COLOR CARE GUIDE
How to keep your custom color looking rich, balanced, and wearable
Custom color is meant to elevate your look, not add another layer of work. A few intentional habits go a long way in keeping your color looking the way it did when you first received it.
This guide covers the basics that matter most.
Water temperature matters more than you think
When washing a custom color wig, avoid hot water.
Hot water opens the hair cuticle, which allows color to release more quickly. Over time, this can cause fading, dullness, or unwanted tone changes. Lukewarm or cool water helps keep the cuticle more closed, which supports color longevity.
If you want your color to stay balanced and rich, start with the water temperature.
Always use a color-safe shampoo
Color-safe shampoos are designed to cleanse the hair without stripping color molecules. Regular or harsh shampoos can pull color out faster, especially in custom or dimensional shades.
Using a color-safe shampoo helps:
Maintain tone and depth
Reduce premature fading
Keep the hair looking softer and more polished
The same applies to conditioner. A good color-safe conditioner helps replenish moisture without weighing the hair down or disturbing the color.
I’ll share specific product recommendations separately so you can choose what works best for you.
How often to wash your wig
Washing too often can shorten the life of your color, but waiting too long can lead to buildup that affects how the hair looks and moves.
A good general guideline is to wash your wig every 10 to 15 wears, or sooner if you notice buildup, heaviness, or dullness. The goal is clean hair that still holds moisture and color well.
Clarifying shampoos can be used occasionally when needed, but they should not be part of every wash routine for colored hair.
Purple/Blue Shampoos
Purple and blue shampoos can help maintain the look of custom color when used correctly.
Purple shampoos are typically used for lighter shades, blondes, or highlights to help counter unwanted warmth over time. Blue shampoos are commonly used for deeper browns or brunette tones to help neutralize orange or brassy hues.
These shampoos don’t add color in the way dye does, but they help balance tone and slow down the changes that naturally happen with wear, washing, and heat.
When used occasionally, they can extend the life of your color and help it stay closer to its original tone.
It’s important not to overuse them. Using purple or blue shampoo too often can lead to dryness or leave the hair looking dull or overly cool. Most people only need them every few washes, not at every wash.
As with any color-maintaining product, results depend on your starting shade, how often you wash, and how the hair is styled and cared for. Testing and observing how your wig responds will help you decide what works best for you.
Specific product recommendations will be shared separately so you can choose what fits your routine.
Heat styling and color longevity
Heat is one of the fastest ways to impact color if it isn’t managed properly.
Before using any hot tools, always apply a heat protectant. Heat protectants create a barrier between the hair and the tool, helping to reduce moisture loss, dryness, and color fade.
Skipping heat protectant can lead to:
Dull color
Dry ends
Shortened lifespan of the wig
It’s a small step that makes a big difference.
Hot tool temperature guidelines
Higher heat does not mean better results.
For most custom color wigs, hot tools should stay between 300 and 375 degrees. This range allows you to style effectively without overheating the hair or stressing the color.
If the hair is styling well at a lower temperature, there is no benefit to increasing the heat. Consistent moderate heat helps preserve both the hair and the color.
A final note on care
Custom color wigs are an investment. They perform best when cared for intentionally, not aggressively.
Clean hair, controlled heat, and the right products will always do more for your color than over-styling or over-washing.
Specific product recommendations will be shared separately so you can build a routine that fits your preferences and lifestyle.