We know that washing curls is hard work, so buckle up
Curly girls, we see you. Living your best life with those glorious spirals while secretly battling the full-time job that is curl maintenance. Between taming frizz, detangling knots, and coaxing your curls into just the right amount of bounce, it’s a lot. And if you’re rocking a curly wig, the hustle is JUST as real. Curly wigs demand the same love and attention as natural curls, but let’s face it—finding the perfect routine can feel like a science experiment gone rogue.
But not to worry. This isn’t your typical wash day horror story. Forget the endless cycle of trial and error or the panic of thinking you might ruin those dreamy ringlets. We’re here to make wig care simple, stress-free, and totally doable. Washing your curly wig doesn’t have to feel like a chore—it’s your chance to bring those curls back to life and restore their show-stopping bounce and shine.
Think of this as your ultimate curly wig wash day guide, minus the drama. No matter if you're refreshing your go-to everyday wig or prepping for a special event, this step-by-step guide will have your curls looking so good, you’ll be serving main-character energy.
Grab your favorite products and get ready to give your wig some much-deserved TLC. Because curls this fabulous deserve nothing BUT the best.
Step 1: Prep your wig
Let’s talk about prep—because just like you wouldn’t dive into a blowout without heat protectant, you shouldn’t jump straight to washing without some TLC first. Your curly wig deserves the same level of attention as those #CurlsOnFleek selfies. Prep is the secret recipe to keeping your wig fabulous and frizz-free, and skipping it? That’s a one-way ticket to Tangle Town.
Detangling
Your first move? Grab a wide-tooth comb or use your fingers to gently detangle your wig. But don’t just dig in anywhere—start at the ends and work your way up toward the roots. This keeps the curl pattern intact and avoids unnecessary damage. Hit a gnarly knot? Don’t panic. A spritz of detangling spray or a DIY mix of water and conditioner will work wonders. Tugging is the enemy—be patient and let the curls bounce back in their own sweet time.
Shake off the day
Got buildup? You know, that cocktail of styling gels, hairsprays, and dry shampoos? Before washing, give your wig a gentle shake or a light brush-through to remove the excess. Think of this as clearing the runway before the main event. It’s a small step, but it can make a huge difference in the final look.
Secure the situation
Once your wig is detangled and refreshed, place it on a wig stand or mannequin head. This keeps the wig stable and tangle-free while you work your magic. It’s basically your VIP seat before the spa treatment begins.
Up next? The actual wash—and trust us, it’s way easier than you think.
Step 2: Wash with care
When it’s time to wash your curly wig, think spa day, not car wash. Curly hair—real or faux—thrives on tender loving care, and that starts with the right approach to cleansing. Harsh scrubbing? Absolutely not. Aggressive twisting? Don’t even think about it. It’s all about a gentle cleanse to keep those curls lush and intact.
Pick the perfect shampoo
Not all shampoos are the same, babe. Reach for a sulfate-free, hydrating formula specifically designed for curly hair or wigs. Why? Sulfates can strip moisture faster than a sunny day at the beach, and curly wigs need all the hydration they can get. Bonus points if the shampoo has nourishing ingredients like argan oil or aloe vera—hello, hydration.
Soak, don’t drown
Fill a basin or your sink with lukewarm water. Hot water is a big no-no since it can weaken the wig fibers and cause frizz (aka your worst nightmare). Add a dollop of shampoo to the water and swirl it around until it’s nice and sudsy. Then, gently place your wig into the water and let it soak for a few minutes. Think of this as a mini vacation for your wig—it’s soaking up all that good stuff.
Cleanse with love
Once your wig has had its spa soak, it’s time for a little massage. Gently run your fingers through the strands, focusing on areas with buildup (usually the cap and roots). But remember, no scrubbing or wringing! Treat those curls like the delicate treasures they are.
Rinse to perfection
After you’ve cleansed, drain the soapy water and rinse your wig with fresh, lukewarm water. Let the water run through the curls in a downward motion—this prevents tangling and guarantees that every last bit of shampoo is gone. Repeat if needed, but keep it minimal to avoid over-cleansing.
Your wig is officially squeaky clean, but we’re not done yet. Now you’ve gotta condition those curls into submission.
Step 3: Condition like a professional
Alright, now that your curly wig is clean and fresh, it’s time for the next level of care—conditioning. If shampoo is the prep, conditioner is the star of the show. Your wig’s curls need hydration, softness, and that enviable bounce, and a good conditioner can make all the difference.
