How to Wash a Real Human Hair Wig: A Step-by-Step Guide

Welcome to Mandeville London’s definitive guide on how to properly wash, and care for your real human hair wig. Whether you’re new to wearing wigs or need a refresher, this guide is designed to help you maintain the beauty and longevity of your wig. Proper care is crucial for keeping your wig in top condition, ensuring it stays looking natural and feels comfortable for as long as possible.

Who Is This Guide For?

This guide is perfect for new wig wearers or anyone looking for a reliable method to wash a human hair wig. While all Mandeville London clients are introduced to these steps during their final fitting, this tutorial provides additional support to ensure you get the most out of your wig.

Understanding Your Human Hair Wigs

This guide specifically focuses on washing human hair wigs. The care process differs from the hair fibers of synthetic wigs, so it’s important to follow these steps to maintain your wigs quality and lifespan.

Step-by-Step Washing Instructions

Step 1: Secure Your Wig on a Wig Stand

Before washing, ensure your wig is securely pinned to a suitable head block, like the exclusive Mandeville London rubber head block and stand. Properly securing your wig prevents tangling and damage during washing. Need help pinning it down? Check out our tutorial, where we explain step-by-step how to pin your wig to a wig block and stand.[here].

Step 2: Position Your Wig

Place the pinned wig block and wig stand into a sink, shower, or bath. This setup allows you to control the warm running water flow while washing easily.

Step 3: Detangle the Hair

Use your brush to lightly detangle your wig before wetting it. This step helps prevent further tangling and makes the washing process smoother.

Step 4: Wet the Wig

Use a tap or shower head to fully saturate your wig or topper. Make sure the hair is completely wet before applying any products.

Step 5: Apply Human Hair Wig Shampoo

Squeeze a generous amount of shampoo into your hands, spreading it between your palms. Smooth the shampoo over the hair from roots to ends in a downward motion. Avoid massaging the shampoo in, as this can cause tangling. Use a brush to distribute the shampoo evenly, starting from the ends and working upwards.

Step 6: Rinse Thoroughly

Rinse the wig thoroughly, using a downward motion to help remove all traces of shampoo. Ensure all the product is rinsed out to avoid build-up.

Step 7: Apply Wig Conditioner

Dispense a moderate amount of conditioner into your hands, spreading it between your palms. Smooth the conditioner into the mid-lengths and ends of your wig, avoiding the roots. Use your brush to distribute the conditioner evenly and remove any remaining tangles. Leave the conditioner in for 2-3 minutes.

Step 8: Rinse Again

Rinse the conditioner out thoroughly, again using a downward motion. Conditioner can be harder to remove, so gently brush through the hair and give it an extra rinse to ensure all product is washed out.

Step 9: Remove Excess Water

Use a clean towel to lightly pat your wig to remove excess moisture, avoiding any rough towel-drying techniques. Apply your favourite serum, distributing it evenly through the lengths and ends with your brush.

Step 10: Drying Your Wig

Allow your wig to air-dry naturally. To protect the wig foundation, give the roots a quick 1-2 minute blast with a hairdryer. For styling, consider heat-free methods such as rollers or heatless curl kits, which are gentler on the wig hair itself.

Recommended Products

We recommend using L’Anza shampoos, conditioners, and serums, as these products are specifically designed to be hydrating and are also safe for the polymers used in our wigs.

Drying Techniques

What are the recommended methods for drying human hair wigs?

1. Air drying is the kindest way to dry your human hair wig. When leaving your wig to air dry, it’s advisable to give the roots and wig foundation a 1-2 minute blast with your hairdryer to avoid any excess water sitting under the foundation.
2. Heat-free styling methods, such as rollers or heatless curl kits, offer a more gentle approach to styling that won’t damage or dry out your wig over time, unlike heated styling tools.

Techniques to Avoid

1. Avoid vigorous massaging: Always use a smoothing, downward motion when applying products.
2. Don’t swill your wig: Always pin your wig cap down properly to your block before washing to avoid tangling and damage.

Maintenance and Care Tips

If you've been wondering how often to you wash your human hair wig, our professionals have the answer: we recommend washing your human hair wig every 8-10 days, depending on your lifestyle.

Daily Maintenance

• Detangle daily: Prevent large knots and matting by detangling your wig each day.‍

• Moisturise as needed: If the ends of your wig feel dry, apply more serum to hydrate.

Additional Tips

• Avoid the hairline when applying face products: Certain chemicals from these products can cause hair discolouration, especially in blonde wigs.

