Washing a Synthetic Wig Without Wig Shampoo
(Yes, you can wash it with laundry detergent!)
You can use this method on synthetic curly wigs, straight wigs, wavy wigs, synthetic hair toppers, extensions or whatever you’ve got!
We all know that when you get a synthetic wig that you love and wear it too much, it gets very oily, stiff, and nappy. But fear not, you can get your synthetic wig back to life without wig shampoo only by washing it with laundry detergent.
Using laundry detergent to wash a synthetic wig is a cost-effective alternative to using specialized hair fiber products.
Step 1: Prepare Your Washing Setup
Start with room-temperature water. You don’t want it too cold or too hot, as extreme temperatures can make your wigs stiff. Room temperature is perfect. You’ll need a bowl or a pot – anything that can hold your wig/hair topper and allow you to swirl them around.
Step 2: Synthetic Wig – Topper Washing Process
Before you begin washing your synthetic hair brush it to remove knots and separate the hair fibers.
Now, here’s where things get interesting. Instead of traditional synthetic wig shampoo, we’ll use laundry detergent. Since synthetic wigs are made from polyester fibers, treating them like laundry is the way to go. Fill your pot or bowl with water, and add laundry detergent as your shampoo.
Now, toss your wigs into the mixture. Make sure they’re fully submerged and soaked. But remember, don’t scrub your wigs as you would clothes. Scrubbing can tangle up the fibers, and that’s not what we want. Let your wigs sit in the soapy mixture for at least 30 minutes, but don’t go too long to avoid stiffness.
Step 3: Rinsing
After the soak, pour out the soapy water and rinse your hairpiece thoroughly with clean water. Ensure that no detergent is left in the hair, as this can make your wigs stiff.
Step 4: Conditioning Your Synthetic Hair
Next, grab some fabric softener – this will act as the conditioner for your wig. It’ll make your wig soft, bouncy, and smelling delightful.
To condition your hairpiece, refill your sink or bowl with clean, cool water. Add one or two capfuls of fabric softener to the cool water. Immerse the hair in the fabric softener solution, gently working it through the wig or topper with your fingers.
Be cautious not to overdo it with the detergent or softener; finding the right balance is key. Too much can make your wig stiff, so it’s a bit of trial and error, but you’ll get the hang of it.
Step 5: Rinsing and Drying
To ensure the best results, leave the fabric softener on your synthetic wig or topper for 2-3 minutes, then rinse it thoroughly with clean water until there are no more bubbles. It is important to ensure that no softener residue is left in the hair, as also this can cause stiffness in your hairpiece.
PRO TIPS:
- When rinsing, avoid rubbing the strands together or twisting the wig. Gently squeeze and pat to remove excess water without tangling the hair.
- Avoid putting a damp wig on a Styrofoam head, as this can stretch the wig cap.
- Refrain from combing a wet wig or using a blow dryer for quick drying. Opt for air drying, which takes just a few hours and helps maintain healthy, manageable fibers
- Let your wigs air dry completely.
How To Wash A Synthetic Wig Without Wig Shampoo: The Final Result
And that’s it! Your wigs will come out looking fresh like you just took them out of the package. No stiffness, no tangles, just fabulous hair ready to slay. If your wigs smell too strongly of laundry, you can use clear or pure fabric softener and fragrance-free laundry detergent.
So, don’t forget to wash your synthetic wigs regularly, depending on how often you wear them. And voilà, you’ve got beautiful, rejuvenated wigs that look and smell amazing.
FAQ – Washing A Synthetic Wig
Q1: What happens if you wash synthetic hair with regular shampoo?
Never, under any circumstances, resort to using everyday haircare items on your synthetic wigs or synthetic hair toppers. The chemicals found in regular shampoos, conditioners, and styling products can inflict permanent harm on synthetic fibers. The use of natural hair products can result in a frizzy, tangled, or excessively glossy appearance.
Q2: How frequently should I wash my synthetic wig – topper?
The frequency of wig washing depends on how often you wear it. Typically, you should wash your synthetic piece every 10-12 wears, which comes to about every two to three weeks. However, if you’re exposed to a lot of smoke, strong smells, or perfumes, it’s a good idea to wash it more often. You’ll know it’s time to wash your wig when it starts to look and feel dull.
Q3: Will washing my synthetic wig make it less frizzy?
Washing will not directly eliminate frizz, but it will indeed improve the overall appearance of the hairpiece. For a typical synthetic wig or hair topper, you can use a steamer and a round brush with a metal base to tame persistent frizz or damage.
Q4: Washing a synthetic wig will make it softer?
Yes, washing a wig contributes to a softer and more manageable fiber. When a wig needs a wash, the fibers look and feel stiff and dry, kinda “hard.” Washing synthetic hair revitalizes the fibers, making them more flexible and softer to the touch.
Q4: Can synthetic wigs get wet and handle water?
Absolutely YES! Cool water won’t harm your synthetic wig or hair topper. When it comes to synthetic hair, the style is “preset” and once your hairpiece dries, the hair will naturally return to its original shape. Curly if your wig is curly or straight if your hairpice is straight!