Synthetic hair has come a long way since Natalie Portman’s unfortunate encounter with a certain pink bob wig. The successful replication of the soft and human like quality of Japanese Kanekalon fibre into a heat resistant form has meant that high quality synthetic wigs are considerably less prone to that shiny fake hair look.
Taki wears the Cheeky Fling Wig.
Red, blue and green shades in particular can still appear a little shiny under certain lighting. This is down to the silicone conditioning agents applied during production to soften and style the hair. Lighter shades and block primary colours react with the light in a certain way that seems to enhance the effect these agents have on the fibre.
As the hair moves and ‘wears in’ over time, this will wear off but for some handy quick fixes to instantly alleviate any unwanted bling on a new wig, we present How To Make A Wig Look Less Shiny - 5 Easy Methods:
1. How To Make A Wig Less Shiny With A Hairdryer
Wigs are essentially ‘flat packed’ and sit in transit and storage for relatively long periods of time before arriving with their forever home. The hair fibres naturally stick together somewhat, intensifying the shiny effect. Bring on the trusty hairdryer!
1. Straight out of the bag or box, give your wig a shake to loosen the top layer of hair.
2. Place it on a wig stand or sturdy upright item – such as a can of hair product.
3. Set your hairdryer on the coolest setting.
4. Starting at the top of the wig, move the hairdryer over the lengths, angling the head so as the air is blasted straight down and lifting the layers as you go.
Selena wears the Rosie Bombshell Wig.
2. How To Make A Wig Look Less Shiny With Shampoo
The hair in synthetic wigs is shiniest when it’s brand new. Washing your wig will help to ‘wear in’ the hair, breaking down the agents the fibres are coated in and therefore removing the shine.
1. Add 3 X 10p size shampoo and 4 X 10p size conditioner to an empty spray bottle.
2. Top up the bottle with water to dilute the mixture.
3. Lay a towel over an empty work surface or area.
4. Hold shorter / mid length wigs at arms length over the towel (mount longer wigs on a wig stand or makeshift stand) and spray on the mixture coating the hair as evenly as possible.
5. Lay the wet wig on the towel and fill a basin or sink (or semi-fill a bath) with lukewarm water.
6. Place your wig in the water and swirl it around for a few minutes.
7. Leave the wig in your basin/bath and drain the water.
8. Turn on the cold tap and let the water run through the hair for a minute or so.
9. Hold the wig up over your bath/basin and let it drip dry for a short time.
10. Place your wet wig on a towel-covered surface out of direct sunlight and allow it to air dry. Alternatively use a wig stand.
We find shampoo specifically designed for dry hair to be the most effective.
Lukewarm water is best, while hot water could potentially relax the hair style.
Never brush wet synthetic hair.
Don’t be tempted to wring or squeeze a wet or damp wig.
Daria wears the Ruby Moon Lace Front Wig.
3. How To Remove Shine From A Wig With Powder
When you want to keep shine far, far away from your face (er, always), a setting powder is likely your product of choice. The wonder powder has exactly the same effect on synthetic hair and dulls the shine with a mattifying finish.
1. Place your wig on a stand.
2. Section off the top layer of hair using clips to pin to the crown.
3. Starting on one side, take hold of a loose piece of the bottom layer of hair and ‘paint’ a translucent powder from the root to the tips using a fan brush.
4. Repeat step 3 until all the hair has been coated in powder.
5. Remove the clips from each section of the top layer, painting on the powder as you go.
6. Shake the wig to remove any excess powder.
We have seen methods suggesting the use of baby powder or talc but do not recommend these as they tend to be overly messy, can leave a stain on darker coloured wigs and do not ‘cling’ to synthetic hair as effectively.
Giulia wears the Film Star Fling Wig.
4. How To Make A Wig Less Shiny With Dry Shampoo
Probably the easiest and quickest way of removing shine from synthetic hair is our go-to dry shampoo quick fix. Batiste has always been our favoured brand with its tinted formulas, fresh aroma and instant shine busting capabilities. Klorane is a pricey alternative with a glorious smell and leaving slightly less residue than its competitor.
1. Place your wig on a stand.
2. Section off the top layer of hair using clips to pin to the crown.
3. Stand at arms length away and spray the dry shampoo through the loose hair lengths (too close and a residue will build.)
4. Remove the clips from each section of the top layer, dispersing the dry shampoo as you go.
5. Shake the wig to remove any excess.
A few quick blasts of dry shampoo, holding your wig at arms length is an effective 30 second on-the-go touch up.
Lucii wears the Mystic Island Wig.
5. How To Take The Shine Out Of A Wig With Fabric Softener
A nifty way to wash a wig without soaking it. Fabric softener has long been recommended when it comes to revitalising a tired wig and in the same fashion as shampoo, it will help break down the coating of synthetic hair that is responsible for the shiny finish.
1. Add 1-2 tablespoons of fabric softener to an empty spray bottle.
2. Top up the bottle with water to dilute and shake.
3. Lay a towel over an empty work surface or area.
4. Hold shorter / mid length wigs at arms length over the towel (mount longer wigs on a wig stand or makeshift stand) and spritz on the mixture, coating the hair as evenly as possible.
5. Gently comb through with fingers.
6. Leave to air dry on a hanger or stand.
A gorgeous, floral odour emanating from the hair is a little added bonus to this shine busting method.
Morgan wears the Cocoa Passion Wig.
Any tips you swear by not included on our list? Let us know - @star.style.wigs
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