Building Your Human-Hair Care Routine
Your wig deserves the same love as your skincare routine.
You’ve probably seen plenty of guides on building the perfect skincare routine — but why should hair be any different? A human hair wig isn’t just a style choice; it’s an investment. With the right care, it can look beautiful and last for a few years. That’s why creating a thoughtful wig care routine is just as important as curating your skincare routine. Let’s dive into the must-haves (and a few indulgent extras) that will keep your wig looking and feeling its best.
Cleaning & Conditioning
We already have videos on how to properly wash a wig, but here we’ll focus on what kinds of products to use. First rule: sulfate-free shampoo. It prevents stripping the hair of moisture while still cleansing.
When it comes to conditioners, hydration is everything. Bio hair gets its softness and shine from oils that naturally come from our scalp — wigs don’t, which means they rely on the right products to stay healthy. Some specialists even recommend skipping shampoo every few washes and just conditioning the ends, but that is optional to us!
A deep conditioner or hair mask is also a must-have. These are much richer than your everyday conditioner and work best when left on longer before rinsing. Just don’t overdo it — too much deep conditioning can cause buildup. The best approach is to deep condition when you feel it's very dry, or switch your regular conditioner to a mask every few washes, which should be every few weeks or even months. (Though we discuss this in our washing tutorial, it's important to note not to condition directly on the lace. This can loosen the hand-tied knots along the hairline and lace part!)
What we recommend having on hand:
-
Wide-tooth comb or gentle detangling brush
-
Deep conditioning mask
- Hair gloss (for extra shine)
Drying & Styling
When it comes to drying, air drying will always be the safest option for your wig’s longevity. We usually lay wigs flat or place them on a open head wig stand, adjusting so the wefted material is on top and not the lace (since lace stretches more easily when wet).
But, laying your piece flat on a microfiber towel is also a good air drying method.
If you need to blow dry, always use a heat protectant spray. Bonus if it’s also a UV protectant — human hair can get sun damage just like bio hair, and UV spray is basically sunscreen for your strands. We also prefer a diffuser attachment for blow dryers, since it’s gentler on the hair.
The same rules apply for styling with hot tools. Use a protectant, keep the temperature generally under 350°F, and opt for tools with adjustable settings. One of our stylists always jokes: “If you wouldn’t bake cookies that hot, don’t bake your hair that hot.”
For styling, we love using a hot comb to tame return hairs or create new parts (though sometimes a little water or wax stick does the trick too). Depending on the look, we rotate between a straightener, curling iron, and hot brush.
What we recommend having on hand:
- Mannequin head (for styling, not long-term storage)
-
Diffuser attachment
-
UV & heat protectant spray
-
Hot comb
-
Hot tools with adjustable temperature
-
Wax stick/pomade (for new parts and return hairs)
- Rat tail comb
Caring for Curly Textures
Instead of brushing through curls, we recommend using a wide-tooth comb or just your fingers while the hair is damp. This helps prevent frizz and keeps curl patterns intact.
To keep curls defined and bouncy, try a curl gel or mouse like Curl Boss. A small amount scrunched into damp hair helps lock in definition. For extra hydration and frizz control, pair it with a lightweight leave-in spray or a curl refresher mist. Oils (like argan or jojoba) can also be lightly scrunched into the ends for shine — just avoid applying too much near the lace or roots, since that can cause build-up.
For best results, allow curls to air dry on an open wig stand whenever possible. Gently scrunch out excess water using a microfiber towel or soft cotton T-shirt to help maintain the curl pattern. If you're in a hurry, use a diffuser on a low heat setting to speed up drying while preserving bounce and shape.
What we recommend having on hand:
-
Wide-tooth comb or detangling brush made for curls
-
Lightweight leave-in or curl refresher mist
-
Argan or jojoba oil (just a few drops!)
-
Diffuser attachment for your dryer
Everyday Maintenance & Longevity
We say wash and heat-style your wig as little as possible. But that doesn’t mean it doesn’t need some love in between.
The biggest game-changer? Hair oil. Since wigs don’t have access to natural scalp oils, a lightweight oil or serum is the next best thing. Just a drop or two will add softness, shine, and help prevent dryness and frizz. But keep in mind “less is more.” Start with pea sized amount and work from the middle to the ends.
A leave-in conditioner spray can also help with tangles, though we recommend using it sparingly since it can cause buildup over time. It’s best to choose a lightweight leave-in conditioner.
When it comes to storage, we suggest keeping your wig in a satin-lined bag (like the ones we include with every purchase). If you don’t have one, a satin scarf will work just as well. Storage on a wig head may look cute, but it can stretch the cap and alter the fit over time — a satin bag keeps your wig safe, smooth, and ready for its next wear.
What we recommend having on hand:
-
Hair oil or serum
-
Leave-in conditioner (occasional use)
Final Thoughts
At the end of the day, wig care doesn’t have to feel like a chore — it can be a little self-care ritual of its own. Depending on the human hair type, the right products and a simple routine, your wig will stay soft, shiny, and wearable for years to come. Think of it the same way you do your skincare: a little consistency goes a long way.