Choose the right product
Not all conditioners will do, darling. You need something rich and moisturizing that’ll revive those curls and leave them looking glossy and sleek. Look for formulas with nourishing ingredients like shea butter, coconut oil, or silk proteins. These will work wonders on those curls, giving them a boost of hydration without weighing them down.
Deep condition for extra love
If your curly wig is looking a little sad or you just want to treat it to something extra, consider a deep conditioning mask. Apply it generously, especially at the ends, which are often drier and more prone to frizz. Wrap your wig in a plastic cap or leave it on for 10–15 minutes for some serious TLC. You can even throw on a cozy headscarf, kick back, and relax while the mask works its magic.
Finger detangle gently
While your wig is soaking up that conditioning goodness, take the time to gently detangle it. Using your fingers, work through the curls, starting from the tips and working your way up. This method helps to avoid breakage, and you’ll keep that bounce intact. If you’re feeling fancy, use a wide-tooth comb or a wig brush designed for curly hair to give the wig some extra love. But again—no harsh pulling!
Rinse with care
Once your wig has had time to absorb all that moisture, rinse it out with cool water. Cool water helps seal the hair cuticle, leaving your curls shiny and smooth. Let the cool water run through the hair in the same downward motion, ensuring every strand is rinsed clean.
Step 4: Dry and style
Here’s where the magic happens. After all the washing and conditioning, your curly wig is primed and ready for the finishing touches. Drying and styling can be a delicate process, but believe us, it’s worth every second to keep those curls full of life and bounce.
Pat, don’t rub
First and foremost, there’s to be NO harsh towel scrubbing here, babe. You’ve been gentle with your wig throughout the wash, and now’s not the time to mess it all up. Instead, gently pat the wig with a soft towel to absorb excess water. You can also lay the wig flat on the towel and press lightly to remove moisture. This method will help preserve the shape and avoid frizz. Remember, curly hair can get sensitive, so be kind!
Air-dry or diffuse for bouncy curls
Now comes the drying phase. For the most natural, frizz-free curls, air-drying is your best bet. Simply place your wig on a wig stand or a clean towel and let it dry naturally. This gives your curls the freedom to fall into place and keeps them looking soft and voluminous.
But if you’re in a hurry (or you just want those curls to really pop), grab your blow dryer and a diffuser attachment. Set the blow dryer to low or medium heat and gently move the diffuser around the curls. Don’t touch the curls too much, just let the airflow do its thing. The diffuser helps distribute the heat more evenly, preventing frizz while enhancing your wig’s natural curl pattern.
Add styling cream or mousse for extra volume
Once your wig is dry, it’s time to add some styling products to keep those curls on point. A lightweight styling cream or mousse can work wonders in defining your curls and keeping them frizz-free. Apply the product evenly throughout your wig by scrunching it into the hair, or if you’re after a more defined look, twist small sections of curls. If you're all about that volume, a root-lifting mousse or spray can give your wig some extra oomph!
Shake it out and fluff it up
Don’t be afraid to give your wig a little shake to separate the curls and add volume. Flip it upside down and gently shake, then flip it back right side up. This will give the curls that perfect, natural-looking volume we all DIE for. If you're feeling a little frizzy, just use your fingers to smooth the hair lightly—don’t go overboard, though. We want volume, not a deflated mess.
The magic and payoff of plopping
Ok, curly girl, let’s wrap this up with a little love for plopping. It’s a game-changer when it comes to drying curly hair without frizz. By gently “plopping” your wig in a microfiber towel or T-shirt, you’re giving those curls the support they need to dry in perfect shape without being weighed down or disrupted.
But let’s be real—curly hair is stunning, right? The volume, the bounce, the sheer drama it brings. There’s nothing quite like it. But, BOY oh boy, it’s also a serious drama queen. Curly hair demands attention and care to look its best, and that means time, patience, and a little TLC. The beauty of a curly wig, though? If you’re just not in the mood to play the curly hair game, you don’t have to. You can skip the styling altogether and just let your wig rest. No one will be the wiser—and your curls won’t throw a tantrum.
At the end of the day, all this effort is absolutely worth it for that perfect curly look. When your wig is bouncy and full of life, you’ll know exactly why curly hair is so worth the drama. Enjoy it, queen.
