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Revised 10/29/26
wig care
How to Make a Wig Less Shiny
Six ways to take the shine down on a synthetic wig, from a simple wash to the two risky methods we would think twice about.
Most of the time, we love shiny things.
There it is, out in the open for the world to know. Shiny, spotless cars, shiny countertops, shiny gemstones: we love them all. But there’s one shiny thing we don’t love: shiny synthetic wigs.
This is one of the most common complaints people have when they order a synthetic hair piece. Why? Because shiny wigs are notorious for giving off an “I’m totally a wig” vibe with an almost Barbie-esque glow (no offense, Barbie). If your wig’s shine factor is a 10 when it should be a 3, don’t worry. We have a few tricks up our sleeves to take your synthetic locks from doll-like to dreamy!
Without further ado, here are our top 6 insider tips for how to make a wig less shiny!
the short answer
Start gentle. A synthetic wig is shiniest when it is brand new, and a few washes and some everyday wear tone it down.
wash itShampoo it a couple of times with a shampoo made for synthetic wigs.
powder itDust the crown with cornstarch baby powder, or use dry shampoo on darker colors.
style itWaves, curls and updos catch less light than a sleek, straight style.
give it timeEveryday wear and regular washing take the shine down on their own.
Never use a hot tool to dull a standard synthetic wig. Heat melts the fiber.
before you start
Still deciding whether to keep it? Decide first. A wig that has been washed, powdered, sprayed or restyled usually can’t go back as new, so check the return policy where you bought it before you try any of these tricks, and keep the tags on while you make up your mind.
look at it in everyday light
Bathroom lights and a close-up mirror are not your friends here. Take a look at your wig by a window, in indirect daylight, then in the room where you usually wear it. Step back to about the distance someone stands when they’re talking to you, because that’s the distance everyone else sees it from.
Still not sure? Ask someone you trust one simple question: “Does my hair look shiny from there?”
trick 1: shampoo, rinse, that’s it
We recommend starting with the basics: shampooing. The hair on synthetic wigs is shiniest when it is completely new. Washing your wig will help to “wear in” the hair and remove shine.
how to make a wig less shiny with shampoo
Before doing anything drastic, try washing your wig a couple of times with proper wig-care methods. If you aren’t sure how to shampoo your wig, read our synthetic wig care guide.
Remember to always use shampoo specifically meant for synthetic locks. Using products that aren’t meant for synthetic wigs can do more harm than good.
Did it get shinier after styling? If the shine showed up after a serum, a shine spray or a heavy hand with styling product, it’s probably buildup, not the wig. A wash with your wig shampoo takes it off.
trick 2: I’ve got the powder
Here’s a quick and easy trick to make your synthetic wig less shiny and more realistic: powders. Perhaps an image of George Washington in a powdered wig just flashed through your head, but never fear. This method is much more subtle than that. Just like powdering your nose will take the shine off your skin, powdering your wig will take the shine off your hair. There are several types of powder to choose from:
- Cornstarch baby powder, which works best on light colors such as blonde, light brown or gray wigs. Plain cornstarch from the kitchen is the same powder, minus the fragrance.
- Dry shampoos and tinted dry shampoos, which are preferred for darker colors such as brunette and black wigs.
- Other styling or volumizing powders.
how to make a wig less shiny with powder
Put the dry wig on a stand.
Place the wig on a wig stand. Make sure it is dry first. Never try this wet!
Powder the crown.
Lightly sprinkle the crown of the wig with cornstarch baby powder, or spray it with dry shampoo.
Comb it through.
Use a wig comb to work the powder through the locks.
Shake it out.
Once done, shake the wig out to remove any excess powder.
Voila!
Your wig should now have a less shiny, much more natural appearance.
Go light the first time. Try it on a small section underneath at the back before you do the crown. You can always add more powder, and too much leaves a white cast that shows most on dark colors.
if your wig looks white or dusty
Let the powder dry, then comb it through again and give the wig another shake. If you can still see it, wash it out with your wig shampoo. More product on top won’t hide it. Next time, use less.
