How to wash your human hair wig – a step by step guide

There are many ways to wash a human hair wig– and plenty of wrong ways to do it. People have gone as far as putting their wigs in the washing machine– something we definitely do not recommend! If you want to keep your human hair wig in the best condition for longer, it’s important to know how to wash it properly, and not resort to such unorthodox methods! The video above shows one of the proper ways, and we give credit to Follea Hair products for producing this video.  Please take the time to look at their range of Topettes and Wigs. We just love their hair, as it is the most beautiful hair in the world (no exaggeration!)

This is the first in a series of videos on how to care for your hair and all of the wonderful things you can do with your human hair wig, Topette or Crown extension. If you purchase your hairpiece from us, our stylists will take you through a workshop and demonstration showing you how to properly wash and care for it. They will take you through each step and guide you on what to do, and what not to do.

Below is our step-by-step guide on how to properly wash your human hair wig.

Before you start:  What you will need

  • Wide tooth comb (or vent brush)
  • Transitions Hair Mannequin Head
  • 4-6 straight dressmaking pins
  • Hydrating shampoo
  • Hydrating conditioner
  • Towel
  • Large Sink

14 Easy Steps to washing your Human Hair Wig

 
Step 1:  Brush or comb the hair to detangle it.
 

We recommend using either a wide tooth brush called a vent brush (also called 'spider' brush) or a wide tooth comb. Gently brush the hair in three stages:

         a.  Brush then ends first.

         b.  Then mid-lengths to the ends

         c.  The the roots to the ends to remove all tangles from you human hair wig.

Step 2:  Place the wig onto the mannequin head using the dressmaking pins.
 
We recommend you place it on the same way you would wear the wig. Placing it on the mannequin head (or ‘blocking’ as some people call it) will help reduce the amount of hair inversion that occurs. That is, where the hair inverts through the wig cap and comes through the interior of the wig. 
 
Once the wig is properly positioned, pin it in place. We recommend placing two pins at the front, near the temple area, two at the sides and also two at the nape. Do not place the pins in the area where you part the hair.
 
Step 3:  Wet the wig with lukewarm water.
 

Make sure all the hair is untucked from underneath. Using lukewarm water, begin to rinse from the top (crown area) down. Keep the hair in the same direction to reduce the chance of tangling.

Step 4:  Apply hydrating wig shampoo

Apply a high quality hydrating shampoo gently to the wig.  Stroke or 'pat' the wig hair in a downward direction to spread the shampoo throughout the hair.  Do not rub or scrub the hair– it won't make it cleaner but will potentially tangle it. 

Note about shampoos and conditioners: It’s best not to use any cheap and nasty products from the chemist or supermarket, as these simply aren’t as good as professional grade hair products.  We have our own range of high quality hair products that we use in-house, and we recommned that you use them too!    You will notice a difference how nice the hair feels and how long the wig lasts as a result!  You can purchase them online.

Step 5: Rinse shampoo from the crown down.

Step 6: Apply hydrating wig Conditioner, starting at the ends first and then working your way to the mid-lengths and roots last.

Step 7:  Gently use a wide tooth comb to spread the conditioner throughout the wig.  Be careful not to catch the comb on the fabric of the wig.

Step 8:  Rinse hair thoroughly

Step 9:  Remove pins from the wig and mannequin head.  Gently remove the wig from the mannequin head.

Step 10:  Comb or brush the length of the hair, starting from the ends moving up the hair shaft to the roots.

Step 11:  Towel Dry – Wrap the human hair wig vertically inside a towel and blot it dry. 

Step 12:  Take the hair out of the towel and give it a shake!

Step 13: Place the hair back onto the manneqin head, using pins to hold it in position.  Lightly spray some Transitions Hair Leave-in Conditioner into the hair, then brush  into the style you like.  Allow to air dry (over night is best)

Step 14:  When your hair is 80% dry, you are now ready to blow dry your hair to give it that unique touch and expression of yourself.

Get in touch with your local Transitions Hair, human hair wig specialist!

We hope you have found this step-by-step guide helpful. If you need some further assistance please call us ph: 1300 427 778 or get in touch on our contact us page.

We have Transitions studios in Sydney and mobile representative in New Zealand

We are here to help you have the best experience with your hair, so get in touch!

Do you have more questions?  Get in touch:  Ph: 1300 427 778 (Intl: +612 92124950).  Or send us your details via our contact page.

Sydney Studio: 02 9212 4950

New Zealand: 0276530462

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