Cleaning your hair system properly helps it look better, feel fresher and last longer. A good cleaning routine removes sweat, oil, adhesive residue, product build-up and everyday dirt without damaging the base or drying out the hair. The key is to be gentle, use suitable products and remember that system hair needs a slightly different routine to growing hair.
Whether you wear a lace, poly, skin or combination base, regular cleaning can help keep your system more comfortable, easier to style and easier to rebond.
This guide explains how to clean a hair system safely, how often to wash it, what products can help and how to avoid the most common maintenance mistakes.
How to Clean a Hair System:
Cleaning a hair system properly is all about being thorough without being too aggressive. The aim is to remove old adhesive, scalp oils, sweat and styling product build-up while protecting both the hair and the base.
Try to clean your system regularly without overwashing it. Before washing, remove as much adhesive residue as possible from the base, especially around the hairline and attachment points. Use shampoo and conditioner that are suitable for wigs or hair systems, and avoid scrubbing, twisting or rubbing the hair together.
Lace systems and front hairlines need particularly gentle handling because the material and knots can be delicate. Heavy conditioners should also be kept away from the base and bonding areas where possible, as residue can make your next attachment more difficult.
Once the system is clean, allow it to dry fully before reattaching it. Your scalp should also be properly cleaned and completely dry before fresh tape or glue is applied.
Why Cleaning Your Hair System Matters
Hair systems collect build-up from daily wear. This can most commonly include sweat, scalp oil, residue from tapes or glues as well as daily styling products. If your system isn’t cleaned properly, it may start to feel heavy, look dull, smell less fresh or become harder to rebond.
Build-up can also affect how well your next tape or glue application holds. A clean system base and clean scalp usually give you a much better starting point for your next bond.
How Often Should You Clean a Hair System?
How often you clean your hair system depends on your lifestyle, skin type and maintenance routine. You may need to clean it more often if you sweat heavily, exercise regularly or use styling products. The same goes for people who have oily skin, swim or those who are in warm environments regularly, and the cleaning process is particularly important for those of us who use strong adhesives- old residue can (and will) cause problems with your rebonding!
Many wearers clean their system during their regular maintenance or rebonding routine. The goal is to keep the system fresh without overwashing it. Washing too often can dry the hair out, especially if the system is made from human hair.
What You’ll Need Before Cleaning a Hair System
Before you start, it helps to have everything ready so you are not trying to find tools halfway through the process.
A wide-tooth comb, soft towel and soft cloths are useful for detangling and cleaning without creating unnecessary friction. You may also want a clean bowl or basin for washing, along with a wig stand or mannequin head to support the system while it dries.
Clips can be useful for keeping sections of hair out of the way, and a mirror makes it easier to check delicate areas such as the front hairline and base.
Before You Start: Check Your Base Type
Before washing your system, check what type of base you’re working with.
Common base types include:
- lace
- skin
- poly
- Combination or hybrid bases
The base type matters because it affects how you should clean the system.
Lace systems need very gentle handling because the material and knots can be delicate. Skin and poly systems are often easier to wipe clean because the surface is smoother, but thin bases can still stretch or tear if handled roughly. If you’re not sure what base you have, it’s worth checking before starting your maintenance routine.
Step 1: Remove the Hair System Safely
Before cleaning, remove the system carefully using a suitable adhesive remover- never pull your system off dry! Products such as C22 Solvent Remover, UltraSafe Adhesive Remover or Walker Lace Release can help break down the bond and make removal safer.
If the system feels stuck, stop and apply more remover rather than pulling. Safe removal helps protect your scalp, the system base, the knots and the hair itself.
A rushed removal can make the cleaning stage harder and may damage the system before you even start washing it.
Step 2: Remove Adhesive Residue from the Base
Once the system is removed, clean away any adhesive residue from the base.
This step is important because old glue or tape can make the system feel sticky and affect the next bond.
For lace systems;
Be gentle. Avoid scrubbing the lace, stretching the base or pulling adhesive through the knots. Use your remover carefully and allow it time to work. If the residue is stubborn, apply more remover and wait rather than forcing it.
For poly or skin systems;
Residue is often easier to remove from a smooth base. Apply remover, let it soften the adhesive, then wipe gently with a soft cloth or pad. Be careful with thin skin systems, as they can stretch or tear if handled aggressively.
For tape residue;
Tape may peel away once it has softened. If it leaves sticky residue behind, apply remover and wipe gently until the base is clean. Do not rebond over leftover residue.
Step 3: Detangle Before Washing
Before washing, gently detangle the hair. Use a wide tooth comb and start at the ends, working slowly upwards, taking care not to rip through knots or pull hard at tangles. Detangling before washing helps reduce matting and makes the cleaning process easier.
If the hair is very tangled, you may want to use a small amount of suitable leave-in conditioner or detangling product before combing.