Tinted dry shampoo is a lifesaver on brunette and black wigs, but a brown tint can change the look of silver or pale blonde hair. On a highlighted wig, test it on both the light and the dark strands first.
“With good results after using a few times until I got it right, dry shampoo has worked for me. I let my wig dry, and then brushed it through.”Carrie, a Headcovers reader
trick 3: tactical styling
Certain styling methods help deflect the shine of synthetic wigs. Wigs tend to look shinier when they are in a sleek, straight style. Wearing your wig in a wavy, curly, or slightly messier style makes the hair catch less light, giving a less shiny look.
Updos and half updos with clips and bobby pins will also do the trick. Try using wig mousse and wig spray to achieve a different style, and learn how to curl a synthetic wig without using heat.
One thing to check: some wig sprays are made to add shine. If the label promises gloss or luster, save that one for another day.
We’ve gone over our top 3 ways to remove shine from synthetic wigs. There are other (more risky) methods that our customers have used to remove shine from their wigs. We are going to share them with you, however, proceed with caution.
The next two methods may not only remove shine but damage your wig in the process. We don’t generally recommend putting anything on your wig that was not specifically designed for synthetic wigs.
trick 4 (risky!): make a visit to your laundry room
Sounds odd, right? However, many people swear by the effects of fabric softener. Like it does on your clothes, fabric softener can help to soften and remove static from your wig, also removing shine. This technique is also commonly used to revive synthetic wigs.
We do not recommend this method, as it can damage your synthetic wig. If you do choose to use this method, proceed with caution.
how to make a wig less shiny with fabric softener
Fill a spray bottle with water.
Add the softener.
Add 1 to 2 tablespoons of fabric softener and shake.
Spritz the hair.
With your wig on a wig stand, spritz the hair with the solution.
Spread it with your fingers.
Gently comb through the wig with your fingers to disperse the solution.
Let your wig air dry.
trick 5 (risky!): the magic of vinegar
Vinegar does it all. Some wig wearers will use apple cider vinegar to dial down the shine of their synthetic wig. The idea is that the vinegar wears down the outside coating on each hair strand, leaving your wig looking more realistic.
As with the fabric softener method, we do not advise trying this, as you may damage the hair or cap of the wig. Proceed with this method at your own risk.
how to make a wig less shiny with vinegar
Fill a spray bottle with water.
Add the vinegar.
Add 1 to 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar and shake.
Spritz the hair.
With your wig on a wig stand, spritz the hair with the solution.
Spread it with your fingers.
Gently comb through the wig with your fingers to disperse the solution.
Let your wig air dry.
trick 6: erase your shine with time
As you wear your wig more, you’ll begin to notice the shine disappear over time. This occurs from just being worn in different environments or from following the recommended washing schedule. Over time, you will gradually see a change in the wig looking less shiny and more natural.
help! my wig still looks too shiny!
If these methods don’t tone down the shine, ask yourself this question: is this a high quality synthetic wig? Lower quality wigs often give a shinier, more fake look.
What you spend is your call. For a sense of the range, most of the synthetic wigs we carry fall between $145 and $275, and every one of them is a wig we would be happy to wear ourselves. If quality is the problem, try replacing your wig with a synthetic hair piece from a reputable wig retailer. We are an authorized retailer for every brand we carry. Learn where to buy a wig.
Alternatively, you may want to try a remy human hair wig or a heat friendly synthetic hair wig if regular synthetic hair does not give the look you want. Our human hair vs synthetic wig guide compares all three side by side.
our best-selling heat friendly wigs
Breezy Wavez by Rene of Paris
A shoulder-grazing wavy bob with wispy bangs.
shop →Gratitude by Gabor
A short, layered cut with a side bang and lift at the crown.
shop →Effortless by Toni Brattin
A short, easy bob.
shop →our best-selling human hair wigs
what you’ll need
Brandywine wig shampoo
A gentle shampoo made for synthetic wigs.
shop →Cardani collapsible tripod wig stand
Holds the wig steady while you powder it, spritz it or let it air dry.
shop →Cardani wig lift comb
Wide, rounded teeth work powder or dry shampoo through the hair.
shop →Brandywine synthetic wig spray
Holds waves, curls and updos in place, and dries clear.
shop →The Essentials wig care set
Wig shampoo, conditioner, styling spray, a stand and a comb, all in one.
shop →more questions about shiny wigs
open the one you need
how do you take the shine out of a synthetic wig?
