The Complete BX Babe Guide to Maintaining & Washing Synthetic + Human Hair Wigs

Whether your wig is synthetic or human hair, how you care for it decides how long it lasts. This guide breaks down exactly how to wash, maintain, and store both types — no confusion, no damage.

Synthetic vs. Human Hair Wigs: What’s the Difference?

Synthetic wigs

• Made from man-made fibers

• Pre-styled (holds curls well)

• More affordable

• Sensitive to heat

Human hair wigs

• Made from real hair

• Can be heat styled and colored

• More expensive

• Longer lifespan with proper care

Different hair = different rules.

How Often Should You Wash Your Wig?

• Synthetic wigs: Every 10–15 wears

• Human hair wigs: Every 7–10 wears or when product buildup shows

Washing too often = dryness, tangling, and shedding.

Before You Wash (Do NOT Skip This Step)

✔ Detangle gently from ends to roots
✔ Use a wide-tooth comb or wig brush
✔ Secure lace to avoid pulling

Never wash a tangled wig. Ever.

How to Wash a Synthetic Wig (Step-by-Step)

What you need:

• Cold water

• Synthetic wig shampoo

• Wig conditioner (optional)

• Towel

Steps:

1. Fill a basin with cold water

2. Add a small amount of shampoo

3. Submerge the wig and swish gently (no scrubbing)

4. Rinse with cold water

5. Apply conditioner (mid-length to ends only)

6. Rinse again

7. Pat dry with a towel

8. Place on a wig stand to air dry

🚫 No hot water
🚫 No twisting or wringing

How to Wash a Human Hair Wig (Step-by-Step)

What you need:

• Sulfate-free shampoo

• Moisturizing conditioner

• Deep conditioner (optional)

Steps:

1. Rinse wig with lukewarm water

2. Apply shampoo in downward strokes only

3. Rinse thoroughly

4. Apply conditioner from mid-lengths to ends

5. Leave on for 5–10 minutes

6. Rinse with cool water

7. Gently towel dry

💡 Deep condition every 3–4 washes.

Drying Your Wig the Right Way

✔ Air dry on a wig stand
✔ Keep away from heat
✔ Do not brush while soaking wet

For human hair wigs, you can blow-dry on low heat after the wig is mostly dry.

Daily Maintenance Tips (This Is Where Longevity Happens)

Synthetic wigs:

• Use wig spray or mousse sparingly

• Avoid friction (scarves, collars)

• Store after every wear

Human hair wigs:

• Light oil or serum on ends

• Wrap hair at night

• Rotate wigs to prevent overuse

How to Store Wigs Properly

✔ Wig stand for daily wear
✔ Satin or silk bag for long-term storage
✔ Avoid stuffing into boxes

Good storage prevents tangling and odor.

Common Mistakes That Ruin Wigs

❌ Washing too often
❌ Using regular shampoo on synthetic hair
❌ Heat on synthetic fibers
❌ Sleeping in wigs
❌ Brushing curly wigs dry

Avoid these and your wigs will last months — even years.

How Long Should a Wig Last?

• Synthetic wigs: 2–6 months (with good care)

• Human hair wigs: 1–2+ years

Maintenance = money saved.

BX Babe Pro Tip

Treat your wig like your own hair… but gentler. Less product, less heat, more care.