Share
A human hair wig should be cared for much like your own hair — but there are a few important differences.
Unlike the hair growing from your scalp, a wig doesn't receive natural oils, so it relies on the right balance of gentle cleansing, hydration and careful styling to keep it looking and feeling its best.
And while the basic rules of wig care apply to every piece, your wig's texture can change the way you should brush, dry and style it.
At Amber Jean, our human hair wigs are available in different natural textures, including Smooth, Wavy and Coily. Each piece has its own natural movement and can also be restyled using heat, giving you the flexibility to change your look.
In this guide, we're sharing how to care for your human hair wig, with specific advice for smooth wavy and coily hair, as well as tips for maintaining a wig you've curled or restyled.
The basics of human hair wig care
Before getting into the differences between textures, there are a few golden rules that apply to every human hair wig.
1. Don't wash your wig too often
One of the most common mistakes when caring for a wig is washing it more than necessary. Your wig doesn't need to be washed after every wear. As a general guide, washing approximately every three weeks is usually sufficient, even with regular wear.
However, your individual routine will depend on how often you wear your wig, how much you exercise, how much product you use and how your hair feels. If your wig still feels fresh and looks good, there's no need to wash it simply because a certain number of days have passed. If it feels heavy, oily, tangled or coated in styling product, it's probably time for a wash.
For a detailed step-by-step guide, read our guide to How to Wash Your Wig.
2. Keep your wig hydrated
Moisture is one of the most important parts of human hair wig care.Because your wig doesn't receive natural oils from your scalp, the hair can become dry over time, particularly towards the ends. Using a nourishing hair mask after washing helps to keep the hair soft, manageable and hydrated.
Our Amber Jean Restorative Hair Mask has been created specifically as part of a wig care routine.
3. Be gentle
Your wig is an investment, so avoid unnecessary pulling, tugging and rough handling. When brushing, start at the ends and gradually work your way upwards rather than pulling a brush from the roots through a knot. Take particular care around the lace and delicate areas of the cap.
4. Use heat sparingly
One of the benefits of human hair wigs is that they can be styled and restyled. You can straighten, curl or blow-dry your wig, but repeated exposure to high heat can cause dryness and damage over time. Always use a heat protection product and avoid unnecessarily high temperatures.
Remember that, unlike your natural hair, damaged wig hair cannot grow out and be replaced by new hair.
How to care for a smooth or straight wig
Smooth hair has a sleek, polished finish but it's not poker straight. The key to caring for a smooth wig is gentle brushing, hydration and protecting the hair from heat.
How to brush a smooth wig
Smooth hair can generally be brushed more easily than wavy hair, but it still needs to be handled gently. Start at the ends of the hair and slowly work upwards. If you come across a knot, don't pull through it. Instead, gently work through the tangle before continuing.
For everyday maintenance, you don't need to repeatedly brush your wig throughout the day. A gentle brush before and after wearing it is often enough.
How to keep a straight wig smooth
If your smooth wig is starting to look a little fluffy or frizzy, avoid immediately reaching for your straighteners. First, try gently brushing through the hair and applying a small amount of lightweight product through the mid-lengths and ends like a hair serum.
If you do decide to straighten it, always use heat protection and avoid repeatedly going over the same section of hair.
How to wash a smooth wig
Before washing, gently detangle the wig while it is dry. When shampooing, allow lukewarm water to flow through the hair from root to tip and gently smooth the shampoo through the hair rather than scrubbing it. After rinsing, apply a nourishing hair mask through the hair.
Avoid twisting or wringing the wig. Instead, gently squeeze out excess water before placing it on a wig head or stand to dry. For the complete washing routine, follow our step-by-step guide to washing your wig.
How to dry a smooth wig
For the gentlest approach, allow your wig to air dry naturally. Place it on a wig head or stand and allow the hair to dry fully before styling. If you need to blow-dry your wig, use heat protection and keep the temperature as low as practical.
How to care for a wavy or curly wig
Wavy hair needs a slightly different approach. The biggest mistake you can make with a naturally wavy wig is trying to brush the movement completely out of it. The key is to maintain the natural wave rather than constantly trying to smooth it.
Don't over-brush a wavy wig
Unlike smooth hair, a wavy wig doesn't necessarily need to be brushed every time you wear it. Too much brushing can separate the waves and make the hair look fluffy or frizzy. Instead, use your fingers or a wide-tooth comb to gently work through any areas that have tangled. Start at the ends and work upwards.
How to maintain the waves in a wig
If you want to keep your wig's natural wave pattern, give the hair a scrunch whilst its drying. You can also use products like mouse or curl cream. Once the hair is completely dry, you can gently separate individual sections with your fingers to refresh the shape. The less you disturb the natural texture, the easier it is to maintain.
