How To Restore A Synthetic Wig: 11 Steps (with Pictures) - WikiHow

Home » How To Fix A Wig » How To Restore A Synthetic Wig: 11 Steps (with Pictures) - WikiHow

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Terms of Use wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. Learn why people trust wikiHow How to Restore a Synthetic Wig Explore this Article methods 1 Making the Wig Soft with Fabric Softener 2 Cleaning and Smoothing Your Wig Other Sections Expert Q&A Video Things You'll Need Related Articles References Co-authored by Nikia Londy

Last Updated: February 2, 2026 Approved

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This article was co-authored by Nikia Londy. Nikia Londy is a Hair Augmentation Specialist and the Founder and CEO of Intriguing Hair, a one-stop solution for women from all ethnicities wanting to purchase high-quality human hair extensions, hairpieces, and wigs. With over 16 years of experience, she specializes in artificial hair integrations, hair extensions, hair loss, hairpieces and wigs, and non-surgical hair replacement. Nikia holds a BA in Organizational Leadership from Charter Oak State College and received her Cosmetology Certification from Blaine Beauty School. She is also a member of the American Hair Loss Council. There are 9 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. wikiHow marks an article as reader-approved once it receives enough positive feedback. In this case, 92% of readers who voted found the article helpful, earning it our reader-approved status. This article has been viewed 172,954 times.

Restoring a synthetic wig is a relatively quick and easy process. Use a fabric softener spray to make the hair soft again or use warm water and dishwashing liquid to smooth and clean the wig. Both these methods only require basic cleaning products and will leave your wigs looking shiny and new.

This article is partially based on an interview with Nikia Londy, Hair Augmentation Specialist.

How to Fix a Synthetic Wig

Combine equal parts water and fabric softener in a spray bottle, and spritz your wig until it's damp. Let your wig dry completely on a coat stand. Then, use a paddle brush to remove knots and help the hair on your wig look smooth.

Steps

Method 1 Method 1 of 2:

Making the Wig Soft with Fabric Softener

  1. Watermark wikiHow to Restore a Synthetic Wig 1 Mix equal amounts of water and fabric softener in a spray bottle. Add 1 part cold water and 1 part fabric softener into a spray bottle. Then, screw on the lid tightly and shake the bottle for a few seconds to combine the liquids.[1]
    • For example, combine 1 cup (240 mL) of water and 1 cup (240 mL) of fabric softener into the bottle.
    • Don’t use hot water, as this can damage the fibres of your wig.
  2. Watermark wikiHow to Restore a Synthetic Wig 2 Spray your wig liberally with the fabric softener spray. The fabric softener spray helps to moisturise the synthetic fibres and makes them soft and shiny. Spray the top layer of the wig until the hair is soaked and dripping. Then, lift up the top layer of hair and spray the strands underneath.[2]
    • Spray the wig over a sink to avoid making the floor slippery.
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  3. Watermark wikiHow to Restore a Synthetic Wig 3 Dab off any excess spray with a towel. Avoid rubbing your synthetic wig with a towel, as this can damage the fibres. Instead, lightly dab the hair with a towel to absorb any drips of water. Don’t worry if the wig is still damp, as it will dry overnight.[3]
    • Avoid blow-drying your wig, as this can weaken the strands.
  4. Watermark wikiHow to Restore a Synthetic Wig 4 Leave the wig to dry on a coat stand overnight. Place the wig on the coat stand and smooth down the hairs into your desired style. Leave the wig to dry for 6 - 10 hours or until it is completely dry before you put it on.[4]
    • If you don’t have a coat stand, place the wig on a hook instead.
  5. Watermark wikiHow to Restore a Synthetic Wig 5 Brush your synthetic wig with a paddle brush. This helps to remove any knots and makes the hair look smooth. Start at the roots and work you way down to the ends of the hair. Avoid tugging too hard on the hair, as this can pull it out of the wig. Instead, use a fine comb to slowly break down any knots.[5]
    • Avoid brushing the hair when it is wet, as this can pull the strands out of the base of the wig.
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Method 2 Method 2 of 2:

Cleaning and Smoothing Your Wig

  1. Watermark wikiHow to Restore a Synthetic Wig 1 Fill a sink with warm water and 1 US tbsp (15 mL) of dishwashing liquid. Ensure that your sink is clean and then add the water and dishwashing liquid. Use your hand to gently mix the water and dishwashing liquid together to form small bubbles.[6]
    • If you don’t have a clean sink, use a bucket instead.
    • Avoid using hot water, as this can damage the wig. Instead, use warm water that you can comfortably immerse your hand in.
  2. Watermark wikiHow to Restore a Synthetic Wig 2 Saturate the wig in the water and dishwashing liquid. Dunk the wig into the sink and immerse it in the water. Make sure you push down on all the strands to ensure that they absorb the water.[7]
  3. Watermark wikiHow to Restore a Synthetic Wig 3 Use your fingers to wipe off any marks or make up from the wig. Search the wig for any marks and signs of grease. If you notice any dirt, use your fingers to gently push the dirt out of the hair. Try to use downward motions, as this helps to smooth the hair.[8]
    • Avoid rubbing the hair, as this can make it frizzy.
  4. Watermark wikiHow to Restore a Synthetic Wig 4 Dunk the wig into cold water. Empty the warm water and dishwashing liquid from the sink and refill it with cold water. Immerse the wig in the cold water to rinse off any dishwashing liquid residue. Then, gently lift the wig out of the sink.[9]
    • If the wig still looks soapy, empty the sink and immerse it in fresh water again.
  5. Watermark wikiHow to Restore a Synthetic Wig 5 Squeeze out any excess water and leave it to dry on a towel. Squeeze the hair at the top of the wig first and then work your way down to the ends. Once you have squeezed out the bulk of the water, rest the wig on a towel to dry.[10]
    • It normally takes about 6 - 12 hours for wigs to dry.
    • Check that the wig is completely dry before you wear it or brush it.
  6. Watermark wikiHow to Restore a Synthetic Wig 6 Brush the hair with a round brush. Place the wig on a coat stand or hold it 1 hand. Then, gently brush the hair downward with a round brush. This helps to remove the knots in the hair and makes it feel soft.[11]
    • If you don’t have a round brush, use a regular brush instead.
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Expert Q&A

