How To Wash A Synthetic Wig With Fabric Softener

Last Updated on January 27, 2024 by Wahid

Wigs, particularly synthetic ones, accumulate dirt, oil, & sweat over time, resulting in dull, lifeless appearances. To maintain their freshness, washing them properly is essential. A synthetic wig is made up primarily of man-made fibers. Because of these fibers, synthetic wigs are a bit difficult to wash.

Nevertheless, washing is possible, and if you have a synthetic wig, you may ask yourself: how to wash a synthetic wig with fabric softener? First, comb your synthetic wig to remove knots. The wig should be moistened in a mixture of 120 ml fabric softener & the required amount of water (a maximum of 250 ml). Wash the wig lightly in cold water after removing it from the mixture. Then, to fully revive it, let it air dry.

Well, let’s talk about some other ways you can wash synthetic wigs deeply below. By doing this, you will have the option to choose the best solution for you and the best outcome. Check out the rest of the article.

Table of Contents

Actually, Can You Wash Synthetic Wigs Or Not?

Definitely, it is indeed possible to wash synthetic wigs.

Due to their tendency to become tangled and dull with repeated use, a thorough wash can restore their former luster.
When synthetic wigs are worn for weeks without being cleaned, they become moldy, dingy, & lifeless.
Therefore, they need to be washed regularly.
Also, you probably do not need to invest in another new wig, as synthetic hair is already extremely expensive.

So, washable wigs are readily available, and luckily you can clean them yourself.

Before Wearing My Synthetic Wig, Should I Wash It?

The majority of synthetic wig companies say that wearing synthetic wigs is a matter of personal preference.

Even though it may not be necessary enough, if someone wishes to maintain hygiene, wigs can be washed before being worn.
However, they cannot be washed with regular soap and water.
Cleaning synthetic wigs properly requires using cleaners that are specially designed for them.
Another thing to remember is that excessive washing of synthetic hair can lead to damage.
Hence, don’t wash them every time before wearing them.

Cleaning that hair only when retouching is really necessary to restore the original color & beauty is appropriate.

How Often To Wash Synthetic Wigs?

In most cases, synthetic wigs must be washed depending on their use. The weather is also a factor.

Generally, you should wash your wigs after 5 to 7 wearings or every 4 to 6 weeks.
However, it is appropriate to follow this routine in cold weather.
In hot weather, synthetic wigs need to be washed more frequently.
It is generally recommended to wash your wig every 2 weeks.
However, don’t wait for the right time, but rather decide when it’s time to wash your wig.
When you notice that your wig is dirty, frizzy, oily, and emits odd smells, then it’s surely time when you should clean your wig.

What’s The Best Synthetic Wig Fabric Softener?

Well, I have one favorite, highly favored, & topmost recommended synthetic hair fabric softener. Would you like to know the first or the second?

Let’s make sure they’re in order. There is a possibility that our choices may resemble one another!

The Favorite

Firstly, I came to Gain Fabric Softener when searching for superior laundry detergent. Originally, the scent was mild, and it blended well with my mood quite well. In addition, it works well with synthetic wigs without causing any problems.

The Most Favored

Secondly, whenever my top recommendation isn’t available at the many supermarkets, I automatically pick up one of those blue Downy containers, or whatever you will call them.

Occasionally, you’ll find yourself smelling your own hair because of its floral scent. Plus, it controls frizzy fibers effortlessly as a pro.

The Topmost Recommendation

Finally, the Comfort fabric softener scent relaxes my heart & reminds me of my childhood. There is no evidence that my mother has ever changed the brand.

For cosplay wigs, it’s always convenient and extremely useful.

How To Wash A Synthetic Wig With Fabric Softener: A Step-By-Step Guide

These days, synthetic wigs are as natural as human hair. There are many improvements to their color, variety, texture, design, density, and all. Many reasons will require users to wash wigs during their lifetime.

Well, being a synthetic product, they cannot be washed like other products. To ensure proper washing, fabric softeners are highly recommended. It adds significant shine to your wig and increases its durability.

