Washing
Use a sulphate-free shampoo in cool water. Work downwards from root to tip rather than bunching the hair — bunching is what creates tangles at the weft. Rinse until the water runs clear.
Conditioning
Condition from mid-length to ends only, never at the weft or the lace. Leave for two to three minutes, then rinse. A deep conditioner once a month is enough for most textures; curls benefit from it fortnightly.
Drying
Air-dry wherever possible. If you must blow-dry, use a heat protectant and keep the dryer on medium. For curls, scrunch upwards with a microfibre towel and let them set rather than combing them out wet.
Storing
Keep wigs on a stand so the cap holds its shape. Store bundles in a satin bag, not the plastic they arrived in — plastic traps moisture and moisture is what causes matting.
What shortens its life
Sleeping on it without wrapping it. Hot water. Sulphates. Brushing curls dry from the root. Chlorine and salt water without rinsing afterwards. None of these ruin hair instantly, but together they take months off it.