Overnight and between wears
A wig stand is the simplest choice. It keeps the cap in shape and lets the hair breathe. Brush the wig out gently before you put it on the stand, so knots don't set in overnight. Keep the stand away from radiators, sunny windowsills, and the stove.
For a few weeks
For a wig you only wear on Shabbos or for simchas, a stand still works if the room is clean and out of the sun. If dust is a problem, cover it loosely with a satin or silk scarf.
Long-term
- Wash and condition the wig, and let it dry completely. Storing a damp wig can lead to smells and mildew.
- Brush it out and, for long hair, put it in a loose low ponytail or a single loose braid to prevent tangling.
- Turn the ear tabs in and fold the wig gently from front to back, so the hair is on the outside.
- Put it in a satin or silk bag, or a box big enough that nothing is crushed.
- Store it somewhere cool and dry, like a closet shelf. Avoid basements, attics, and car trunks.
What to avoid
- Plastic bags, which trap moisture
- Hanging a wig from a hook by the cap, which stretches it
- Packing it under heavy things in a drawer
- Leaving it in direct sunlight, which fades human hair over time