How to Wash a Synthetic Wig in 9 Easy Steps

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Plus, the right products to use to wash or clean a wig

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Reviewed by Jasmin Todd

Last Updated: February 1, 2025

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Wigs are an important accessory to many people. If you want to wash your synthetic wig, this wikiHow will help.

Wig Care 101: Cleaning Steps

Fill a basin with cold water and 1-2 capfuls of a high-quality, alcohol-free wig shampoo made for synthetic wigs. Place your wig in the water and gently wash it for about 1 minute. Let it soak for 5 minutes, then take it out and shake it. Place it on a mannequin head to dry.

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1. 
   1
   Browse your local beauty supply store for a good synthetic wig shampoo. You want to look for a wig shampoo that doesn't have any alcohol in it. You also want to make sure it doesn't strip the color. Good wig shampoo should be around six dollars.
2. 
   2
   Comb out the wig using a wide tooth comb or a wig brush. Start at the bottom and comb all the way through to the top.
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3. 
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   Fill up a sink or basin with cold water. Then add one to two capfuls of shampoo to the water, or however many capfuls it says on the bottle.
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   Place the wig in the water. Make sure it is fully submerged. Do not scrub the wig, because it will tangle the hair. Instead handle it gently and wash out the cap of the wig as well. Wash it thoroughly for a minute or so.
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   Let it soak for five minutes.
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   Take the wig out of the water and drain the water out. Then rinse the wig with cold water only.
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   Shake the wig by the nape or the back of the wig. Then take some synthetic wig conditioner spray and spray it. Now, after spraying it, shake it out again.
8. 
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   Put the wig on a mannequin head or wig stand. If you don’t dry the wig on a mannequin head or wig stand designed specifically for the job, the wig may dry in an incorrect shape and shrink or stretch. The mannequin head or wig stand also allows you to pre-style the wig before wearing it, which is super helpful.
9. 
   9
   Comb out the wig when it is completely dry and store it. Never use heat to style a regular synthetic wig.
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• Question

  This whole process did not work. Any other tip to untangle?

  

  Dyingelder

  Community Answer

  You can put some fabric softener and water in equal parts in a spray bottle and then spray some on the wig. Leave it there for about 5 minutes and start brushing it with a washed or brand new comb made for human hair or a wig comb. Then rinse it out with warm water and let it dry on a rack. You don't want to put the wig on something that resembles a person's head since it will stretch it out because it's wet.

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