Table of Contents
If you’re wondering how to wash synthetic hair, the main rule is to treat the fibre gently. Detangle before washing, use cool or lukewarm water, choose products suitable for synthetic hair, avoid rubbing or wringing, rinse thoroughly and allow removable wigs or hairpieces to air-dry according to their care instructions.
Synthetic hair does not always behave like human hair, and different fibres can have different heat and product requirements. Before you start, check whether your wig, hairpiece or extensions are standard synthetic or heat-friendly synthetic and follow the manufacturer’s care instructions where they differ.
Here’s how to clean synthetic hair without making wash day more complicated than it needs to be.
Before You Wash Synthetic Hair
Before washing synthetic hair, check the care label or information supplied with the wig or hairpiece. Not every synthetic fibre has the same care requirements.
Standard Synthetic Hair
Standard synthetic fibres are generally sensitive to high heat. Unless the manufacturer specifically says otherwise, avoid heated styling tools and direct heat.
Heat-Friendly Synthetic Hair
Heat-friendly or heat-defiant synthetic fibres may allow some heat styling, but that does not mean unlimited heat is suitable.
Always use the temperature limits and care instructions supplied for that particular fibre rather than assuming the lowest setting on a styling tool is automatically appropriate.
You should also check whether your piece is a removable wig, hairpiece or extension because the washing method may differ.
How Often Should You Wash a Synthetic Wig?
There is no single washing schedule that works for every synthetic wig.
How often you need to wash a synthetic wig depends on factors such as:
-
how frequently you wear it;
-
sweat and scalp oils;
-
makeup or skincare products around the hairline;
-
styling-product build-up;
-
odour;
-
the wig manufacturer’s care recommendations.
If the wig still feels and looks clean, there is no need to wash it simply because a fixed number of days has passed.
Likewise, if you wear it frequently or notice visible build-up, it may need cleaning sooner.
The useful rule is: wash when the wig needs it, while following the care guidance for the particular fibre.
How to Wash Synthetic Hair in 7 Steps?
The following process is a practical guide for how to wash a synthetic wig or removable synthetic hairpiece.
1. Gently Detangle Before Washing
Start by removing obvious knots and tangles. Work from the ends upwards rather than pulling straight from the top through a tangle.
Depending on the fibre and style, use your fingers, a wide-tooth comb or a brush designed for wigs or synthetic hair.
For curly synthetic styles, finger detangling may help preserve the curl pattern better than repeated brushing.
Doing the main detangling before washing can also reduce unnecessary pulling while the wig is wet.
2. Fill a Basin with Cool or Lukewarm Water
For most standard synthetic wigs, cool to lukewarm water is a sensible default unless the manufacturer specifies something different.
Avoid hot water. High temperatures can alter some synthetic fibres and affect the shape or finish of the style.
Make sure the basin is clean before you begin.
3. Add a Synthetic-Hair Shampoo as Directed
If you are using a concentrated shampoo, add the amount stated on the product directions.
Avoid guessing measurements or assuming every synthetic-wig shampoo should be mixed at the same ratio.
A shampoo designed for synthetic wigs or hairpieces is generally a better starting point than assuming your normal hair shampoo is compatible with the fibre.
4. Wash the Synthetic Hair Gently
Place the wig or removable hairpiece into the prepared water according to its care instructions.
Gently move the piece through the water rather than rubbing, scrubbing or twisting the fibres together.
Pay attention to areas where product, makeup or oils tend to collect, particularly around the inside cap and hairline of a wig.
Avoid aggressive rubbing even when an area looks particularly dirty. Repeated friction can contribute to tangling and frizz.
5. Rinse Thoroughly
Rinse the synthetic hair thoroughly using cool or lukewarm water as appropriate for the fibre.
Keep the hair travelling in roughly the same direction rather than bunching and rubbing the strands together.
Continue until the shampoo has been removed.
6. Condition According to the Product Instructions
If your synthetic-hair care routine includes conditioner, use a product that is suitable for the fibre.
