Wigs are an inevitable part of the beauty stash of actors, models, content creators, stage artists, and any hairstyle enthusiast who wants to maintain the health of their natural hair. Nonetheless, it's still crucial to maintain the quality of one’s wig, which makes investing in the best shampoos for wigs a priority! We can tell from experience how beneficial these shampoos are in prolonging the life and retaining the vibrancy of these hairpieces. After all, an unkempt wig with tangles, brassy deposits, dust, coarseness, poor shape, etc. can really damage one’s aesthetic! 

Like shampoos for natural hair, shampoos for one’s wigs and hair extensions help remove dirt, oil, and other accumulated buildup to keep them fresh and well-managed. Be it a synthetic or human hair wig — you can't miss out on regular cleansing and conditioning as this is necessary to retain your wig's shape and texture.

After hours of research and real-time testing, our haircare experts have found the best cleansers for wigs that restore your favorite hair extensions' natural volume and glow. So, without further ado, let’s go through the below-listed products.

• 1
  Best Overall

  SheaMoisture Wig & Weave Residue Remover Shampoo

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This handy shampoo by SheaMoisture cleanses all from the faux roots to the tips. It's enriched with gentle surfactants such as coconut acid, lauric acid, and Cocamidopropyl betaine that effectively strip off any lingering dirt and residue without compromising the shine and vibrancy of the hair. Moreover, infused goodies such as borage seed oil, aloe vera, and tea tree oil impart moisture for a dewy look, which is particularly great for natural extensions. The best part — this clarifying shampoo for synthetic wigs and human extensions is free from sulfates and other harsh contents that may compromise the durability of your wig over the years.

2

Best Frizz Tamer

Awesome Synthetic Wig Shampoo

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The Awesome wig shampoo stays true to its name and works "wow-some." It aligns perfectly with Remy hair and artificial hair alike, to keep the wigs silky, lustrous, and volumized. This is because it has coconut oil and cleansing ingredients that help add body while eliminating buildup. Further, this synthetic wig shampoo provides long-lasting protection against styling tools, including heat stylers and detanglers, to ensure secure styling without fallouts. Also, you can pair it with the wig conditioner offered by the brand (sold separately or in combination) to complete the regimen. The Awesome wig shampoo stays true to its name and works "wow-some." It aligns perfectly with Remy hair and artificial hair alike, to keep the wigs silky, lustrous, and volumized. This is because it has coconut oil and cleansing ingredients that help add body while eliminating buildup. Further, this synthetic wig shampoo provides long-lasting protection against styling tools, including heat stylers and detanglers, to ensure secure styling without fallouts. Also, you can pair it with the wig conditioner offered by the brand (sold separately or in combination) to complete the regimen.

3

Best pH-balanced

Brandywine Non-Static Shampoo & Revitalizing Conditioner

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This Brandywine shampoo and conditioner for wigs are suitable for various types of hairpieces and extensions (both natural and synthetic). The shampoo gently waves off dirt, oil, grime, and other impurities while the conditioner locks in moisture and restores hair structure. Overall, this duo works together to hold your wigs in good condition and shape. A happy customer finds this shampoo and conditioner for synthetic wigs as her go-to option for deep cleansing and conditioning as they are mild and efficacious.

4

Best for Split Ends

Fibonacci Beauty Synthetic Wig Shampoo & Conditioner

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Give your synthetic wigs a daily boost of freshness and moisture using this Fibonacci wig shampoo and conditioner pack that is specially created to extend your hairpieces’ longevity. The soak-and-rinse shampoo discards buildup to provide squeaky clean strands. Furthermore, the leave-in conditioner replenishes moisture and eliminates statics to prevent you from looking like a porcupine. Plus, the conditioner for synthetic hair helps with split ends and breakage, so you can style your wigs the way you want without fearing shedding.

5

Best Styling Protection

Hairobics AllDay Locks Synthetic Wig Shampoo

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A one-of-a-kind cleanser that pampers your artificial wigs like the Hairobics formula deserves the crown of the best shampoo for synthetic wigs. This revolutionary product fortifies hair and leaves it feeling light and fresh. Not only that, it maintains the natural pH to give hair an irresistibly shiny and buttery-soft appearance. Moreover, this is the best synthetic wig shampoo that is meant to reintroduce volume and thickness while preventing tresses from environmental stressors and heat.

6

Best Color-safe

DeMert Wig & Weave System Shampoo

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Making a style statement with your charming colored wigs without worrying about color fading is easy with this shampoo. The DeMert wig shampoo restores hair color to make it more radiant and glowy. Addedly, the shampoo makes for one of the best products for hair extensions picked from the brand’s classic haircare collection devoted to colored wig wearers. It does its primary job of cleansing hair without stripping off color and moisture. Plus, it never weighs your wig hair down and keeps it lifted even during every day's hustle and bustle.

