How to Care for Human Hair Wigs
Disclaimer: Please note that some of the links below are affiliate links and at no cost to you I will earn a commission if you purchase through those links. See my Disclosure + Privacy Policy for more info. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Learn how to care for human hair wigs with tips on how to wash your wig, the best products to use, and proper storage. Keep your wig looking fresh, styled, and lasting as long as possible! For more wig tips, see my Wig Care page.
Hey friend! Whether you wear wigs for style, daily ease, or medical needs, giving them the right care can make a huge difference in how long they last and how fabulous they continue to look.
Human hair wigs need a little extra TLC compared to synthetic ones. In this post, I’ll guide you through everything you need to know—from how to wash your wig, conditioning, to proper storage—so your human hair wig or topper stays looking fresh and fabulous for as long as possible.
Human Hair Wigs: Luxurious, But More Maintenance
Human hair wigs are made from actual human hair, which is awesome because they act just like your real hair. You can curl them, straighten them, even darken them with hair color if you want.
They’re super versatile and look very natural. But just like real hair, they need a bit more love and attention to keep them looking their best. They definitely have more upkeep, but totally worth it if you want that realistic look. They are just a bit more pricey than synthetics.
Let’s start with how to clean a human hair wig. See below!
WIG POSTS TO READ NEXT
How to Shampoo a Human Hair Wig
Every 7–14 wears, or when product buildup is noticeable.
Two if the most popular ways to wash your human hair wig are:
Method #1 Wash your human hair wig using the same method as a synthetic wig using a large bowl of warm-to-medium hot water.
Method #2 Wash your wigs by holding them, fold it in half and rinse them in warm to medium water. This is the method I use.
Steps for Method #1
- Before wetting the wig, use a wig brush to gently remove any tangles, especially at the nape.
- Fill a bowl or sink with warm water.
- Add a quarter-size amount of synthetic wig shampoo and swish the water until it is dissolved.
- Emerge the wig in the bowl and let it soak for 10 minutes.
- Lightly rub the front lace (if applicable) to remove any makeup or residue.
- Rinse the wig thoroughly with warm water.
- If it needs deep conditioning, add the conditioner to the ends (not the roots or near the cap), put it in a plastic bag and let it sit for 15-20 minutes.
- Rinse the wig thoroughly with warm water.
- Roll it in a towel to remove excess water.
Steps for Method #2
- Gently brush the wig from ends to roots with a wide-tooth comb or wig brush.
- Add a quarter-size amount of sulfate-free shampoo. Gently massage the shampoo into the wigs starting at the ends work the it through the wig.
- When washing a hair topper, one trick is to hold the topper on the part line so it does not get moved. This way, you know exactly where the part was before washing.
- Gently rub the front edge or lace area (if applicable) to remove any makeup or residue. Be careful with the knots as to not loosen them.
- Rinse the wig thoroughly. I tend to over-rinse mine to remove all the residue from the cap and hair.
- If it needs deep conditioning, add a hydrating conditioner to the ends, not near the roots or hair knots near the cap. It can make the hand tied knots release and fall out. Thining the wig.
- Put the wig in a plastic bag or towel and let it sit for 15-20 minutes.
- Rinse the wig very thoroughly with warm water.
- Roll it in a towel to remove excess water.
Steps to Take After Washing a Human Hair Wig
- Pin the human hair wig or topper to a mannequin head and gently comb it out, starting at the ends and working up to the base. Gently comb it into the part or style.
- Let it dry naturally pinned to the mannequin head, or blow-dry it to add lift and fullness.
- See my favorite way to dry my toppers below.
For added fullness, I dry my human hair toppers upside down.
How I Dry My Human Hair Wigs:
- I pin the topper to a styrofoam head and part the hair in the style I wear it.
- Turn the styrofoam head upside down and shake out the hair.
- Push the base of the styrofoam inside a clothing hanger ( I use velvet hangers) and hang it to dry overnight. This adds fullness and fluff to the top of the wig.
Styling Tips for Human Hair Wigs
- Use heat tools sparingly. I usually only have to curl the human hair once and then do small touch-ups between washings.
- Apply a heat protectant to preserve the hair’s cuticle.
- Avoid over-styling or dyeing the hair to preserve the hair quality.
- Moisturize with hair oil mists, like Argan oil, spray on conditioners or leave-in treatments if the hair feels overly dry.
My Favorite Wig Shampoos and Conditioners
Human Hair Products I love
The Costco Kirkland’s shampoo was recommended by Sharon of Highline Wigs for her hair toppers and wigs. I have used this for years, and it works great. You can use any sulfate-free shampoo, but make sure it is a good brand. The better you take care of your wig, the longer it will last.
WARNING: Using non-sulfate free shampoos will strip the color from the hair and make the hair fiber super dry and brittle.
One of my favorite human hair hacks is to use a clear gloss on them whenever I shampoo them. I use L’Oréal Paris Le Color Gloss in clear. It seals the hair shaft and gives the color a boost with that “right out of the salon’ feel.
I used this after every wash for my human hair toppers. Shampoo, then add this gloss and rinse. There is no need to add conditioner afterwards. Unless you just want added softness.
General Wig Care Tips (For Both Types of Wig Hair)
How to Store Your Wig:
To keep your wig in great shape, store it on a wig stand or mannequin head to help maintain its style and structure. You can also place it in a hair net and tuck it into a silk bag or box for dust-free storage. Want to save space? Try hanging wigs on wall-mounted or over-the-door shoe racks—a great option for closets!
Don’t be afraid to get creative—there are tons of clever wig storage ideas out there. A quick search online can give you some fun and functional inspiration!
Using a Mannequin Head for Wig Storage: When storing your wigs on a mannequin head, make sure it’s not larger than your actual head size. Stretching your wig over a head form that’s too big—especially when the wig is wet—can distort the fit and stretch out the lace or elastic base. It’s a good idea to measure your head first and size down if needed to keep your wig in perfect shape.
- Avoid Unnecessary Friction on Your Wig: Watch out for textured clothing like sweaters, scarves, and jackets, especially in colder months. These can create friction at the nape, which often leads to tangling or frizzing, particularly with longer wigs. To keep your wig smooth and tangle-free, try to limit contact with rough fabrics when possible.
- Protect Your Wig from Sunlight: Too much direct sunlight or UV exposure can fade the color of your wig—yes, even human hair ones! To keep them looking vibrant, avoid storing your wigs near windows or in spots with constant sunlight.
- Don’t Sleep in Your Wig: Sleeping in your wig can lead to tangling, frizz, and faster wear and tear. If you really want or need to wear one overnight, consider using an older wig as your designated sleep wig to help preserve your newer pieces.
Whether you’re splurging on a gorgeous human hair wig or keeping it easy with a synthetic one, showing your wig a little love goes a long way. Taking care of it properly really helps it last and keeps it looking amazing.
With the right routine and just a bit of TLC, your wig can stay a fab part of your everyday style for months—or even years!
Love it? Pin it for later or share it with a friend!
