Human hair wigs and hair toppers look, feel and move like your own hair, and you can style them with heat just like natural hair. But unlike the hair on your head, a wig doesn't get natural oils from your scalp, so it needs gentle cleansing and regular moisture to stay soft and healthy. With the right care, a quality human hair wig can last a year or more. Learn what makes quality hair different in Remy Human Hair vs. Regular Human Hair.
Human Hair Wig Care: Quick Answers
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How often should I wash a human hair wig? About every 6 to 8 wears, or sooner if you use styling products or wear it in hot weather.
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What temperature is safe for heat styling? No higher than 330°F, always with a heat protectant.
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Should I check my new wig? Yes. Do a check wash within 10 days of receiving any human hair wig or topper (see below).
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Can I color or perm it? We don't recommend coloring or chemically altering human hair wigs or toppers.
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How do I dry it? Pat it dry with a towel and let it air dry completely before wearing, storing or styling.
Do a Check Wash Within 10 Days
We recommend a check wash on every human hair wig and topper within 10 days of receiving it. It confirms the hair is healthy and correctly aligned before you wear it regularly.
- Gently remove tangles with a wide tooth comb.
- Wet the hair completely under cool running water, letting the water flow in the direction of the hair. Do not soak the wig or topper.
- Comb through the hair with your fingers several times.
- If there's no tangling or matting, continue to cleanse and condition as usual, checking for excessive tangling as you go.
- If you do notice excessive tangling or matting, it may be a sign of inversion (hair strands facing different directions). Contact us right away at support@wigstudio1.com.
Tangling or matting that appears after months of wear is usually due to care rather than the hair itself, so following the steps below will help your wig stay smooth.
How to Wash and Condition a Human Hair Wig
- Gently remove tangles with a wide tooth comb, starting at the ends.
- Wet the hair completely under cool running water, letting the water flow in the direction of the hair. We don't recommend soaking your wig or topper.
- Gently lather a small amount of shampoo made for human hair wigs, keeping the water flowing in the same direction as the hair. Do not rub or scrub.
- Rinse thoroughly in cool running water until the water runs clear.
- Apply a conditioner made for human hair wigs to the mid-lengths and ends, avoiding the cap. Conditioner on the base can loosen the knots.
- Work the conditioner through with your fingers for 3 to 5 minutes, then rinse thoroughly in cool water.
How to Dry a Human Hair Wig
- Wrap the wig in a towel and gently pat out excess water. Do not wring or twist it.
- Gently remove tangles with a wide tooth comb.
- Let the cap dry completely before wearing, storing, displaying or placing the wig on a canvas block head for styling.
How to Heat Style a Human Hair Wig
- Place the wig or topper securely on a canvas block head.
- Lightly spray a heat protectant on the hair, avoiding the base and working down toward the ends.
- Style in 2-inch sections using professional tools with digital temperature settings.
- Keep heat at or below 330°F to protect the hair.
Tips to Make Your Human Hair Wig Last Longer
- Use products made for human hair wigs, which are gentler than many products made for your own hair.
- Keep conditioner and styling products away from the cap and knots.
- Limit daily heat styling and always use a heat protectant.
- Avoid sleeping or swimming in your wig; friction, chlorine and salt water dry the hair.
- Store your wig on a wig stand, away from direct sunlight and heat.
- Rotate between two wigs if you wear one every day.
Brand-Specific Human Hair Wig Care
Recommended Products for Human Hair Wigs
You'll need a wig shampoo and conditioner for human hair, a heat protectant, a wide tooth comb, a canvas block head for styling and a wig stand for drying. Shop wig care products for human hair.
Human Hair Wig Care FAQ
How long does a human hair wig last?
With regular wear and proper care, a quality Remy human hair wig can last a year or more. Gentle washing, regular conditioning and limited heat all help extend its life.
Why is my human hair wig dry or frizzy?
Wigs don't receive natural scalp oils, so they dry out faster than your own hair. Condition every wash, use a heat protectant, limit heat and avoid chlorine and salt water.
Can I color a human hair wig?
We don't recommend coloring or chemically altering human hair wigs or toppers. The hair has already been processed, and additional chemicals can weaken it and void the manufacturer's guarantee. Compare shades on our wig color charts to find the right color from the start.
Can I use my regular shampoo and conditioner?
It's best to use products made specifically for human hair wigs. They're formulated to clean and moisturize without stripping the hair or loosening the knots.
Why does my human hair wig tangle?
Some tangling is normal, especially at the nape. Excessive tangling or matting in a brand-new wig can be a sign of inversion, so do a check wash within 10 days. Tangling that appears after months of wear is usually caused by friction, dryness or product buildup.
More Wig Care Guides
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