PSA: It’s just as needy as your real hair

Wanna know the secret to keeping your human hair wig looking just as fabulous as Kylie Jenner’s locks during her iconic King Kylie era? Spoiler alert—it’s all about giving it the right care! Even Kylie and her glam squad knew that the key to those flawless, red-carpet-ready wigs was proper maintenance. Fast forward to today, and the same rules still apply. Your wig deserves a little (or a lot) of TLC to stay fresh, vibrant, and runway-ready.

Think of it as your wig’s personal beauty regimen—regular cleaning, conditioning, and proper storage are total game-changers. If you’re aiming to keep your wig looking flawless every single day, we’ve got the inside scoop on how to care for your human hair wig. We’re sharing all the top tips you need to ensure your ‘do stays as stunning as the day you first put it on. Get ready to flaunt a perfectly maintained wig, because with just a bit of care, you too can achieve a look that’s Queen B meets Kylie Jen-approved.

 

Keeping your human hair wig clean

Let’s talk about the first step in keeping your human hair wig looking advert-ready… washing! Just like your 10-step skincare routine, your wig needs some regular TLC to keep ticking along without any stress. Here’s the scoop on how to do it right.

 

1) Why you need to wash your wig 

Just as your scalp gets greasy on day three (or one for the unlucky gals), wigs can also gather oils, dirt, and product build-up. To keep your wig looking its best, aim to wash it every 8-10 wears or whenever it starts to feel a bit weighed down. Think of it as giving your wig a little refresh, and one wash will revamp it completely. 

Step-by-step washing process

1. Detangle gently: Before you even think about water, gently detangle your wig using a wide-tooth comb or a wig brush specifically designed for human hair. Start from the ends and work your way up to avoid any unnecessary breakage.
2. Rinse with cool water: Hold your wig under cool, running water. Make sure to let the water flow from the roots to the ends. Cool water helps keep the hair smooth and prevents any potential damage, whereas hot water is like hot tools—a bad idea. 
3. Shampoo it right: Use a sulfate-free shampoo that's made especially for human hair wigs. Squeeze a small amount into your hands and gently work it through the hair, always moving in a downward motion to avoid tangling.
4. Rinse thoroughly: Rinse the shampoo out completely with cool water. Make sure all the shampoo is out to avoid any residue, which can dull the hair's shine and make it greasy-looking in just 24 hours. That’s so not hot. 

Top tip: After you’ve given your wig a good wash, gently squeeze out the excess water (skip the rubbing—your wig will thank you!). Then, let it air dry on a wig stand. This little move is key to keeping its shape intact and making sure it stays in perf condition. 

 

2) Conditioning and moisturizing—the secret to soft and silky wigs

Alright, babes, it’s time to get serious about one of the most critical steps in wig care: conditioning and moisturizing. You wouldn’t dream of showing up to a hot date with dry, brittle hair, and your human hair wig deserves the same level of care and attention. Hydration is the secret to keeping it looking lush and feeling silky smooth. Here’s how to shower your wig with the love and moisture it truly deserves:

Why is conditioning important?

Conditioning may be a luxury spa-like therapy for your hair, but it’s also a must if you want your wig to stay smooth, tangle-free, and full of life. Human hair wigs can dry out, especially after frequent washing or styling. This dryness can lead to tangling, frizz, and a lackluster appearance. By conditioning regularly, you’re replenishing the wig's moisture levels, which helps to maintain its natural shine and softness.

Think of conditioning as your wig's secret weapon against dryness and frizz. It smooths the cuticles—the outer layer of the hair shaft—keeping them flat and aligned. This not only makes your wig look healthier and shinier but also leaves it incredibly soft to the touch. Plus, a well-conditioned wig is a dream to manage and style, giving you the confidence to don whatever style you choose. 

How to properly condition and moisturize your human hair wig 

1. Choose the right conditioner: Not all conditioners are the same, especially when it comes to wigs. Look for a sulfate-free, lightweight conditioner created especially for human hair wigs. Sulfate-free products are gentle and won’t strip the hair of its natural oils, while a lightweight formula ensures that your wig doesn’t get weighed down. Ingredients like argan oil, jojoba oil, and silk proteins are the MVP in adding moisture and shine.
2. Application technique: After washing your wig, gently squeeze out excess water. Then, apply a generous amount of conditioner to the hair, focusing on the mid-lengths to the ends—these areas are more prone to dryness and damage. Avoid applying conditioner directly to the roots or the wig cap, especially if it's lace-front, as this can lead to residue build-up that’s tough to wash out.
3. Let it sit: Give the conditioner time to penetrate the hair shaft. Let it sit for at least 5-10 minutes, or longer if your wig feels particularly dry. For a deeper conditioning treatment, cover the wig with a shower cap and let the conditioner work its magic for up to 30 minutes. This extra step can do wonders for restoring moisture and elasticity.
4. Rinse thoroughly: Once the conditioner has done its job, rinse the wig thoroughly with cool water. Cool water helps to seal the cuticles, locking in moisture and adding shine. Make sure all the conditioner is rinsed out to prevent any residue that could make it weighed down and a little sad.  

