How to Wash Wigs to Refresh Their Beauty

Wigs don’t clean themselves.

And just like your natural hair, they build up dirt, oil, and product over time. Washing them the wrong way can leave them dry, frizzy, or even damaged beyond saving.

That’s why knowing how to wash a wig—and doing it right—matters.

A proper wash keeps the hair soft, helps it hold its style, and extends its lifespan. Whether you wear your wig every day or just occasionally, regular cleaning is essential to keeping it looking fresh and natural.

Before You Wash

Washing a wig isn't just about soap and water—it starts with the prep. If you skip this part, you risk tangling the hair more or damaging the cap.

What You’ll Need

Gather these before you start:

• A wide-tooth comb or wig brush
• A sink or bowl (or a wig stand if you have one)
• Wig-friendly shampoo and conditioner
• Or a hydrating or mild shampoo if you're working with human hair
• A clean towel
• Leave-in treatment or serum (optional but nice to have)

Prep the Wig

Start by gently detangling the wig. Work from the ends up to the roots.

If it’s extra knotted, use a leave-in spray or a diluted conditioner mix (water + a bit of conditioner).

For wig with lace part or full cap wig, turn it inside out to protect the lace and keep the cap from stretching.

How to Clean Your Wigs: For Synthetic & Human Hair Wigs

Not all wigs need the same treatment. Synthetic and human hair wigs behave differently, so washing them right means adjusting your approach.

Cleaning the Lace Area (Quick Note)

Before anything else, check the lace. If it has glue, makeup, or build-up, gently dab it with a damp cloth or use a small brush with mild shampoo. Be careful—rubbing too hard can ruin the lace.

How to Wash a Synthetic Wig

1. Fill your sink or bowl with cool water.
2. Add a small amount of wig shampoo—just enough to cloud the water.
3. Gently swirl the wig in the water for a minute or two. Don’t scrub.
4. Let it soak for 5 to 10 minutes.
5. Rinse under cool running water until it runs clear.
6. Optional: Apply wig conditioner, then rinse again.

That’s it. Don’t brush it wet—let’s get to that in the next section.

How to Wash a Human Hair Wig

1. Use lukewarm water—never hot.
2. Hold the wig by the cap and wet the hair under running water.
3. Apply a small amount of sulfate-free shampoo from roots to ends. Be gentle.
4. Rinse. Repeat only if the hair feels oily or coated with product.
5. Apply a moisturizing conditioner, avoiding the roots and lace.
6. Let it sit for 5 minutes. Then rinse it out completely.

Human hair wigs need a little more care, but they’ll thank you for it later.

After-Wash Care

Washing your wig the right way is important, but what you do after makes just as much difference.

This is where shine, softness, and shape are either preserved—or lost. Here's how to take care of your wig once it's clean.

Dry It Right

Skip the towel turban or squeezing. That’s a good way to stretch the cap or ruin the shape.

Blot, don’t rub. Lay the wig flat on a towel and gently press another towel on top to absorb excess water. Pat, don’t twist.

Air dry on something stable. A wig stand is best—it keeps the shape and helps airflow. If you don’t have one, a tall bottle or can will do. Just don’t leave it flat on a surface, or it’ll dry misshapen.

No heat on synthetic wigs. The fibers can melt or frizz up fast, even on a low setting.

Human hair wigs can handle a blow dryer, but only if you’re careful.

Use low heat, a diffuser if you’ve got one, and always aim the airflow downward to reduce frizz. Still, air-drying is safer and keeps the hair softer.

Let it dry completely before you move on. Damp wigs can get musty or develop buildup faster if you add products too soon.

Add Some Love

Now that your wig is dry, it’s time to give it a little post-wash TLC.

If the hair feels dry or stiff, rub a drop of lightweight serum between your palms and smooth it over the lengths. Argan oil or wig-safe leave-in conditioners work well here.

Avoid applying anything near the roots or cap—especially for lace wigs. Product buildup at the base is hard to clean and weakens the lace over time.

Detangle again, starting at the ends and working your way up. Be gentle. A wide-tooth comb or looped wig brush is your best friend.

Never comb or brush your wig while it’s wet—especially synthetic wigs. Wet strands are weak and easier to stretch or snap.

Store It Properly

Once it's clean and dry, proper storage keeps your wig from getting dusty, tangled, or misshapen.

Use a wig stand if you have one—it helps preserve the shape and makes styling easier next time.

No stand? Store it in a silk or satin bag to keep it protected and frizz-free. Avoid plastic bags unless you're traveling and it’s totally dry.

Avoid heat and humidity. Don’t leave your wig near windows, radiators, or in the bathroom. Sunlight fades color, and moisture can cause mildew.

If your wig has curls or waves, stuffing the cap with tissue paper can help it hold its shape.

FAQ

Is it bad to submerge wigs in water to wash?

Not always, but it depends on the wig.

Synthetic wigs can usually be soaked briefly in cool water with wig shampoo. Just don’t swirl too roughly.

For human hair wigs, it’s better to hold them under running water instead—this keeps the hair from tangling and protects the lace and cap.

If your wig is hand-tied, soaking for too long can loosen the knots over time.

How do you wash a wig at home?

It’s easy with the right tools. You’ll need a wide-tooth comb, wig-friendly shampoo and conditioner (or sulfate-free products for human hair), and a towel.

Detangle the wig first. Then wash it gently in cool or lukewarm water depending on the type.

Rinse well, condition if needed, and air-dry it on a stand. Our full guide above walks you through each step based on wig type.

How do you wash a synthetic wig without shampoo?

If you’re out of wig shampoo, you can mix a small amount of mild, sulfate-free baby shampoo or fabric softener with cool water. Let the wig soak for 5–10 minutes, then rinse gently.

Just don’t scrub or wring it. And don’t use regular shampoo—it can dry out synthetic fibers fast.

How do you wash a wig without wig shampoo?

For human hair wigs, a sulfate-free, moisturizing shampoo made for natural hair works just fine.

For synthetics, avoid harsh detergents. If you don’t have wig shampoo, dilute a tiny amount of baby shampoo or use a fabric softener soak (a last resort, not a routine solution). 

Always rinse thoroughly, and follow with a lightweight conditioner if needed.

Can you wash a wig?

Yes, and you should—just not too often.

Wigs don’t get oily like natural hair, but they still collect sweat, product buildup, and dust. 

Aim to wash your wig every 8–10 wears, or sooner if it looks dull or feels sticky. Washing keeps it looking fresh and extends the lifespan.