Fabric softeners also prevent wig hair from clumping, tangling, & other problems. However, it has a specific process for using it. Let’s go step by step through the process.

Step 1: Prepare Your Wig For Washing

This is the first and very important thing to do for washing your wig.
If you own a wig, you must also own a wig brush.
Make sure your wig is free of knots and tangles by brushing it with it.
When your wig is dry, brush it only.
Keeping a wet wig brush is not recommended.
Wig hair becomes frizzy due to it.

Step 2: Prepare A Tub Of Solution

If you wish to wash a wig, you must use fabric softener to make a mixture.
Pour cold or lukewarm water into the tub so that you can soak the wig thoroughly.
To soften the fabric, mix 120 ml of fabric softener into the water.
The mixture can also be enhanced by adding a few drops of dishwashing liquid or detergent.
Make sure you stir the mixture properly after you have added all the necessary ingredients.

Step 3: Soak The Wig In The Mixture

Then, let your wig soak in the tub solution for several minutes.
Ensure that the wig is stretched out correctly before submerging it in the water solution.
Once it’s set, wait about 10 minutes before removing it.
Nonetheless, depending on how badly damaged your wig is, it may need to be left on for up to 2 hours or more.
It is best to let wigs with high stiffness soak overnight.

Step 4: Gently Swish Your Wig

Make sure the wig’s hair is agitated properly before washing it.
By doing so, you’ll be able to remove all particles attached to the water.
To remove the wig from the tub, gently swish it around in both directions and up and down.
This is necessary to ensure that the fabric softener solution is in contact with all hair strands.
However, avoid rubbing the strands too hard and hurrying the process.
This will cause more damage to the wig. When you do it, be gentle and careful.
Remember, too, if the wig has already been submerged overnight, it doesn’t need to be agitated any longer.
You only need to agitate for a few minutes to see results.

Step 5: Squeeze Out The Moisture From The Wig

Once you have agitated the wig, take it out of the tub and thoroughly rinse it under cold water.
In addition, the wig does not need to be rinsed. In order to make the wig hair soft, the fabric softener is absorbed by the strands of hair.
By hand, squeeze out any remaining water from your wig.
If there is still water in the container, use the cotton towel to squeeze it out.
Also, this step will require some care. Wigs should not be rubbed with cotton towels.
Instead, pat or press it on some portion of the hair strands.
Furthermore, avoid being rough during the process.

Step 6: Finally, Let The Wig Air Dry

When you have squeezed every last drop of moisture out of the wig, you should dry it now.
It is simple to air dry a wig by leaving it on a stand or hook.
The wig will be ready for use again once it has dried completely.
For this purpose, avoid using blow dryers or similar heat-based devices.
Permanent changes or damage can be caused to the wig hair by heat.
Hence, stay away from them.

Synthetic Wig: How To Revive Without Fabric Softener?

Definitely, Synthetic wigs can be revived using other tools without a fabric softener. Actually, fabric softeners can be avoided altogether with synthetic wigs in several ways. My categorization is based on 2 simple categories: market products & heat techniques.

01. Applying Market Products

You’d better be prepared to spend some bucks on several wig-reviving kits. Since they are intended for a particular purpose, no special precautions are required.

Make sure the wig is untangled by combing it.
Like your real hair, it needs to be washed.
In a foot away, use wig conditioning spray, like, SheaMoisture Oil Shine Hair Spray.
Don’t wash the wig’s base or cap area.
Using a comb, distribute the mist & knots remaining in the hair. Gentleness is key.
It can be repeated if necessary.
Next, apply a mousse product to keep the moisture in the hair, such as, Coconut Oil and Shea Wrap Me Foaming Curl Mousse by Lotta Body.
Use it on hair ends & strands. It will smooth out the frizzy fibers and restore your hair’s luster.
You may want to cut off the irreparable split ends when restyling the wig.

02. Heat Technique

Even though heat treatment isn’t recommended for synthetic wigs, last resort heat treatment may be necessary. It is possible to utilize heat in 3 different ways.

