Wigs

How to Wash a Lace Front Wig on Your Head

Published By: Kennedy

Last Updated: September 13, 2022

Usually, a wig is taken off at the end of the day, but what if you want to keep it on and wash it? Well, the good news is that it can be done, and this article will tell you how.

Steps To Wash A Lace Front Wig On Your Head

1. Cover The Edges

Before washing your wig, ensure that you cover the edges so they don’t get wet. If you wet your hairline, you can loosen the glue and it can get messy. You can wrap the edges in a scarf, elastic band, or anything else that will keep them from getting wet. 

Detangling Brushes

2. Detangle

Before you shampoo the hair, you’ll need to make sure it is detangled. De-tangling first helps with the shampoo process and will ensure that the hair is shampooed thoroughly. The best way to detangle is by using a detangling brush. This kind of brush is the most gentle on hair and effective for brushing out tangles without pulling out the hair. 

Also, make sure to comb from the ends of the hair to the top of the wig. If you comb from the top first, then you risk pulling out more hair. If the hair is hard to detangle while it is dry, then wet it first and apply conditioner to it. The conditioner will soften the hair and help add slippage to it.   

3. Wet The Hair And Apply Shampoo 

After the hair is detangled, wet the hair. You can do this over the sink or in the shower. Be careful not to apply too much water to the top of the wig. You don’t want the water to seep down into the natural hair and scalp as water takes a long time to dry under a wig which is not just uncomfortable but also causes mildew, and makes your scalp stink. 

After you have wet the hair then apply your shampoo. A good shampoo is free of parabens and silicones because they dry the hair out over time. If your hair is really dirty, consider using a clarifying shampoo. Clarifying shampoo strips the hair of dirt and grease better than a regular shampoo. 

If you are trying to wash out product buildup that has accumulated over time and need to wash the hair before your next wash day, then consider co-washing the hair. The method of co-washing is simply using a conditioner to clean your hair. Co-washing will not only re-moisturize your hair but also cleanse your hair and scalp enough to hold you over for the next wash day. 

Lather the shampoo onto the hair and work it through gently. Remember not to scrub the shampoo at the top so that it doesn’t go through the cap. 

4. Apply Conditioner 

After you finish shampooing the hair, rinse it out carefully and then apply a conditioner. Conditioning is always a necessary step after washing (unless you co-wash) because the hair loses moisture after the shampoo has stripped it. If the hair was really dry before you washed it, apply the conditioner and then put a plastic cap on the hair. Let the conditioner sit on the hair for at least 30 minutes and then rinse it out. 

5. Dry Hair

To dry the hair you can wrap it up in a microfiber towel which is soft on the hair and will absorb the water better than a regular towel. You can then blow-dry the hair or diffuse it (depending if your hair is straight or curly) or let it air dry the rest of the way. 

Check out this tutorial on washing your lace front wig on your head:

Should You Wash Human Hair Wigs Before Wearing Them?

There are several benefits to washing your wig before you wear it. Washing the hair first gets rid of the chemicals used in packaging the hair. These chemicals can make the hair’s texture really silky in a way that makes it hard to absorb products, straighten, and style. The chemical smell might also not be pleasant when the wig first arrives, but it usually goes away after you wash it out. Washing your wigs also helps you manipulate the hair better so that you can create your part where you want it easier. 

How Often Should A Human Hair Wig Be Washed?

A wig should be washed once every two weeks, similar to natural hair. If a wig isn’t washed for a long time, it will start to smell and become stiff. You know you need a wash when you notice the hair is being weighed down either by dirt, grease, or product buildup. Typically product build-up happens after 1 week. In this case, you should co-wash the hair every week, so that the hair continues to look fresh until your wash day. 

Why Does My Wig Feel So Dry?

Your wig can feel dry for a variety of reasons. One reason can be dryness from excessive straightening. If you are straightening your hair without a heat protectant, then the hair will constantly lose moisture which will ultimately leave it dry. You can buy a heat protectant or use oil. Argan oil is one of the best heat protectants because it has a high heat tolerance, is lightweight, and imparts moisture to the hair. A wig can also become dry because of too much washing. Check out our Wig Caring Guide to learn more tips about maintaining your wig.

Conclusion

Washing your lace front wig on your head can be easy! Just take the proper steps and you are good to go. 

Kennedy

I have always had a love for writing and have been blogging for about 3 years now. I have a passion for teaching what I have learned over the years, especially about hair. I have had almost every hairstyle - typical of a cosmetologist’s daughter- including the big chop in 2015. With all the knowledge I have gained, I feel it is my duty to help others on their healthy hair journey. I believe education can be fun, and I strive to make it fun to learn about beautiful black hair.

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