To deshine a synthetic wig, start with a wash in a shampoo made for synthetic wigs, then dust the crown with cornstarch baby powder or dry shampoo and give the style a little movement. A synthetic wig is shiniest when it’s brand new, so everyday wear helps too. Never use heat on a standard synthetic wig.
why is my synthetic wig so shiny?
Synthetic hair is at its shiniest when it is brand new. A few washes with a wig shampoo and some everyday wear usually take the shine down. Lower quality fibers tend to stay shinier than better ones.
does dry shampoo make a wig less shiny?
Yes, and it is one of the easiest fixes. Tinted dry shampoo is the better choice on brunette and black wigs, and cornstarch baby powder suits light colors. Use it on a dry wig on a stand, work it through with a comb, then shake out the excess.
can I use heat to take the shine off a synthetic wig?
Not on a standard synthetic wig. A blow dryer, curling iron or straightener will melt the fiber. Stick to washing, powder and styling. If you want a wig you can style with heat, look at heat friendly synthetic or human hair.
I’ve washed my wig three times and it’s still shiny. What should I try next?
Move on to powder or dry shampoo, then try a style with more movement, like waves or a half updo. If it still looks shiny after that, the fiber itself may be the issue, and a better quality synthetic, a heat friendly wig or a human hair wig may look more natural.
why does my wig look so shiny in photos?
Camera flash and bright overhead light bounce off synthetic fiber, so a wig can look shinier in photos than it does in the mirror. Turn the flash off and stand near a window in soft daylight. A light dusting of dry shampoo before a big event helps too.
can I make hair extensions less shiny?
Yes. The same tricks work on synthetic hair extensions and hairpieces: wash them with a shampoo made for synthetic hair, then mist on a little dry shampoo or dust on cornstarch baby powder and comb it through. For human hair extensions, go easy on oils and shine sprays, and wash out any buildup.
will the shine go away on its own?
Yes. A synthetic wig is shiniest when it’s brand new, and everyday wear and regular washing tone it down over time. If you want it softer sooner, start with tricks 1 to 3.
how do I make a human hair wig less shiny?
Human hair has a natural sheen, so you aren’t trying to take it all away. Most extra gloss comes from styling products, so go easy on oils, serums and shine sprays, and wash the wig when product builds up. Our guide to washing a human hair wig walks you through it.
Keep up the conditioning, too. Dry hair doesn’t look more natural, just dry. Keep conditioner off the cap and the roots, where it can loosen the knots.
why is my topper shinier than my own hair?
Even a perfect color match can have a different finish. Look at the topper and your own hair side by side in daylight. With the topper off and on a stand, a light mist of dry shampoo helps it blend. If you find yourself needing a lot of product every day, call us at 1-800-264-4287 (HATS). A different fiber may be a better match, and a person will talk the options through with you.
is fabric softener safe for synthetic wigs?
Plenty of wig wearers swear by it, but we don’t recommend it, because it can damage the wig. If you do try it, use a weak solution in a spray bottle, as described in trick 4, and proceed with caution. On a human hair wig, skip it and use a conditioner made for human hair instead.
What methods have you tried to make your synthetic wig less shiny? Tell us through our contact page. We want to hear what has worked for you.
Want help choosing a wig?
Call 1-800-264-4287 (HATS) and a person will talk the options through with you.
keep reading
synthetic wig careHow to wash, dry and store it.
human hair vs synthetic wigsThe three fibers, compared.
how to buy wigs that look realWhat makes a wig pass for your own hair.
how to curl a synthetic wigCurls without a hot tool.
how to revive a synthetic wigBringing a tired wig back to life.
7 things you should (never) do in your wigThe habits that shorten a wig’s life.
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