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How to Wash Your Hair Topper or Wig: Step by Step Guide

Dimples Hair Team
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Caring for your wig or hair topper is key to keeping it beautiful and lasting longer. Whether you’re just starting out or have worn hair for years, the right routine makes all the difference. In this guide, we’ll walk you step by step through washing and maintaining your hairpiece so it stays natural-looking, comfortable, and ready to wear. 

Table of Contents

Why Proper Hair Toppers Care Matters

Proper care ensures your toppers and wigs stay vibrant and natural-looking. This attention extends their lifespan, offering consistent value. It's not just about appearance; well-maintained pieces feel better to wear and integrate seamlessly into your routine.

Neglecting care can lead to tangles, dullness, and damage. These issues affect the aesthetic and comfort of your hairpiece. A good care routine safeguards against these problems, giving you peace of mind.

Here's why it matters:

  • Preserves color and texture
  • Prevents damage and tangling
  • Enhances comfort and fit

How Often Should You Wash Your Hair Topper or Wig?

Washing frequency depends on your lifestyle and environment. If you wear your wig daily or in dusty conditions, it may need washing more often. On average, wigs and hair toppers should be washed every 7-10 wears.

Consider these factors:

  • Frequency of wear
  • Exposure to dust or smoke
  • Product buildup, like hairspray or styling gels

Tools & Products for Washing Your Hair Topper or Wig

Shampoo and conditioner for wigs and hair toppers.

Gather the right tools to make the washing process smooth and effective. Opt for gentle, wig-specific products to avoid damaging your hairpiece. Quality products can help maintain its appearance and lifespan.

Here's what you'll need:

Having these essentials at hand ensures a seamless washing experience. Proper tools lead to better results.

Step-by-Step: How to Wash Hair Topper and Wig

Taking care of your topper or wig involves several steps. Each step ensures your piece remains in excellent condition. Let's break down the process into manageable actions to ensure a thorough clean.

First, ensure you detangle the hair. This prevents knots from worsening during washing. Gentle handling is crucial throughout this process.

1. Detangle Gently

Start by gently combing through your hair topper or wig. This step helps prevent tangles or knots from becoming worse.

Use a wide-tooth comb or a special wig brush. Here's a quick list of what to do:

  • Hold the hair securely at the base.
  • Start detangling from the tips.
  • Work gradually toward the roots.

2. Shampoo with Care

Now, it's time for washing. Fill a basin with lukewarm water. Add a small amount of sulfate-free shampoo to it.

Submerge the hair topper or wig in the soapy water. Gently swirl it—avoid rubbing or twisting the fibers.

3. Condition for Softness

Conditioning helps keep your topper or wig soft. After rinsing out the shampoo, apply a small amount of paraben-free conditioner.

Focus on the mid-lengths and ends. Avoid applying it to the base. Let it sit for a few minutes.

4. Rinse and Blot Dry

Rinse thoroughly with cool water until all product is gone. It's crucial to remove all residues to maintain the hair's natural look.

Gently blot the hair with a towel. Avoid wringing or twisting to prevent damage to the fibers.

5. Air Dry the Right Way

Place your hair topper or wig on a wig stand to dry. It's important to avoid direct sunlight or heat, which can damage fibers.

Let it air dry naturally. This ensures the fibers maintain their shape and texture, preserving the piece's quality.

Special Tips: Human Hair vs. Synthetic Wigs & Toppers

Understanding the difference between human hair and synthetic wigs is vital for proper care. Human hair wigs offer styling flexibility but need more maintenance compared to their synthetic counterparts.

Synthetic wigs are less demanding, yet heat-sensitive. Here are some key differences:

  • Human Hair: Can be heat-styled, requires frequent washing.
  • Synthetic: Pre-styled, avoid heat (unless they are heat-friendly hair toppers), clean less often.

Knowing these distinctions can help you tailor your care routine effectively.

Daily and Weekly Wig and Topper Care Guide

Integrating a regular care routine is key to maintaining the beauty of your hairpieces. Daily and weekly practices can make a significant difference in their lifespan and appearance.

Here's a simple guide:

  • Daily: Gently detangle your wig or topper, store it on a stand.
  • Weekly: Inspect for tangles, ensure a clean storage area, check for any repair needs.

Consistent care will keep your wig or topper looking fresh and natural.

Storing Your Hair Topper or Wig

Wig stand with hair topper on top of it.

Proper storage is crucial to preserving the shape and quality of your hairpieces. Ensure they rest in a safe and supportive environment.

