I Thought I Hated Synthetic Wigs! It Turned Out They CAN Look Real If You Know the Right Hacks

I’ve been always prejudiced towards synthetic wigs. Ok, it can be a solution for women struggling with severe alopecia cases, but that is definitely a compromise on a beautiful natural look, I thought. My firm belief was shattered when I complimented an old acquaintance on her new hairstyle only to find out that she “loves this new synthetic wig!”

Appalled by the fact you can actually make synthetic wig look that natural, I contacted a wig specialist from Irresistible Me, Kate Ross, demanding to give away all the secrets she might know. It turned out, the hacks are not difficult, even for a complete wig novice like me!

So, here is your track to success!

1. Go with the Right Fibers

It’s important to choose a synthetic wig that’s made of high-quality fibers, like vegan fiber, to ensure it looks as natural and realistic as possible. “Vegan fiber wigs tend to have a more authentic appearance compared to other synthetic options, helping you achieve that natural effect more easily,” Kate says.

2. Trim It

One of the first steps in making a synthetic wig look real is trimming it. Synthetic wigs may come with overly blunt or uniform ends, which can give away their artificial nature. To combat this, a small pair of sharp hair scissors can be your best friend.

Kate Ross notes, “When trimming, aim for subtle layers rather than a straight cut. This creates a more natural hair movement.” And avoid overcutting! It’s better to trim in small increments than to take off too much at once.

3.Pluck the Hairline and the Part

A natural hairline is key to a realistic-looking wig. Most synthetic wigs come with dense hairlines that look just too perfect to be true. Use a pair of tweezers to gently pluck the hairs along the front and sides of the wig. This will create a more natural, uneven hairline.

Similarly, plucking hairs from the part can make it look more realistic. Make sure to pluck the hairs gradually to avoid creating bald spots or an overly thin hairline.

4. Style It (With Caution!)

Sporting different textures every now and then is closer to what we do with our own hair, so styling a wig makes it look more natural. However, before using any heated styling tools on your synthetic wig, it’s crucial to check if it’s heat-resistant.

“Some synthetic wigs can tolerate low to medium heat, while others may get damaged. The wig’s label or product description should specify this,” Kate explains. If in doubt, test a small section of the wig (preferably underneath where it’s less visible) with a low heat setting.

For heat-resistant wigs, use a low heat setting on your styling tools. Curling irons, flat irons, and blow dryers can be used, but always at a temperature that’s safe for synthetic fibers. Heated rollers are also a great option, as they typically operate at lower temperatures.

Be cautious with hair products though! Regular hair sprays and mousses might not be suitable for synthetic wigs and can build up, causing damage over time. Look for styling products specifically formulated for synthetic hair. These products can help you achieve the desired texture and hold without harming the wig.

“If your wig has a lot of styling products built up, you might use a wig-cleansing solution every few washes to ensure thorough cleaning,” Kate notes.

5. Adjust a Shade

Dyeing a synthetic wig is generally not recommended, as fibers don’t react to hair dye like natural hair. However, for minor adjustments, fabric dyes or specially formulated synthetic wig dyes can be used.

It’s a risky process that’s best done by professionals or with great care! At the same time, these small adjustments can have a huge impact on the final look, as the more flattering and unique the tone of your wig is, the more authentic it looks.

This is especially important for brassy blonde tones. Thankfully, using a purple shampoo is safe and effective for both synthetic and human hair wigs.

6. Keep It “Healthy” Looking

Natural hair can get matted and oily, but that’s not the type of “natural” you want to achieve on your wig, right? Thus, mastering a proper storage and washing routine is key.

“Unlike natural hair, synthetic wigs don’t need to be washed frequently. Depending on how often you wear it, washing after every 6 to 8 wears is generally recommended,” Kate says. Over-washing can shorten the lifespan of the wig, experts warn. Also, never sleep in your wig, as this can cause tangles and matting!

In the end, making your synthetic wig look real is all about a few smart tricks: a little trim here, some careful plucking there, styling it right, and keeping it well-maintained. Follow the steps in this guide, and you’ll be amazed at how natural your wig can look. It’ll be hard to tell it apart from real human hair!