Wig Maintenance For Lasting Hair

1. Use Sulfate-Free, Moisture-Rich Products

TikTok creators and stylists alike are clear: what you use matters. Sulfates and drying alcohols strip the hair and leave wigs looking brittle and dull. Just like your natural hair, your wig needs gentle cleansing and deep moisture.

Look for:

• Sulfate-free shampoo (like SheaMoisture, Olaplex No.4, or Mielle Moisture RX)

• Leave-in conditioners with lightweight hydration

• Argan oil, jojoba oil, or wig-specific serum for shine and softness

Pro Tip: Wash your wig every 3-5 wears or after heavy product use. Over-washing can lead to dryness, especially in lower-grade wigs.

I've used these two brands to wash my natural type 4 hair and to care for my wigs, and they do great.

2. Air Dry Over Heat Styling

Heat is the fastest way to fry any wigs, especially if it’s not raw or virgin hair. Viral TikTokers recommend letting your wig air dry on a mannequin head or wig hanger instead of using a blow dryer. Another option is to place your wig in front of a small fan.

If you must use heat:

• Be careful of your heat setting if you're using a hot comb.

  • If it's too hot, it will break off the hair at the root.

• Always apply a heat protectant

• Keep tools under 350°F

• Limit heat use to once a week max

Hack: Use a microfiber towel to blot (not rub) the wig and cut drying time in half without damaging the strands.

3. Store It Like Royalty

One of the most overlooked tips? Proper storage. Stuffing your wig in a drawer or tossing it on your nightstand is a guaranteed way to ruin its shape and tangle the lace.

Best ways to store your wig:

• On a mannequin head or foam head

• Inside a silk or satin drawstring bag

• In its original box with a wig net over it

TikTok Tip: Spray the inside lace with light hold hairspray before storing to help keep the shape and prevent lifting during your next install.

4. Wrap It or Remove It at Night

Sleeping in your wig regularly is a fast track to tangling, shedding, and friction damage. If you must sleep in it, wrap it just like you would your natural hair:

• Use a satin or silk bonnet or scarf

• Braid or twist it into two sections to prevent knots

• Sleep on a satin pillowcase to reduce friction

But ideally? Take it off, let it breathe, and store it properly.

5. Don’t Overdo It With Products

Using too many styling products like edge control, mousse, or gel can cause product buildup that’s hard to wash out, especially in lower-quality wigs. Product buildup results in weighed-down down stiff hair; the same results happen with your natural hair.

Instead:

• Keep styling minimal

• Use wig-friendly edge control (look for “no residue” formulas)

• Refresh curls with water + leave-in mix in a spray bottle

TikTok Hack: Try a “dry wash” by spraying the wig with diluted conditioner + water, then combing it through to refresh between washes. This is more ideal for curly or wavy hair.

6. Get Regular Trims (Optional)

Even wigs experience split ends and fraying over time. Trimming your ends every few weeks (or after every 10–12 wears) helps your wig stay polished and natural-looking.

No need to go to a stylist every time—

• Use hair shears, not regular scissors

• Trim the ends in small sections while the hair is dry

This simple step can add months to your wig’s lifespan — and completely transform its look, making it feel like you’ve just bought a brand-new unit. If you’re thinking about cutting your wig, do it! I recently trimmed my 24-inch body wave wig by about 2 inches and shaped in some bangs, and the result was a fresh, updated style. I even included a link to YouTuber Ellarie, who did the same thing — check it out for extra inspiration.

Youtuber: Ellarie