Step 4: Rinse with Lukewarm Water
Rinse the hair system with lukewarm water. Avoid very hot water, as this can dry the hair, affect the base and make the system harder to manage over time. Let the water flow in the direction of the hair.
Avoid bunching the hair up, rubbing it together or turning the system into a ball while washing. This can cause tangling and matting.
Step 5: Apply Hair System Shampoo
Apply a small amount of suitable hair system shampoo, and smooth it gently through the hair in the direction it falls. Do not scrub aggressively.
Focus on removing sweat ,oil and product build-up, while remembering to be careful around the base, especially if the system is lace.
Rinse thoroughly until the shampoo is fully removed.
Products such as New Dimensions Dual Action Residue Removing Shampoo (for the scalp and inside of the base during refits) or Colour Shield Pro Shampoo (for colour maintenance and daily washing) may be useful!
Step 6: Condition the Hair
Conditioner helps keep system hair soft, manageable and easier to style.
Apply conditioner mainly through the mid-lengths and ends. Try to avoid applying heavy conditioner directly to the base or bond area, as this can cause build-up and may affect the next adhesive application. Leave the conditioner on for the recommended time, then rinse gently.
For most human hair systems, Colour Shield Pro Conditioner may help support colour maintenance as part of a regular care routine.
Step 7: Rinse Thoroughly
Rinse the system until all shampoo and conditioner are removed. Leftover product can make the hair feel heavy, dull or flat, and in some cases even leave it looking greasy or sticky. Some colour correcting shampoos can leave staining on the base, or gathered around the knots or V-Loops, so rinse well to avoid this!
It may also affect how well tape or glue bonds during the next application. Use gentle water pressure and keep the hair flowing in one direction where possible.
Step 8: Blot Dry with a Soft Towel
Do not rub the system dry. Instead, gently blot the hair with a soft towel. Avoid twisting, wringing, rough towel drying and especially scrubbing the hair or brushing aggressively while wet.
Wet hair is more fragile, so handle it carefully. This is especially important for longer systems and lace bases!
Step 9: Apply Leave-In Care if Needed
If the hair feels dry, frizzy or difficult to detangle, apply a small amount of leave-in conditioner. This can help with softness, manageability, dryness and frizz, and for us it's definitely not a skippable step.
Use leave-in products lightly. Too much product can cause build-up and make the hair feel heavy. For human hair systems, Colour Shield Pro Leave-In may be useful as part of a colour-care routine to help fight any fade that may come along.
Step 10: Dry the System Properly
Use a hairdryer or place the system on a wig stand or mannequin head to dry, and always allow it to dry fully before reattaching. Rebonding while the base or hair is still damp can affect hold, comfort and placement. If you use heat, keep it low and only use heat where suitable for your hair type and base, and never apply heat directly to delicate base areas.
Cleaning Lace Hair Systems
Lace systems can look very natural, but they need gentle maintenance. When cleaning lace avoid scrubbing or stretching the base, and never pull or pick the adhesive off. Support the base with your hand or a towel while gently cleaning, remembering to be extra gentle around the hairline. Give the remover time to work, and don't use sharp tools to try to speed it up- there's more chance of an accident happening when you rush!
The aim is to clean the lace without damaging the knots or distorting the base. If adhesive has seeped into lace, take your time. Forcing it out can cause shedding or damage, so we recommend leaving it to soak in a gentle remover like GHOSTBUSTER and using a soft bristled brush to remove any extra stubborn parts.
Cleaning Poly or Skin Hair Systems
Poly and skin systems are often easier to clean because adhesive sits on a smoother surface. When cleaning poly or skin bases, soften adhesive first with warm water and then wipe residue gently. Avoid scraping and be careful with thin or skin bases. Clean away all traces of remover residue, especially if you prefer an oily remover, and dry fully before rebonding.
A smooth base can make maintenance simpler, but it still needs careful handling. Thin skin systems in particular can stretch or rip if pulled too hard during cleaning. Base Tape is a great thing to keep in your emergency kit for small tears in the base, just to tie you over until your fresh order arrives!
Cleaning the Scalp Before Rebonding
Cleaning the hair system is only one part of maintenance. Your scalp also needs to be cleaned properly before you apply fresh tape or glue.
Remove all residue of old tape or adhesive, sweat and oil, and take special care to remove any traces of remover products after removal. A quick wash with New Demensions Dual Action Residue Removing Shampoo does the trick for us. if you notice a build up of dead skin or anything else at your refit, now is a great time to act on those too. Healthier scalp makes for a happier bond, so we hardly ever use alcohol based products on scalp, preferring to stick with more calming or balancing options,
Fresh adhesive should only be applied to clean, dry and healthy skin. If the scalp still feels oily or slippery, the next bond may lift early.
Can You Wash a Hair System While Wearing It?
Yes, many wearers wash their hair system while it is attached, but you do need to be gentle around the bond area.
