When you've invested in a quality medical wig—both emotionally and financially—learning how to care for it properly becomes essential. Your wig isn't just a hairpiece; it's part of your confidence, your identity, and your journey through treatment. With proper care, a high-quality medical wig can maintain its beautiful appearance for 6-12 months or longer, making it a worthwhile investment in your wellbeing.
At Enhanced Hair, we've spent over 28 years helping Canadian women navigate hair loss, and one of the most common questions we receive is: "How do I take care of my wig?" Whether you're wearing a synthetic or human hair wig, understanding proper maintenance techniques will help you get the most from your investment while keeping you looking and feeling confident every day.
Understanding Your Wig Type: Synthetic vs. Human Hair Care
Before diving into care routines, it's crucial to understand what type of wig you have, as cancer wigs Canada come in two primary categories with different care requirements.
Synthetic wigs are made from specialized fibres designed to hold their style permanently. They're incredibly popular among women undergoing chemotherapy because they're low-maintenance and budget-friendly. These wigs bounce back to their original style after washing and require minimal styling. However, they're sensitive to heat and require specific products designed for synthetic fibres.
Human hair wigs offer the most natural appearance and can be styled with heat tools just like your biological hair. They're ideal for women seeking maximum versatility and the most realistic look. The trade-off is that they require more maintenance and styling after washing, similar to caring for your natural hair.
At Enhanced Hair, our experienced consultants help you choose the right wig type for your lifestyle and can provide personalized care instructions during your fitting. If you're unsure which type you have, check the care tag inside your wig cap or contact our team for guidance.
How Often Should You Wash Your Medical Wig?
One of the biggest mistakes women make is washing their wigs too frequently. Unlike biological hair, which receives oils from your scalp, wigs don't get "oily" in the same way. Over-washing can actually shorten your wig's lifespan by breaking down fibres and dulling the colour.
General washing frequency guidelines:
- Daily wear: Wash every 8-10 wears (approximately every 1-2 weeks)
- Occasional wear: Wash every 15-20 wears or when you notice product buildup
- After exercise or sweating: Rinse with cool water and air dry, full wash as needed
- Canadian winter wear: More frequent washing may be needed due to hat friction and indoor heating
You'll know it's time to wash your wig when you notice it's lost its bounce, feels sticky, or has absorbed odours. During chemotherapy treatment, when your scalp may be more sensitive, you might want to wash slightly more frequently for hygiene and comfort.
Step-by-Step Wig Washing Instructions
For synthetic wigs:
- Gently brush your wig with a wide-tooth comb or wig brush, starting at the ends and working upward to remove tangles
- Fill a basin with cool water (never hot—heat damages synthetic fibres)
- Add one capful of wig-specific shampoo designed for synthetic hair
- Submerge the wig and gently swish for 2-3 minutes—don't rub or twist
- Rinse thoroughly with cool running water until all shampoo is removed
- Apply synthetic wig conditioner (optional but recommended), avoiding the cap
- Rinse again with cool water
- Gently squeeze—never wring—excess water from the wig
- Blot with a towel and place on a wig stand to air dry completely
For human hair wigs:
Follow similar steps but use products designed for human hair. You can use lukewarm water and may need to style the wig after it dries, just as you would with biological hair. Human hair wigs benefit from deep conditioning treatments every few washes to maintain softness and shine.
Styling Your Medical Wig: Do's and Don'ts
Styling capabilities vary significantly between wig types, and understanding these limitations protects your investment.
Synthetic wig styling guidelines:
- DO: Use wig-specific styling products sparingly
- DO: Brush gently with proper wig brushes or wide-tooth combs
- DO: Allow synthetic wigs to return to their set style naturally
- DON'T: Use heat tools (blow dryers, curling irons, straighteners) unless the wig is labeled "heat-friendly"
- DON'T: Use regular hairspray or heavy styling products
- DON'T: Brush while wet—always let synthetic wigs dry completely first
Human hair wig styling guidelines:
- DO: Use heat protectant before any heat styling
- DO: Style as you would your biological hair
- DO: Experiment with different looks—curling, straightening, updos
- DON'T: Use excessive heat, which can damage even human hair
- DON'T: Over-process with colour or chemical treatments without professional guidance
For women undergoing treatment, low-maintenance styling is often preferable. Our medical wig collection includes beautifully pre-styled options that require minimal effort to look polished and natural every day.
Proper Storage: Protecting Your Investment
How you store your wig when you're not wearing it significantly impacts its longevity and shape retention.
Essential storage practices:
Invest in a wig stand: This is non-negotiable for proper wig care. A wig stand maintains the cap shape, allows air circulation, and prevents tangling. Choose a stand that matches your wig's cap size—too small and it stretches the cap, too large and it doesn't provide adequate support.
