How to Revive an Old Wig and Make It Look Brand New - Beauty Exchange Beauty Supply

Restore Shine, Bounce & Life Back Into Your Favourite Unit

We all have that one wig we love—the one that used to be silky, bouncy, and flawless. But after heat styling, product build-up, and everyday wear, even the best-quality wig can start looking dry, tangled, or lifeless.

The good news?
You don’t have to throw it away.

With the right products and techniques, you can completely revive an old wig and make it look brand new again—whether it’s synthetic or human hair.

Let’s dive into the ultimate wig-revival routine.


✨ Step 1: Detangle (The Right Way)

Start by placing the wig on a mannequin head.

For human hair wigs:

For synthetic wigs:

  • Use a wide-tooth comb only.

  • Never detangle synthetic hair aggressively—it can cause frizz or break fibres.


✨ Step 2: Wash Away Build up

✔ Human Hair Wig Wash

Wash with:

Steps:

  1. Soak in cool to lukewarm water.

  2. Gently apply shampoo in a downward motion.

  3. Rinse with cool water.

  4. Apply conditioner and let it sit 5–10 minutes.

✔ Synthetic Wig Wash

Use:

  • Synthetic wig shampoo

  • Fabric softener (optional)

Steps:

  1. Fill a sink with cold water.

  2. Add wig shampoo.

  3. Dip and swish gently—don’t rub.

  4. Rinse in cold water.

💡 Never use hot water on synthetic wigs—it melts or frizzes fibres.


✨ Step 3: Deep Condition (The Magic Step)

Human Hair:

Use a rich hair mask or deep conditioner.

  • Apply generously

  • Leave on for 20–45 minutes

  • Rinse with cool water

This restores:
✔ Moisture
✔ Shine
✔ Softness
✔ Elasticity

Synthetic Hair:

Synthetic fibres don’t absorb conditioner, but you can soften them by:

  • Soaking the wig in a mixture of fabric softener + cold water for 10 minutes

  • Rinsing thoroughly


✨ Step 4: Bring Back Shape & Smoothness

For human hair:

For synthetic hair:

  • Air dry only

  • If it’s heat-friendly synthetic, use low heat only

  • Comb gently while drying to reduce tangles


✨ Step 5: Trim & Tidy (Optional but Highly Effective)

A simple trim can revive:

  • Split ends

  • Frayed ends

  • Uneven layer

Even trimming ½ inch makes a huge difference.

If the wig is very old, consider:
✔ Adding layers
✔ Cutting into a bob
✔ Bangs
✔ Face-framing pieces

This refreshes the look instantly.


✨ Step 6: Revive the Lace

If the lace looks rough or crusty:

  • Soak the lace area in alcohol-free adhesive remover.

  • Gently rub off build up using a soft toothbrush.

For lace colour refresh:

This makes the wig look new, natural, and scalp-like.


✨ Step 7: Add Shine & Finish Strong

Use wig-safe finishing products:

For human hair:

Avoid heavy oils—they weigh the wig down.

For synthetic hair:

This brings back that showroom shine.


✨ Step 8: Style It Like New

Try:

  • Curling

  • Straightening

  • Crimps

  • Half-up/half-down

  • Ponytails (if it’s a frontal)

Giving it a new style can make an old wig feel brand new instantly.


How Often Should You Revive a Wig?

  • Daily wear: Every 2–3 weeks

  • Occasional wear: Every 1–2 months

  • Synthetic wigs: Less frequent, but maintain regularly

  • Human hair wigs: Condition often to extend life


Signs Your Wig Can’t Be Revived

Unfortunately, sometimes it’s time to retire a wig.
Your wig may be too old if:

❌ Extreme shedding
❌ Lace tearing
❌ Bald patches in tracks
❌ Melted synthetic fibres
❌ Matting at the nape that won’t detangle

In that case, it might be better to upgrade to a new unit.

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