Caring for Your Wigs & Hair Extensions: The Complete Guide

Your wigs and hair extensions are an investment — and like all great investments, they reward you when you take care of them. Whether you're wearing a lace front wig, a T-part, clip-in extensions, or a full sew-in, the right care routine makes the difference between hair that lasts weeks and hair that lasts months. At dīs by Design, we want you to get the most out of every style. Here's your complete guide to keeping your wigs and extensions looking luxurious, day after day.

1. Washing Your Wigs & Extensions

Less is more when it comes to washing. Unlike your natural hair, wigs and extensions don't benefit from your scalp's natural oils, so over-washing can dry them out quickly.

• Wash wigs every 6–8 wears, or when product build-up is visible
• Wash clip-in extensions every 15–20 wears
• Use a sulphate-free, moisturising shampoo
• For wigs — soak in cool water, apply shampoo gently in a downward motion, never scrub or rub
• Rinse thoroughly with cool or lukewarm water

Care tip: Always wash in a downward motion following the direction of the hair — this prevents tangling and matting.

2. Conditioning & Moisturising

Moisture is everything. Wigs and extensions need conditioning to stay soft, shiny, and tangle-free.

• Apply conditioner from mid-length to ends — never on the wig cap, lace, or bonds
• Leave on for 5–10 minutes before rinsing
• Use a deep conditioning mask once a month for extra nourishment
• Apply a lightweight leave-in conditioner or hair serum after washing to lock in moisture
• For synthetic wigs — use a specialist synthetic wig conditioner only

Care tip: A few drops of argan oil worked through the ends keeps both wigs and extensions silky, frizz-free, and full of lustre.

3. Detangling With Care

Tangles are the number one cause of damage. Always detangle gently and patiently — rushing is the enemy of longevity.

• Use a wide-tooth comb or a soft-bristle wig brush
• Always start from the ends and work your way up
• Detangle before washing, never when soaking wet
• For wigs — place on a wig stand before detangling for easier handling
• Hold the weft or base when brushing extensions to avoid pulling

Care tip: Never brush wigs or extensions when soaking wet — this is when they are at their most fragile.

4. Heat Styling

Human hair wigs and extensions can be heat styled beautifully — but heat is the fastest route to damage if used incorrectly.

• Always apply a heat protectant spray before styling
• Keep tools below 180°C (356°F)
• Avoid repeatedly styling the same section
• Allow hair to cool completely before brushing after heat styling
• For synthetic wigs — avoid heat tools entirely unless the label states heat-resistant

Care tip: Heatless styling methods — like braiding a damp wig overnight — give gorgeous waves with zero damage and extend the life of your wig significantly.

5. Storing Your Wigs & Extensions

Proper storage is just as important as the care routine itself.

• Store wigs on a wig stand or mannequin head to maintain their shape
• Store clip-ins in a breathable hair bag, laid flat
• Never store wigs or extensions when damp — always ensure fully dry first
• Keep away from direct sunlight, dust, and humidity
• Gently brush through before storing to prevent tangling

Care tip: A silk or satin storage bag reduces friction and keeps your hair smooth and tangle-free between wears.

6. Wearing & Everyday Care

Small daily habits make a big difference to how long your wigs and extensions last.

• Secure your wig properly using wig grip, got2b glued, or adjustable straps — never force it on or off
• Tie hair in a loose braid or low ponytail before sleeping if wearing a sewn-in
• Always remove clip-ins and wigs before sleeping to extend their lifespan
• Sleep on a silk or satin pillowcase and use a silk bonnet to protect your style
• Protect your hair from chlorine and saltwater — wear a swim cap or remove before swimming

Care tip: Taking your wig off correctly is just as important as putting it on — always release from the front to the back to protect the lace.

With the right care routine, your dīs by Design wigs and hair extensions will stay beautiful, full, and luxurious for months to come. A little love goes a long way — and your hair is always worth it. Browse our full wig and hair extension collection and find your next signature look today.