How to Refresh Your Wig and Make It Look New Again

Your favorite wig does not look as good as it used to? Don't throw it away just yet. You can bring it back to life with some simple steps. Here's everything you need to know about refreshing your wig.

Why Wigs Need Refreshing

Wigs get tired after wearing them for weeks or months. The fibers lose their shine, tangles show up, and the style starts to fall flat. This happens to both synthetic and human hair wigs. But the good news is you can fix most of these problems at home.

Washing Your Wig the Right Way

Washing is the first step to refresh any wig. But you can't just throw it in the washing machine or use your regular shampoo.

For Synthetic Wigs

• Get a wig brush first and gently brush through your wig. This takes out the tangles before washing. Now use shampoo made just for synthetic wigs - your regular shampoo will damage the fibers.
• Fill a basin with lukewarm water. Hot water ruins synthetic fibers. Add the shampoo and swirl it around. Put your wig in and gently massage it. Don't scrub or twist it.
• Rinse everything out with cool water. Then use conditioner made for synthetic wigs. Some people also use fabric softener to make their synthetic wig extra soft.
• Never put your synthetic wig in the washing machine. Hand washing is the only safe way. Wash your synthetic wig every two weeks if you wear it often.

For Human Hair Wigs

• Human hair wigs are easier to wash because you treat them like your own hair. Start by combing out all the knots. Use lukewarm or cold water never hot.
• Mix mild shampoo with water before you put it on the wig. This makes it gentler. Massage the shampoo through the wig and rinse everything out completely.
• Now add conditioner. Don't mix it with water this time. Put it on thick and leave it for about five minutes. This helps prevent breakage and keeps the hair soft.
• After rinsing, spray on some light conditioning spray. This adds extra moisture to keep the hair healthy.

 Special Care for Curly Human Hair Wigs

• Curly wigs need extra attention. Don't use a comb to take out tangles - use your fingers instead. The curls can get ruined with a comb.
• You can also wait until after you put on conditioner to detangle. The conditioner makes it much easier to work through the curls.
• Use more conditioner on curly wigs than straight ones. Curly hair gets frizzy fast, so it needs extra moisture.
• Here's something important: lay your curly wig flat on a towel to dry. Don't hang it on a wig stand. Hanging makes the curls lose their bounce. Scrunch up the curls with your hands while it dries on the towel.

 

Drying Your Wig

Let your wig air dry naturally. Put it on a towel or wig stand in a place with good air flow. Don't use a hair dryer on synthetic wigs unless the label says it's heat-friendly.

For human hair wigs, you can use a blow dryer on low heat if you're in a hurry. But air drying is always better for the hair fibers.

Styling to Bring Back Life

Once your wig is clean and dry, styling can make it look brand new.

Heat Styling

Got a heat-friendly synthetic wig? You can use a flat iron or curling iron on it. But keep the temperature between 275 and 300 degrees. Higher heat will melt the fibers.

Regular synthetic wigs can't handle any heat at all. Check your wig's tag before using heat tools.Human hair wigs work just like real hair. You can curl them, straighten them, or add waves.

Fixing Flat Curls

If your wig's curls look sad and droopy, you can bring them back. Twist each curl around your finger and let it spring back into shape. Do this to all the curls.

The Envy 3-in-1 Airstyler works great for this. It refreshes curls on both synthetic and human hair wigs.

Changing the Style

Want your wig to look totally different? Change up the style. Straighten curly wigs for a sleek look. Add waves to straight wigs for a beachy vibe.

You can also take your wig to a salon and have it cut. Add layers, bangs, or make it shorter. Just make sure the stylist knows how to work with wigs.

Simple Tricks to Refresh Your Wig

Use Accessories

Accessories make old wigs look fresh and fun. Try these:

• Headbands give you a trendy look
• Claw clips let you put the hair up (leave some pieces down to hide the wig cap)
• Barrettes and bows add a pretty touch
• Scarves create a whole new vibe

 Store It Right

How you store your wig matters. Keep it on a wig stand when you're not wearing it. This helps it keep its shape.Put your wig in a satin bag if you're traveling. Regular plastic bags can make the fibers rough.Keep wigs away from heat and direct sunlight. Both can damage the fibers over time.

Know When to Replace It

Some wigs just can't be saved. If your wig has bald spots, really rough tangles that won't come out, or damaged fibers that look burnt, it might be time for something new.

But before you toss it, consider donating it. Programs like EBeauty take gently used wigs and give them to women going through chemotherapy. Your old wig could really help someone.

Using Old Wigs for Fun Activities

Got a wig you don't wear much anymore? Use it for messy activities. Take it to the beach, wear it at the pool, or put it on for outdoor workouts.

Salt water, chlorine, and sweat damage wig fibers. So save your best wigs for regular days and use older ones for these rough situations.

Quick Tips for Long-Lasting Wigs

• Brush your wig before and after wearing it
• Don't sleep in your wig - it creates terrible tangles
• Use products made specifically for wigs
• Keep heat tools on low settings
• Store wigs properly between wears
• Wash synthetic wigs every 10-15 wears
• Wash human hair wigs when they look dull or feel sticky

 

Products You Need

Keep these items handy for wig care:

•  Wig shampoo (get the right kind for your wig type)
• Wig conditioner
• Wide tooth comb
• Wig brush with soft bristles
• Conditioning spray
• Wig stand
• Clean towels
• Basin or bowl for washing

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Don't use regular shampoo on synthetic wigs. It strips the fibers and makes them look terrible.

Don't brush wet synthetic wigs. Let them dry first, then gently brush.

Don't wring out your wig like a wet towel. Gently squeeze out extra water instead.

Don't forget to dilute shampoo before using it on human hair wigs. Concentrated shampoo is too harsh.

Final Thoughts

Refreshing your wig takes some time, but it's worth it. You'll save money and get more wear out of wigs you already love. Start with washing, then style it however you want. Add some cute accessories if you feel creative.

With the right care, your wig can look great for months or even years. Just remember to be gentle, use the right products, and store it properly between wears.