
Even our most-loved wigs can lose their luster, volume, or fresh feel over time but that doesn’t mean it’s time to say goodbye. Try these five easy tips to breathe new life into your wig, restoring its shine and making it feel like a favorite again.
1. Give It a Gentle Wash (The Foundation of Refreshment)
If your wig has been worn a few times (or more!), a thorough yet gentle wash is one of the best ways to revive its fibers. Product buildup, dust, or everyday oils can weigh hair down and dull its appearance cleaning it will lift that heaviness and bring back vibrancy.
Be sure to use wig-specific shampoo and conditioner tailored to your wig’s fiber type (synthetic, heat-friendly synthetic, or human hair). Using regular hair products can damage the fibers, so sticking to formulas made for wigs is key. Need a step-by-step? Check out our guide on how to wash your wig properly here.
2. Restyle to Switch Up Its Look
Styling is a game-changer for refreshing wigs especially if you have a heat-friendly synthetic option. Want to shake things up? Smooth out curly strands for a sleek, polished vibe, or add loose waves to a straight wig for that effortless beachy glow.
Important note for heat styling: For heat-friendly synthetic fibers, keep your heat tool set between 275° F–300° F (135° C–149° C) to avoid damaging the hair.
If your wig’s curls or waves are starting to fall flat (no heat needed!), there are easy fixes: Use a wig-specific texture spray (it works on all alternative hair types, including non-heat-friendly synthetic) to boost bounce. Or, gently twist each curl or wave between your fingers, hold for a few seconds, and release this helps the texture spring back into shape naturally.
3. Add Accessories for Instant Personality
Accessories are a quick, no-fuss way to refresh your wig’s look without any permanent changes. Throw on a sleek headband (satin works great to protect wig fibers!) for a trendy, put-together feel. Use a claw clip to pull back the top half of the hair leave a few soft tendrils around your face to hide any visible wefts and keep the look natural.
For a touch of elegance, add a sparkly barrette to one side, or tie a tiny silk bow near the hairline. These small details turn a “basic” wig into a style statement that feels new again.
4. Customize It to Fit Your Vibe (With Pro Help)
If you want a more tailored refresh, take your wig to a professional wig stylist. They can trim the length for a fresh cut, add layers to boost volume (perfect for wigs that feel flat!), or even create bangs to frame your face small tweaks that make the wig feel like it was made just for you.
For human hair wigs (or some high-quality heat-friendly synthetic ones), you can also dye it to your favorite shade whether you want to deepen the color, add highlights, or try a fun new hue. Just always test the dye on a small section first to avoid damage!
5. Repurpose It for New Occasions
Wigs are surprisingly versatile if a style isn’t part of your everyday rotation anymore, repurpose it for specific activities! Save your “everyday” wigs for work or errands, and use the less-worn ones for beach days, poolside lounging, or hiking trips.
A quick reminder: Saltwater, chlorine, and sweat can wear down wig fibers over time, so avoid using your most precious wigs for these high impact activities. With a little creativity, even “retired” styles can get a second life as your go to for fun, casual outings.
Final Thoughts
A wig doesn’t have to be brand new to feel special. With a little care (like a gentle wash), creativity (accessories or styling), or even a professional tweak, you can revive your favorite styles and keep wearing them with confidence. And if you do decide to part with a wig, donating it is a wonderful way to pass on its charm to someone else.
No matter how you choose to refresh it, your wig’s journey is far from over wear it proudly, and enjoy the new life you’ve given it!