It’s essential to wash your wig regularly to stay in good shape for as long as possible. Washing a wig might seem straightforward at first – it’s pretty much like washing your hair, right? Not quite. There are some similarities, but properly washing a wig requires a unique approach.

Many new wig owners make the same common mistakes while washing their wigs, like the wrong water temperature or products. Don’t let that be you! Here are eight common wig-washing mistakes to avoid.

Not Detangling First

Just like your natural hair, your wig needs to be carefully detangled from root to tip before shampooing to avoid hair loss or damage. Use a wide-toothed comb, start at the ends, and then work your way upward.

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Using Hot Water

Always use cool or cold water to rinse your wigs, not hot water. Hot water can damage the fibers of your wig – not a good idea!

“Scrubbing” the Wig

Similarly, you don’t ever want to “scrub” your wig. It’s too delicate for that! Be gentle and don’t risk the damage.

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Skipping Conditioner

Your wig needs conditioner to keep it soft, moisturized, and shiny. A good option is a conditioning spray, which nourishes the fibers without weighing them down. If your wig is synthetic, it’s a good idea to use products made for synthetic fibers to make your wig last as long as possible.

Applying Conditioner to the Roots

If you apply conditioner on or near the wig cap, the hair may start to come loose. Instead, focus on the mid-shaft and ends of the hair.

Brushing or Combing While Wet

For many women, it’s natural to brush or comb your hair while it’s wet to make detangling easier. But for wigs, it’s a no-no. It can cause the hair to break, stretch, or frizz. You can use your fingers to comb through the product, but you should wait until your wig is 100% dry before reaching for a brush or comb.

Blow Drying

It’s safe to use blow dryers and heat on a human hair wig. For synthetic wigs, though, you can potentially destroy your wig by melting the fibers. Instead of a blow-dryer, hang your wig on a wig stand to air dry after gently blotting with a towel.

Not Washing Often Enough

Lastly, it’s essential to wash your wig roughly every 10 or 15 years if it’s synthetic. However, this is a general rule of thumb. Depending on how many styling products you use, you can wash it more or less often. By caring for your wig regularly, you’ll allow it to last longer.

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