Boiling Water

In a boiling pot of water, add a small amount of wig conditioner. Stir in the liquid. Keep it hot, but not boiling. Afterward, dip the synthetic hair in it for a few seconds; give it a swirl before removing it.

As you normally would, let it dry.

Steamer

In this case, you should only use a hair steamer or fabric steamer at home. Before you apply heat to your wig, you should spray it with heat protection first, such as L’Oreal Paris, Leave In Conditioner Spray. While applying the steamer, gently comb the wig. Don’t leave the device alone for long periods of time.

Hot Air Brush:

After placing the wig on its stand, spray the heat protector on it. You can now use a hot air brush similar to a comb and find out what happens. As for myself, I prefer the REVLON One-Step Volumizer Enhanced 1.0 Hair Dryer and Hot Air Brush.

Synthetic Wig: How To Wash With Regular Wig Shampoo?

Yes, you can also wash your wig with regular synthetic wig shampoo. It is available at any beauty accessory store in your area. However, it is almost a similar process to using fabric softener.

Put shampoo and water in a tub and make a solution.
After that, brush the synthetic wig and immerse in the solution. Approximately 5 to 10 minutes is enough time to soak the wig.
Upon soaking the wig, rinse it thoroughly with cold water after draining out the shampoo.
Get a nap in. After shaking the wig, allow it to dry in the open air. Try not to dry it too quickly.
You can add some synthetic wig conditioner if you wish.
Let the wig air dry after you’re finished.

Synthetic Wigs: How To Wash Without Wig Shampoo?

Generally, keeping a synthetic wig clean without wig shampoo is possible. Baking soda can be used as a homemade remedy. A wig’s odor can be removed by using baking soda. Baking soda can also remove cigarette smoke from synthetic wigs that have been absorbed by them.

Alternatively, Woolite and dish wash can be used. Using Woolite with mild detergent will clean your wigs. Moreover, synthetic wigs can also be washed with baby shampoo.

Almost all procedures are the same.

A mixture of baking soda & water must be made first. 1 teaspoon baking soda is enough to dissolve 1 cup of water.
Ensure that the mixture is thick enough to submerge your wig. After 15 minutes of soaking, remove the wig from the mixture.
Wigs should be rinsed in clean water after being removed from the mixture.
Air-dry your hair.
Remember, dry it slowly with a hairdryer instead of hurrying.

Curly Synthetic Wigs: How Do You Revivify Them?

Whenever you notice your curly synthetic wigs have lost their shape and become frizzy, you need to revitalize them.

Well, using perm rods is a good way to reset a curly wig. Here is a very straightforward process as below.

Put your wig aside and use the rods to curl the hair.
After boiling some water, turn off the oven and let it cool.
Next, pour hot water over the wig, and then leave it for a few minutes. You may need to wait at least 10 minutes.
When the wig has been in the pot for 10 minutes, take it out and let it air dry. Curly synthetic wigs are revitalized after they dry completely.

However, using this method, you can add some variety both to your straight synthetic wig and to your curly one.

How To Restore A Synthetic Wig

First, wash your wig. Just as with real hair, cleaning your wig can make it look fresh again. There may be too much conditioning spray needed. Using this method can help reduce frizz and moisturize fibers.
To apply the conditioner, spray it on the fiber, holding the can about an inch away from the wig. The hair can come loose if the conditioner is sprayed on or close to the wig cap.
After dispersing the product, remove any tangles by combing your fingers gently through the wig. As needed, repeat the process. You can use Bonfi Natural Oil-Free Wig Shine Spray.
After that, spray mousse on the hair strands & ends. As a result, the hair will retain moisture, resulting in a natural, healthy look. Furthermore, it will soften hair, prevent split ends, & help to control frizz.
When your wig has dry, broken ends and you can’t fix them with products, you may want to consider cutting and restyling it.

Finally, Whenever your wig demands help, a haircut is the next step. Now, you can visit a hairstylist who is knowledgeable about cutting hair pieces and find out what they can do.