7

Best Revitalizing

Awesome Human Hair Wig Shampoo

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Unlike its counterpart above, this Awesome shampoo for human hair wigs gives the optimum TLC your natural hair extensions deserve. The revitalizing formula is made with camellia seed oil to bring back moisture and shine. Besides, it purifies hair without feeling greasy or heavy, instead, the wig shampoo makes strands as soft and light as a breeze. So you can cherish bouncy and voluminous hair looks as this human hair wig shampoo doesn't weigh down or flatten tresses.

8

Best for Curly Wigs

African Essence Control Wig Shampoo

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From tangles to unmanaged hair, the African Essence Control Wig Shampoo is the one-stop solution for all. It enhances manageability so you can glide your brush down without tugging. Plus, the formula breaks down buildup while reviving dull and lifeless hair. Hence, it's one of the best shampoos to wash wigs (both human and artificial) that keep post-washing signs like dryness or knots at bay. Addedly, a user states that this natural and synthetic wig shampoo helps maintain her wig condition and structure.

9

Best Non-irritating

Jon Renau Shampoo for Synthetic Fiber Wigs

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This Jon Renau Shampoo ensures your wig's vibrancy and shine by avoiding harmful chemicals like sulfates and parabens. This wig shampoo for synthetic hair has no irritating ingredients that ruin your hairpiece's charm. It's a plus that choosing a wig-friendly cleanser like this as it protects your wig, preserving its luster and brilliance. In fact, it provides strands full of moisture and hydration that you'll love to show off. Further, our analysis of the product revealed that even a small dollop of this shampoo easily cleans away the dirt and smoothens the wig instantly - making it the best hair product for synthetic wigs that reinforces the overall wig health.

10

Most Affordable

Design Essentials Conditioning Shampoo

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When affordability meets excellence, we get wig products like Design Essentials Conditioning Shampoo that serve the dual purpose of cleansing and conditioning. This 2-in-1 shampoo and conditioner for synthetic wigs and Remy hairpieces is enriched with Moroccan argan oil and gentle surfactants that provide a deep cleanse without damaging or breaking strands. On top of this, it conditions hair to restore buoyance and body, so your false hair looks radiant and beautiful. In a nutshell, it's a perfect product to extend the durability of your wig/extensions.

11

Hair U Wear Wash and Wear Moist Shampoo

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Another favorite pick on our list is this Hair U Wear Wash synthetic wig shampoo that preserves the natural luster of your expensive hair attachments. Apart from cleansing dirt and makeup buildup, the cleanser provides beautiful and smooth hair with a refreshing scent. Based on our observations, we can say that this wig shampoo for synthetic wigs doesn't accumulate residue for long-lasting freshness. Further, it goes smoothly on each strand to unlock natural vibrancy.

12

Nicole & Alyssa Wig Shampoo

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For quick and on-the-go synthetic wig cleansing, the Nicole & Alyssa Wig Shampoo is one the best options you can rely on. It's designed to wash all types of synthetic hair attachments, including wigs and extensions. Since it's a mild cleanser formulated with jojoba, argan, and black castor oil, you can rest assured that it won't snatch away moisture. Interestingly, this shampoo for synthetic wigs makes your hairpieces like brand new with improved texture and feel. What fascinates us is that this product also works great on fine hair and increases manageability to prevent tangles for effortless combing.

13

Esha Girl – Wig & Weave Shampoo

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Nourishing your wig is vital for its long-lasting use. Specifically formulated for pH balance, the Esha Girl shampoo guarantees the security and longevity of your hair attachments, preserving their quality for months and even years to come. It preserves your wig's health so you can wear your favorite hair attachments anytime. In addition, it's developed with the kindness of coconut oil that strengthens and defends delicate hair fibers from inevitable damage due to styling tools, heat, and everyday wear and tear. After putting it to the test, we discovered that this is a good shampoo for wigs that handles weaves, braids, and natural and synthetic attachments with complete care.

14

Mermaid Extension Hair Shampoo

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The Mermaid Extension Hair Shampoo is a professionally recommended formula for fine and thick wig hair. Since fine hair lacks density and volume, while thick strands may be devoid of moisture, this ultra-gentle shampoo for wigs and extensions solves both problems. It instantly fills hydration and lifts hair with supreme hold and shine. Plus, it works from the faux roots to the tip to rinse off dirt and impurities precisely in just one go. So now you don't have to spend hefty bucks on professionally designed wig cleansers; instead, grab this sulfate-free shampoo for human hair wigs and achieve the desired results at home.

15

Rene of Paris Prepare Shampoo

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Dry wig hair fibers are prone to fallout, but this Rene of Paris Prepare shampoo inhibits that. This organic sulfate-free cleanser deodorizes hair pieces with a quick boost of hydration to avert dryness. Plus, it retains the softness that your regular shampoos might have stripped off. This is the best shampoo for synthetic wigs that creates a protective layer around strands to block moisture loss for an all-day dewy appearance. Moreover, we determined through our tests that the shampoo protects color from fading.

Our top recommendations for the best shampoos for wigs will help keep your synthetic and natural hairpieces clean and healthy. To find the best shampoo for washing wigs, let’s walk through our buying guide below.

Below are some factors to check before putting a wig shampoo into your cart. 

