You should wash it before you wear it for the first time. A sulfate free shampoo is fine. I then soak my lace (not drowing the hair ) in alcohol for about 5 minutes, in order to clean all the oils off.
For daily, it's a good idea to soak rinse your head, hairpiece & all, under cool to warm water. No worries if it "gets under the lace".....it goes THROUGH the lace! Blot dry the piece, but not vigorously & then let air dry. I use shampoo on my real hair once per week when unit is off my head.
Product is the only way I know to wear & Wax Works by Paul Mitchell has solved the poofyness issue for me, of a new piece. Also a great blend aid.