How to Wash and Style Synthetic Extensions, Hairpieces, and Hair Accessories

Whether you’re rocking clip-in extensions, toppers, ponies, or other synthetic hairpieces, proper care is the secret to keeping them looking fresh, smooth, and flawless wear after wear. Synthetic fibers behave differently from biological hair, so the right wash routine and gentle styling steps make all the difference in extending their life and maintaining their salon-worthy finish. Below, we break down everything you need to know, from quick wash instructions to pro-level styling tips, to help you keep every piece looking its absolute best.

Here is a quick list to ensure your extension keeps looking fabulous.

1. To wash your extension, first close all the clips.
2. Remove any tangles with your fingers or a wide tooth comb. Do not brush.
3. Add 1 tablespoon of mild shampoo to a basin of cool water.
4. Let your extension soak for about 5 minutes.
5. Do not rub! This can fray the fibers.
6. Rinse thoroughly in cool water. If you don’t rinse well, the fiber may start to look dull.
7. Dry by dabbing gently with a towel. Do not squeeze, twist, brush, or comb while it’s wet.
8. For extra conditioning, use a leave-in conditioner spray.
9. You can use a blow dryer on a low setting to dry your extensions.
10. But for the best results, we recommend air drying. A hanger meant for skirts or pants works very well!
    

More Detailed Tips

Pre-Wash

1. Gently remove tangles with fingers tooth comb. Start at the ends and slowly work toward the roots to avoid damage. Do not brush.

Wash/Condition

1. Add a small amount of shampoo to a washbasin of cool water. Use shampoo sparingly.
2. Place product in washbasin and allow it to soak for 5 minutes. Do not scrunch or agitate the product.
3. Rinse by holding under running cool water until the water runs clear. Gently squeeze or use a clean, dry towel to press out excess water. Do not twist or wring.
4. Apply a light coat of leave-in conditioner + detangler avoiding the base and roots. Applying conditioner to the base may cause shedding.
5. Place hair on a hanger until it is completely dry. Finger styling is recommended.
   

Styling

1. Shake and style with your fingers to achieve the desired look. We recommend a styling brush, styling comb or fingers to style.
2. Apply a light mist of leave-in conditioner + detangler to difficult tangles if needed.
3. Heat-friendly synthetic fiber can be curled, blow dried or flat ironed to achieve a different hairstyle.
4. Heat-friendly synthetic fiber can withstand heat up to 350°F/180°C. We recommend a low-medium setting.
5. To straighten, take a 1-inch section starting at the roots and run a flat iron to the ends.
6. To curl, wrap the hair around a curling iron and hold for 10 seconds. Carefully slide the iron out and pin the curl in place. Once the fiber has completely cooled it will keep the curl until heat is applied again.
7. If desired, use a hair spray (for synthetic hair) on the final styled product.

Tips/Tricks

1. Soaking longer than the recommended time will damage the product.
2. Hot water will damage heat-friendly synthetic fiber.
3. Sudden bursts of heat, such as opening an oven door, will damage heat-friendly synthetic fiber.
4. We do not recommend sleeping, showering or swimming during wear.
5. Store hair piece on a hanger to avoid unwanted kinks or crimps.
6. After extended wear, matting and frizz can occur. To smooth, wash, condition and spray with leave-in conditioner + detangler then blow dry with a styling brush.
7. Fiber will be damaged if the heat setting is too high. We do not recommend curling or straightening the hair while wearing. Heat-friendly synthetic fiber will get very hot.
   

FAQ

1. What kind of shampoo should you use on synthetic extensions?

• • To keep your wigs and hair pieces looking their absolute best, we highly recommend using a synthetic-safe shampoo. You can find our professionally developed care line here: https://www.hairuwear.com/hair-care-products/ 

Quick Tip on Alternatives:

If a synthetic shampoo is not immediately available, a gentle, sulfate-free shampoo is the next best option. While using regular shampoo a few times won't cause immediate damage, prolonged use can make the synthetic hair appear dull and dry, potentially requiring more frequent replacement.

Bonus Insider Tip:

If a new synthetic piece is too shiny, you can use regular shampoo once or twice initially to reduce the sheen. Once you achieve the desired look, we recommend making the switch to the synthetic-safe shampoo for proper maintenance.

2. How should you dry synthetic hairpieces after washing?

• • The best method for drying synthetic hair after washing is to always air dry.

Follow these three simple steps after washing and applying a leave-in conditioner:

• • Blot: Gently towel-blot the hair to remove excess water. Do not rub.
  • Position: Place the piece on a folding wig stand or lay it flat on a clean towel.
  • Dry: Allow the hairpiece to air dry completely. Most synthetic pieces will be fully dry overnight.

Pro Tip: Extend the Life of Your Hair

Consider having a backup wig, hairpiece, or extension. Rotating two pieces not only provides you with an instant substitute when one is washing or drying, but it also extends the longevity of both by reducing the frequency of wear.

3. Can you condition synthetic extensions?

• • Yes, conditioning your synthetic extensions is highly recommended! Using a good leave-in conditioner is key to maintaining your hairpiece. It helps to soften and restore the fibers, especially those that are "lived-in" or tangled, before you store or brush them.

Guidelines for Use

• • Product Type: Most synthetic-safe conditioners are water-soluble leave-in sprays. This formulation is crucial because it prevents heavy product buildup, which in turn reduces the need for unnecessary washing.
  • Frequency: We recommend conditioning your piece after every wash.
  • Washing Schedule: Synthetic hair generally needs to be washed only every 6 to 8 wears.

4. How often should synthetic hairpieces be washed?

• • Unlike biological hair, which collects natural oils, synthetic fibers do not accumulate oil and heavy buildup, meaning they require much less frequent washing.

Our Recommended Washing Schedule

• • General Rule: Aim for a wash about every other week.
  • Wear Frequency: If you don't wear your piece daily, a good measure is washing it every 6 to 8 wears.

Insider Tip: How to Know When It's Time

A great way to determine if your piece needs cleaning is by observing its look and movement. If the hair appears dull, lifeless, or doesn't move as freely, a wash will often completely revive it.
Don't be afraid to wash it! Sometimes, that's exactly what your hairpiece needs to restore its vibrant look and feel.