Reviewed by Mackenzie Silva, Licensed Cosmetologist · Last updated October 2026
The golden rules of synthetic wig care are simple: use products made for synthetic fiber, keep heat away unless your wig is heat friendly, never brush it soaking wet, wash only every 6 to 10 wears, and store it on a stand. Synthetic fibers have "style memory," so a little water, your fingertips and a wig-safe comb are usually all you need day to day. Most of the problems wearers see, like frizz, shine and stiffness, come from a handful of avoidable mistakes.
At a Glance
| Do | Don't |
|---|---|
| Use shampoo, conditioner and sprays made for synthetic wigs | Use products made for human hair |
| Style with a spray bottle and your fingertips | Use heat unless the wig is heat friendly |
| Comb gently when dry, from the ends up | Brush or comb while soaking wet |
| Wash every 6 to 10 wears in cool water | Over-wash |
| Store on a stand or in a satin bag | Toss it on a dresser or stuff it in a drawer |
| Take it off for bed, showers, swimming and workouts | Sleep, shower or swim in it |
| Use light, wig-safe styling sprays | Use heavy gels, oils, creams or serums |
Why Synthetic Wigs Need Different Care
A synthetic wig is made of fibers, not hair. The style is set into the fiber during manufacturing, so it bounces back after washing and holds up in humidity. That's what makes synthetic wigs so easy to wear, but it also means they react differently than hair to heat, products and handling. Treat the fibers gently and your wig will keep its shape, softness and realism far longer. Compare fiber types in Synthetic vs. Human Hair Wigs.
The Do's
Do Keep a Spray Bottle Handy
A light mist of water "wakes up" new or flattened fibers, tames flyaways and calms static. Longtime wig wearer and Wig Studio 1 guest writer Vickie Lynn calls it a synthetic wig wearer's best friend.
Do Style With Your Fingertips
After a spritz of water, most synthetic wigs, especially shorter styles, can be styled with just your fingers. Combing a wig too perfectly is often what makes it look "wiggy," so a little imperfection looks more natural.
Do Use Wig-Safe Tools, Gently
- Use a wide-tooth comb or wig brush, never a regular hairbrush, which can pull fibers out of the cap.
- Comb only when the wig is dry, starting at the ends and working up.
- Use short strokes on curls and longer, light strokes on smooth styles.
- Use a pick to shape ringlet curls and reduce frizz.
Do Add Volume the Gentle Way
Rather than back-combing, lift the layers with a pick and mist a wig-safe spray underneath. You'll get lift without matting the fibers.
Do Wash in Cool Water When It's Time
Washing in cool water with synthetic wig shampoo restores the original style. Let it air dry on a stand; some wearers like to hang longer styles upside down to dry. Follow How to Wash a Wig.
Do Care for Your Scalp
Oils and dead skin cells build up under a wig, which can cause itching and odor and transfer to the cap. Keep your scalp and any hair of your own clean. If your scalp is sensitive, try a few wig caps to find the most comfortable one. Give your scalp and wig a break now and then with lighter options like a halo hairpiece, clip-in bangs or a scarf.
Do Personalize It
A stylist experienced with wigs can trim bangs or add layers to suit your face, once you're sure you're keeping the wig. Accessories like headbands and clips add color and brightness and make a style your own.
The Don'ts
1. Don't Use Regular Shampoo or Conditioner
Human hair products coat synthetic fibers, causing buildup, stiffness and extra shine. Over time the wig can lose its movement and softness. Use products made for synthetic hair.
2. Don't Use Heat Unless the Wig Is Heat Friendly
Flat irons, curling irons, blow dryers and hot brushes can melt, kink or frizz standard synthetic fiber permanently. Heat friendly wigs can take low heat, but even they last longer when styled "low and slow" and sparingly. Watch out for everyday heat too: a blast from an open oven, grill or dishwasher can frizz synthetic bangs in seconds. See Heat Friendly Wigs Explained.
3. Don't Brush It Soaking Wet
Wet fibers stretch and break more easily. Blot with a towel, let the wig partially air dry, then comb gently from the ends.
4. Don't Store It Carelessly
A wig tossed on a dresser, crammed in a drawer or bag, or left near heat or sunlight can crease, tangle and lose its shape. Keep it on a wig stand, away from sun and humidity, or in a satin storage bag. Ventilated or collapsible stands are gentler on the cap than foam heads, which can stretch it. See How to Store Your Wigs.
5. Don't Over-Wash
Synthetic wigs don't need washing as often as hair. Every wash causes a little wear, so wash every 6 to 10 wears, or sooner only after smoke, heavy sweat or product buildup. Look for buildup at the hairline, fibers sticking together or a dull look as your cue.
6. Don't Use Heavy Styling Products
Alcohol-based sprays, oils, creams and heavy silicone serums made for hair create buildup, attract dirt and leave fibers stiff and shiny. Choose light, synthetic-safe sprays made for wigs.
7. Don't Sleep, Shower, Swim or Work Out in It
Friction while you sleep tangles and frizzes fibers, and overnight oils and sweat build up on the cap. Chlorine and salt water damage fibers, and moisture trapped in the cap can harm its construction. Remove your wig first, and choose a sleep cap or scarf instead. See Swimming With a Wig.
When Something Goes Wrong
If your wig is already frizzy, flat or dull, many problems can be fixed. See How to Revive a Frizzy or Damaged Wig. For habits that keep it looking fresh for months, read How to Make Your Wig Last Longer.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use regular hairspray on a synthetic wig?
It's best not to. Many hairsprays contain alcohol and ingredients that build up on synthetic fiber. Use a wig-safe styling spray.
Can I blow-dry a synthetic wig?
Only if it's heat friendly, and then on a cool or low setting. Air dry standard synthetic wigs.
How often should I wash a synthetic wig?
Every 6 to 10 wears, depending on how long you wear it, the weather and how much product you use.
Why does my synthetic wig look shiny?
Some factory shine is normal and softens with wear. Product buildup also adds shine, so avoid heavy products and see How to Make a Wig Look Natural for tips on toning it down.
Can I cut or trim a synthetic wig?
Yes, once you're sure you're keeping it, but unless you're skilled, have a stylist experienced with wigs do it.
Find Your Next Synthetic Wig
Browse our synthetic wigs and heat friendly wigs, book a free virtual consultation, or explore more guides in Strands of Knowledge: The Wig & Hair Loss Learning Center.
