When human hair becomes tangled, wash it with cool or warm water—not hot water.
Hot water can strip moisture from the hair, causing dryness, frizz, and even more tangling. It may also weaken the lace and knots of a wig, potentially shortening its lifespan.
Cold water is gentler, but it will not remove tangles. The best choice is warm water that feels close to room temperature.
How to Wash Tangled Human Hair Properly
1. Before washing, gently detangle the hair with a wide-tooth comb. Always begin at the ends and slowly work upward toward the roots. Do not pull or force the comb through difficult knots.
2. Rinse the hair with cool or lukewarm water, keeping the water flowing in the same direction as the hair.
3. Apply shampoo gently without rubbing, twisting, or piling the hair together.
4. Apply conditioner to the mid-lengths and ends.
5. Let the conditioner sit for several minutes to soften the tangles.
6. Carefully detangle the conditioned hair, starting at the ends.
7. Rinse with cool water.
8. Press out excess water with a towel—never twist or wring the hair.
9. Allow the wig to air-dry before completing the final styling.
When washing a human hair wig, avoid applying conditioner directly to the lace, roots, or hand-tied knots. Conditioner can loosen the knots and contribute to shedding.