Don’t forget an extra moisture boost

For wigs that need an extra dose of hydration, think about adding a leave-in conditioner or a lightweight serum into your routine. A leave-in conditioner can provide continuous moisture throughout the day, helping to keep your wig soft and manageable. Apply a small amount, focusing again on the mid-lengths to ends, and avoid the roots to maintain the natural look of the wig.

For an added touch of luxury, a serum packed with nourishing oils like argan or coconut can provide an extra layer of shine and protection. Just a drop or two is enough to smooth out flyaways and give your wig a sleek, polished finish. With these added steps, your wig will not only look chic but feel like a million bucks.

Top tips for conditioning 

– Avoid over-conditioning: While conditioning is important, too much of a good thing can be counterproductive. Over-conditioning can weigh down your wig, making it look limp and lifeless. Stick to conditioning every other wash or as needed based on how often you wear your wig.

– Deep conditioning: If your wig has been exposed to harsh conditions like excessive sun, chlorine, or heat styling, add a deep conditioning treatment into your routine every few weeks. This can help repair damage and keep the hair looking healthy.

 

3) Styling your human hair wig

You’ve got to the fun part—styling! Your human hair wig is your ultimate accessory, and just like any outfit, it deserves to be styled to perfection. Whether you’re going for glam waves or sleek and straight, here’s how to make sure your wig is always on point:

Why styling matters

Just like you wouldn’t wear the same outfit every day, your wig needs a bit of styling to match your mood, your plans, or your favorite Pinterest board. Styling not only changes up your look but also lets you express yourself. Remember, how you style your wig can impact its longevity, so let’s get it right!

Heat styling tips

1. Keep the heat low: When using heat tools like straighteners or curling irons, always, always keep the temperature on the low side. Think of it as keeping your wig chill (because, let’s face it, nobody wants a meltdown). High heat can cause damage and make your wig look less fab over time. Aim for a max of 300°F to keep those locks looking and feeling tip-top. 
2. Use heat protectant: Before reaching for your styling tools, please spritz on a heat protectant spray. This is legit like sunscreen for your wig, shielding it from potential damage and helping to lock in the much-needed moisture. Just a light mist will do—no need to drench it!
3. Style when dry: Make sure that your wig is completely dry before styling. Styling a wet or damp wig can lead to frizz and unwanted kinks. Plus, dry hair holds styles better, so you’ll get that clean-girl look a whole lot easier. 

Non-heat styling hacks

1. Roller magic: For those days when you want big 90’s blowout curls but don’t want to use heat, grab for rollers. Rollers can add 1990’s model volume and curls without any heat damage. Just wrap sections of your wig around the rollers and let them sit for a few hours or overnight.
2. Braids for texture: Braiding your wig while it’s damp can give you super cute mermaid waves once it’s dry. It’s like a DIY curl method that’s easy on your wig (and doesn’t require a PhD in hairstyling). Just braid sections of the hair and let it dry for natural-looking waves that are perfect for any occasion.
3. The classic ponytail: Sometimes, all you need is a sleek ponytail. A simple ponytail can look polished and chic. Use a wig-safe brush to smooth out any tangles, gather your wig into a ponytail, and secure with a hair tie. For an added *something something*, wrap a small section of hair around the tie to conceal it like the stylist pro you are. 

Top tips for long-lasting styles

– Avoid over-styling: Give your wig a break from constant heat and styling. Just like your favorite pair of jeans, your wig needs some downtime to stay in top shape.

– Use wig-specific products: Grab products specifically designed for wigs. Regular hair products can be too harsh and may strip your wig of its shine and softness.

 

The finishing touches

And there you have it—your ultimate guide to wig care that’ll keep you looking absolutely hair-mazing. Treat your human hair wig with the same love you’d give your favorite designer handbag, and it’ll reward you with endless years of love and care. 

Think of your wig as the VIP of your beauty routine. With regular tender loving care, a bit of styling magic, and the right storage hacks, you’ll keep it looking good as new, just like it’s been plucked straight from a runway. Who knew wig care could be this glam? We’re adding this new routine into our beauty regime from now on. It’s a piece of cake.