• Mind your wardrobe: Avoid wearing outfits with collars, turtlenecks, or scarves to reduce friction and shedding when possible.

• Protect from sun exposure: Consider wearing a hat or using an SPF spray for hair to prevent bleaching from prolonged exposure and store out of direct sunlight.

Find Out What Our Customers Think:

"Robert, Joanna and Janet picked up my wig query quickly and I was able to make an appointment with Robert in their airy, modern and spotless studio without having to wait long. Robert couldn't have been more kind, knowledgable and professional as he spent time discussing my options and giving me advice on colour match and what to expect from my hair during my chemo treatment. My follow-up appointment was equally enjoyable and my wig looks great: natural with more thickness and movement than my own hair. I would thoroughly recommend Mandeville to anyone who is experiencing hair loss and is looking for a first-rate, personal service that will give you the confidence you need at what is often not an easy time." - Caroline

"I got some hair made-to-measure at Mandeville salon as I have alopecia totalis. Absolutely amazing experience, and an even better product. Caroline was brilliant, it was like she was able to read my mind! She gave me plenty of opportunities to ask questions and about about every step of the process. I live far away so she kindly allowed me to have a weekend appointment so I wouldn't need to take time off work to visit the salon for measurements etc. The hair they made for me is beautiful, it looks exactly like my natural hair but better! It's easy to take care of and style, which is great for everyday but even better for going out. The after service is great too. Caroline really goes out of her way to make her customers at ease." - SS

FAQs for Human Hair Wig Care

1. How often should I wash my human hair wig?

We recommend washing your human hair wig every 8-10 days, depending on your lifestyle. If you're often in humid climates or strong smells from cooking for example, it may be more frequent.

2. Can I use regular hair products on my human hair wig?

While human hair wigs are made from natural hair strands, they can require special care products. We recommend using L’Anza shampoos, conditioners, and serums to our clients as they are hydrating and specifically tested and proven safe for the polymers used in our wigs. Look out for high quality products designed to gently cleanse and hydrate hair.

3. What should I do if my wig gets tangled?

To prevent tangles, lightly detangle your wig daily using a wide-tooth comb or a wig brush. If you encounter stubborn knots or matting, try dampening the hair and applying conditioner to gently comb them out from the ends to the roots, avoiding any harsh pulling that could damage the hair. This can be done before washing your wig, or done to a single section of knotted hair as long as the conditioner is effectively rinsed out afterwards.

4. Can I colour or dye my human hair wig?

Yes, human hair wigs can be coloured or dyed, but it is highly recommended that this be done by a professional who is experienced in working with wigs. Incorrect colouring can damage the wig or alter its texture, colour and can make the hair prone to breakage. We do not accept liability for Mandeville wigs that have been coloured elsewhere.

5. How should I store my wig when I’m not wearing it?

Store your wig on a wig stand or mannequin wig head block, in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and UV rays. This helps maintain the wig’s shape and prevents tangling. When travelling without your block and stand, shape some tissue paper into a ball and use it to stuff the inside of the wig cap before popping it into a box.

6. Is it safe to use heat-styling tools on my wig?

While you can use heat styling tools on human hair wigs, frequent use of excessive heat can dry out and damage the hair. We recommend using heat-free styling methods such as rollers or heatless curl kits whenever possible. If you do use heat, always apply a heat protectant beforehand.

7. How can I prevent my wig from shedding?

Handling your wig gently, especially when washing, detangling, and styling, can minimise shedding hair. Avoid outfits with collars or scarves that rub against the nape of your neck, as this can cause friction and shedding.

8. Can I swim while wearing my wig?

No, it’s not recommended to swim while wearing a wig, as chlorine and salt water can damage the hair and the wig foundation.

9. How long will my human hair wig last?

With proper care and maintenance, a human hair wig can last 1 year to 18 months or even longer. Regular washing, gentle handling, and proper storage are key to extending the lifespan of your wig. Some Mandeville clients have been wearing their pieces for many years and don't forget, as we make what we sell your precious Mandeville wig, topper or hairpiece can be repaired by us after lots of wear.

10. Can I sleep in my wig?

No, always remove your wig before sleeping to prevent tangling and friction, which can damage the hair and cause it to invert to the inside of the wig cap, which is often irreparable.

By following these steps and tips, you’ll ensure your human hair wig remains in excellent condition, offering you long-lasting beauty and confidence. For more personalised advice, feel free to contact Mandeville London or visit us for a consultation.