As far as maintenance and longevity go, that depends on the type of wig you’re working with—as well as your upkeep habits. “Human-hair wigs last longer than synthetic wigs,” says Johnson. “A good quality wig can last for months, or even years, with the right maintenance schedule.” When it’s well taken care of, a human-hair wig can last over a year, and synthetic wigs can last for up to six months.
Johnson recommends that you shampoo and condition wigs to keep them looking and smelling fresh. However, Johnson also suggests following the manufacturer’s instructions to ensure they last a long time. “It’s important to use products that the manufacturer recommends,” she advises. “Some synthetic wigs can’t be washed at all, while some require special cleansing products.” Human wigs should be washed every 7 to 10 wears, while synthetic wigs should be washed every 15 to 20 wears. I shampoo and condition both synthetic and human-hair wigs according to the instructions. However, I don’t overwash as it can damage the hair’s quality. Reduce the wig’s life expectancy.
Proper upkeep also includes how long your wig stays on, especially at nights. “If you can take your wig off while you’re sleeping, please do so,” says Johnson. “This gives your natural hair time to breathe, maintains the longevity of the wig, and cuts down on styling time. It’ll be ready to go for the next morning without a ton of touch-up time.” This means that as long as you stay on top of your wig’s care, you can wear styles for weeks at a time before having to switch up to something new.
There are many people who do this. Do sleep with their wigs on at night—myself included, on days when I’m feeling ~particularly~ lazy. I use an edge scarf to tie down the wig’s front and place a silk bonnet over it to keep it in place.
Wig removal & storage
No matter how gorgeous a wig may look, you can’t keep it up forever. Wig removal is easy, but it should be done with safety and care. Trust me, you don’t want to rip it off or pull strands from your natural hairline.
“If glue or lace tape was used, follow the manufacturer’s instructions and use the adhesive remover that they recommend,” says Johnson. Johnson recommends that wigs that have not been glued down be removed with a little rubbing alcohol.
If you plan on keeping your wig for a while, rather than just letting it sit overnight on a mannequin or other storage options, it is best to wash it before. “Deep-clean your wig with a clarifying shampoo, like Paul Mitchell’s Tea Tree Shampoo, for breaking up any old and leftover products that may be trapped in the wig,” says Thomas. “After shampooing, you always want to deep-condition the wig.” His go-to is Silicon Mix by Avanti, and he suggests leaving it on the wig for about 15 minutes, followed by rinsing and air-drying. If you don’t own one, you can dry your wig on a wall hook or a wig stand.
Last but not least, care for your natural hair. I always deep-cleanse and condition my own hair right after a removal of a wig to ensure there is no glue or hairspray residue. Then, I’m ready to go for the next one.
Source: Glamour