How to Wash a Human Hair Wig in 6 Steps – A Comprehensive Guide on Washing Newtimes Hair Wigs

Most wig experts agree — a human hair wig should be washed every 7 to 14 days max. That’s why knowing how to wash a human hair wig properly matters. Do it right, and it’ll stay soft, shiny, and beautiful for a long time. For salon or wig store owners, this isn’t just about care — it’s about service.

Show your clients how to wash their wigs properly before they leave your store. That will protect their investment. Your client will trust you more and wear their wigs with confidence. That’s how you keep them coming back for maintenance or a new makeover. It’s simple education that builds loyalty.

This guide will show you how to wash a human hair wig in 6 easy steps. Let’s dive in!

Why Washing Matters for Wig Care

Your human hair wig collects oil, dust, and product buildup. Over time, this buildup makes it dry, dull, or sticky. Regular washing, however, keeps it healthy-looking and bouncy.

Washing also helps your wig hair stay smooth and tangle-free. Dirt can weigh it down and even damage the strands. If you use styling products like hairspray or serum, or even wax, wash more often.

Expert tip: Most human hair wigs should be washed every 7–10 wears, or about every 2–3 weeks if you wear them daily.

What You’ll Need Before You Start

All products provided by Newtimes Hair are made with 100% Mongolian human hair. All tools provided here are compatible with them. Here’s what you’ll want ready before washing:

• A wig stand or mannequin head
• A wide-tooth comb
• A basin or sink with cool to lukewarm water
• Human hair wig shampoo (or a mild sulfate-free shampoo)
• Conditioner
• A soft towel
• Optional: A detangling spray or wig oil

If you’re wondering how to wash a human hair wig without wig shampoo, don’t panic. You can use a tiny bit of regular shampoo — just make sure it’s mild and free of sulfates and parabens.

Step 1: Detangle Before Washing

Gently comb through your wig from ends to roots. Use a wide-tooth comb or your fingers, because when it gets wet, it will be very easy to tangle, and the last thing you want to do is to comb a soaked piece and have the hair pulled out so easily.

Don’t yank! That’s the easiest way to pull out knots or loosen the hand-tied hair. If you have a lace front wig, hold the lace while detangling so you don’t stretch the lace, and when you put it on the next time, it will be very hard to flatten it against your scalp.

Expert tip: Use a detangling mist or a bit of leave-in conditioner if your wig feels dry. It’ll help loosen tangles without breaking strands.

Step 2: Rinse the Wig

Fill your basin with cool or lukewarm water — never hot water. Hot water can ruin the cuticle and loosen the knots on lace or skin bases.

Gently dip the wig in and out of the water. Don’t twist or scrub it. You’re just letting the water run through the wig hair to remove surface dirt.

Step 3: Wash the Wig (The Right Way)

Add a small amount of wig shampoo to the water — about a teaspoon. Swirl gently with your hand to mix.

Place your wig in the water and move it around softly. Don’t rub or scrub it like clothes. That’s how tangles happen.

Let it soak for 5–10 minutes. Then rinse under cool running water until it’s clean.

If you’re asking:

“Can you wash a human hair wig with regular shampoo?”

Yes — but only if it’s sulfate-free and gentle. Regular shampoo can strip the natural oils from human hair wigs and make them dry. So always go easy on the amount.

Step 4: Condition and Nourish the Hair

Squeeze out extra water. Then apply conditioner evenly through the wig, focusing on the mid-lengths and ends — avoid the wig cap if it’s hand-tied, because conditioner can loosen knots.

Let it sit for 3–5 minutes.

If your wig is curly, use a moisturizing conditioner to keep the curls bouncy and defined.

Wondering how to wash a curly human hair wig without ruining the texture? Just detangle it with your fingers while conditioning, never with a brush.

Rinse with cool water. You’ll instantly feel the softness return.

Step 5: Dry Gently — Never Twist or Rub

Lay your wig flat on a towel and pat gently. Don’t rub it like real hair. Then place it on a wig stand to dry naturally. This keeps its shape and allows airflow through the base. Avoid blow dryers if you can. Heat can weaken the knots and shorten your wig’s life. But, if you’re in a hurry, use the lowest heat setting and hold the dryer at least 12 inches away. Never do this with synthetic ones, as most of them cannot stand heat.

Step 6: Style and Store Like a Pro

Once the wig is dry, brush it lightly with a wide-tooth comb. You can use heat tools (flat iron or curler) if your wig is 100% human hair, but keep the heat under 180°C (350°F).