Follow these simple tips:

  • Use a wig stand to maintain shape.
  • Keep them away from direct sunlight.
  • Store in a dust-free area.

These practices prevent unnecessary wear and extend the lifespan of your wig or topper.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Caring for hair toppers and wigs can feel overwhelming. Some missteps, however, are easy to sidestep.

Here are the most common pitfalls:

  • Over-washing causes damage and wear.
  • Using heat on synthetic wigs or toppers that are not heat-friendly leads to melting.
  • Detangling harshly results in shedding.

Avoid these errors to keep your wigs and toppers in top condition. Gentle care ensures they last longer and look fabulous.

When to Seek Professional Help

If your wig or topper shows severe damage or fits poorly, consult a professional for tailored care and solutions.

Final Thoughts: Confidence Through Care

Caring for your wig or hair topper helps it stay fresh, natural, and ready for everyday wear. With a simple routine, your piece can blend seamlessly into your life and feel effortless to style. Each small step in the process helps preserve its beauty and keeps it looking its best.

By taking the time to maintain your hair, you’re not just extending its lifespan—you’re honoring your own journey. The right care allows your wig or topper to remain a reliable, beautiful part of how you choose to show up each day.


At Dimples, our collection of synthetic and human hair wigs and hair toppers is designed to look natural, feel comfortable, and last with proper care. From lightweight toppers that blend seamlessly with thinning hair to full-coverage wigs crafted with hand-tied bases, every piece is made to suit different needs and lifestyles. With a wide range of lengths, colors, and cap constructions, our wigs and toppers make it easier to find the style that feels most like you.

We’re also here to help you navigate your hair journey—with free color matching, free virtual consultations, and expert support at every step. Because whatever stage you’re in, you deserve solutions that feel natural, empowering, and entirely your own.

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FAQs

How to Maintain a Hair Topper?
  1. Regular Washing: Wash your hair topper every 7-10 wears using a gentle, sulfate-free shampoo and a paraben-free conditioner. This will help remove dirt and product buildup without harming the fibers.
  2. Detangle Gently: Before washing, gently detangle your hair topper using a wide-tooth comb or a specially designed wig brush. Start from the tips and work your way to the roots to avoid breakage and knots.
  3. Proper Air Drying: After washing, place your hair topper on a wig stand to air dry. Make sure to keep it away from direct sunlight and heat sources to maintain its shape and texture.
  4. Storage: When not in use, store your hair topper on a wig stand or in a breathable bag. Keep it in a cool, dry place to prevent dust accumulation and ensure it retains its quality.
  5. Daily Care: Incorporate daily practices like gentle detangling and using wig-specific products to maintain the shine and style of your hair topper.
  6. Avoid Excessive Heat: If your hair topper is made from synthetic fibers, avoid using heat styling tools, as they can damage the material. If you have a human hair topper, you can style it with heat but remember to use a heat protectant.
How Do You Maintain Your Wig?
  1. Regular Washing: Wash your wig every 7-10 wears using a sulfate-free shampoo and paraben-free conditioner. This helps remove dirt and buildup without damaging the fibers.
  2. Detangling: Gently detangle your wig with a wide-tooth comb or wig brush before washing. Always start from the tips and work your way up to the roots to prevent breakage.
  3. Air Drying: After washing, allow your wig to air dry on a wig stand away from direct sunlight or heat sources. This helps preserve its shape and texture.
  4. Storage: Store your wig on a wig stand or in a breathable bag when not in use. Keep it in a cool, dry place to prevent dust accumulation and maintain its quality.
  5. Daily Care: Depending on the type of wig, incorporate daily practices such as light brushing and using wig-specific products to maintain its luster and style.
  6. Avoid Heat: If you have a synthetic wig, avoid heat styling tools as they can damage the fibers. Human hair wigs can be styled, but always use a heat protectant.
Can I Wear a Hair Topper Every Day?

Yes, you can wear a hair topper every day. However, it’s essential to care for it properly to prevent tangling and damage. Regular washing and maintenance will help keep it looking fresh and natural while ensuring comfort throughout daily wear.

Can I Sleep with a Hair Topper?

While it's possible to sleep with a hair topper, it’s not recommended for every style. To minimize damage, consider securing the topper loosely or wearing a silk scarf to protect it during sleep. This can help prevent tangles and maintain the hair’s overall condition.

Can You Wash Your Hair with a Hair Topper?

It is not advisable to wash your natural hair while wearing a hair topper. Instead, remove the topper before washing your hair to ensure thorough cleaning of both your natural hair and the topper itself. Follow proper care techniques for both to maintain their health and longevity.

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