How To Make Synthetic Wigs Look Less Shiny

Synthetic wigs for women are loved for their affordability and convenience. However, they sometimes have an extra sheen that gives away their secret.

But don’t worry—there are simple, effective ways to tone down that excess shine and make your wig look effortlessly natural.

In this guide, we’ll dive into 6 easy tips and tricks to reduce the shine of synthetic hair wigs.

Whether it’s your new wig or your go-to hair solution, these steps will help you achieve a more natural finish in no time.

But first…

What Causes Shiny Synthetic Wigs?

Before answering the question, “How to make a synthetic wig look less shiny?” it helps to understand what causes that extra sheen in the first place.

Synthetic wigs are made differently from real hair wigs, and several factors influence their shine. Let’s break it down so you can understand the root cause.

Wig Fiber and Material

Most synthetic wigs are made from man-made materials like Kanekalon that naturally reflect more light than human hair wigs.

This reflective quality makes the wig fibers appear shinier, especially under bright lighting or natural sunlight.

Wig Density

Wig density can also affect the shine factor. Thicker, denser wigs tend to pack more synthetic fibers into a smaller space, amplifying the overall sheen.

The closer the fibers are to each other, the more they reflect light as a collective surface. While dense wigs create a fuller look, they can sometimes make the shine more noticeable.

Wig Color and Light Reflection

Did you know lighter-colored wigs, like platinum blondes or silvers, reflect more light than darker shades?

The lighter the color, the more noticeable the shine because the wig fibers bounce light back more intensely.

On the other hand, darker wigs tend to absorb more light, giving them a subtler finish. This is why some colors seem shinier straight out of the box than others.

Product Build Up

Using wig styling products, sprays, or even frequent washing can leave residue on your synthetic wig.

Over time, this buildup creates an unnatural shine or greasy appearance, especially if the products aren’t designed for synthetic fibers.

Understanding these factors can help you pinpoint why your synthetic wig is shinier than you’d like. Once you identify the causes, it’s much easier to use the right wig tips and tricks to minimize shine and achieve a more natural look.

How To Make A Wig Less Shiny: 6 Tips & Tricks

If you’re a beginner looking for an easy tutorial to tone down the shine of your synthetic wig, our 6 simple tips and tricks will provide that effortlessly natural look.

Use Wig Shampoo

One of the first steps to toning down the shine on a synthetic hair wig is giving it a proper wash.

After wearing your wig 7-10 times, it’s time for a cleaning session with Wig Shampoo. These shampoos cleanse and reduce the glossy finish, giving your wig a more natural appearance.

Follow up with a spray-on Wig Conditioner for an added softness boost. This keeps the fibers hydrated and helps make your wig look natural.

Powder It

A quick and easy way to reduce wig shine is to dust your wig with baby powder.

Simply sprinkle a small amount into your hands, rub them together, and gently apply the powder evenly to the wig. Using baby powder helps tone down the reflective sheen and adds a soft, matte finish.

Pro Tip: Similarly, you can also use dry shampoo to reduce the sheen on your blonde or darker wigs and hairpieces.

Vinegar Rinse

Another effective way to reduce shine is to rinse your wigs with apple cider vinegar. Mix 1-2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar and water in a spray bottle and lightly spritz your wig with the solution while it is on the Tall Wig Stand.

To disperse the solution evenly and avoid tangles, gently comb through the hair wig with a wig brush and allow it to air dry.

The vinegar helps to strip the factory coating from the synthetic hair fibers, reducing the shine while keeping the wig soft and manageable.

This natural method is gentle and effective for the shiniest wigs, making it a go-to DIY hack for beginners.

Dryer Sheet

If your synthetic wig is static or stiff, gently gliding a dryer sheet over the fibers can help.

Dryer sheets reduce shine and tame flyaways and frizz, making your wig hair look smoother and more natural. Bonus: They’ll also leave your wig smelling fresh.

Layering And Customizing

Many synthetic wigs are single-length, which can sometimes look too uniform. Adding layers can help create a more realistic effect.

A wig with layers gives depth and movement, mimicking the way natural hair falls with less unnatural shine.

Consider taking your wig to a wig stylist who specializes in wigs to add face-framing pieces or soft layers for a custom look.

Not ready to visit a stylist? Go for ready-to-wear layered wigs like the Heidi Lace Front Wig by Paula Young for instant, natural movement.

Pro Tip: Synthetic wigs often have blunt or stiff ends. Trimming the ends or point-cutting—a technique where the ends are snipped at an angle—softens the look, giving the wig a natural finish.

Using Quality Wig Styling Tools and Products

Invest in high-quality wig care products to maintain your wig’s natural look. Wig-safe styling tools can help set your desired look while adding texture.

Regular use of wig hair care products ensures your wig stays manageable while reducing shine over time. Just like your own hair, proper care brings out the best in your wig, leaving it looking fresh and fabulous.

Want to know more about women’s wigs? Read What Makes A Bad Wig? Key Factors To Watch Out For and become a wig expert.

Conclusion

With these 6 tips, you can make your synthetic wig look less shiny and flaunt trendy hairstyles with ease.

Whether you’re washing, layering, or using styling products, each step helps bring your wig closer to a realistic finish that blends seamlessly into your style.

Ready to experience the charm of salon-quality synthetic hair wigs? Shop at Paula Young for an exquisite range of natural-looking synthetic wigs in various styles, lengths, and colors.