I've got a secret for you.

A dirty HD Film lace wig won't last long.

I know that's common sense to most people… but like old folks say, “common sense ain’t common these days!” Let’s be real: lace wigs are an investment. For women who wear their natural hair, a trip to the beauty salon might cost $60 - $150, depending on where they go. A trip to the salon for a wig install starts at $400! This might include the actual wig. 

Most custom wigs, like the ones sold at Beauty & the Beat Wigs, are hand-sewn. Because I don’t want you out here with flat, thin wigs, our wigs have no less than two bundles at a time! So when you think about putting together a hand-sewn wig with two or more bundles, it takes a lot of time! And as you know, time is sch-money. So, with all the effort that goes into your premium HD Film lace wig, wouldn’t you want to maintain it well?! It may surprise you how many people don’t know how to answer that question. 

If you’re a first-timer, you’re excused. Wig-making and wearing are equal arts that are not for the faint of heart. You gotta have spunk, pizzazz, and all that jazz, beauty! Even if you don’t have those things, our custom closure wigs will turn up the energy anyway. Before you make the investment, please keep reading to learn about how to maintain your new HD Film lace wig. 

1. Go easy on the oils, moisturizers, and sprays

I know the first thing on your mind is whether you can wash your wig. But before we get to that, let’s talk about why you should avoid overwashing your wig. Human hair wigs should be lightweight, easy, and blowing in the wind… fabulous! Think Beyoncé with her million and one fans blowing her hair onstage at her concerts. While some hair oil or spray is good, too much of it can weigh down your hair and rob it of that #beyoncebounce. And you don't want that. 

Again, go easy on the oils or don’t use any at all. This is the more important wig styling hack, by the way. 

2. Wash your HD Film lace wig… but don’t overdo it

Your natural hair and a lace wig are not the same. Yes, I know it looks oh-so-natural, but it's not growing out of your scalp. On a regular day, your hair follicles will secrete oils and sweat that get trapped in the strands of your hair. This does not happen in the same way with your wig and that's a good thing. Why? Because it means that you should not have to wash your lace wig as often as you wash your natural hair. If you follow my first point, you should be able to get away with washing your wig every 4-6 weeks if you wear it often. For ladies who wear their wigs to do intense things (think workout), you may have to wash yours more often. Try to avoid wearing them to the gym altogether if you can. 

Oh yea, don’t use shampoos and conditions that have sulfates, parabens, mineral oils, and all that other gook! Don’t pull at your HD Film lace vigorously or at all! Massage it gently as you would a baby or puppy’s head when washing it!

3. Buy a mannequin head or two to store your wigs in-between wears

Yes, mannequin heads are weird when you wake up in the middle of the night and see the bodiless things. But they're useful! If you aren’t that good at styling your hair and want to maintain its style, this is the best way to store it. Storing your HD Film lace wig on a mannequin head is also a good way to help it air out and keep its form. 

4. Manage heat styling as you would natural hair

You wouldn’t use a flat or curling iron on the highest heat setting when styling your hair, would you? I hope not. In this regard, treat your lace wig as you would your natural hair. Always use a thermal styling tool that allows you to control the heat settings. I recommend anywhere between 250 and 300 degrees. Be sure to use a heat protectant before applying that heat! Too much heat on your lace wig over time can make it brittle and limp… like natural hair. So be careful!

And that's it! Four very practical lace wig maintenance tips that will guarantee you a wig that lasts for years. In a few posts, I'll expand on lace wig storage and the specific products you can use to wash and condition your wig. So stay tuned, beauty!