How to Wash a Wig (Step-by-Step Guide)

Before You Start: What You’ll Need

  • Wide-tooth comb or wig brush

  • Wig stand or mannequin head

  • Basin/sink + lukewarm water

  • Sulfate-free shampoo (wig-safe)

  • Conditioner (wig-safe)

  • Microfiber towel or soft t-shirt

  • Spray leave-in conditioner / detangler (optional)

  • Heat protectant (only if heat styling is allowed)

Step-by-Step: How to Wash a Wig Properly

Step 1: Detangle the Wig (Dry)

Place the wig on a wig stand (or hold it firmly). Gently detangle starting from the ends and working upward to the roots.

Pro tip from Milk & Honey Wigs: Never start brushing from the top—this is the fastest way to create knots and shedding.

Step 2: Prepare Lukewarm Water

Fill a basin or sink with lukewarm water (not hot). Hot water can dry out fibers and loosen knots or caps over time.

Step 3: Shampoo Gently (Don’t Rub)

Add a small amount of shampoo to the water and swirl it.

  • Submerge the wig.

  • Let it soak for 3–5 minutes.

  • Gently smooth the hair downward with your hands.

✅ Do: Smooth top-to-bottom
❌ Don’t: Scrub, bunch, or rub in circles (this causes tangling)

Step 4: Rinse Thoroughly

Rinse under lukewarm running water, letting water flow in the same direction as the hair until all shampoo is gone.

Step 5: Condition the Mid-Lengths and Ends

Apply conditioner only to the mid-lengths and ends (avoid the roots and knots).

  • Let it sit for 5–10 minutes

  • Rinse with lukewarm to cool water for a smoother finish

Step 6: Blot Dry (No Wringing)

Use a microfiber towel or t-shirt to gently blot the wig.

❌ Don’t twist or wring the hair—this stretches fibers and causes frizz.

Step 7: Air Dry on a Wig Stand

Place the wig on a wig stand to dry naturally.

  • Let it dry completely before wearing or styling

  • Avoid direct sunlight and high heat while drying

Step 8: Detangle Again + Style (Only When Fully Dry)

Once dry, lightly detangle ends-to-roots. Style only if the wig is fully dry.

  • Use low heat if it’s human hair or heat-friendly fiber

  • Always use a heat protectant (when heat styling)

How Often Should You Wash a Wig?

A good rule of thumb:

  • Everyday wear: every 7–10 wears

  • Occasional wear: every 10–15 wears

  • After heavy product/sweat: wash sooner

If your wig feels dry or tangled, a refresh wash + conditioning session helps.

Wig Washing Tips (Milk & Honey Wigs Approved)

  • Use sulfate-free products to prevent dryness

  • Avoid oils near the wig cap/knots (can loosen knots and attract buildup)

  • Store your wig on a stand or in a satin bag

  • For curly or wavy wigs: avoid brushing dry—use fingers or a wide-tooth comb

Common Wig Washing Mistakes to Avoid

  • Using hot water

  • Scrubbing the hair in circles

  • Conditioning the roots/knots heavily

  • Brushing aggressively (especially when wet)

  • Heat styling before the wig is fully dry