The Maintenance Schedule
| Task | How often |
|---|---|
| Wash the hair | Every 3 to 5 days, with sulfate-free shampoo |
| Condition | At every wash, mid-lengths to ends |
| Re-bond or re-tape | Every 1 to 4 weeks, depending on the adhesive |
| Clean the base | At every re-bond, with adhesive remover |
| Clean the scalp | At every re-bond |
| Replace the system | When it wears out, about 1 to 6 months by base |
How Long Does a Hair System Last? lists lifespan by base type.
Washing the Hair (System On)
- 1Detangle gently with a wide-tooth comb.
- 2Wet with lukewarm water, not hot. Heat weakens the bond.
- 3Shampoo with downward strokes Don't scrub in circles; it tangles the hair and stresses the knots.
- 4Condition the lengths, keeping conditioner off the base and the edges, where it can loosen the bond.
- 5Rinse well and pat dry with a towel.
- 6Dry on low heat or let it air dry.
How to Clean a Hair System at a Re-bond
1. Remove the system
Apply adhesive remover around the edges and under the base. Wait for the bond to soften, then lift slowly from the back toward the front, so the delicate front lace is released last. Never pull a system off dry.
2. Soak off the old adhesive
Put the system on a head form or in a bowl, and apply remover to the base. Leave it for a few minutes.
3. Clean the base
- 01Skin (PU) bases wipe or gently scrape the softened adhesive off with a soft brush or a plastic tool.
- 02Lace bases brush very gently in the direction of the lace. Don't scrape or rub hard.
- 03Mono bases brush the PU edge firmly and the mono area gently.
- 01
4. Wash and condition the hair
Wash the system off the head in lukewarm water, the same way as when it's on.
5. Dry fully
Let the base and hair dry completely before re-attaching. Adhesive won't bond well to a damp base.
6. Clean the scalp
Remove leftover adhesive from the scalp, wash it, shave if needed and apply scalp protector before re-bonding.
Our Hair System Adhesive range includes the remover, base cleaner and scalp protector for each step.
Care by Base Type
| Base | Cleaning tips |
|---|---|
| Ultra thin skin | Very delicate; clean gently and expect replacement every 1 to 2 months |
| Durable skin | Easy to clean; adhesive comes off with remover and light scraping |
| French and Swiss lace | Clean gently; never scrape lace |
| Mono | Firm on the PU edge, gentle on the mono center |
| Silk top | Avoid soaking the silk area for long |
See our Thin Skin Hair System and the Hair System Bases guide for more on each base.
An Aftercare Card for Your Clients
Between visits, the habits that matter most are light styling products washed out regularly, a rinse straight after chlorine or salt water, and low heat, because hair lost from a system doesn't grow back. Late re-bonds are the other big one: lifted edges collect sweat and dirt and wear the base faster. Copy and adapt this card for your studio:
> Your hair system aftercare
> Wash every 3 to 5 days with sulfate-free shampoo, using downward strokes. Keep conditioner off the base and edges. Use lukewarm water, not hot, and keep heat tools on low. Rinse right after swimming. Sleep on a satin pillowcase. Come in for maintenance every (number of weeks) weeks, and don't skip it. If an edge lifts, call us. Don't glue it yourself unless we've shown you how.
We can print branded aftercare cards with your systems and adhesives through Private Label.
FAQ
How often should I wash my hair system?
Every 3 to 5 days with a sulfate-free shampoo, more often if you work out or use a lot of product.
How do you remove old glue from a hair system?
Soak the base with adhesive remover, wait for the glue to soften, then lift it off with a soft brush or plastic tool. Be gentle on lace.
Can I clean my hair system at home?
Yes, with training. Many clients wash the hair at home and come to a studio for re-bonds. Some learn to do the full re-bond themselves.
Why is my hair system shedding?
Some shedding is normal as a system ages. Hot water, scrubbing, conditioner on the base and harsh removal speed it up.
Stock the Aftercare Side Too
Remover, base cleaner and scalp protector run out faster than systems do. Add them to your next system order, with aftercare cards printed under your studio name.
Related reading
![Photo of [Production Author Name]](/images/author-production.jpg)
Runs production and quality control at ZUVI WIGS, from raw hair sorting to final inspection. [Production Author Years] in hair manufacturing.
Reviewed by [Production Manager Name]