Some systems use rinse-out conditioners, while others use leave-in conditioning sprays.
Follow the directions for the specific product rather than creating your own conditioner-and-water ratio.
A synthetic conditioning spray can also be useful after washing if it is designed for your wig or hairpiece.
7. Blot and Air-Dry
After rinsing, gently remove excess water. Do not twist or wring the wig. Instead, place it in a towel and gently blot or pat away excess moisture.
For a removable wig or hairpiece, allow it to air-dry on an appropriate ventilated wig stand if the manufacturer recommends one. Avoid putting the wig away while it is still damp.
And unless the fibre instructions specifically allow it, do not use a blow dryer simply to speed up drying.
What Products Should You Use on Synthetic Hair?
If you are searching for what shampoo to use on synthetic wigs, start with products specifically intended for wigs or synthetic fibres.
Synthetic hair is not identical to human hair, so ordinary shampoos, conditioners and treatments should not automatically be treated as interchangeable.
A simple synthetic hair care kit might include:
-
an appropriate wig or synthetic-hair shampoo;
-
a suitable conditioner or conditioning spray;
-
a wide-tooth comb or wig brush where appropriate;
-
a ventilated wig stand for drying and storage.
You do not need to use every possible aftercare product every time you wash.
What About Fabric Softener or Laundry Detergent?
DIY synthetic-wig advice online often recommends household laundry products.
A safer approach is to follow the wig manufacturer’s care instructions and use products intended or approved for the particular synthetic fibre.
Avoid improvising with household products simply because another synthetic item can be washed with them.
Can You Wash Synthetic Hair with Normal Shampoo?
Not every normal shampoo is designed for synthetic fibres.
Human-hair shampoo is formulated for natural hair, while synthetic wig care products are designed around man-made fibres and wig construction.
If the care instructions for your specific wig approve a particular shampoo, follow them. Otherwise, choose a product intended for synthetic wigs rather than assuming your everyday shampoo will work the same way.
Can You Use Heat on Synthetic Hair?
This depends on the fibre.
Standard Synthetic Hair
Standard synthetic fibre should generally not be exposed to heated styling tools unless its care instructions specifically permit it.
That includes:
-
straighteners;
-
curling irons;
-
hot brushes;
-
direct blow-dryer heat.
Even standing close to a strong heat source can affect some synthetic fibres.
Heat-Friendly Synthetic Hair
Heat-friendly synthetic hair is designed to tolerate controlled heat styling within specified limits.
However, “heat-friendly” does not mean heat-proof. Check the maximum temperature and styling directions provided for the specific wig or fibre.
Do not invent a universal “safe” temperature simply because a wig is labelled heat friendly.
If your clean wig still looks fuzzy or tangled once dry, our guide to taking frizz out of synthetic wigs covers that issue separately.
Can You Wash Synthetic Hair Extensions the Same Way?
Not always. A removable synthetic wig and installed synthetic extensions are different situations.
Removable Synthetic Extensions or Hairpieces
Clip-ins and other removable pieces can generally be washed separately when needed, following the care instructions for their specific fibre.
Detangle gently, use suitable products and avoid unnecessary friction during washing and drying.
Installed Synthetic Extensions or Weaves
Installed hair should not simply be treated like a removable wig and soaked in a basin.
The washing routine has to account for:
-
the installation method;
-
your natural hair underneath;
-
your scalp;
-
the attachment points;
-
how thoroughly the installation can be dried.
Follow the extension manufacturer’s and installer’s care guidance for the specific style.
If you are shopping rather than looking for washing instructions, explore Cosmetize’s synthetic hair extensions separately.
Common Mistakes When Washing Synthetic Hair
Even a simple washing routine can create problems if the fibre is handled too aggressively.
Using Hot Water
Hot water can affect some synthetic fibres and alter the style. Use cool or lukewarm water unless the care instructions tell you otherwise.
Rubbing or Scrubbing the Fibres
Synthetic hair does not need vigorous scrubbing to become clean. Gentle movement through the water is preferable to rubbing strands together.
