Caring for Natural Hair Wigs requires more than just the occasional wash and comb. These real hair wigs, while incredibly natural-looking and versatile, need thoughtful maintenance to keep them in top shape. Whether you own curly units, straight wigs, or even straight hair wigs with lace fronts, avoiding certain common mistakes can significantly extend their life and maintain their beauty.
Below, we break down the most common wig care errors and how to fix them so your wig stays flawless.
Using the Wrong Products
One of the biggest mistakes wig wearers make is using regular hair products that aren’t designed for wigs. Numerous hair care products include drying chemicals such as sulfates and parabens, which can deplete moisture and weaken the structure of your natural hair wig.
What to do instead: Always choose sulfate-free, wig-safe shampoos and conditioners that nourish without buildup. Natural hair wigs need gentle care just like your own hair.
Washing Too Often or Not Enough
Yes, natural hair wigs need to be washed—but not as often as your natural hair. Overwashing can dry out your wig and cause it to shed prematurely, while not washing it enough leads to product buildup and unwanted smells.
Best practice: Clean your wig after every 8–10 wears, or sooner if it begins to feel weighed down or loses its natural shine. Use lukewarm water and softly massage around the scalp area to cleanse without causing damage.
Skipping Heat Protection
A key advantage of real hair wigs is that they can be styled with heat tools just like your natural hair. But heat without protection is one of the fastest ways to ruin your wig. Straighteners, curling wands, and blow dryers can fry the strands and shorten your wig’s life.
Solution: Before styling your straight hair wigs or any other type, be sure to use a heat protectant spray to shield the strands from damage. Keep the temperature at medium to avoid excessive damage.
Improper Storage
Tossing your wig on a chair or folding it into a drawer? That’s a recipe for tangling, loss of shape, and even matting. Wigs, especially straight wigs, need structured storage to maintain their sleek look.
How to store properly: Use a wig stand or mannequin head to store your wig. This helps keep its form and allows for airflow, reducing the risk of mildew or odors.
Neglecting the Wig Cap
The inside of your wig—also known as the wig cap—plays a crucial role in comfort and cleanliness. If not cleaned properly, it can become itchy, oily, or harbor bacteria.
Tip: Consistently freshen up the interior of your wig cap by gently cleaning it with a moist cloth to ensure cleanliness and comfort. If you’re active or wear the wig daily, consider using a wig liner to absorb sweat and reduce buildup.
Brushing When Wet
Wet hair, whether it’s growing from your scalp or attached to a wig cap, is more prone to breakage. Brushing natural hair wigs while they’re wet can lead to shedding and hair loss from the wefts.
Better approach: Always let your wig dry completely before brushing. Begin detangling using a wide-tooth comb or a brush designed for wigs, starting at the ends and slowly working your way up to prevent tangling, breakage, and shedding.
Ignoring Regular Deep Conditioning
Just like real hair, real hair wigs need hydration. If your wig feels dry or brittle, chances are it’s time for some deep conditioning love.
What to do: Use a deep conditioner specifically formulated for natural hair wigs. Let it sit for 10–20 minutes before rinsing. This will bring life back into dull, dry strands.
Sleeping with Your Wig On
Sleeping with your wig might seem convenient, but it causes friction that leads to tangling, matting, and breakage—especially for straight wigs that need to maintain a smooth texture.
Recommendation: Always remove your wig before bed. If you must sleep in it, use a silk or satin bonnet and pillowcase to reduce friction.
Using High Heat for Styling
Many people assume that a straight hair wig can handle any level of heat because they are made from real hair. While they are more resilient than synthetic wigs, they can still be damaged by extremely high temperatures.
What to keep in mind: Keep styling tools under 350°F and never use heat on wet or damp hair. Doing so can damage the strands permanently.
Final Thoughts
Taking care of natural hair wigs isn’t difficult, but steering clear of common mistakes can greatly extend your wig’s lifespan and keep it looking its best. Whether you prefer curly textures or sleek straight wigs, the goal is to treat your wig with the same care you would give your own hair.
By choosing the right products, storing properly, and sticking to a maintenance routine, your real hair wigs will stay soft, shiny, and beautiful wear after wear. Happy wig-wearing!
