You've done your first install. Now let's talk about keeping your unit looking as good as the day it arrived. A well-cared-for wig keeps its softness, shine and shape for a long time, and it doesn't take much: a gentle wash routine, a little patience while it dries and a proper place to rest between wears.
Here's exactly how I care for mine.
How often should I wash my wig?
There's no set schedule. It depends on how often you wear it and what you put on it. The real signal is product buildup. If you've been using gels, lace jelly, edge control or silkening serums, and the hair starts to feel heavy, stiff, sticky or dull, it's time.
As a general guide, many wearers wash after every 7–10 wears, sooner if you use a lot of product or wear it in heat and humidity, later if you wear it lightly.
Shampoo or co-wash? I don't shampoo every time. If there's buildup from gels or serums, I shampoo. If the hair just needs a refresh, I do a co-wash (conditioner only), which cleans gently while keeping the hair soft and moisturized.
What you'll need
A gentle, moisturizing shampoo and conditioner. I use TRESemmé Moisture Rich shampoo and conditioner.
Wide-tooth comb or detangling brush
A clean towel (microfiber or an old cotton T-shirt is even gentler)
Wig mannequin or wig stand
Heat protectant, if you'll be blow-drying or using hot tools
Flexi rods, if you want heatless curls
Step 1: Detangle before you wash
Never put a tangled wig in water. Water tightens knots. Gently brush or comb through the hair, starting at the ends and working your way up to the roots. Hold the hair close to the root with your other hand so you're not tugging on the knots in the lace.
Step 2: Wash in a downward motion only
This is the most important rule: always wash in a downward motion. No scrubbing, no piling the hair on top of your head, no swirling or twisting. That's how wigs tangle and mat.
Rinse the hair with lukewarm or cool water, letting it flow from root to ends. Hot water can loosen knots and dry out the hair.
Apply shampoo (or skip straight to conditioner for a co-wash) and smooth it down the hair shaft with your palms, root to tip.
Rinse thoroughly in the same downward direction.
Apply conditioner from the mid-lengths to the ends, keeping it off the lace and knots so they don't loosen. Let it sit a few minutes, then rinse.
Cleaning the lace: If you used lace jelly, gently work a little shampoo into the lace with your fingertips (or a soft toothbrush) to lift the residue, then rinse well. Clean lace lays flatter and looks more natural on your next install.
Step 3: Blot, don't rub
Gently squeeze out the extra water, then press the hair between a towel. Don't rub or wring. That roughs up the hair and causes frizz and tangles. Comb through gently with a wide-tooth comb while it's damp.
Step 4: Dry
Air drying (my preference): Place the wig on a mannequin or stand and let it dry naturally. It's the gentlest option and helps your unit last longer. Air drying may take several hours, so plan ahead (overnight works well).
Blow drying (when you're in a hurry): Always apply a heat protectant first. Use low to medium heat, keep the dryer moving and point the airflow down the hair shaft, from roots to ends.
Step 5: Style with care
Human hair wigs can be styled much like your own hair, but remember: wig hair doesn't get natural oils from your scalp, so it needs a little more protection.
Use heat protectant every time you use a flat iron, curling iron or blow dryer, and keep the temperature moderate.
Try flexi rods for heatless curls. They're a great alternative to curling irons. Set the rods on slightly damp hair, let it dry completely, then take them out for soft, defined curls with zero heat damage.
Go easy on product. A little goes a long way, and less product means fewer wash days.
Curly or textured units: Avoid brushing them dry. Detangle with your fingers or a wide-tooth comb while damp and conditioned, then scrunch to restore the curl pattern.
Nighttime: why I don't sleep in my wigs
I don't sleep in my wigs. It preserves the style and helps the unit last longer. (And honestly, it's just more comfortable not to sleep in one!) Friction against your pillow causes tangling, frizz and matting, and it wears on the lace.
If you do end up sleeping in it, wrap the hair in a silk or satin scarf or bonnet, or sleep on a satin pillowcase, to cut down on friction.
Storing your wig
Where your wig rests matters as much as how you wash it. Don't just throw it in a pile. That's how units get crushed, tangled and misshapen.
Wig mannequin or stand: Best for styling, air drying and short-term storage between wears. It keeps the cap's shape and the style in place.
Hang it up: Every House of Adorned wig comes with a wig storage bag and hanger. Hang your unit up when you're not wearing it, and use the bag for longer-term storage or travel to keep it dust-free and tangle-free.
Before storing: Make sure it's completely dry and gently detangled. Never store a damp wig.
Keep it away from direct sunlight, heat sources and humid spots, which can fade color and dry out the hair.
Questions first-timers always ask
How long will my wig last? With proper care, a quality human hair wig can last a year or longer. How often you wear it, how much heat you use and how you wash and store it all make a difference.
Why is my wig shedding a little? A small amount of shedding is normal, especially at first. To keep it to a minimum, detangle gently, hold the hair near the root while brushing, keep conditioner off the knots and avoid hot water.
Can I swim in my wig? It's best not to. Chlorine and salt water dry out the hair and can cause tangling. If it does get wet at the pool or beach, rinse it in cool water and give it a co-wash as soon as you can.
My wig feels dry. What do I do? Do a co-wash or leave a deep conditioner on the mid-lengths and ends for 15–20 minutes, then rinse. Keep heat to a minimum while it recovers.
Can I refresh it between washes? Yes. Lightly mist with water, smooth through a small amount of leave-in conditioner and comb gently. Flexi rods overnight on the mannequin will revive curls.
Can I color or bleach it at home? Yes, you can bleach and color the hair. Chemical services can damage wig hair quickly. Reach out to us before making changes like that so we can advise on what's safe for your unit.
Treat it like the investment it is
Your wig is part of how you show up in the world. Give it a little care, and it'll keep giving you that same confidence every time you put it on. Once you're Adorned, you're forever an Adornée.
Shop the collection at adornedbyashley.com, and follow @houseofadorned on Instagram for more care tips.
Confidence, Crafted.