Wearing a wig can give you confidence, comfort, and convenience, but only if it’s well cared for. If you’ve recently bought a wig in New Zealand or are thinking about it, you might be wondering how to look after it properly. Learning the basics of caring for wigs is essential. A clean, well-maintained wig will look more natural, feel better on your head, and last much longer.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the simple steps to keep both synthetic and human hair wigs in top condition. You don’t need overly fancy tools – just the right approach and a bit of care.
Types of Wigs and Why Care Matters
Wigs generally come in two types: synthetic and human hair. Each has its own care routine, but both need regular attention to stay in good shape.
- Synthetic wigs are made from man-made fibres, like . They hold their style well and are low-maintenance, but they don’t handle heat or heavy brushing.
- Human hair wigs feel and move more like the natural hair on your head. That’s because they are! They can be styled with heat tools and offer more versatility, but they also need more care.
Here in New Zealand, our weather can be a factor too. High humidity, strong UV rays, and wind (especially in coastal towns) can cause frizz, dryness, and fading if you’re not careful. That’s why it’s important to store and wash your wig properly and avoid too much sun or moisture.
Daily Care Tips
Looking after your wig each day doesn’t take long, but it makes a big difference. These simple steps will help keep your wig looking clean, tidy, and natural.
Detangling and Brushing
Before or after wearing your wig, give it a gentle brush. Start at the ends and work your way up. Always use a wide-tooth comb or a wig brush, not your regular fine-bristle hairbrush, as these drag more and more likely to pull strands of hair out. This helps prevent breakage and frizz, especially with synthetic wigs. Never brush a wet wig, as the fibers are more fragile when damp.
Storing Your Wig
When you’re not wearing your wig, place it on a wig stand or mannequin head. This helps it keep its shape and allows airflow to dry out any moisture. Keep it out of direct sunlight, away from heat sources like heaters, stoves, or sunny windows. In New Zealand homes, especially in summer or humid regions like Northland or the Waikato, heat and moisture can cause damage if you’re not careful.
Washing Your Wig
How often you wash your wig depends on how often you wear it. If you use it daily, wash it every one to two weeks. If you wear it occasionally, you might only need to wash it once a month or when it starts to feel oily or has a build-up of product.
Washing a Synthetic Wig
- Gently detangle it with a wide-tooth comb.
- Fill a basin with cool or lukewarm water and add wig shampoo.
- Submerge the wig and let it soak for 5–10 minutes, don’t scrub or twist.
- Rinse gently under clean water.
- Apply a wig-safe conditioner if needed, then rinse again.
- Pat dry with a towel (no rubbing) and let it air dry on a wig stand.
- Never use heat tools on a synthetic wig.
Washing a Human Hair Wig
- Gently brush out any tangles before washing.
- Rinse the wig under lukewarm water from roots to ends.
- Apply a small amount of mild shampoo and smooth it through, no scrubbing.
- Rinse thoroughly until the water runs clear.
- Use a small amount of conditioner and rinse out as directed.
- Pat it dry and leave it to air dry on a stand.
- Once dry, you can style it with heat if needed, but avoid high temperatures.
Why Use Wig-Safe Products?
Wigs, especially synthetic ones, are made from delicate fibers that don’t react well to regular shampoos or conditioners. Many everyday hair products contain harsh ingredients like sulphates or alcohol, which can dry out or damage the wig. Using wig-safe products helps keep the fibers soft, smooth, and long-lasting. It also reduces tangling and helps the wig keep its shape after washing. If you’re unsure what to use, most wig shops in New Zealand stock gentle, purpose-made options.
Styling Your Wig
Wigs can be styled all sorts of ways. Human hair wigs are usually more robust than synthetic ones, but both generally need a gentle touch. The key is to use the right tools and avoid anything that could damage the fibres.
- Synthetic wigs can come pre-styled and usually bounce back to shape after washing. Don’t use curling irons, straighteners, or hairdryers on them unless the label says they’re heat-friendly.
- Human hair wigs can be styled like natural hair. You can use a hairdryer, straightener, or curling wand – just make sure the wig is fully dry first and always use a low to medium heat setting.
If your wig feels dry or a bit flat, you can use a wig-safe leave-in conditioner spray or light moisturising mist.
Caring for Heat-Friendly Wigs
Some synthetic wigs are labelled as heat-friendly or high heat fibre. These are designed to handle a small amount of heat, but they still need extra care.
- Always check the care instructions that came with your wig.
- Only use heat tools at the lowest setting – usually under 130°C.
- Style your wig when it’s dry or damp, depending on the fibre type.
- Never rush the process. Move slowly and gently with the tool to avoid melting or frizzing the strand fibres.
What About Human Hair Wigs?
Human hair wigs can be styled with straighteners, curlers, or hairdryers, but they’re still at risk of heat damage over time. Always make sure the wig is completely dry before using any heat. Stick to low or medium settings, and consider using a heat protectant made for wigs. If in doubt, test on a small section first. Don’t forget that you can always check in with a local wig expert here in New Zealand for more questions.
In New Zealand’s warmer areas, especially over summer, it’s easy to overheat synthetic fibers just by being outside or cooking indoors. Try not to wear heat-friendly wigs too close to hot appliances or open flames.
Extra Tips to Make Your Wig Last Longer
Wigs aren’t cheap, so it makes sense to get the most out of them. A few small habits can really help extend the life of your wig – whether it’s human hair or synthetic.
- Rotate between two wigs if you wear one every day. This gives each wig a break and helps it dry properly between wears, while extending the life of both.
- Don’t sleep, swim, or shower in your wig. Water, sweat, and friction can cause damage fast.
- Avoid strong sun exposure. If you’re outside for long periods, especially during a New Zealand summer, wear a hat or scarf to protect your wig from UV damage and fading.
Looking to Get a Second Wig?
A good wig is expensive, and rotating between two wigs is a great way to extend their lifespan. If you’re wearing a wig for medical reasons, you might be eligible for a subsidy from the Ministry of Health to help cover the cost. It can be used for wigs, hairpieces, and even repairs. Ask your local wig supplier or check the Te Whatu Ora website to see if you qualify and see what support you can get.
The Wig Wrap Up
A little bit of care goes a long way. Try to follow these easy beginner tips to ensure your wig will continue to look fresh and feel comfortable day after day. With a simple routine and the right habits, you can keep it looking great and feeling good for as long as possible.
Whether you’re wearing your wig for style, convenience, or medical reasons, knowing how to clean, store, and handle it properly makes all the difference. Need help choosing between a human hair wig or a synthetic one? Check out our article to see what’s the best choice for you.