Should You Wash Your Human Hair Wig When You First Get It?
A Quick Answer
Yes, you absolutely should wash a new human hair wig before wearing it for the very first time. Washing removes any chemical residues, dust, or styling products left over from the manufacturing process. It revives the wig hair fibers so they look soft, shiny and natural instead of dull or stiff right out of the package. Washing also ensures proper hygiene by getting rid of any contaminants before the wig touches your scalp and face. The first wash is an essential step to prep your new human hair wig before wearing.
Why You Can't Skip the First Wash When Getting a Human Hair Wig
You might be tempted to just take your wig out of the package and put it right on your head. But that would be a mistake! Even though it looks perfect sitting there brand new, there are very good reasons you need to wash it first before wearing.
Get Rid of Icky Residues and Buildup
During manufacturing, human hair wigs can pick up all kinds of chemical residues, dust, and styling products used to make them look amazing for those first unboxing photos. Those substances can irritate your scalp and make the wig feel stiff and unnatural if not removed.
Make It Look and Feel Refreshed
Besides getting rid of buildup, washing helps revive and revitalize the wig hair's texture. The fibers get a reset so they regain that soft, smooth, flowing look and feel. Your wig will appear much more natural and beautiful once cleansed.
Ensure Proper Hygiene
Think about how many hands touched and processes were involved in making your wig before it got to you. Washing guarantees any contaminants or substances from the factory are eliminated for hygienic reasons.
So, that first wash is crucial for removing residues, chemical buildup, making the wig look refreshed, and ensuring hygienic cleanliness before wearing next to your scalp and face. Don't skip this important step!
How to Prepare Your New Human Hair Wig for Washing
Before getting your new human hair wig wet, it's crucial to inspect it thoroughly and detangle any knots. This preventative step ensures your wig is ready for washing without risking excessive shedding or damage.
Careful Inspection is Key
Gently examine every inch of the wig cap and hair fibers. Check for any loose or shedding tracks, tangles, or inconsistencies in the wig cap stitching. If you notice any issues like loose wefts or stitching problems, have a professional repair them before washing.
Dealing with Tangles
It's very common for new wigs to have some tangling from the packaging. However, don't try to rip through knots – this will only cause more shedding and breakage.
Proper Detangling Technique
Use a wig brush or a wide-tooth comb specifically designed for wigs and extensions. Starting at the ends, slowly and gently work out each tangle section by section. Never brush or comb from the top down.
Take Your Time
Detangling can be tedious, but patience is key. Taking a few extra minutes to carefully separate each strand will prevent matting and shedding issues later on.
How to Wash Human Hair Wigs: Step-by-Step Guide
Getting Ready to Wash
Before you get started, remove any wig caps, nets, or accessories. Clear your washbasin or sink of any objects that could snag or pull on the wig hair. Fill it with cool water.
Choose the Right Products
Use a mild, sulfate-free shampoo made specifically for wigs and hair extensions. Avoid products with heavy waxes, oils, or alcohol that can cause buildup. For conditioner, pick an ultra-moisturizing formula to prevent dryness and tangles.
Wig in the Water
Gently lower your wig into the water and let it soak for 2-3 minutes to loosen any dirt or product residue. Try not to rub, wring or agitate the fibers too much yet.
Shampooing Properly
Apply a dollop of wig shampoo starting at the upper crown area. Use your fingertips to lightly massage and work the lather through the hair from top to bottom in sections. Rinse thoroughly with cool water.
Conditioning for Moisture
Squeeze a generous amount of wig conditioner evenly throughout the hair. Pay extra attention to the ends which tend to get drier. Let it soak in for 5-10 minutes before rinsing out completely with cool water.
Handle with Care
At all times, be extremely delicate with your wig. Never twist, wring, or rub it aggressively, as this can cause shedding, frizz, and tangling. Gently squeeze out excess water when rinsing.
