If you’ve just bought your first human hair wig, you’re probably feeling both excited and a little overwhelmed. You want it to look natural, last a long time, and most importantly, help you feel like yourself again. But wig care isn’t always intuitive, especially when your focus has been on finding the right piece to begin with. 

Now that you have it, how do you take care of it properly?

At Daniel Alain, we speak with women every day who are navigating hair loss and learning how to care for their human hair wigs for the first time. In this article, we’ll share the essential do’s and don’ts of human hair wig care, so you can avoid common mistakes and keep your wig looking and feeling beautiful for as long as possible.

 

 

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Human Hair Wig Care Do’s

Do wash your human hair wig regularly, but not too often.

Washing a human hair wig every 7 to 10 wears is typically enough. Too much washing can dry out the hair, while not washing it can cause product build-up that makes the wig look dull or greasy.

 

Do use sulfate-free, salon-quality products on your human hair wig.

Human hair wigs need gentle care. Sulfate-free shampoos and conditioners are less drying and help preserve the integrity and softness of the hair.

Do store your human hair wig properly.

When you're not wearing your wig, place it on a wig stand or mannequin head away from direct sunlight. This helps maintain its shape and prevents tangles.

Do detangle your human hair wig from the ends up.

Always start brushing or combing at the ends and work your way up. This prevents unnecessary pulling and breakage.

Do protect your human hair wig from heat, just like your own hair.

You can use styling tools, but always use a heat protectant spray and keep the temperature around 350° or on a medium setting. Excess heat can shorten the lifespan of the wig.

Do let your human hair wig air dry when possible.

Blow drying adds stress to the hair strands. Allow your wig to air dry on a stand after washing for the best results.

Do schedule regular trims.

Just like natural hair, your wig can develop split ends over time. Light trims will keep it looking neat and healthy.

 

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Human Hair Wig Care Don’ts

Don’t sleep in your human hair wig.

Friction from your pillow can cause tangling, breakage, and shedding. It's better to remove your wig at night and store it safely.

Don’t vigorously brush your human hair wig when wet.

Wet hair is more fragile. Use a wide-tooth comb or detangling pin brush, and only once the wig is damp or dry.

Don’t expose your human hair wig to chlorinated or salt water.

Swimming with your wig on can lead to dryness and damage. Instead consider wearing a sun hat, swim cap, or synthetic wig.

Don’t forget to protect the lace front.

Lace fronts are delicate. Be gentle when applying or removing your wig, especially around the hairline, to prevent tearing or fraying.

Don’t color your human hair wig at home.

Even though it’s real hair, coloring a wig requires professional knowledge. A mistake could ruin the color or damage the hair.

 

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What Else Do I Need to Know about Human Hair Wigs?

If you’re new to wearing a wig, it’s completely normal to feel uncertain. Maybe you’re worried about damaging your investment or anxious about doing something wrong. Hair loss is already emotional, and the last thing you want is to shorten the life of your new wig through a simple mistake.

Taking care of a human hair wig isn’t difficult, but it does require a little extra attention. 

By following these do’s and don’ts, you’ll not only extend the life of your wig, but also ensure it continues to look natural and feel comfortable. These small steps add up to a big difference in how long your wig lasts and how real it looks.

As you build your confidence with wig care, you’ll likely start thinking about how to make your wig look as natural as possible in your day-to-day life. From styling tricks to customizing your piece, there’s so much more you can learn to refine your look and feel even more at ease. And if you ever need a little extra guidance, we’re here to help you every step of the way.