If you own a synthetic lace front wig, you’re certainly going to need to wash it at some point or another! If you’re not sure how to do this properly, I’ve done a lot of research—here’s what I found.
A synthetic lace front wig needs to be washed every 4-6 weeks, or after every 30 wears. Only use wig-friendly products on your synthetic lace front wig and avoid heat to prevent damaging your wig. To wash your synthetic wig, pour a tablespoon wig shampoo/liquid laundry detergent and cold water in a sink, swish the wig around or let it soak.
With that being said, there is a whole lot more to this, and it’s super important that you know how to wash your wig properly to avoid damage. Keep reading to find out exactly how to wash, care for, and maintain your synthetic lace front wig!
How To Wash Your Synthetic Lace Front Wig: A Step-By-Step Guide
To wash your synthetic wig, fill a sink with cold water and a tablespoon of wig shampoo, submerge the wig in the water and swish it around, then let it soak for 5 minutes, then rinse it. Follow the same steps but using a cap full of wig conditioner and water instead, then rinse the wig. Let your wig are dry on a wig stand when you are done.
Synthetic lace front wigs need a little bit of extra care when it comes to washing them, as the plastic fibers can become damaged if you use products with harsh chemicals. But not to worry, I have broken the steps down for you so you know exactly what to do:
You will need:
- A wig brush.
- Wig shampoo and conditioner. As I mentioned above, it is really important that you use a shampoo and conditioner that is wig-friendly. A good way to tell is if it says “sulfate-free” on the bottle. Wig shampoo and conditioner are specially formulated to clean fibers gently and thoroughly, without causing damage to the wig.
- A wig stand. You can grab one off Amazon if you don’t already have one.
- A clean towel.
Step 01. Soak The Wig.
Mix some cool water with wig-friendly shampoo in a sink or basin. Submerge your wig in the water, swish it around a bit, and allow the wig to soak in the water for 5 minutes.
Be careful to do this very gently, as rubbing, twisting, or wringing the wig could do a lot more harm than good!
Step 02. Clean The Wig.
Once the 5 minutes are up, gently dip the wig in up and down motions. If there are any stains on the cap of the wig, clean them gently using a small brush, or even an old toothbrush will do the trick!
Step 03. Rinse The Wig Thoroughly.
Next, drain the dirty water and rinse your wig thoroughly in cool water to remove all the product. I emphasize the word thoroughly, as any excess product left on your wig hair can cause damage due to the gradual build-up on the hair fibers.
Step 04. Condition The Wig.
After you have washed your wig, it is really important that you condition it. This is especially important for synthetic wigs, as the conditioner helps to restore the hair back to its original style pattern.
Conditioning your wig will also keep it looking its best, as well as improving the overall lifespan of the wig. Synthetic wig conditioner contains specific blended oils that soften dryness and increase the mobility of the synthetic fibers.
To condition your wig, refill your sink or basin with clean, cool water. Add one or two caps of conditioner to the water, depending on how long or thick your wig is. Once done, submerge your wig into the water and gently run the product through the hair.
Allow the conditioner to soak in for about 5 minutes before proceeding to the next step.
Step 05. Rinse Again.
Once again, rinse your wig gently yet thoroughly in clean, cool water until you can feel the product is completely out.
Step 06. Allow It To Dry.
Finally, you need to allow your wig to dry. It is important to remember that the weight of the water on your wig can actually stretch the fibers of the wig and ruin the style.
To avoid this, pat the wig with a towel to remove any excess moisture. Once you have done that, hang your wig up on your wig stand or any other object at home that is clean and can hold your wig properly.
INSIDER TIP: Never, ever place your wig on a Styrofoam or blockhead as this can also stretch the wig cap. Also, never comb a synthetic wig when it is wet, and never use a hot blow dryer to speed up the drying process.
Air-drying only really takes a couple of hours, and this wait is totally worth it! Your wig will appear much shinier, softer, and healthier as a result. Now that your synthetic lace front wig is shiny and clean, let’s take a look at how you can care for and maintain it so it stays that way!
Caring For Your Synthetic Lace Front Wig: Important Dos & Don’ts
Many people unintentionally cause damage to their synthetic lace wigs purely due to a lack of knowledge on how to properly care for and maintain them!
To care for your synthetic wig is to ensure that you only use wig-friendly products and styling tools on it. This includes shampoos, conditioners, brushes, and combs. That said, never use hot water on your wig and refrain from brushing or combing whilst it’s wet. Also, never place your wig on a Styrofoam/blockhead as it will stretch the wig cap.
Don’t make yourself another statistic by taking a look at the table below, which outlines the key dos and don’ts for your synthetic wig:
| Synthetic Lace Front Wig Dos: | Synthetic Lace Front Wig Don’ts: |
| Handle the wig gently. | Never rub, twist or wring your wig. |
| Brush at least 2-3 times daily or before you wash it. | Do not brush or touch your wig when it is damp from water, perspiration or steam. |
| Wash every 4-6 weeks (or every 30 wears). | Never place your wig on a styling head when it is wet as this can stretch the hair fibers. |
| Avoid contact with heat at all times. This includes heat-styling tools, hot water, and open fires. | Never use heat tools on synthetic wigs, unless it is specified that they are heat-resistant. |
| Always air dry your wig, never use a hot blow dryer. | Don’t leave your synthetic wig in direct sunlight when you are not wearing it. |
| Use wig styling tools made specifically for wigs. For example, invest in a good wig cap or a chin strap to secure your wig. Grab all these tools here. | |
| Avoid sleeping with your synthetic wig, as the friction caused by the pillow rubbing against your hair can be really damaging to the hair fibers. |
Final Thoughts
Synthetic lace front wigs are unique in that you can pull off gorgeous styles different to your own naturally without spending an arm and a leg! The only downside is that the washing process is quite different from how you would wash your natural hair. The good news is that I’ve made this process as simple as possible for you by following the above steps!
Related Questions
Can I use fabric softener on my synthetic lace wig?
Yes, you absolutely can! Fabric softener is very similar to a normal leave-in conditioner than you would use on your synthetic wig. It can revive even the stiffest of wigs! You can also use it on your wig if it is very tangled, but be sure to comb through the hair before washing.
How do I prevent my wig from frizzing?
Moisturizing your wig is absolutely key to preventing frizz. Regularly using a deep-conditioning treatment should always be a vital part of your hair care routine. Additionally, try and cut down on your hot styling tool usage, as this is the number one reason for frizzing!