dry completely on the stand before storing it away.
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Keep it out of direct sunlight. UV exposure fades color. Store away from windows and out of direct light when not in use. The same applies outdoors. A sun hat provides meaningful protection.
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Don't sleep in it. Sleeping in a wig causes friction, matting, and hair loss at the nape. Take it off before bed and wear a sleep cap instead. Soft, comfortable, and protective for a bare or sensitive scalp.
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Avoid chlorine, salt water, and hot water. All three cause significant damage to wig fibers. Remove the wig before swimming. Don't shower in it.
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Protect lighter colors. Blonde and lighter shades require more processing to achieve, making the fibers more delicate. Handle with extra care and expect them to need replacement sooner.
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For lace front wigs: handle the lace carefully. When detangling, hold the lace in place so it doesn't stretch. Stretched lace won't lie flat against the skin the next time you put it on. Keep conditioner well away from the lace area.
Long-term care
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Trim the ends periodically. The ends are the oldest, most processed part of the hair and accumulate the most friction from clothing. A stylist familiar with wig cutting can trim split or dry ends to keep the wig looking its best. This is not something to do at home.
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Expect some shedding over time. All wigs shed gradually as they age. This is normal. Sparse patches or hair inverting to the inside of the cap are signs the wig has reached the end of its life. It's time for a replacement.
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Know when it's time to replace. If the hair feels brittle and snaps at the ends, the cap has visible holes or splitting seams, or sparse patches are forming, the wig has reached the end of its useful life. Good care extends that life significantly. All wigs have one.
Things that will shorten your wig's life significantly
- Washing more than necessary
- Using regular drugstore hair products
- Using heavy oils, pomades, or gels on the hair
- Rubbing, wringing, or twisting wet hair
- Storing flat or in a bag instead of on a stand
- Storing the wig before it's fully dry
- Sleeping or showering in it
- Exposing it to chlorine, salt water, or hot water
- Using heat tools without a protectant spray
- Applying conditioner to the base of the cap or lace
- Skipping deep conditioning for months at a time
- Letting friction frizz go untreated at the nape and ends
Questions We Hear Often
Human Hair Wig Care, Answered
What is deep conditioning and how often should I do it?
Deep conditioning is an extended conditioning treatment that adds moisture back into the hair more thoroughly than a regular rinse-out conditioner. It matters for human hair wigs because the hair doesn't receive natural scalp oils, so it dries out over time, especially with heat styling and regular washing.
We recommend deep conditioning every 3 to 5 washes. Blend 1 tablespoon of Argan Smooth Conditioner with 3 to 5 sprays of Argan Treatment Mist, apply to the bottom half of the hair, cover with a shower cap, and leave on with low heat for at least 20 minutes. Both products are available at Headcovers. No separate deep conditioning product is needed.
How often should I wash my human hair wig?
Every 7 to 14 days of wear is the general guideline. The exact timing depends on how much product you use, how active you are while wearing it, and whether you wear a wig cap underneath. Washing more often than necessary shortens the life of the wig, so wash only when it actually needs it, not on a set schedule.
Can I use regular shampoo on a human hair wig?
No. Standard drugstore shampoos and conditioners contain chemicals that degrade wig fibers over time. Even products marketed as gentle or moisturizing are formulated for growing hair, not processed wig fibers. Use only products made specifically for human hair wigs.
Can I dye or color my human hair wig?
It's complicated, and the results can be unreliable. Most human hair wigs are colored with vegetable dyes during manufacturing, which makes them difficult to re-color. The hair has already absorbed color and may not take a new one evenly or predictably. The processing the hair undergoes before it reaches you compounds this further.
If coloring matters to you, Jon Renau's Renau Natural (RN) colors are specifically formulated to accept additional color processing. A professional colorist with wig experience can work with these. Even then, results aren't guaranteed, and coloring will shorten the wig's lifespan. It's not something we recommend casually.
The better path for most women is finding the right color before purchasing. We carry wigs in a wide range of colors including highlighted and lowlighted options, and our certified wig specialist offers a free color consultation. She can match a style to a swatch of your hair or a photo before anything ships.
Can I use heat tools on a human hair wig?
Yes, once the wig is fully dry. Curling irons and flat irons can both be used. Always apply a heat protectant spray designed for human hair wigs first, and use the lowest temperature that gets the job done. Human hair wigs are more heat-sensitive than natural growing hair because of the processing they've already undergone.
What's the difference between Remy and non-Remy human hair?
Remy hair retains the cuticle, the protective outer layer of each strand. Most human hair wigs use hair that has had the cuticle removed through processing, which makes the hair more uniform in appearance but more fragile over time. Remy hair tends to be softer, less prone to tangling, and longer-lasting. Both types require the gentle care described in this guide.
Can you wash wigs at home?
Can you wash a wig at home? Yes, without a salon. Washing a wig correctly comes down to keeping the hair moving in one direction and using the right products. The steps in this guide walk you through the full process, including how often to wash, how to wet the hair without causing tangling, and how to dry it correctly.
How do you wash a human hair wig?
Detangle dry, then wet under cool running water with your hand inside the cap keeping the hair moving in one direction. Apply wig shampoo to your palms and smooth through from base to tips. Never rub or scrub. Rinse thoroughly, condition the mid-lengths and tips only (never the cap), rinse again, blot with a microfiber towel, and dry on a wig stand. See the full step-by-step guide above for detail on each stage, including the canvas block method we recommend for long wigs.
How do I wash a human hair wig without wig shampoo?
Knowing how to wash a human hair wig without wig shampoo is a common question, and the short answer is: we don't recommend it. Standard shampoos, even gentle or sulfate-free ones, are formulated for hair that's still growing and receiving natural oils from the scalp. Human hair wigs are processed differently and don't have that biological support system. Regular shampoo can strip moisture, cause buildup, dull the fibers, and shorten the wig's lifespan significantly. Wig-specific shampoos like Jon Renau Argan Smooth Shampoo are formulated without sulfates, parabens, and sodium chloride specifically because processed hair needs gentler care. The cost of the right product is small compared to the cost of replacing a wig prematurely.
How long will a human hair wig last?
One to two years is a reasonable average, but it can be shorter or longer. How often you wear it matters most. Daily wear shortens lifespan significantly compared to occasional use. Washing frequency, heat tool use, and storage all play a role too. A wig worn daily and heat styled regularly may last under a year. One worn a few times a week with careful care can last two years or more. Following the steps in this guide gives you the best chance of getting the most out of it.
The steps take about the same time as washing your own hair. How long your wig lasts comes down to how well you care for it.
Give your wig the products it actually needs to last.
Everything your human hair wig needs to last: shampoo, conditioner, heat protectant, stands, and more.
Keep Learning
Synthetic Wig Care Guide
The washing and care process is different for synthetic wigs. Here's how to do it correctly.
Read the guide →
Wig Buying Guide
Cap construction, hair type, fit, and style. How to find the right wig before you commit.
Read the guide →
Free Wig Color Consultation
Our cosmetologist reviews your references and recommends your best color match before anything ships.
See how it works →
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