When washing while wearing your system use lukewarm water and avoid scrubbing the hairline. for the rest of the system, we always recommend a gentle stroking motion rather than any aggressive scrubbing to avoid tangles or tears. some other things to bear in mind are to keep heavy conditioner away from the base, pat dry gently and avoid brushing aggressively. Then once you're done, check the bond once its dry so any minor issues can be dealt with.
Washing while wearing the system can help keep the hair fresh between full maintenance appointments, but it does not replace proper base cleaning and residue removal.
Can You Use Normal Shampoo on a Hair System?
It’s better to use shampoo suitable for wigs or hair systems. Some standard shampoos can be too harsh or drying, especially for human hair systems that no longer receive natural oils from the scalp. A suitable shampoo should help cleanse without leaving the hair feeling overly dry, tangled or stripped.
As most systems have coloured human hair in them, colour-care products such as Colour Shield Pro may be useful.
Common Hair System Cleaning Mistakes
- Scrubbing the Base
This can damage lace, knots or delicate skin bases.
- Washing Too Often
Overwashing can dry the hair out and make it harder to manage.
- Not Removing Adhesive First
Old residue can make the system sticky and affect rebonding.
- Using Harsh Shampoo
Some shampoos can dry system hair out or affect colour.
- Applying Conditioner to the Bond Area
Conditioner near the base may affect future adhesion.
- Reattaching Before Fully Dry
A damp base or scalp can weaken the bond.
- Brushing Wet Hair Aggressively
Wet hair is more fragile and can shed or tangle more easily.
- Using Very Hot Water
Hot water can dry the hair and may affect the base over time.
Top Tips for Keeping a Hair System Cleaner for Longer
- Use suitable hair system shampoo and conditioner.
- Avoid heavy styling product build-up.
- Rinse after swimming.
- Detangle gently and regularly.
- Keep conditioner away from the base.
- Clean adhesive residue fully during maintenance.
- Store spare systems properly.
- Do not delay maintenance too long.
- Use leave-in care lightly.
- Protect the hair from excessive heat.
Best Products to Support Hair System Cleaning
The right products depend on your system base, hair type and maintenance routine.
- For Adhesive Residue
C22 Solvent Remover and UltraSafe Adhesive Remover can help break down glue and tape residue before cleaning.
- For Lace Systems
Walker Lace Release can help release adhesive from lace with less pulling.
- For Scalp and Residue Cleansing
New Dimensions Dual Action Residue Removing Shampoo can help cleanse away residue without relying on alcohol-based prep products.
- For Human Hair Systems
Colour Shield Pro Shampoo, Colour Shield Pro Conditioner and Colour Shield Pro Leave-In can help support the coloured human hair used in systems as part of a regular care routine.
Always follow product instructions and avoid using anything that causes irritation, dryness or damage.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How often should I clean my hair system?
It depends on your lifestyle, scalp oil, sweat levels, product use and maintenance routine. Many wearers clean their system during regular maintenance or rebonding.
- Can I wash my hair system while wearing it?
Yes, you can wash your system while wearing it, but be gentle around the bond area and avoid heavy conditioners near the base.
- What shampoo should I use on a hair system?
Use a shampoo suitable for wigs or hair systems. If your system is coloured, a colour-care range may be useful.
- Can I use a normal conditioner on a hair system?
It’s better to use a conditioner suitable for system hair. Apply it mainly to the mid-lengths and ends, not directly to the base.
- How do I remove glue from a hair system?
Use a suitable adhesive remover such as C22 Solvent Remover or UltraSafe Adhesive Remover. Allow it time to soften the adhesive, then clean gently.
- Why does my hair system feel sticky after cleaning?
There may still be adhesive or remover residue left on the base. Clean the area again gently and make sure all residue is removed before rebonding.
- Can I use hot water to clean my hair system?
Lukewarm water is better. Very hot water can dry the hair and may affect the base over time.
- Should my hair system be completely dry before reattaching?
Yes. The base, hair and scalp should be fully dry before applying fresh tape or glue.
- Why does my hair system smell?
Odour can come from sweat, oil, product build-up, old adhesive, delayed maintenance or incomplete drying. A proper cleaning and maintenance routine should help.
Final Thoughts
Cleaning a hair system properly helps protect the hair, the base, your scalp and your next bond.
The best routine is gentle, consistent and suited to your base type. Remove adhesive carefully, clean away residue, wash with suitable products, condition the hair without overloading the base and allow everything to dry fully before reattaching. Products such as C22 Solvent Remover, UltraSafe Adhesive Remover, Walker Lace Release, New Dimensions Dual Action Residue Removing Shampoo and Colour Shield Pro can all support a cleaner and easier maintenance routine when used correctly.
A clean hair system looks better, feels fresher and is much easier to wear with confidence.
Matthew
