How to Wash a Hair System: A Simple Routine That Protects Your Hair and Bond

Washing a hair system is not the same as washing your own hair. The hair on a system cannot replace its natural oils, the knots that hold each strand in the base are delicate, and the wrong product or technique can shorten the life of the system or weaken your bond. The good news is that a simple, consistent routine keeps a system soft, clean and natural-looking for much longer. Here is how to do it.

How often should you wash a hair system?

For most wearers, once a week is a good starting point. If you exercise often, use a lot of styling product or live somewhere warm, you may need to wash more frequently. If your system feels dry, washing slightly less often and conditioning well usually helps. Over-washing strips moisture from the hair, while under-washing lets oil, sweat and product build up and makes the system look flat.

What you need

• A shampoo made for hair systems, such as Pro Series Shampoo, which removes build-up, oil and impurities without drying the hair fibres. It is free from harsh sulphates and drying agents.
• A conditioner, such as Pro Series Conditioner, which hydrates and strengthens the hair without weighing it down.
• A leave-in conditioner, such as Pro Series Leave-In Conditioner, for daily protection against dryness and tangling.
• A wide-tooth comb or a soft brush, and a clean towel.

All three Pro Series products are designed to work together and are safe for both human hair and synthetic systems. You can find them together in our Pro Series collection. For more on choosing products, see our guide to the best shampoo for hair systems.

Step-by-step: washing your hair system

1. Detangle first. Gently comb through the hair while it is dry, starting at the ends and working up towards the base. Washing tangled hair makes knots worse.
2. Use cool or lukewarm water. Hot water dries the hair and can soften adhesive. Wet the hair in the direction it falls, from the base towards the ends.
3. Shampoo gently. Apply a small amount of shampoo and work it through by smoothing it down the hair. Avoid rubbing, scrubbing or twisting, which can tangle the hair and loosen knots.
4. Rinse thoroughly. Rinse in the same direction until the water runs clear and no shampoo remains.
5. Condition the hair, not the base. Apply conditioner from mid-lengths to ends and keep it away from the base and the knots, as conditioner on the base can weaken adhesion. Leave it for a few minutes, then rinse.
6. Pat dry. Press the hair gently with a towel. Do not rub.
7. Apply leave-in conditioner. Mist or work a small amount through the lengths to protect against dryness and make styling easier.
8. Dry naturally where possible. Let the system air dry, or use a hairdryer on a cool or low setting, keeping it moving.

Washing while the system is attached

If you wash your system while wearing it, the same principles apply, with extra care around the bond. Keep the water cool, avoid directing a strong shower spray at the hairline, and do not massage the perimeter. Waterproof adhesives such as Ghost Bond and Walker's maximum-wear tapes are designed to cope with regular washing, but heat and friction will shorten any bond.

Between washes

• Use a leave-in conditioner daily or every few days to keep the hair soft.
• Choose light styling products and use them sparingly. Heavy products build up quickly.
• Protect the hair from strong sun and chlorine. Rinse with fresh water after swimming.
• For extra shine and protection against heat styling, a finishing spray such as Ghostmist can be used once the hair is dry.

Signs your routine needs adjusting

• Dry, straw-like hair: wash less often, condition more consistently and keep water cool.
• Flat, greasy-looking hair: wash a little more often and use less product.
• Hair shedding from the base: reduce rubbing and brushing near the base, and keep conditioner away from the knots.
• Bond lifting after washing: use cooler water, avoid the hairline when rinsing, and allow fresh adhesive to cure fully before the first wash.

Frequently asked questions

Can I use normal shampoo on a hair system?

It is best avoided. Many everyday shampoos contain strong detergents that strip moisture the system cannot replace. A shampoo made for hair systems is gentler on the fibres and the base.

Is Pro Series suitable for synthetic systems?

Yes. Professional Hair Labs state that the Pro Series shampoo, conditioner and leave-in are safe for both human hair and synthetic systems.

How soon can I wash after bonding?

Give the adhesive time to set fully before the first wash. Check the directions for your adhesive, and if in doubt, wait until the next day.