Choose the right location: Store your wig in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight, which can fade colour. Avoid humid areas like bathrooms. Many Canadian women keep their wigs in bedrooms or closets on stands with breathable covers to protect from dust.
Use a wig case for travel: When you need to transport your wig, invest in a proper wig travel case that maintains shape and prevents crushing. This is especially important for Canadian women traveling for treatment appointments.
Have a rotation: If possible, having two wigs allows each to rest between wears, significantly extending their lifespan. This is particularly helpful during active treatment when you're wearing your wig daily. Browse our collection to find complementary styles that work for different occasions.
Nighttime care: Always remove your wig before sleeping. This prevents tangling, matting, and unnecessary wear. Place it on your wig stand and cover it with a hairnet or breathable fabric to keep dust off.
Canadian Climate Considerations: Seasonal Wig Care
Canada's diverse climate presents unique challenges for wig wearers, and adjusting your care routine seasonally helps maintain your wig's appearance year-round.
Winter wig care:
Canadian winters are tough on wigs. Static electricity from dry indoor heating can make synthetic wigs frizzy and unmanageable. Combat this by using anti-static spray designed for wigs, and consider a silk or satin wig liner that reduces friction and static buildup.
Wearing hats over your wig is necessary in our harsh winters, but it creates friction that can cause matting at the nape and crown. Choose smooth-lined hats when possible, and gently brush these areas after removing your hat. If you're receiving treatment in Toronto, Montreal, Vancouver, or other major Canadian cities, you'll likely be moving between cold outdoor temperatures and heated indoor spaces, which can affect both your wig and comfort level.
Summer wig care:
Heat and humidity can make wig-wearing uncomfortable and can affect your wig's appearance, particularly synthetic styles which may become frizzy. Consider shorter styles or updos during summer months, and always use wig-safe products that combat frizz.
Sweat and sunscreen can build up on your wig, necessitating more frequent washing. Rinse your wig with cool water after particularly sweaty days, and always apply sunscreen to your face and neck before putting on your wig to minimize product transfer.
Humidity management:
Many regions of Canada experience high humidity in summer. For synthetic wigs, this can cause the fibres to lose their style. Human hair wigs react to humidity much like biological hair—they may frizz or lose curl definition. Anti-humidity sprays designed specifically for wigs can help manage these effects.
Extending Your Wig's Lifespan: Professional Maintenance
While home care is essential, professional maintenance can significantly extend your wig's life and keep it looking fresh.
Professional wig services worth considering:
Deep cleaning: Professional wig cleaning removes buildup that regular washing can't address. Consider this service every few months if you wear your wig daily.
Reconditioning treatments: For human hair wigs, professional conditioning treatments restore moisture and shine, particularly important for wigs worn for extended periods.
Restyling: If your wig has lost its style or you want a different look, professional restyling is safer than attempting heat styling yourself, especially for synthetic wigs.
Cap repairs: Minor tears or loose wefting can be professionally repaired, extending your wig's life considerably.
At Enhanced Hair, we offer comprehensive wig services and ongoing support for all our clients. Our 28+ years of experience means we can help you troubleshoot any wig care challenges and keep your hairpiece looking beautiful throughout your journey.
When to Replace Your Medical Wig
Even with excellent care, all wigs eventually need replacement. Knowing when it's time ensures you always look and feel your best.
Signs it's time for a new wig:
- Significant tangling that doesn't improve with conditioning
- Loss of style that doesn't return after washing
- Visible thinning, especially at the part or crown
- Fading or colour change
- Stretched cap that no longer fits securely
- Matting that can't be brushed out
- Fraying around the edges or hairline
Most quality synthetic wigs last 4-6 months with daily wear, while human hair wigs can last 1-2 years with proper care. If you're approaching the end of treatment and your hair is growing back, this might naturally coincide with when you're ready to transition away from wig-wearing.
Your Partner in Medical Hair Loss Solutions
Caring for your medical wig doesn't have to be complicated, but having expert guidance makes all the difference. At Enhanced Hair, we're committed to supporting Canadian women through every aspect of their hair loss journey, from selection through care and maintenance.
Whether you're just beginning treatment, in the middle of chemotherapy, or transitioning back to your natural hair, proper wig care ensures you can focus on what matters most—your health and wellbeing—while feeling confident in your appearance.
Our team offers personalized care instructions for every wig we provide, and we're always available to answer questions or troubleshoot challenges. We understand that during treatment, every bit of support matters, and we're honoured to be part of your journey.
Ready for expert guidance? Book a free virtual consultation with our experienced team. We'll help you choose the perfect medical wig for your needs and provide comprehensive care instructions tailored to your specific hairpiece, lifestyle, and Canadian climate considerations. You don't have to navigate this journey alone—we're here to help every step of the way.