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Wash and dry a removable synthetic wig

Wash a standard synthetic wig off your head, rinse out the shampoo, apply its approved leave-in conditioner and air-dry the hair and cap.

Step by step

  1. One hand supports a detached synthetic wig above its ends while the other combs the dry ends on a towel.
    STEP 1 OF 8

    Detangle the dry wig

    • Check its cap for damage and confirm the complete care method. The wig must already be off your head, with no adhesive residue.
    • Lay it on a clean towel. Hold a small section above a snag with one hand and gently comb its ends with the tool the supplier permits.
    • Move the comb toward the tips. Start higher only when the hair below is clear. Stop at matting or loose knots.
  2. Hands support an upright synthetic wig from inside its crown while plain cool water wets the hair downward.
    STEP 2 OF 8

    Wet it under cool running water

    • Place one hand inside the crown to support the cap. Hold the wig upright over the sink with its lengths hanging down.
    • Use a gentle stream of cool water, moving the wig so all the hair gets wet. Keep the lengths out of standing water.
  3. With the tap off, one hand supports the wig inside its crown while the other smooths a small amount of synthetic-wig shampoo downward.
    STEP 3 OF 8

    Smooth the cleanser downward

    • Turn off the tap and rest the wig on the towel while you open or measure its synthetic-wig shampoo.
    • Support the cap from inside again. Spread the amount in the shampoo instructions downward through the hair.
    • Clean the cap as directed without scrubbing or stretching it. Do not rub the fibers together or twist them.
  4. Hands support the wig under cool running water and separate its lower lengths to rinse out shampoo.
    STEP 4 OF 8

    Rinse away the shampoo

    • Run cool water down through the hair, keeping the cap supported. Separate the lengths gently so water reaches inside the thicker sections.
    • Continue until the shampoo is rinsed away. Support the cap and lengths with both hands when moving it onto a clean towel.
  5. Hands press a removable wig gently between folds of a clean towel without twisting it.
    STEP 5 OF 8

    Press water out with a towel

    • Lay the wig on a clean towel and fold the towel over its lengths. Press gently to absorb water without rubbing, twisting or wringing.
  6. A removable wig rests on an open wire stand with its lengths hanging freely to air-dry.
    STEP 6 OF 8

    Place the wig on its open stand

    • Lift the cap with both hands and set it naturally on the approved plastic or wire stand. Do not stretch it over a larger support.
    • Let the lengths hang freely and keep the stand away from heat. Leave room around the hair for air to circulate.
  7. A sage-sleeved hand sprays leave-in onto the hanging lengths of an upright removable wig seated naturally on an open wire stand.
    STEP 7 OF 8

    Apply its synthetic leave-in conditioner

    • Spray the approved leave-in onto the areas and in the amount its directions specify. Keep it away from the cap base and attachment knots.
    • Leave this product in. If your wig instead requires rinse-out conditioner, use its complete care method rather than skipping that rinse.
    • Detangle after conditioning only as the wig’s directions permit, using its specified tool. Stop at a snag; do not pull.
  8. Hands lift the dry-looking nape hair gently and touch the inside cap edge to check for remaining dampness.
    STEP 8 OF 8

    Wait until the cap and hair are completely dry

    • Leave the wig to air-dry; do not use a hair dryer. It may take many hours, especially at the nape and inside the cap.
    • Before wearing or storing, feel the inside cap and thicker lengths for dampness. If any area is still damp, leave it on the stand longer.
    • Clean the sink and tools, and wash the used towels.

About 10–20 minutes hands-on to detangle an already removed wig, wash, rinse, towel-press, condition and clean up. Add the complete air-drying time.

Editorial estimate, not timed. Longer or fuller pieces and tangles can take more handling. Stop and ask the supplier for help with a fixed mat.

You’re done when…

The shampoo is rinsed out, the permitted leave-in remains on the lengths, and both cap and hair are completely dry before wear or storage.