How to Wash Wigs Without Wig Shampoo?

Let’s be honest—wig shampoo isn’t always within arm’s reach. Maybe you ran out. Maybe you’re just not a fan of the price tag. Whatever the reason, the good news is: you can still clean your wigs and keep them looking fresh using some everyday household items. Here’s how to wash your wigs without wig shampoo—no stress, no fuss.

Baking Soda: The Deep Clean MVP

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Baking soda isn’t just for cookies—it’s a powerhouse for lifting dirt and neutralizing funky smells from wigs.

How to use:

1️⃣ Mix 1–2 tablespoons of baking soda into a bowl of lukewarm water.

2️⃣ Submerge the wig and gently swish it around for 5–10 minutes.

3️⃣ Rinse thoroughly with cool water. Avoid scrubbing.

4️⃣ Air-dry on a wig stand.

✨ Pro Tip: This method works best for synthetic wigs that need a freshening, but if your wig is heat-sensitive or has a lace front, you’ll want to avoid this way (the baking soda may dry out the wig).

Baby Shampoo: Gentle Enough for Wigs

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Baby shampoo is the MVP here. It’s gentle, pH-balanced, and designed for sensitive stuff—perfect for synthetic fibers or delicate human hair.

How to use:

1️⃣ Fill a basin with cool/lukewarm water.

2️⃣ Add a nickel-sized drop of baby shampoo and swish to create bubbles.

3️⃣ Submerge the wig, gently swishing it for 2-3 minutes. No twisting or wringing—ever.

4️⃣ Rinse until the water runs clear.

✨ Pro tip: For human hair wigs, add a splash of apple cider vinegar to the final rinse. It removes buildup and adds shine.

Dish Soap: For Greasy Wig Emergencies

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Got a wig that’s slick with oils or product? Dish soap cuts through grease like a TikTok trend. Use sparingly—this stuff’s powerful!

How to use:

1️⃣ Dilute 1–2 drops of clear dish soap in a basin of cool water.

2️⃣ Dip a soft toothbrush into the mix and lightly scrub the wig cap and hairline.

3️⃣ Rinse thoroughly. (because residue = crunchy hair).

4️⃣ Dry flat to maintain the wig’s shape.

Cornstarch: The Dry Clean Hack

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No time for a full wash? Cornstarch absorbs oil and restores volume without water.

How to use:

1️⃣ Sprinkle cornstarch evenly over the wig’s roots and oily spots.

2️⃣ Let it sit for 15–20 minutes.

3️⃣ Use a wide-tooth comb or wig brush to distribute the powder and brush it out.

4️⃣ Shake the wig outside to remove excess.

✨ Bonus: Works great for synthetic wigs that can’t handle frequent washing.

Apple Cider Vinegar: Clarify & Shine

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ACV isn’t just for your salad dressing—it can also remove residue and add shine, particularly to human hair wigs.

How to use:

1️⃣ Mix 1 part ACV with 3 parts cool water.

2️⃣ After shampooing, pour the mix over the wig, focusing on the ends.

3️⃣ Rinse immediately. No lingering vinegar vibes, promise.

Laundry Detergent: The Last-Resort Cleaner

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Reserve this for durable synthetic wigs only! Detergent can be harsh, but it’s clutch for stubborn grime.

How to use:

1️⃣ Dissolve ½ tsp mild laundry detergent in cold water.

2️⃣ Soak the wig for 5 minutes max.

3️⃣ Rinse, rinse, rinse again.

4️⃣ Condition it with a leave-in spray and dry it on a stand.

Can I Wash a Wig with Regular Shampoo?

If it's sulfate-free and super gentle, yes—baby shampoo is best. Regular shampoos with sulfates can dry out or damage wigs, especially synthetic ones.

Read More: Can You Wash A Wig With Regular Shampoo?

How Often Should I Wash My Wig?

For synthetic wigs, every 6–8 wears is usually enough. Human hair wigs might need washing every 4–6 wears, depending on product use and exposure to pollution.

Conclusion

Simple wig care keeps your unit looking great without breaking the bank. Gently handle both synthetic and human hair wigs, using DIY methods like baking soda/cornstarch or baby shampoo/ACV. With these hacks, your wig will stay runway-ready, no specialty shampoo required.