Maintaining a human hair wig requires a little extra attention and care, but with the right routine, your wig can last for months (or even years) while keeping its natural beauty. Here's a comprehensive guide to help you maintain your human hair wig:

1. Washing Your Wig

Washing your wig regularly is important, but don't overdo it. Too much washing can strip the hair of its natural oils.

• How often? Wash your wig every 10-15 wears or as needed.

• Use the right shampoo: Choose a sulfate-free, mild shampoo specifically designed for human hair. Sulfates can be harsh on both natural and wig hair, making it dry and brittle.

• Cold water wash: Always use lukewarm or cool water when washing your wig. Hot water shorten the life of your custom color.

• Gentle cleaning: Add shampoo to a body of water and repeatedly dip your wig in an up and down motion. Avoid rubbing or scrubbing, as this can cause tangling or damage.

• Rinse thoroughly: Rinse the wig under cool water to remove all the shampoo.

2. Conditioning Your Wig

Conditioning adds moisture and helps detangle the strands.

• Deep conditioning: Once every 2-3 weeks, treat your wig to a deep conditioning treatment. Use a moisturizing conditioner that’s free from alcohol and silicones.

• Leave-in conditioner: For extra hydration, use a leave-in conditioner after every wash. This will keep the wig soft and manageable.

• Don’t over-condition: Conditioning is important, but be mindful not to overdo it. Too much product can weigh the wig down.

3. Drying Your Wig

Proper drying is key to maintaining the wig’s shape and preventing damage.

• Avoid direct heat: Never wring, twist, or rub the wig aggressively after washing. Instead, gently blot it with a towel to remove excess water.

• Air-drying: Lay your wig on a towel and let it air dry naturally. If you have time, this is the best way to keep the wig’s natural texture intact.

• Blow-drying: Use heat protectant when using a blow dryer, as excessive heat can cause the wig to dry out and lose its luster.

• Heat Protectant: Use heat protectant whenever using heat styling, as excessive heat can cause the wig to dry out and lose its luster.

4. Combing and Brushing

Human hair wigs can tangle just like natural hair, so gentle care is essential.

• Wide-tooth comb or fingers: Use a wide-tooth comb or your fingers to gently detangle the wig, starting from the tips and working your way up to the roots.

• Brush with care: If you prefer using a brush, opt for a detangling brush. Always brush in sections and never pull aggressively.

• Avoid tugging: Be especially careful when brushing or combing the wig when it’s wet, as wet hair is more fragile and prone to breakage. Use a wet brush.

5. Styling Your Wig

Human hair wigs can be styled just like your own hair, but always keep in mind that excessive heat can damage them over time.

• Heat styling: You can use a flat iron, curling iron, or blow dryer on your wig, but make sure the heat is set to low or medium. Always use a heat protectant spray to shield the hair from damage.

• Avoid excessive styling: Try not to use hot tools every day—this will help extend the wig’s lifespan.

• Set the style: If you’ve styled the wig with heat, let it cool before touching it to ensure the style sets.

6. Storage

When you’re not wearing your wig, proper storage is important to avoid tangling or damage.

• Wig stand or mannequin head: Store your wig on a wig stand or mannequin head to keep it in its natural shape and avoid tangling.

• Keep away from direct sunlight: Excessive sun exposure can cause fading and dryness. Store your wig in a cool, dry place, preferably in a satin or silk bag to prevent dust buildup.

• Avoid tight storage: Don’t crumple the wig or store it in a tight space, as this can distort its shape.

7. Regular Maintenance

Besides washing, conditioning, and styling, there are other things you can do to ensure your wig stays in great shape:

• Protect your wig from dirt and oil: Try to avoid touching your wig with oily hands or letting it come into contact with environmental pollutants.

• Avoid sleeping in your wig: Sleeping in your wig can cause tangling, breakage, and matting. If you need to sleep with it on, loosely tie it up in a braid or bun to avoid friction, we recommend using Divas Culture double silk bonnet.

8. Product Recommendations

To keep your wig looking its best, here are some product recommendations:

• Shampoo & Conditioner: Look for sulfate-free, moisturizing products like Shea Moisture Raw Shea Butter Shampoo & Conditioner or the ORS Olive Oil Shampoo.

• Leave-In Conditioner: A lightweight leave-in conditioner like the It's a 10 Miracle Leave-In Treatment works wonders for keeping the hair soft and detangled.

• Heat Protectant: For styling, use a good heat protectant spray like the TRESemmé Thermal Creations Heat Tamer Spray to shield the hair from damage.

Final Tips:

• Be gentle: Always treat your wig with care. It’s an investment, so taking time to properly maintain it will prolong its life and keep it looking beautiful.

• Professional help: If you’re not confident about washing, trimming, or styling your wig, book our professional wig maintenance service found here.

• Rotate your wigs: If you have multiple wigs, rotate them to give each one a break. This can help them last even longer.

With the right care, your human hair wig can stay looking healthy and beautiful for a long time. Enjoy your gorgeous hair!