How to Restore a Synthetic Wig

What is a synthetic wig?

So, what is a synthetic wig? While human hair wigs are made from real human hairs, synthetic hairs are made from fine threads of polymers which resemble human hair. Human hair wigs require a higher level of maintenance and are typically more expensive, which draws many people to the ease of synthetic hair.

How to Restore Synthetic Hair: By Problem

Before we get into our best restorative techniques, you need to ensure you have the right styling products, specifically made for synthetic hair. This is critical since synthetic fibres differ from human hair and must be treated differently. Then, you need to identify the problem with your synthetic wig. Is it matted, knotted, looking overly shiny or feeling really dry? No matter the issue, we explain how to restore your synthetic wig below.

 Matted Synthetic Hair 

Matted hair can become a problem with heavy wig wear. To restore matted hair, simply hold your wig in place and use a specialised wig brush to gently work through the matted parts. Always work from the bottom sections up to the top.

 Knotted Synthetic Hair 

Another challenge you may face with a synthetic wig is knots and tangles, especially if you don’t store your wigs properly or sleep with your wig on (which we don’t recommend!). To restore synthetic hair when knotted, you should pick up specialised wig shampoo and conditioner. Then, place the wig in lukewarm water and wash with your wig care products. Carefully rub your hands over the wig while it’s in the water to soften the knots. Then, rinse the products out with cold water before gently drying it on a towel. Finally, place your wig on a wig stand to air dry completely.

 Over-Shiny Synthetic Hair 

Sometimes, synthetic wigs can have an overly shiny appearance. Although some wig wearers like this for a salon-fresh style, others find it looks too ‘done’ and unnatural. To quickly restore synthetic hairs that have a bit too much unwanted shine, try dry shampoo (although be cautious of light-powdered sprays on darker wigs), talc or baby powder. Or, rest assured that your synthetic wig should become less shiny over time with a normal wig-washing routine.

For more tips on disguising or removing shine from a synthetic wig, have a read of our dedicated guide.

 Dry Synthetic Hair 

If you want to know how to restore a synthetic wig to make it softer, try gently brushing out the wig’s ends in a downward direction using your fingers or a wide-tooth comb. If you have a heat-resistant synthetic wig, you could also try applying your hair dryer to any stiff areas and use a round brush on them – just remember to keep the heat on a low setting. There are also a few wig care products that can help to restore silkiness, including balsam and fibre oil conditioner. Many wig wearers use fabric softener to soften synthetic wigs, although we don’t endorse this technique!

Preventative Techniques

• Since over-washing can damage synthetic fibres, try to avoid washing your wig too frequently. You should be able to wear your wig at least ten times before giving it a wash.
• If you feel the urge to wash your wig more often, try using a wig cap – this will help to absorb sweat, meaning you can wash the cap more often instead of the actual wig.
• If you want to wear your wig less often, try investing in a synthetic hair piece, such as a ponytail, which you could alternate with your wig.

Hopefully, we have enlightened you on how to restore your synthetic wig like a pro. Just remember, it’s natural for your synthetic wig to lose its freshness over time – but you can easily give it a new lease of life  and keep rocking your favourite style! If you have any questions, we’d love to hear from you, so leave us a comment below!

If you think your wig is beyond the help of restoration, then of course you can make a cuppa and browse our fabulous collection of wigs.