One of the questions we are asked most is how long a human hair wig will last. The honest answer is that it depends far more on how the wig is looked after than on almost anything else.
A premium virgin or single-donor wig is an investment. Treat it the way you would treat good-quality natural hair and it will reward you with softness, movement and years of wear.
Here is the routine we follow with our own wigs.
Before you wash: detangle first
Never put a tangled wig into water. Tangles tighten when the hair is wet and become much harder to remove.
Place the wig on a stand or mannequin head and gently work through it with a wide-tooth comb or your fingers. Always start at the ends and work your way up towards the roots, a section at a time.
For curly and textured styles, finger-detangling is often kinder than a comb.
How often should you wash your wig?
Unlike your own hair, a wig does not receive natural oils from the scalp, so washing it too often can leave it dry.
As a general guide, wash your wig roughly every 7 to 10 wears, or sooner if you use a lot of styling products, have been somewhere smoky or the hair starts to feel heavy.
Curly and wavy styles may need refreshing with a little water and leave-in conditioner between washes rather than a full wash.
Washing your wig
Use lukewarm water, never hot. Hot water can loosen the knots in the lace and dry out the hair.
Choose a gentle, sulphate-free shampoo. Let the water run down the hair in the direction it falls, and smooth the shampoo through with your hands rather than rubbing or scrunching. Rubbing is one of the most common causes of tangling.
Be especially gentle around the lace. Our wigs are finished with an HD lace closure, which is delicate by design so that it melts naturally into the skin. Avoid scrubbing it, and keep products away from the lace where you can.
Rinse thoroughly until the water runs clear.
Conditioning
Apply a moisturising conditioner from the mid-lengths to the ends, keeping it away from the lace and the base of the hair where the knots are. Conditioner at the roots can loosen knots over time.
Leave it for a few minutes, or comb it through gently with a wide-tooth comb, then rinse with cool water to help smooth the cuticle and add shine.
Every few weeks, a deep-conditioning treatment can help keep the hair soft, particularly for curly styles and for wigs that are styled with heat regularly.
Drying
Gently squeeze out excess water with a soft towel. Pat, do not rub, and never wring the hair.
The best way to dry your wig is to let it air-dry on a wig stand, away from direct heat and sunlight. This keeps the cap in shape and avoids unnecessary heat.
If you need to use a hairdryer, use a heat protectant and a low to medium heat setting.
Styling with heat
Our wigs are made from human hair, so they can be curled, straightened and blow-dried just like your own hair.
Always use a heat protectant, keep your tools at a moderate temperature and avoid going over the same section again and again. Less heat, used well, will keep the hair looking healthier for longer.
For our curly and bouncy styles in virgin hair, we recommend keeping heat to a minimum so that the natural curl pattern stays defined.
Colouring and lightening
Human hair can be coloured, but any chemical process will change the hair and can shorten its lifespan. Lightening in particular is demanding on the hair.
If you would like to change the colour of your wig, we strongly recommend having it done by a professional colourist who is experienced with wigs.
Storing your wig
When you are not wearing your wig, keep it on a wig stand or store it in a satin or silk bag, away from dust, direct sunlight and humidity.
For straight styles, a light brush through before storing helps it fall well next time. For curly styles, avoid brushing when dry and store it loosely so the curls are not flattened.
Everyday habits that make a big difference
- Sleep in a satin or silk bonnet or scarf, or take the wig off at night, to reduce friction and tangling.
- Keep products light. Heavy oils, gels and hairsprays build up quickly on a wig.
- Protect the hair from chlorine and salt water, and rinse it as soon as possible if it gets wet while swimming.
- Handle the lace gently when putting the wig on and taking it off.
- Trim the ends occasionally if they start to look uneven or dry.
How long will my wig last?
As we explained in our guide to virgin and single-donor hair, there is no single figure. How often you wear your wig, how much heat you use, whether you colour it and how you wash and store it all play a part.
What we can say is that good habits matter far more than any one product. A well-cared-for premium human hair wig can give years of wear.
Still not sure?
If you have a question about caring for your House of Faith Hair wig, please get in touch. We are always happy to help you get the most from your hair.
Related
Read our guide to virgin and single-donor hair, see our FAQs, or browse our curly styles in virgin hair: Bouncy and Loose Deep Wave.