Wigs are miracle workers. Whether wearing them every day or just wanting to explore a new look for the night, the easiest and fastest way to do it is with a wig.
(Trust me, the next time you want to try a new hair color, save your natural hair the trouble and save some money by going with a wig instead!)
Yet, one of their biggest downfalls is they tend to look shiny – especially if you opt for a lower-priced wig or those made with synthetic fibers.
Luckily, there are some easy ways to make your wig less shiny and therefore step out with a more realistic appearance.
Let’s dive into the top four ways to make a wig less shiny!
Four Ways to Make a Wig Less Shiny
A shiny wig is a major no-no. It’s the apparent signal that you’re wearing a wig, and that’s likely not what you want.
Thankfully, there are effortless ways to keep the shininess at bay. Here are my top four ways to do it:
1. Use Baby Powder (For Lighter-Colored Wigs)
If you have a blonde, gray, or light brown wig, you can use baby powder to get rid of shininess. Don’t try this on darker-colored wigs, though, as the baby powder will be noticeable and will make your wig look a little funky.
Here’s how to do it:
- Dry your wig entirely. Never try to use the baby powder trick on a wet wig. The baby powder will stick to the hair and cause a pasty consistency that will be difficult to get rid of.
- Place your wig on a wig stand (optional). This is optional, but let me tell you, wig stands are game-changers – and they’re cheap. You have no reason not to buy one!
- Sprinkle the baby powder onto the wig. You don’t need to use too much baby powder. Just enough to coat the hairs without going overboard. It shouldn’t look like a snowstorm blew through your bathroom.
- Comb it out. To ensure the baby powder can do its job and eliminate shininess, use a comb (or brush) to distribute it through the wig.
- Shake it off. Finally, shake off any excess baby powder (while singing the hit song “Shake It Off” by Taylor Swift, of course.
2. Use Dry Hair Shampoo (For All Colors)
If you have thin and fine hair like I do, you know that dry hair shampoo is a lifesaver. But did you know that your handy dandy dry hair shampoo can also be a fantastic way to conceal shininess on a wig?
That’s right – you can use dry hair shampoo to say goodbye to shine.
Use a regular dry hair shampoo for lighter-colored wigs and tinted dry hair shampoo for darker-colored wigs.
Here’s how to get rid of that pesky shine:
- Dry your wig entirely. Dry shampoo won’t leave a cast or create an odd texture like baby powder, but it’s still good to dry your wig before applying dry hair shampoo. It is, after all, called dry hair shampoo for a reason.
- Place your wig on a wig stand. Again, this is optional, but it’ll make your job a lot easier.
- Spray the wig generously with the dry hair shampoo. Move the canister around the entirety of the wig so the product doesn’t concentrate in a single location.
- Brush it out. Finish this anti-shine routine by brushing the wig. This will eliminate any of the whitish hue left from the dry hair shampoo while distributing the product through the mane.
3. Style Your Wig (Don’t Leave it Straight!)
Ok, let’s be honest – there is nothing quite as sleek and sexy as slick-straight hair. There is something undeniably chic and edgy about it.
However, it’s also the hairstyle that reveals the most shininess.
If you’re struggling with an extra shiny wig, you will have to put stick-straight hairstyles on the back burner.
Instead, reach for your curling iron, curling wand, or other texturizing product and get to work. The added volume and texture will reduce the visibility of the shininess, leaving you with lovely locks.
Don’t want to (or can’t) use hot tools on your wig? Consider trying a new hairstyle without any equipment, such as a messy bun or an adorable half updo. This will give your wig some more “oomph,” reducing the level of shininess altogether.
4. Wash It!
I know what you’re thinking – “Really? All I have to do is wash it?”
Yes, sometimes all it takes is a good wash – especially if it’s the first time you’re taking it out of the bag.
Washing your wig to get rid of shininess is a cinch. Here’s my favorite way to get it done:
- Mix equal parts shampoo and conditioner in a spray bottle.
- Top it off with a bit of water and shake it up.
- Lay a towel down on your work surface, such as your bathroom countertop.
- Spray the shampoo and conditioner mixture onto the hair. Ensure all of the hair is evenly coated.
- Lay the wet wig onto the towel and fill your sink with lukewarm (not hot) water.
- Place the hair of your wig into the sink and swirl it around for three minutes.
- Drain the water in the sink.
- Rinse the wig hair with cold water until all of the mixture is removed.
- Place your wig on a wig stand (or another item) to allow it to dry.
FAQs
There you have it, ladies – the four easy (and best) ways to get rid of shininess for good. Want to learn more about the infamous wig shine? Here are a couple more frequently asked questions to help you learn.
How do I make my synthetic wig look more natural?
The best way to make a synthetic wig look more natural is to get rid of the shininess using one of the methods mentioned above. However, you should also ensure that the wig is situated on your head correctly. Otherwise, it will look unnatural and odd.
What is the most natural-looking wig?
Many wigs can look natural, especially with some tips and tricks. However, monofilament construction tends to have the most natural-looking appearance right out of the gate. If you don’t want to fuss too much to make your wig look “real,” consider a monofilament construction wig.
How do you calm a fake wig?
Are you struggling with some frizziness? You’re not alone. Many wigs are susceptible to frizz, especially synthetic ones. The best way to calm a frizzed-out fake wig is to wash it using a synthetic wig-friendly shampoo and conditioner. You can also use conditioner sprays if you don’t want to wash it.
No More Shiny Wigs – Thank Goodness!
Nobody wants to deal with a shiny wig. Thankfully, there are a few great ways to get rid of the infamous shine. Start by washing and drying it. If that doesn’t work, you can move on to other methods, like using baby powder or dry hair shampoo. Consider different styles that conceal the shine, like curls and half updos.
Do you struggle with shiny wigs? How do you get rid of the shininess? We’d love to hear some other tips and tricks from our valuable readers!
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