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Whether this is your very first wig or one of many, I’m so glad you’re here.
I’ve poured my heart into designing wigs that are as realistic and long-lasting as they are easy to wear. But to keep your wig looking beautiful for years, proper care is key. This guide reflects everything I personally do to care for my own wigs — and I’m sharing it here so you can feel confident, empowered, and supported every step of the way.

 

1. Washing & Conditioning

 

How Often Should You Wash?
Human hair wigs don’t need to be washed as often as bio hair. In fact, less is more:

• If you wear your wig daily: wash once a month

• If you rotate styles: every 2–3 months is perfectly fine
   

Product Do’s & Don’ts:

Use gentle, sulfate-free products that are free from drying alcohols (like alcohol denat or isopropyl alcohol), which can strip moisture from the hair. Some alcohols — like fatty alcohols (such as cetyl or stearyl alcohol) — are actually great for softness and hydration, so don’t worry if you see those on the label. Avoid strong fragrances too, as they can be drying and irritating over time.

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How to Wash Your Wig:

1. Detangle gently using a wig brush or wide-tooth comb before getting the wig wet.

2. Rinse with lukewarm water, holding the wig under the cap and allowing the water to flow down the hair (in the same direction it naturally falls). This helps gently lift buildup without creating tangles or matting.

3. Apply shampoo directly to the hair (not the lace or cap).
   You can lather in your hands first or simply use your free hand to smooth the shampoo down the strands, always moving in the same direction as the hair. Don’t scrub, swirl, or rub the wig.

4. Rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water, again keeping the hair flowing straight down.

5. Apply a deep hydrating mask instead of regular conditioner.
   Let it sit for 10-20 minutes to deeply replenish moisture — this step is key for softness, especially since wigs aren’t washed often.

6. Rinse with cool water to seal the cuticle and lock in shine and hydration.

7. Let air dry on a mannequin or wig stand.
    

Steph’s Tip: Sometimes, the soapy water alone running down the strands is enough to cleanse the wig — no need to overdo it.
 

Color Care: Pastel and vivid colors fade faster, so wash less often, use cool water, and always choose a color-safe, sulfate-free shampoo to help lock in vibrancy. Cool water helps seal the cuticle and preserve color longer.
 

 

2. Cleaning the Lace & Cap

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If you wear makeup or adhesive, it’s totally normal for some buildup to collect on the lace or inside the cap.
 

Steph’s Go-To Method:

• Use unscented Dr. Bronner’s Castile soap- It's my favorite! (or you can use any lace-safe cleanser)

• Gently clean just the lace areas with your fingers— especially the hairline — with lukewarm water
   

This helps remove residue without disturbing the knots or damaging the lace. I never scrub, and I’m always gentle — but this method works beautifully.
 

Steph’s Tip: If you’re washing your wig hair anyway, it’s a great time to also clean the cap. In this case, I recommend using a mild cleanser like Dr. Bronner’s Castile soap on the lace front and cap interior. Just rinse gently — no harsh scrubbing needed.
 

Bonus Tip: If you don’t want to wash the whole wig but need a quick refresh after working out or sweating, simply dampen a cloth with a diluted white vinegar + water mix (1:3 ratio) and wipe the inside of the cap. This neutralizes odors and freshens the wig without needing a full wash.

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3. Brushing & Detangling

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What Tools Should You Use? When it comes to detangling and keeping your wig smooth, I recommend using a wide-tooth comb on wet hair since it’s gentle enough to detangle without pulling. For dry hair, a soft-bristle wig brush works best to smooth the strands without snagging. Another tool I absolutely love is a boar bristle brush. Wigs don’t create natural oils on their own, but here’s a trick I use: I’ll run the boar bristle brush through my bio hair first, and then through my wig. That way, just the tiniest amount of natural oil transfers to the wig hairs, helping to keep the wig soft, hydrated, and smooth over time. It’s a simple step, but it really makes a difference.
 

✨ My favorite boar bristle brush can be found here: Amazon U.S. or Amazon Canada

Always start brushing from the ends and work your way up to the roots to avoid shedding or stretching the lace.

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Steph’s Tip: Avoid fine-tooth combs and stiff brushes — they tug too much, and can snag at the cap.

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4. Heat Styling & Color Care

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Can You Use Heat? Yes — but with care.

• Keep tools at 275°F to 300°F

• Always use a heat protectant spray

• Avoid daily heat styling to preserve hair health

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Steph’s Tip: Curling or straightening? Let the hair cool in its shape before brushing out for best results.
 

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5. Sleeping in Your Wig

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While I always recommend removing your wig at night, I understand some people prefer to sleep in theirs. If you do:

• Use a silk or satin bonnet

• Sleep on a silk pillowcase

• If wig is long enough, secure hair in a loose braid to avoid tangling, and then tuck up into bonnet.

• If wig length is short, no need to braid- simply tuck the strands into your bonnet.

 

Steph’s Tip: Friction is the biggest enemy of your wig’s longevity. Silk reduces that beautifully.

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6. Adhesives, Glue & Removal

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My wigs are 100% glueless — but if you choose to use glue or tape, protect your piece:

• Avoid alcohol-based removers

• Gently lift lace using lukewarm water

• Don’t pull or tug at the hairline

 

Steph’s Tip: Wig tape is a great alternative to glue and much gentler on your wig.
 

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7. Storing Your Wig & Choosing the Right Wig Stand

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Proper storage plays a big role in keeping your wig looking and fitting its best. When you’re not wearing your wig:

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• Store it in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight

• Use a wig stand, mannequin head, or the original box and bag

• If your wig is freshly styled, storing it upright helps preserve its shape

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Choosing the Right Wig Head: If you’re using a mannequin or canvas block head for styling or storage, size matters! A head that’s too large can stretch out your wig cap over time, especially if it’s sitting for long periods.

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Steph’s Tip: My own head measures 21.5", and I use a 21" canvas block head — that little bit of difference helps protect the cap’s shape. I always recommend choosing a head that matches your circumference or is just slightly smaller. For example, if your head is 21" and you're using a 22" block head, your wig could gradually loosen and no longer fit securely — and that’s definitely something we want to avoid!
 

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8. Must-Have Wig Tools

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Here are my go-to tools for caring for your wig:

• Wide-tooth comb – for detangling wet hair

• Flexible bristle wig brush – for dry styling

• Mannequin head or stand – for drying and storing

• Satin/silk bonnet – for overnight protection

• Heat protectant spray – if using hot tools

 

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9. Need More Help?

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I’ve been wearing wigs for well over a decade, and I know it’s not just about hair — it’s about confidence, freedom, and reclaiming your sense of self. If you ever have questions, please reach out. I’m here to help, and I care deeply about your experience.

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With love,

Steph
Founder of Wigs by Steph


P.S. Wondering which wig cap construction is right for you?
👉 Click here to read my answers to your most commonly asked questions.
I break it all down to help you choose the perfect fit with confidence.