Synthetic wigs are beautiful, low-maintenance, and excellent value — but they do require a different approach to styling than human hair or your natural hair. The most common mistake we see is people treating a synthetic wig the same way they would their own hair, with results ranging from disappointing to irreversible. Here is everything you need to know to keep your synthetic wig looking fresh.
Rule One: No Heat (Unless It's Heat-Safe)
Standard synthetic fibres cannot withstand the temperatures of flat irons, curling wands, or blow dryers. Even low heat settings can permanently alter the fibre structure — melting, frizzing, or matting the hair in ways that cannot be undone. Before you use any heat tool on your synthetic wig, check whether it is labelled as heat-safe or heat-resistant. Heat-safe synthetic wigs can typically handle temperatures up to 120–150°C — always check the specific product's guidelines.
How to Refresh the Style Without Heat
The beauty of a synthetic wig is that it holds its style. To refresh a style that has gone a little flat or frizzy from wearing, you have a few options. First, try a light spritz of water and reshape with your fingers — many synthetic styles will bounce back to their original shape as they dry. For more persistent frizz or limp waves, a wig-specific conditioning spray (like our BORN AGAIN leave-in conditioner) smooths the fibre and restores movement.
Brushing Your Synthetic Wig
Always use a wide-tooth comb or a purpose-made wig detangling brush — never a regular paddle brush or a fine-tooth comb. Start from the ends and work your way up to the roots in sections. Brushing from the root down on a synthetic wig causes the fibre to stretch, shed, and eventually mat in ways that are very difficult to reverse. Brush your wig before and after wearing, but do it gently.
Parting and Styling
Most synthetic wigs have a set parting built into the style. You can gently adjust the part with a comb, but dramatically changing a parting on a synthetic wig can cause the fibre around the parting to frizz. If your wig has a lace top or monofilament top, you have more freedom to change the part without damage. Avoid repeatedly brushing against the grain of the fibre, as this causes frizz over time.
When to Wash Your Synthetic Wig
Wash every 15–20 wears using a wig-specific shampoo and cool water. Over-washing strips the fibre coating that gives the wig its texture and sheen. After washing, allow the wig to air dry completely on a stand before styling or wearing — never use a hair dryer on a synthetic wig unless it is specifically heat-safe.
Explore our full synthetic wig range and the BORN AGAIN haircare collection for products formulated specifically for synthetic fibres. Still have questions? Book an appointment at our Sutherland studio.
