You order new hair online, it arrives, looks great, but doesn’t smell as nice.
Not rotten, not burning, but not great either. Kinda like factory plastic mixed with a hint of hairspray and something you can’t quite name.
That’s common. Many wigs, bundles, or extensions have a factory or packaging odor when first opened. It might be strong, but it doesn’t always mean the hair is bad.
This post explains why new hair sometimes smells and how to remove the odor safely.
Where Does the Smell Come From?
There are a few common reasons your new hair doesn't smell fresh out of the bag:
Packaging: Most wigs, bundles, and extensions—even 100% human hair—are packed in sealed plastic for a long time. No air circulation means any factory or warehouse smell gets trapped inside.
Chemical treatment: All human hair goes through some kind of processing—cleaning, dyeing, or styling. Sometimes the smell of those products lingers, especially if the hair hasn’t had time to air out.
Synthetic fibers: If the hair is mixed with synthetic fibers, it can add a plastic-like smell too. It doesn’t always mean the hair is fake, but it’s something to be aware of.
How to Remove the Smell from Your Hair
Let’s go through a few simple ways to get that factory or packaging odor out of your new hair. Start with the gentlest method first.
Method 1: Let It Air Out
Sometimes, all your hair needs is fresh air.
Take the wig, bundles, or extensions out of the plastic packaging. Gently shake them out and lay them flat or hang them up in a well-ventilated space, near a window or in a dry room with good airflow. Avoid damp or dusty areas.
Let the hair sit for at least 24 hours. This gives any trapped odors a chance to fade naturally.
It’s the easiest fix. No washing, no product. And honestly, it works more often than you’d expect, especially for hair that’s 100% human and just smells like plastic or storage.
Method 2: Sink and Soak
If airing out doesn’t work, it’s time to give the hair a bath.
Fill a clean sink or basin with cold or lukewarm water. Add a small splash of apple vinegar—about 1 to 2 tablespoons is enough. Swish it around, then sink the hair into the water. Make sure it’s fully covered.
Let it soak for at least 4 hours. After that, take it out, gently squeeze out the water (don’t twist or rub), and let it air dry.
If you want a deeper clean—especially for wigs—you can add a step. After the vinegar soak and drying, sprinkle a little baking soda on the hair. Let it sit dry for 15–30 minutes, then shake or lightly brush it off.
This combo helps pull out strong odors without damaging the hair.
Method 3: Wash with Gentle Soap
Sometimes a full wash is the best option—especially if you’re dealing with heavy smells.
Use a mild, natural soap or sulfate-free shampoo. Fill a basin with cold or lukewarm water (never hot), add the soap, and gently swish the hair in the water. Rinse well, and follow with conditioner. Let the conditioner sit for a few minutes before rinsing again.
A few important notes:
- For afro kinky bulk hair, keep the hair in the hairnet during the whole wash. It helps avoid tangles.
- For crochet hair, you don’t need to take each strand off the loop or connection part. Wash it as-is.
- Soaking time should be no shorter than 4 hours if you're trying to remove odor.
- Air drying is best, but if you’re in a rush, you can use a blow dryer on low heat.
How to Get Rid of New Wig Smell?
That strong factory smell some wigs come with? Yeah, no one likes it. Luckily, there are simple ways to remove it, with or without washing the wig.
Here’s how I usually deal with it.
No-Wash Methods
If your wig is brand new and you’re not ready to wash it yet, try these first. They're easy, low-effort, and often work well on their own or in combination.
1. Air it out
Place the wig on a wig stand or hanger and let it sit in a well-ventilated area for 24–48 hours. Avoid direct sunlight (especially for synthetic wigs) but aim for good airflow. A fan helps if the space is stuffy.
2. Use odor-absorbing tools
Try placing activated charcoal, odor removal pouches, or even a small open container of baking soda near the wig.
3. Dry fabric sheets (optional)
Some people like to lightly place a dryer sheet near the wig when storing it, but don’t rub it on the hair. Just tuck one into the wig box or bag if you want a quick, fresh scent.
Washing Methods
Sometimes airing it out just doesn’t cut it. In that case, a gentle wash usually does the trick—especially for human hair wigs or better-quality synthetics.
1. Use a mild shampoo
Fill a sink or basin with lukewarm water. Add a small amount of gentle shampoo—sulfate-free or wig-specific is best. Gently swish the wig through the water, then rinse thoroughly. Don’t rub or wring it.
2. Soak it in conditioner water
For deep smells, soaking helps. Mix cool water with a small amount of conditioner and let the wig soak for 4 hours or longer. You can leave it overnight if needed. This not only helps with odor but also softens the fibers.
3. Rinse and air dry
Rinse well in cool water until there’s no product left. Then let the wig air dry naturally on a stand. Don’t use a dryer, especially for synthetic wigs—it’ll damage the hair.
FAQs
1. Can vinegar damage the hair?
No. A gentle soak in cold or lukewarm water with a splash of white vinegar helps neutralize odors without harming the hair. Just rinse well and air dry.
2. Is baking soda safe on wigs?
Yes. For a mild, drying deodorizer, sprinkle baking soda on dry hair, leave it for 15–30 minutes, then shake or brush it out. It absorbs smell without harming human or synthetic hair.
3. Do I need to wash a new wig before wearing it?
It’s a good idea. Washing removes residues from processing, dust, or handling during transit, reducing skin irritation risk.
4. Any quick fixes for minor smells?
Sure. Hang your hair on a hanger and place a dryer sheet over it for a few hours. It adds a fresh scent without washing.
5. Can I use scented sprays or dry shampoo?
Yes—but use wig-safe products. A gentle, fragrance-free dry shampoo or a light fabric-softener mixture can help refresh the hair.
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