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Wash and dry a removable human-hair wig

Wash, rinse, condition and rinse again while supporting the detached wig. This method ends with air-drying, so check that your wig’s care instructions allow it before starting.

Step by step

  1. A woman holds a section of dry wig hair above its ends while combing the tips; the rest of the wig rests on a towel.
    STEP 1 OF 8

    Detangle the dry wig on a towel

    • Before wetting it, check the cap for tears or loose seams. Confirm the complete wash and air-dry method in your wig’s instructions.
    • Lay the dry wig on a clean towel. Hold a small section above its ends and gently comb the tips with the tool its maker permits.
    • Every comb stroke goes toward the tips. Start higher only when the hair below is clear, and stop at matting rather than pulling through it.
  2. A woman supports a detached wig from inside its crown while plain water wets the hair downward.
    STEP 2 OF 8

    Wet the wig with the cap supported

    • Set gentle running water to the temperature stated for your wig. Place one hand inside the crown to support the cap from underneath.
    • Hold the wig upright over the sink. Move it under the stream so water reaches all the hair and flows toward the hanging ends.
  3. With the tap off, a woman supports the wig from inside the crown and smooths a small amount of shampoo down the hair.
    STEP 3 OF 8

    Smooth shampoo through the hair

    • Turn off the tap and rest the wig on the towel while you open or measure the shampoo. Follow its amount instructions.
    • Support the cap from inside again. With your free hand, gently spread the shampoo downward through the hair.
    • Clean the cap as its directions describe, without scrubbing or stretching the lace. Do not rub the lengths together or twist them.
  4. A woman separates the hanging lengths as running water rinses shampoo downward through the supported wig.
    STEP 4 OF 8

    Rinse out the shampoo

    • Run water downward through the hair, keeping one hand inside the cap. Gently separate the lengths so water reaches the thicker areas.
    • Continue until the shampoo is rinsed out. Keep the ends hanging into the sink rather than bunching the wig in the basin.
  5. A woman smooths a small amount of conditioner through the lower lengths of a supported wet wig, away from the cap.
    STEP 5 OF 8

    Apply rinse-out conditioner to the lengths

    • Turn off the tap and rest the wig on the towel while you open or measure its conditioner. Support the crown from inside again.
    • Smooth the approved amount through the middle lengths and ends, keeping it away from roots, lace and knots.
    • Rest the whole wig on a clean towel for the waiting time in its instructions. Do not extend that time or leave this rinse-out product in.
  6. A woman supports the wig from inside its crown and opens the lower lengths under running water to rinse out conditioner.
    STEP 6 OF 8

    Rinse out the conditioner

    • Support the cap from inside again. Rinse downward at the permitted water temperature, opening the lengths gently so water reaches both sides.
    • Continue through the thicker sections until the conditioner is rinsed out. Support both cap and hair when moving the wig onto the towel.
  7. A woman gently presses a folded towel over the wet wig lengths while its cap rests on the counter.
    STEP 7 OF 8

    Press out water with the towel

    • Rest the wig on a clean absorbent towel and fold the towel over the lengths. Press gently without rubbing, twisting or wringing.
    • Follow your wig’s instructions about handling tangles while wet. Do not brush wet hair unless its directions permit it.
  8. A woman steadies the sides of a wig on an open plastic stand, with its damp lengths hanging freely.
    STEP 8 OF 8

    Set it on the stand and let it dry

    • Use both hands to place the cap naturally on its approved open stand. Do not stretch it. Leave the lengths hanging freely, away from heat and direct sun.
    • Let the hair and cap dry completely. Feel the inside cap, nape and thicker lengths for dampness before wearing or storing; leave it out longer if needed.
    • Clean the sink and tools, and wash the used towels.

Preparation, washing, both rinses, conditioning, towel pressing and cleanup for one wig. Add the stated conditioner wait and complete air-drying time.

Editorial estimate, not timed. Longer or fuller wigs, tangles and the time you need for careful handling can add to the hands-on work.

You’re done when…

Both rinses are complete. The hair, inside cap and nape are fully dry before the wig is worn or stored.