Ingredients: 

Wigs are delicate; hence, it's crucial to keep them away from chemicals. Harsh wig shampoos loaded with chemicals like sulfates, parabens, and gluten strip off the natural sheen and moisture, making wigs dry and vulnerable to damage. Instead, opt for shampoos infused with gentle surfactants such as coconut acid, lauric acid, Cocamidopropyl betaine, sarcosinates, etc. that purify the wigs without compromising the vibrancy, color, texture, and buoyance of the hair. Moreover, organic ingredients such as coconut oil, argan oil, shea butter, aloe extracts, etc. further boost shine and help maintain the quality of the wig, especially human-hair wigs. 

Wig Type: 

Wigs and hair extensions are either synthetic or natural. Synthetic wigs are made with artificial hair fibers, while natural hair pieces have human hair. So consider the wig type while finding a shampoo because not all cleansers are suitable for both types. Some shampoos are specifically developed for synthetic or natural hair, while others may suit both. You can check the label to determine which wig type they align with. 

Low pH Levels: 

When selecting the ideal shampoo for synthetic hair wigs, understanding the significance of a low pH level is paramount. Synthetic hair wigs require a pH-balanced shampoo to maintain their integrity. Low-pH shampoos are gentle on delicate synthetic fibers, preserving the wig's natural moisture and shielding it from damage caused by harsh elements. For natural hair elements like braids, curly hair, or human hair lace wigs, a moisturizing shampoo with a low pH is indispensable. These shampoos effectively cleanse while ensuring the strands remain hydrated, whether dealing with wet or dry hair. Additionally, they are suitable for hair extensions, offering deodorizing properties that keep the hair fresh and vibrant. Prioritizing a low pH in shampoos for synthetic hair wigs safeguards their longevity, protecting against potential damage, and maintaining the natural elements of the wig. Consider using a pH-balanced shampoo to sustain the quality of your synthetic hair wig and other hair extensions, ensuring they remain in optimal condition for an extended period.

Color-safe Formulas 

If you are a colored wig wearer, it's better to opt for color-safe wig shampoos. This is because these formulas are made with mild and potent ingredients that eliminate impurities without fading the hair color. 

With this, we are done mentioning a few points that you must consider before starting your search quest for the best wig shampoo. Here's how you use it properly to cleanse your wigs and extensions. 

The advantages of employing wig-specific shampoos are manifold, catering to the diverse needs of maintaining hairpieces. Here's a breakdown of the benefits:

• Hair Healthy And Smooth: Wig shampoos contribute to keeping both natural and synthetic hair healthy and smooth, maintaining their texture and appearance.
• Hydrated Strands: They provide essential moisture, preventing loose and brittle hair by keeping strands adequately hydrated.
• Proper Cleansing: Using lukewarm water along with a high-quality wig shampoo ensures the removal of excess oils and dirt without damaging the wig.
• Nutrient-rich Formulas: Many wig shampoos contain ingredients like sunflower seed oil or olive oil, rich in fatty acids, which nourish hair strands and scalp, aiding those with sensitive scalps.
• Avoiding Harmful Compounds: High-quality wig shampoos are formulated without dangerous compounds that might otherwise harm delicate hair fibers.
• Preserving Hairpieces: Specific shampoos maintain the freshness of hairpieces, preventing coarse hair or deterioration caused by improper cleaning methods.
• Specialized Care: Certain shampoos cater to various hair types, such as dry shampoo for a quick refresh or sprays designed specifically for weaves.

In essence, selecting the right shampoo type tailored to your specific wig helps maintain its quality, ensures its longevity, and keeps the hair healthy and lustrous for an extended period.

Washing your hair attachments with the best shampoos for wigs is super easy. Just follow the given steps for synthetic and human wig hair washing. 

For Synthetic Hair: 

1. Start with detangling your wig/extension gently with a brush. Detangle the knots carefully without pulling. 

2. Pour cold water into a normal-size container or tub and add 2 capfuls of shampoo. You can read the instructions to determine the precise quantity of shampoo to be used. 

3. Soak the wig in the formula for some time as per the instructions. 

4. Softly swish the wig in the solution.

5. Wash the hair attachment and refill the tub with a wig conditioner and normal water. 

6. Drop the attachment into the solution and let it rest for 2 to 3 minutes. 

7. Wash the wig again using normal water and dry it with a towel. 

For Human Hair:

1. Detangle the hair and eliminate knots.

2. Put the wig into a container filled with cold water and the best shampoo for human wigs. 

3. Gently rub hair within the solution to remove impurities. 

4. Wash the wig, but avoid squeezing it as this may weaken strands. 

5. Mix a wig conditioner with cold water and put the hairpiece in for 3 to 4 minutes. 

6. Follow with normal rinsing and drying hair using a towel or a blow dryer at the minimum temperature. 

Talking about the shampooing frequency, cleansing your wigs once a week is a great move to maintain your hair attachments. However, if you are an occasional wig wearer, you may wash it after wearing it 8 to 10 times. But if you find your wigs dull and dirty, it's the right time to shampoo them.