By properly preparing, using the right products, and carefully shampooing and conditioning, you'll refresh your new human hair wig without any damage. Washing this way helps keep your wig soft, shiny and tangle-free.
Post-Wash Care
Drying Your Wig the Right Way
Don't just roughly towel dry your wet wig - that's a recipe for frizzy, matted hair.
- For air drying: Lay the wig flat on a towel, following the natural part line. Use your fingers to smooth and position the hair nicely. You can pat it lightly with the towel to soak up moisture, but don't rub back and forth. Let it fully air dry before styling.
- For blow drying: Use the cool setting and hold the dryer about 6-8 inches away from the hair. Dry it in sections, using your fingers or a wide-tooth comb to carefully detangle and smooth as you go.
Get It Styled Right
Once your wig is 100% dry, give it a light misting with a heat protectant spray or leave-in conditioner. This helps avoid frizz. Use a wig brush or brush with smooth, seamless bristles to gently style.
- For natural, wavy looks: use your fingers and the brush to lightly coax and shape the hair into pretty waves and curls along the natural part.
- For straighter styles: take sections of hair and lightly pull them straight with the brush.
Be really gentle! Never yank, pull, or tug the hair. This tugs on the tracks and can damage or loosen the wig cap over time.
How Often Do You Need to Wash Your Human Hair Wig?
Finding the Right Routine
After that crucial first wash, you'll want to get on a regular routine for keeping your human hair wig fresh and clean. But be careful - over-washing can lead to dryness, tangles, and excessive shedding.
A Good General Guideline
For most wig wearers, washing once every 6-8 wears or once a month is a good target. This helps remove buildup from things like oils from your skin, hair products, and environmental dirt and grime.
When to Wash More Frequently
If you're an active person who works out a lot or stays outdoors for long periods, you may need to wash every 2-3 weeks. Excessive sweating and exposure to pollutants will make your wig need more frequent shampooing.
The Risks of Under-Washing
On the flip side, going too long without washing allows all that buildup to really set in. Your wig can start to look dull, feel stiff and straw-like, and get weighed down over time. Not to mention issues like odor and bacterial buildup next to your scalp - not cute!
Listen to Your Wig
The best advice is to stay attuned to how your wig looks, feels and smells. If it starts looking dirty and stringy despite brushing, or has a funky smell - it's definitely time for a good washing.
Additional Maintenance Tips for Your Human Hair Wig
Proper Storage is Key
When not wearing your wig, always store it on a stable wig head or canvas head mount. This helps maintain the wig's shape and style between wears.
Avoid wrapping or piling the wig on itself, as this can cause tangling, shedding, and matting over time. For travel, consider investing in a ventilated wig case or box.
Use the Right Styling Tools
Just like with your own bio hair, using the proper tools prevents damage and prolongs your wig's life:
- Wig brushes and wide-tooth combs - These have smooth, ball-tipped bristles and wider spaced teeth to gently detangle without ripping or pulling.
- Wig caps and grips - Wearing a wig grip or cap helps secure the wig in place and prevents shifting or slipping that can loosen the cap over time.
Avoid Any Excessive Heat
While you may need to use low, cool settings for blow drying, stay away from applying any flat irons, curling irons or hot styling tools directly on a human hair wig. The high heat will cause irreversible damage.
With good daily maintenance practices and responsible product usage, you'll get the longevity and appearance you expect from your investment in a quality human hair wig.
Give Your Wig the Care It Deserves!
At the end of the day, washing your brand new human hair wig before wearing it is a must. That initial wash gets rid of any gross residues or hair products leftover from manufacturing, and more importantly, it helps revive and refresh the wig hair so it looks and feels soft, shiny and natural. But the first wash is just the start! By developing a good routine like washing regularly, using the right products, storing your wig properly, and avoiding harsh heat styling, you'll keep your wig looking beautiful for years to come. With the right care and maintenance, investing in a quality human hair wig pays off big time. So don't skip that crucial first wash - your new wig will thank you!
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