Wig Care Guide: Washing, Conditioning & Detangling

A useful wig care routine starts with the hairpiece you own. Synthetic fibers, human hair, lace fronts and hand-tied bases can need different handling. Read your wig maker's care instructions and each bottle's directions before washing, conditioning or styling. Those instructions take priority over this general guide. If you are unsure about a product or method, ask the hairpiece supplier before using it.

Choose products for your wig type

Check whether your wig is synthetic, human hair or a blend. Browse synthetic wig care for the synthetic range, or human hair wig care for the human hair range. A product name alone cannot establish compatibility with every fiber, color treatment or base. For a blend or specially treated piece, confirm the recommended routine with its maker.

Also check what is included before choosing a set. A shampoo-and-spray kit provides two different steps. A two-bottle conditioner pack provides more leave-in spray, rather than a wash product and a conditioner.

Understand shampoo and leave-in conditioner

Wig shampoo is the washing step and must be rinsed away as directed. Leave-in conditioner spray is a separate conditioning step; it stays on the hair after application. A wig detangler or conditioning spray does not replace shampooing when a wash is needed.

The synthetic shampoo and conditioner kit pairs a wash product with a leave-in spray. For human hair pieces, see the human hair shampoo and spray kit. Follow the individual labels for the amount, water temperature, washing method and timing appropriate to each product and your hairpiece.

Wash gently and rinse the shampoo

Before washing, use the detangling method approved for your wig. Avoid pulling through a snag or scrubbing the hair against itself. Handle the cap, lace, seams and attachment areas gently throughout the routine.

Wash using the shampoo label and the hairpiece maker's method, then rinse thoroughly. Do not copy soaking times or water temperatures from a different wig or a different brand's tutorial. A synthetic wig's care limits can differ from those of a human hair piece, even when the styles look similar.

Apply leave-in spray and detangle patiently

For Awesome leave-in spray, shake the bottle and apply a light mist following its directions. Focus on the hair lengths and ends. Keep conditioner away from hand-tied knots and the base where the hairpiece maker advises; avoid saturating attachment areas.

Use the tool and wet-or-dry method recommended for the particular wig. Work through manageable sections, beginning at the ends and moving upward as tangles release. Pause if there is resistance instead of forcing the comb. Curly or textured pieces may call for finger styling to preserve their shape. For conditioning between washes, the synthetic leave-in conditioner spray is available separately.

Dry and store according to the hairpiece instructions

Follow the maker's drying and storage advice. Do not assume a synthetic piece accepts heat because another wig does; heat-friendly fibers also have specific limits. Human hair pieces can have styling restrictions too. Choose a wash schedule based on your wear, buildup and the maker's guidance, rather than a fixed rule for every wig.

Need help choosing between products? Contact Awesome Hair Care with the product you are considering and the type of hairpiece you own.