Reviewed by Mackenzie Silva, Licensed Cosmetologist · Last updated October 2026
To wash a wig, detangle it dry, soak it in cool or lukewarm water with a wig shampoo, rinse, condition the hair (not the cap), rinse again, then gently blot and let it air dry on a wig stand. Most wigs need washing every 6 to 10 wears, or whenever they look dull or feel heavy. Never use hot water, never wring or twist the hair, and always use products made for your wig's fiber.
At a Glance
- How often: every 6 to 10 wears, more in hot weather or if you use styling products.
- Water: cool or lukewarm, never hot.
- Products: a wig shampoo and conditioner made for synthetic or human hair.
- Drying: blot with a towel, then air dry on a wig stand, ideally overnight.
- Never: rub, wring, twist or brush the hair while it is wet.
What You'll Need
- A clean basin or sink
- A wide-tooth comb or wig brush
- Wig shampoo and conditioner, such as the Jon Renau Synthetic Hair Care Kit or Estetica's Cleanse & Clarify Shampoo and Nourish & Renew Conditioner
- A clean towel
- A wig stand
Regular shampoos can strip or roughen wig fibers, so choose products made for wigs. For human hair, use our human hair care products; for synthetic and heat friendly fibers, see our synthetic care products.
How to Wash a Wig in 8 Steps
1. Detangle While Dry
Place the wig on a stand and gently comb it, starting at the ends and working up toward the roots, a small section at a time. Removing tangles first keeps them from tightening when the hair is wet.
2. Fill a Clean Basin
Fill a clean basin or sink with cool or lukewarm water. Make sure it is free of cleaning products or residue. Hot water can damage synthetic fibers and loosen curls.
3. Add Shampoo and Soak
Swirl about a tablespoon of wig shampoo into the water. Submerge the wig and let it soak for a few minutes so dirt, oils and product buildup loosen.
4. Gently Clean the Cap and Hair
Use your fingertips to gently clean inside the cap and along the lace front, where makeup, oils and perspiration collect. Move your fingers through the hair from top to ends without rubbing, twisting or scrunching.
5. Rinse Thoroughly
Rinse under cool, gently running water, from the top of the cap down, until no shampoo remains. Leftover shampoo attracts dirt.
6. Condition the Hair, Not the Cap
Apply conditioner from the mid-lengths to the ends, using a spray like Jon Renau Fiber Love Conditioner or a soak in a fresh basin with about a tablespoon of conditioner. Leave it for a few minutes. Keep conditioner off the cap and lace, since it can loosen hand-tied knots.
7. Rinse and Blot
Rinse with cool water until the hair no longer feels slippery. Gently squeeze out excess water, then lay the wig on a clean towel and pat or roll it to absorb more moisture. Never wring or twist.
8. Air Dry on a Stand
Place the wig on a wig stand and let it air dry completely, ideally overnight, away from heat and direct sun. Avoid a solid foam head, which can stretch the cap. Once dry, gently shake it out, finger-style or comb, and style as usual.
Washing Different Wig Types
- Synthetic: its style returns as it dries, so simply shake it out. Never use heat. See our synthetic wig care guide.
- Heat friendly synthetic: once completely dry, you can restyle with low heat and a heat protectant. See our heat friendly wig care guide.
- Human hair: treat it like your own hair: use moisturizing products for color-treated hair, then blow-dry on low or air dry and restyle. See our human hair wig care guide.
- Toppers: wash the same way, taking extra care with the clips and the delicate base.
Common Washing Mistakes
- Using hot water or regular shampoo
- Rubbing, wringing or twisting the hair
- Brushing while wet, which stretches fibers and causes frizz
- Putting conditioner on the cap or lace
- Washing too often, which wears fibers out sooner
- Drying with heat or in direct sun (unless your wig is human hair or heat friendly and you use low heat)
How Often Should You Wash a Wig?
Most wig wearers wash every 6 to 10 wears. Wash more often in hot or humid weather, if you exercise in your wig or if you use styling products; less often if you wear it occasionally or with a wig cap. Over-washing shortens a wig's life, so wash when it looks dull, feels heavy or smells less than fresh. Between washes, store your wig on a stand and refresh it with a light mist of a wig refresher if needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use regular shampoo on my wig?
It's best not to. Regular shampoos can strip or roughen wig fibers. Wig shampoos are gentler and made for synthetic or human hair.
Can I wash my wig in the washing machine?
No. Machine washing tangles the hair and can damage the cap. Always wash by hand.
Can I blow-dry my wig?
Only human hair or heat friendly wigs, on a low setting. Air dry standard synthetic wigs.
Why does my wig feel stiff after washing?
Leftover shampoo or conditioner can make fibers feel stiff or sticky. Rinse until the water runs clear.
How long does a wig take to dry?
Usually several hours to overnight, depending on length, density and humidity.
Need Help?
Our team is happy to recommend the right care products for your wig. Book a free virtual consultation, read Synthetic vs. Human Hair Wigs to learn more about your fiber, or explore Strands of Knowledge: The Wig & Hair Loss Learning Center.
