How to wash and care for your synthetic hair wig
See also: Caring for your Human Hair Wig
Wigs made of synthetic hair are super easy-care and ready-to-wear. We always receive questions about optimal care products and intervals. In the video below by Ellen Wille, they answer many of your questions and show you in a step-by-step guide how to wash wigs made of synthetic hair. You can also follow our step by step instructions for washing and caring for a synthetic wig below the video.
What are the best products to wash a synthetic wig?
We recommend the Ellen Wille Synthetic Wig Care Kit for salon-finish, silky and shiny wigs. The Wig Care Kit includes shampoo, conditioner and balm to help keep your synthetic wig in pristine condition. We do not recommend to use standard hair care products, as they are not suitable for the cap construction and for the hair of your synthetic wig.
How often should synthetic hair be cleaned?
The suggested cleaning frequency of synthetic wigs depends on the intensity of use, and to wash your wig regularly, though not too often. Our recommendation is 1 – 2 times a week depending on the wear time. Washing your wig more frequently will stress the fibers and decrease its life span. Washing it less frequently will allow sweat and oils to build up inside of the cap, which will break down the fibers and adversely affect longevity. We recommend the use of Ellen Wille care products, and storing your wig on a wig stand when not in use for longevity.
Step by step instructions
Follow our step by step instructions below to ensure the best washing technique and care routine for your synthetic hair wig.
1. De-Tangle
- Before you wash, be sure to carefully detangle the hair using a wide tooth comb or brush.
- Do not pull or drag the fibre…. be gentle!
- TIP: Use a wig comb or brush with rounded ends. Avoid tearing and overstretching your wig in the area of the lace front if it has one.
2. Wash
- Fill a bowl or basin with 1 liter LUKE WARM water (never hot, as heat damages fibres).
- Mix a thimble-full of Ellen Wille Synthetic Hair Shampoo into the water.
- Softly shake the wig out and immerse it in the shampoo bath. The shampoo has a self-cleaning effect – it does not need to be agitated. Be particularly gentle on any hand tied areas of the wig cap as this area is the most fragile.
- TIP: When washing your wig, never squeeze, wring or rub it as it will cause damage to the fibres.
3. Rinse
- Immerse your wig in a fresh bowl of luke warm water to remove shampoo.
- Do NOT rub, squeeze or wring your wig.
4. Condition
- Soak the wig in the water mixed with the wig conditioner for about 10min (don’t apply the conditioner directly to your wig).
- Rinse by immersing the wig once more in fresh cold water.
- You may like to use the Ellen Wille Synthetic Hair Balm for extra healthy shine. Add a spoonful of balm into one liter of lukewarm water. Immerse the wig for 10min for the balm to work and rinse again thoroughly.
5. Towel dry
- Place the wig between a folded towel and pat dry.
- Never squeeze, rub or wring your wig while drying.
- Remove from towel.
- TIP: Do not brush the wig while it is wet or damp, or use dryers as it will damage the synthetic fibres. However, you can absolutely comb when wet, as long as it is with a long tooth plastic comb, ends to roots through.
6. Styling
- All our wigs come pre-styled, so you only need to gently shake the wig to regain its style. Alternatively, lightly style it with a wig comb or your fingers, or use some wet gel for extra styling hold.
- You may also like to use the Ellen Wille Wig Conditioner to give perfect protection and an additional sheen. If so, spray the strands and tips of the dry hair with conditioner from a distance of about 10cm in short bursts.
- Place wig on a folding wig stand or over the mouth of a large jar or vase to dry naturally. Do not dry your wig on a styrofoam head as this will stretch out the cap.
