Theatrical-quality synthetic wigs are an investment—whether you’re working in theatre, film, drag, cosplay, or simply love wearing wigs every day. With the right care and attention, your wig can stay stage-ready for months (and even years) of use. At How’s Your Head Wigs, we want your wigs to look as flawless as the day you bought them, so here are our top tips for maintaining your synthetic pieces.
1. Handle with Care
Synthetic fibres are delicate, especially styled wigs. Always:
- Use a wide-tooth comb or wig brush designed for synthetic fibres.
- Start detangling from the ends and work your way up to the roots.
- Avoid pulling or tugging—gentle patience saves wigs from unnecessary shedding and avoid removing tease put into your new styled wig.
Pro Tip: When working backstage, assign one person to wig prep and styling to avoid too many hands tugging at fibres.
2. Washing Your Wig (Without Ruining It)
Unlike human hair, synthetic wigs don’t produce natural oils—so they don’t need frequent washing. Over-washing shortens their lifespan.
- Frequency: Every 6–10 wears (or sooner if exposed to heavy product, stage makeup, or smoke).
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Method:
- Fill a basin with cool water.
- Add a small amount of wig-safe shampoo.
- Immerse the wig, gently swish (no scrubbing!).
- Rinse in cool water until clean.
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Apply synthetic wig conditioner to restore softness.
3. Drying the Right Way
Heat is a synthetic wig’s worst enemy.
- Pat gently with a towel to remove excess water.
- Place the wig on a stand (not a head block—it can stretch the lace) to air dry.
- Keep it away from direct sunlight, radiators, or hairdryers.
4. Styling That Protects
Stage and drag performances often demand big, bold styles—but there’s an art to doing this without damaging fibres.
- Products: Only use wig-safe sprays, gels, or setting products. Regular hair sprays can dry out fibres.
- Tools: For heat-friendly wigs, stay under 160°C (320°F). For standard synthetics, stick to steam styling or rollers.
- Storage: Keep styled wigs in labelled bags or on stands, covered with a hairnet to maintain shape.
For theatre productions, keep “show wigs” and “rehearsal wigs” separate to reduce wear and tear.
5. Long-Term Storage & Transport
Whether on tour or at home:
- Store wigs in breathable bags (avoid plastic that traps moisture).
- Keep them away from dust and humidity.
- Use wig boxes for transport to prevent crushing.
Final Thoughts
A well-cared-for wig isn’t just about looking good—it’s about saving time, money, and stress before curtain call. With the right handling, washing, and styling, your synthetic wig will continue to perform night after night.
Browse our wig care accessories to keep your investment in top shape—because your wigs deserve star treatment too.