How Often Should You Wash a Human Hair Wig? A Stylist's Guide

There is no universal number. Wash your human hair wig when it starts to feel oily, heavy, dry or coated with product, or when it stops holding its style. How often that happens depends on how many times you wear it, your products, the weather and your lifestyle.

At a glance

• Watch for signs, not a calendar.
• Seven signs: oily, product buildup, dull, dry, tangling more than usual, heavy, not holding style.
• More products and more wears mean more frequent washes.
• Rotation spaces out the washes on each unit.
• Prefer to leave it to us? Spa Day, in studio or by mail.

Our Stylist Says: "There is no universal number. A wig should be washed when the hair begins to feel oily, heavy, dry or coated with product. Frequency depends on the person, the number of wears, styling products, weather and lifestyle. Learn the signs rather than following a rigid schedule."

Seven signs your wig needs a wash

1. It looks or feels oily.
2. You can feel product buildup.
3. The hair looks dull.
4. It feels dry.
5. It tangles more than usual.
6. It feels heavy.
7. It no longer holds its style.

What changes how often you wash

• How many times you wear it: daily wear means more frequent washes.
• Your products: more styling products, more buildup.
• The weather: humidity and heat add up.
• Your lifestyle: workouts, travel, long days.
• Your rotation: two units share the wear and the washes.

How to wash a human hair wig

1. Detangle first. Gently, from the ends up, with your fingers or a wide-tooth comb.
2. Use cool to lukewarm water. Let it run in the direction of the hair, never scrub.
3. Shampoo gently. Smooth it through the lengths, keep it light at the lace.
4. Condition. Focus on the lengths and ends, rinse well.
5. Dry. Blot with a towel, then let it air dry on a stand.
6. Style. Protect with a heat-protecting spray before any heat, and aim for a frizz-free result.

Care products we love

• amika Forget Frizz Anti-Frizz Trio: shampoo, conditioner and treatment against frizz.
• amika The Kure set: for coloured or heat-stressed units.
• Oligo Blacklight Blonde Hydrating Duo: made in Québec, for blonde and highlighted units.
• amika Velveteen Dream: a smoothing balm before a silk press.

Find them all in our Essentials.

Mistakes that shorten your wig's life

• Washing on a schedule instead of when the hair needs it.
• Hot water and scrubbing.
• Sleeping on a wet wig, or storing it damp.
• Heat styling without protection.

When to let a professional do it: Spa Day

Book a Spa Day at our Showroom: we wash, treat and restyle your unit. Outside Montréal? Send it by mail and we send it back, washed and restyled. Shipping is paid by the client.

Frequently asked questions

Can I wash my wig every week?

If it needs it, yes. But wash for the signs, not the calendar: unnecessary washes add wear.

Should I wash a new wig before wearing it?

No. Every OPHAIR unit arrives freshly styled and ready to wear.

How do I dry a wig after washing?

Blot with a towel and let it air dry on a stand. Never sleep on it wet.

Can I send my wig to you for washing?

Yes. Our Spa Day by mail: we wash it, restyle it and send it back.

Book a Spa Day

Let us take care of it at our Showroom, in person or by mail. Or shop our Essentials for your routine at home.

Keep reading: How Long Does a Human Hair Wig Last?, Can You Wear a Glueless Wig Every Day? and The Ultimate Guide to Glueless Wigs.