Store your clean wig on a stand or in a silk bag. Never stuff it in a drawer — that’s how tangles and weird shapes happen.

Expert tip: Apply a few drops of argan or coconut oil to the ends for extra shine and smoothness.

Common Mistakes That Can Damage Your Newtimes Hair Wig

Even the best wig care routine can go wrong if you skip these warnings:

1) Using hot water – it weakens the knots and dries the hair.

2) Scrubbing the base – damages lace or skin materials.

3) Skipping conditioner – leaves hair dull and brittle.

4) Blow-drying too close – melts delicate lace fronts.

5) Using alcohol-based products dries out the human hair.

Keep your hair wigs happy, and they’ll stay gorgeous longer.

How to Wash a Human Hair Wig Without Wig Shampoo

Let’s be honest — sometimes you just don’t have wig shampoo around. Here’s what to do:

Mix a few drops of mild baby shampoo or sulfate-free conditioner with cool water. Swirl your wig in it gently.

If it’s really dirty (like from heavy styling products), add a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar to the rinse water. It helps break down oils without harsh chemicals.

After rinsing, condition as usual.

This trick keeps your wig clean without damage — perfect for when you’re on the go.

Extra Tips for Long-Lasting Wig Care

Here’s how to make your human hair wig last way longer:

1) Use human hair wig shampoo and conditioner every time.

2) Avoid sleeping or showering with your wig on.

3) Comb gently, especially near the lace front.

4) Deep condition once a month.

Expert note: If you have a lace wig, be extra gentle around the hairline — that’s where the knots are most fragile.

For detailed cleaning tutorials, check out our Wig Care Routine Guide and Lace Front Wig Maintenance Tips.

How to Wash Human Hair Extensions (Bonus Tip!)

Good news — the process works for human hair extensions too!

Here’s a quick guide:

1) Detangle from ends to roots.

2) Soak in cool water with mild shampoo.

3) Rinse and apply conditioner.

4) Let it air dry on a towel.

Never twist or blow dry on high heat. Treat extensions just like your human hair wig.

For more tips, check our Hair Extensions Washing Guide.

Quick Recap: The 6 Steps to Wash Your Human Hair Wig

Here’s a lightning summary you can save:

1. Detangle – use a wide-tooth comb.
2. Rinse – with cool or lukewarm water.
3. Wash – gently with human hair wig shampoo.
4. Condition – keep it soft and silky.
5. Dry – blot with a towel, air dry on a stand.
6. Style & Store – gently, with low heat.

Simple and safe — that’s all it takes.

Pro Wig Care Routine Checklist

If you’re serious about wig care, here’s a quick checklist to keep your unit flawless:

1) Wash every 7–10 wears

2) Use wig-specific products

3) Deep condition once a month

4) Nourish it; try not to sleep or swim with it on

5) Store on a wig stand or in a silk bag

6) Avoid alcohol-based sprays

You can download a printable version of this from our Wig Maintenance Checklist Page.

Washable Products from Newtimes Hair

Here are some of my salon’s favorite pieces from Newtimes. We’ve been offering them to our clients for years — they’re washable, durable, and wear-resistant. These are pretty popular high-end pieces. I can style them in diverse ways for my clients. If you are a salon owner or a vendor, these are definitely your go-to.Take a look below!

Final Thoughts

Washing your human hair wig doesn’t have to be complicated. Be gentle, use the right products, and stick to the steps. With the right care, your wig will keep turning heads — soft, shiny, and naturally flawless.

So next time you ask yourself “how to wash a human hair wig?” — you already know the answer:

Cool water, soft hands, and lots of love.

About the Author

Julia Griffiths has lived and breathed hair since she was a kid—by 13, she was already in her first barbershop, soaking up the buzz and learning the ropes. She trained in ladies’ hairdressing through Levels 1, 2, and 3, but her curiosity didn’t stop there. Determined to master men’s styles too, she added barbering to her skill set. By just 27, she opened Crosscuts Barbers, a business that has thrived for more than two decades.

Never one to stand still, Julia also became a teacher, completing her Level 3 Teacher Training with top marks. Through her company, Hair Revival Training, she now delivers CPD-accredited courses in Men’s Hair Systems, equipping stylists with the knowledge and confidence to transform clients’ lives. Known for her passion, energy, and love of quality, she works exclusively with premium Remy hair, ensuring every technique she teaches is grounded in excellence.

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