Using Too Much Shampoo
More shampoo does not necessarily create a cleaner wig. Use the amount stated for your chosen product.
Guessing Product Ratios
Do not create a homemade shampoo or conditioner dilution unless the product instructions specifically require one.
Brushing Aggressively While Wet
For many synthetic wigs, the main detangling should happen before washing. If the wig needs arranging while damp, handle it gently and according to its fibre/style instructions.
Using Heat Without Checking the Fibre
A styling tool having a low setting does not automatically make it suitable for standard synthetic hair. Confirm heat compatibility first.
Wringing the Wig Dry
Twisting and wringing can distort the fibres and encourage tangling. Blot away excess water instead.
Putting Synthetic Hair Away Damp
Allow the wig or hairpiece to dry properly before storing it.
Treating Every Synthetic Hairpiece the Same Way
A straight synthetic wig, curly wig, heat-friendly wig, clip-in extension and installed weave can all need different handling.
Check what you actually have before choosing the routine.
How to Care for Synthetic Hair Between Washes?
Knowing how to care for synthetic wigs between wash days can reduce the need for unnecessary washing.
Detangle When Needed
Work through developing tangles gently rather than leaving them until the fibres are heavily knotted. For longer wigs, pay particular attention to areas that rub against clothing, such as the nape and ends.
Store Your Wig Properly
When you are not wearing a removable wig, store it according to its care instructions so that the shape and fibres are not unnecessarily crushed or tangled. A suitable wig stand can be useful where appropriate.
Use Aftercare Products Sparingly
A wig-conditioning or control spray may be useful between washes when it is suitable for the fibre.
Cosmetize’s Wigs Accessories & Aftercare collection includes products and tools for wig maintenance, although individual availability can change.
Avoid repeatedly layering products simply to make a synthetic wig appear shinier. Build-up can eventually mean the wig needs cleaning sooner.
Reduce Unnecessary Friction
Collars, scarves, bedding and frequent handling can all create friction against synthetic fibres. You cannot eliminate all friction, but being aware of repeated rubbing can help you understand why certain areas of a wig become tangled or frizzy faster.
Final Thoughts
Learning how to wash synthetic hair is mostly about knowing what not to overdo.
Detangle gently before washing, use cool or lukewarm water, choose care products suited to synthetic fibres, avoid rubbing or wringing and allow removable wigs or hairpieces to air-dry according to their instructions.
Most importantly, check what type of synthetic fibre you have.
Standard synthetic hair and heat-friendly synthetic hair can have different styling requirements, and removable wigs should not automatically be washed the same way as installed synthetic extensions.
A gentle, product-appropriate routine will usually be more useful than complicated DIY washing tricks.
Shop Synthetic Wig & Hair Aftercare
Explore Cosmetize’s Wigs Accessories & Aftercare collection for current wig-care products, brushes, accessories and maintenance options.
If you are looking for synthetic extensions rather than wig aftercare, browse the Synthetic Hair Extensions collection.
Can you wash synthetic hair with normal shampoo?
It is better to check the care instructions for your specific synthetic fibre rather than automatically using ordinary human-hair shampoo. Where possible, choose a shampoo designed or approved for synthetic wigs or hairpieces.
Can you wash a synthetic wig in hot water?
For most standard synthetic wigs, hot water should be avoided because heat can affect some synthetic fibres and the style. Use cool or lukewarm water unless the manufacturer directs otherwise.
How often should you wash a synthetic wig?
There is no universal schedule. Consider how frequently you wear it, product and makeup build-up, sweat, odour and the care guidance supplied with the wig.
Can you blow-dry a synthetic wig?
Do not assume a blow dryer is suitable. Standard synthetic fibres may be damaged by direct heat, while heat-friendly fibres have their own temperature and styling limits. Follow the instructions for the specific wig.
Can you brush synthetic hair when it is wet?
For many synthetic wigs, it is better to do the main detangling before washing and avoid aggressive brushing while wet. Some fibres or styles may have different instructions, so follow the care guidance for your wig.