Search Add New Question
  • Question How can I straighten synthetic hair? Nikia Londy Nikia Londy Hair Augmentation Specialist Nikia Londy is a Hair Augmentation Specialist and the Founder and CEO of Intriguing Hair, a one-stop solution for women from all ethnicities wanting to purchase high-quality human hair extensions, hairpieces, and wigs. With over 16 years of experience, she specializes in artificial hair integrations, hair extensions, hair loss, hairpieces and wigs, and non-surgical hair replacement. Nikia holds a BA in Organizational Leadership from Charter Oak State College and received her Cosmetology Certification from Blaine Beauty School. She is also a member of the American Hair Loss Council. Nikia Londy Nikia Londy Hair Augmentation Specialist Expert Answer Heat your wig in a warm water bath to around 180° F (82.2° C). Slowly and gently brush your wig before allowing it to air dry. Then, place your wig on a wig stand, using steam to gently brush through it before blow-drying it on a low heat setting. Once your wig is dry, just apply some leave-in conditioner and you'll be ready to go! Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 10 Helpful 35
  • Question How can I curl synthetic hair? Nikia Londy Nikia Londy Hair Augmentation Specialist Nikia Londy is a Hair Augmentation Specialist and the Founder and CEO of Intriguing Hair, a one-stop solution for women from all ethnicities wanting to purchase high-quality human hair extensions, hairpieces, and wigs. With over 16 years of experience, she specializes in artificial hair integrations, hair extensions, hair loss, hairpieces and wigs, and non-surgical hair replacement. Nikia holds a BA in Organizational Leadership from Charter Oak State College and received her Cosmetology Certification from Blaine Beauty School. She is also a member of the American Hair Loss Council. Nikia Londy Nikia Londy Hair Augmentation Specialist Expert Answer Apply bendy rollers to your hair to create curls of any size—they're affordable, yet super effective and versatile. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 13 Helpful 30
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Things You’ll Need

Making the Wig Soft with Fabric Softener

  • Fabric softener
  • Water
  • Towel
  • Coat stand

Cleaning and Smoothing Your Wig

  • Warm water
  • Dishwashing liquid
  • Towel
  • Round brush

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References

  1. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/shorts/orktMBAMzoU
  2. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/shorts/oe4p28IDdcE
  3. ↑ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4387693/
  4. ↑ https://www.uhn.ca/PrincessMargaret/PatientsFamilies/Specialized_Program_Services/Wig_Salon_Accessories_Boutique/Documents/Instructions_Synthetic.pdf
  5. ↑ https://youtu.be/e4Lv-KoPjyk?t=76
  6. ↑ https://youtu.be/TGEteGEF-dQ?t=248
  7. ↑ https://youtu.be/TGEteGEF-dQ?t=308
  8. ↑ https://www.breastcancer.org/treatment-side-effects/hair-loss/wigs/synthetic
  9. ↑ https://www.breastcancer.org/treatment-side-effects/hair-loss/wigs/synthetic
More References (2)
  1. ↑ https://www.cancercare.org/publications/311-synthetic_wig_care_and_resources
  2. ↑ https://www.cancercare.org/publications/311-synthetic_wig_care_and_resources

About This Article

Nikia Londy Co-authored by: Nikia Londy Hair Augmentation Specialist This article was co-authored by Nikia Londy. Nikia Londy is a Hair Augmentation Specialist and the Founder and CEO of Intriguing Hair, a one-stop solution for women from all ethnicities wanting to purchase high-quality human hair extensions, hairpieces, and wigs. With over 16 years of experience, she specializes in artificial hair integrations, hair extensions, hair loss, hairpieces and wigs, and non-surgical hair replacement. Nikia holds a BA in Organizational Leadership from Charter Oak State College and received her Cosmetology Certification from Blaine Beauty School. She is also a member of the American Hair Loss Council. This article has been viewed 172,954 times. 24 votes - 92% Co-authors: 4 Updated: February 2, 2026 Views: 172,954 Categories: Wigs In other languagesJapanese
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Reader Success Stories

  • Leah M.

    Leah M.

    Apr 12, 2024

    "Im so oblivious to all of this, but the explanations after the instructions have saved my life & my wig."
More reader stories Hide reader stories Share your story

Did this article help you?

Yes No Advertisement Cookies make wikiHow better. By continuing to use our site, you agree to our cookie policy. Nikia Londy Co-authored by: Nikia Londy Hair Augmentation Specialist Co-authors: 4 Updated: February 2, 2026 Views: 172,954 92% of readers found this article helpful. 24 votes - 92% Click a star to add your vote Leah M.

Leah M.

Apr 12, 2024

"Im so oblivious to all of this, but the explanations after the instructions have saved my life & my wig." Graham

Graham

Feb 14, 2022

"Good tips, simple and uses everyday products I already have." Share yours! More success stories Hide success stories

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