As someone who loves wearing braided wigs, I know firsthand how frustrating it can be when your fabulous new wig starts to look dull and limp after just a few wears. Since the synthetic fibers in braided wigs tend to hold onto odors and dirt more than human hair, it is essential to keep your wig fresh between wears and take some extra care and maintenance. With the right techniques, you can keep your braided wig looking and smelling great for months! Let me share what I’ve learned so you can keep your braided wigs fresh for longer!

Gentle and Regular Cleaning

The most important rule of braided wig care is gentle and regular cleaning. Braided wigs, including those knotless braids, tend to grab dirt, oil, and product residue from your scalp and hair. If these build up over time, they can attract more dirt and bacteria, causing wigs to look dingy and limp. Therefore, you should get in the habit of lightly cleaning your braided wigs after every 2-3 wears. 

Here are some pieces of advice for you to prepare for your wig washing: fill a sink or large bowl with cool water and add a small amount of mild, sulfate-free wig shampoo. The shampoo you use should be made specifically for synthetic wigs because regular shampoo can be too harsh on your wig. Next, gently swish and soak the wig to loosen dirt and lightly scrub the fibers. 

Deep Cleaning 

In addition to regular washing, I will also deep clean my braided wigs every 2-3 weeks using wig shampoo and cool water. This periodic deep cleaning helps me remove any built-up residue. After washing, I always evenly spray my wig with a wig detangler and gently brush through the fibers with a wide-tooth comb, which not only smooths the braids but also helps distribute the detangler to prevent tangles and matting.

Proper Drying

Proper drying also serves as a key to maintaining braided wig quality over time. After washing, you should gently squeeze out excess moisture and lay the wig on a wig stand or dry towel to air dry. During this process, you can not rub the fibers when drying, as this can cause frizz. Besides, you had better avoid drying your wigs through hanging, for the weight of the water can pull on the braids and cause them to become misshapen. Finally, do make your wig dry completely before you wear or store it. 

Limit Heat Styling 

Heat styling is another major cause of damage to braided wigs over time. The heat weakens synthetic fibers, causing them to become brittle and prone to breakage. If possible, I will make my knotless braid wig air dry into their natural style rather than blow drying or using other machines. When I do need to apply a tool, I keep it on the lowest setting and use a heat protectant spray to limit damage from the hot air.

Proper Storage

Something else I’ve learned the hard way is to always store braided wigs properly between wears. Keeping your wig on a wig stand is ideal to maintain the shape and position of the braids. Additionally, you could store your wig flat in a sealed plastic bag or bin. But never hang your braided wig by the elastic band when storing your wigs because this can stretch the band out over time. 

Choose Quality Products

Using high-quality wig products can make a big difference in keeping braided wigs looking their best. I recommend using sulfate-free wig shampoos, wig mists, and silicone-based wig conditioners. Silicone coats the synthetic fibers to help reduce friction and keep the braids smooth. There are also great dry wig shampoos that I keep on hand for quick touch-ups.

Protect From Environment 

Environment also matters in protecting your braided wigs. While they don’t require as much styling as boho braids or glue-down wigs, you ought to take your time to protect the fibers from daily wear and tear. For example, whenever I go out wearing my braided wig, I will make sure that I have covered it with a silk scarf or wrap. This prevents wind, pollution, and other environmental factors from causing damage to the fibers. 

Know When To Retire

Lastly, knowing when to retire an old, worn-out braided wig is essential. Over time, it is normal that the synthetic fibers will start to become irreparably dry, brittle, and matted. At this point, no conditioning process or products can bring them back to life. I’ve learned that I usually retire my braided wigs after 3-4 months of moderate wear. It is essential to catch the decline early and not try to push damaged wigs too far and this will keep my wig game on point!

Conclusion

It is not difficult to care for your high-quality braided wigs, but it does require some consistent techniques. Now that you know my top tips for cleaning, styling, and storing your wigs, you can keep your fabulous braided styles looking fresh and vibrant for months on end. Your wig will have that “just installed” look without needing constant replacements. All it takes is a little love and care between wears to protect your investment.

Besides, the brand of the wig that you bought also matters. Well-known wig brands, such as FANCIVIVI will provide you not only a longer time of use but also an exciting wearing experience. If you haven’t bought any braid wigs, it is an excellent platform for you to pick up your braid wig. Choose the best braid wig that you like and learn about these tips to keep your braid wig fresher!