Synthetic Hair Wigs: 7 Pro Tips

Wigs made of synthetic materials should be washed once every 4 to 14 days, according to the amount of sweating and the frequency of use.
Wash your wigs with lukewarm water and a mild cleanser.
Rinse the wig several times while dipping it into the water and out again.
If you don’t have fabric softener, use a commercial synthetic hair conditioner & brush the wig thoroughly.
Avoid greasy scalps to minimize frequent washing of the wig.
You should avoid coloring, perming, & heat styling your wig to maintain its luster.
Whenever possible, avoid combing a wet synthetic wig with a wig head or stand attached.

FAQs

01. Can You Use Fabric Softener on Synthetic Wigs?

Answer: Synthetic wigs can definitely be washed with fabric softener. Wigs are easier to maintain when they are softened with fabric softeners. Softeners not only make wigs softer but also rejuvenate their units. Moreover, softeners play an important role in keeping the wigs’ exact color & bright appearance.

02. Synthetic Wigs: Can You Wash with Regular Shampoo?

Answer: You should avoid washing synthetic wigs with regular shampoo if you want them to last a long time. In fact, you shouldn’t use any other regular hair conditioners, hair spray, gel, and so on. There are several kinds of regular stuff that will dull your wig’s strand fibers. Additionally, they shorten life expectancy. So, avoid washing synthetic wigs with regular shampoo & conditioner.

03. How Long Should I Soak My Wig in Fabric Softener?

Answer: If you want a quick answer, soak it for approximately 30 minutes. When the wig is wet, avoid rubbing it. This could ruin the fibers. After soaking, thoroughly rinse the wig with cold water to remove excess fabric softener.

04. Can You Fix a Burnt Wig?

Answer: No, a burnt wig cannot be repaired. Since the burnt part is damaged, it must be cut off.

Only fabric softeners can fix wig problems like stiffness, style, shape, and quality as well.

05. What happens if I use too much fabric softener on my wig?

Answer: When overusing fabric softeners on synthetic wigs, the same might happen with hair products. Grease can cause tangles by attracting dirt, which in turn causes more greasiness. Also, if you don’t wash your wigs thoroughly, you will end up with patchy or stained wigs.

06. Is washing synthetic wigs with laundry detergent okay?

Answer: Yes, absolutely. The truth is, synthetic wigs are actually best washed with fabric detergents & dish soaps instead of shampoo. Synthetic wigs have fibers nearly identical to synthetic clothing fibers, thus, laundry detergents are remarkably effective at cleaning them.

07. Do fabric softeners soften synthetic wigs?

Answer: Definitely, it is quite effective, but it shouldn’t be applied too often. Select products that are safe for synthetics.

08. How long should you soak your wig in fabric softener?

Answer: I would estimate that it will take about 2 hours to overnight, depending on the synthetic fiber condition.

09. Can you use fabric softener on human hair wigs?

Answer: Definitely not. Regular shampoos and conditioners are necessary for human hair wigs because they consist of real hair.

10. Can you wash a synthetic wig with dish soap?

Answer: Yes, technically you can, but you can only use it for removing makeup or oil residue. It is important to use mild dish soap in a sink and to mix it with cold water.

11. How long does a synthetic wig dry?

Answer: In natural processes, it can take up to 12 hours or more. In a hurry, you can reduce the drying time to 20 to 30 minutes with a hairdryer.

Thoughts For The End

To conclude, knowing how to wash a synthetic wig with fabric softener is essential for anyone who owns one. By following the right technique, your wig will stay clean & fresh for a longer time. I have shown you several ways of washing wigs, with fabric softener, without wig shampoo, heat technique and more. By following the above simple steps, your wig will maintain its quality & lifespan.

Regardless of whether you have been wearing wigs for years or decades, you should take care of them. Try washing a wig now that you know how. Finally, follow us to keep up with the latest hair care techniques! You won’t be disappointed if you follow this guide. Please leave a comment.