How to wash a wavy wig
The washing process is broadly the same as for smooth hair, but the way you handle the hair afterwards is slightly different. Gently detangle the wig before washing. Apply shampoo by smoothing it through the hair rather than aggressively rubbing the lengths together.
After rinsing, apply your hair mask and allow it to nourish the hair before rinsing thoroughly. Gently squeeze out excess water and avoid brushing the hair completely straight. Instead, allow the natural wave to reform as the wig dries.
How to dry a wavy wig
Drying is one of the most important parts of maintaining a wavy wig. After washing, gently encourage the waves with your hands and leave the wig to air dry wherever possible.
Avoid repeatedly brushing or running your fingers through the hair while it is drying, as this can disrupt the wave pattern. Once completely dry, gently reshape any areas that have lost their movement.
How to care for a wig you've curled
One of the benefits of a human hair wig is that you can change the style. Your wig may have a naturally smooth or wavy texture, but you can use heat styling tools to create curls or waves when you want to change your look. If you've curled your wig, there are a few things to keep in mind.
Don't brush curls out unnecessarily
If you want your curls to last, avoid brushing through them repeatedly. Instead, use your fingers to gently separate curls and reshape any sections that have become flattened.
Use heat protection
Always apply a suitable heat protection product before using curling irons, straighteners or other heated tools. Try to use the lowest effective temperature and avoid repeatedly applying heat to the same section.
Let the hair cool
If you've just curled your wig, allow the hair to cool completely before brushing or reshaping it. This can help the style hold its shape for longer.
How often should you wash a human hair wig?
There isn't one perfect washing schedule for every wig. As a general guide, Amber Jean recommends washing your wig approximately every three weeks, even with daily wear. However, you should adjust this depending on your lifestyle. You may need to wash your wig more frequently if you:
- Exercise regularly while wearing it
- Sweat heavily
- Use a lot of styling products
- Wear your wig every day
- Live somewhere particularly hot or humid
You may be able to leave it longer between washes if you wear your wig occasionally and use very little product.
The important thing is to wash your wig when it needs it rather than washing it unnecessarily.
Should you sleep in a human hair wig?
If you want to prolong the life of your wig, we recommend removing it before bed wherever possible. Sleeping creates friction between the hair and your pillow, which can contribute to tangling and matting. It can also put additional stress on the wig cap and hair.
Instead, place your wig on a wig head or stand overnight so that the hair can rest and retain its shape. If you occasionally need to sleep in your wig, try to minimise friction and avoid putting unnecessary tension on the hair.
Can you swim in a human hair wig?
We don't recommend swimming in your human hair wig. Chlorine and salt water can dry out the hair and may affect its colour and condition. If you're swimming, it's best to remove your wig where possible. If your wig does come into contact with chlorine or seawater, rinse it thoroughly with clean water afterwards and follow with a nourishing hair treatment.
You can read more in our guide: Can I Wear My Wig to Swim in the Pool?
How to store your human hair wig
How you store your wig between wears can make a big difference to its condition. Whenever possible, place your wig on a wig head or stand. This helps the hair retain its shape and gives it somewhere safe to rest. If you're travelling or storing your wig for longer periods, gently place it in a breathable storage bag rather than leaving it loose where the hair can become tangled. Avoid storing your wig somewhere damp or exposed to direct sunlight.
How to make your human hair wig last longer
A good wig care routine isn't complicated. It's mostly about being consistent and gentle. To help your human hair wig stay beautiful for as long as possible:
- Wash it only when necessary
- Use a nourishing hair mask regularly
- Brush gently from the ends upwards
- Avoid excessive heat styling
- Always use heat protection
- Don't sleep in your wig where possible
- Avoid swimming in it
- Protect it from prolonged direct sunlight
- Store it safely between wears
- Avoid unnecessary pulling or tugging
- Give your wig a professional refresh when it needs one
With the right care, an Amber Jean wig can have a long and happy life. Minor shedding can occur naturally over time, particularly around delicate areas such as the baby hairs, but gentle handling can help you get the most from your piece.
The right care for your hair type
The most important thing to remember is that there isn't one way to care for every wig. A smooth wig benefits from regular gentle detangling and keeping the hair sleek and hydrated. A wavy wig benefits from less brushing and allowing its natural movement to come through. And if you're regularly changing your style with heat, protecting the hair becomes even more important.
Your wig should feel like your own hair — and with the right routine, it can.
Explore Amber Jean Wig Care
Looking after your wig starts with using the right products.
Explore the Amber Jean Wig Care range, created to cleanse, hydrate and help maintain your human hair piece between professional appointments.
If you're unsure which products or care routine are right for your wig, our team is always happy to help.
BACK TO BLOG
