A wig that’s too shiny can instantly give away that it’s not natural hair — especially with synthetic wigs. The good news? You don’t need to replace it. With a few simple techniques, you can tone down the shine and make your wig look more realistic.
Here’s how to fix a wig that looks too shiny, safely and effectively.
Why Some Wigs Look Too Shiny
Excessive shine usually happens because of:
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High-sheen synthetic fibres
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Factory coatings on new wigs
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Product build up
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Direct lighting (especially flash photography)
Synthetic wigs are more prone to shine than human hair wigs.
1. Use Dry Shampoo or Wig-Safe Powder
Why it works:
Dry shampoo absorbs excess shine and adds a natural matte finish.
How to do it:
Lightly spray dry shampoo from a distance or dust wig-safe powder onto the hair. Gently brush through to distribute evenly.
Best for:
Synthetic wigs
2. Apply Baby Powder (Use Sparingly)
Why it works:
Baby powder reduces shine and softens the fibre’s appearance.
How to do it:
Use a fluffy brush to lightly dust powder onto the wig, focusing on the crown and lengths. Shake out excess.
⚠️ Tip:
Use translucent powder for darker wigs to avoid a grey cast.
3. Wash the Wig to Remove Factory Coating
Why it works:
New wigs often have a silicone-like coating that causes shine.
How to do it:
Wash with a wig-safe or sulfate-free shampoo, rinse thoroughly, and air dry on a wig stand.
Avoid:
Regular shampoos on synthetic wigs unless labelled wig-safe.
4. Steam or Heat (Only If Heat-Friendly)
Why it works:
Light heat can relax fibres and reduce unnatural shine.
How to do it:
Use a steamer or flat iron on low heat, keeping distance. Always test a small section first.
⚠️ Important:
Only do this on heat-resistant synthetic or human hair wigs.
5. Use Fabric Softener Spray (Synthetic Wigs Only)
Why it works:
Diluted fabric softener can soften fibres and reduce sheen.
How to do it:
Mix 1 part fabric softener with 3 parts water. Lightly mist the wig and let it air dry.
⚠️ Use sparingly to avoid build up.
6. Style the Wig for a Natural Finish
Why it works:
Sleek, flat styles reflect more light.
Try this instead:
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Add soft waves or curls
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Tease lightly at the roots
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Create layers or face-framing pieces
7. Avoid Products That Increase Shine
Skip:
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Hair serums
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Oils
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Silicone-heavy sprays
These make wigs look more plastic-like.
How to Prevent Shine in the Future
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Choose wigs labelled “low shine” or “matte fibre”
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Avoid over-conditioning
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Store wigs away from heat and sunlight
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Wash regularly to remove build up
Final Thoughts
A shiny wig doesn’t mean it’s low quality — it just needs a little adjustment. With the right techniques, you can transform a glossy wig into a natural-looking, confidence-boosting style.