Synthetic hair, including wigs, extensions, and hairpieces, has come a long way in recent years. Modern synthetic fibers closely mimic the look and feel of natural human hair. However, one tell-tale sign that often gives away synthetic hair is its unnatural shine. While some shine is desirable to give hair a healthy look, too much shine can make synthetic hair look fake and artificial. Luckily, there are several tips and techniques you can use to tone down the excessive shine of synthetic hair and make it look more natural. In this article, we’ll explore various methods for making synthetic hair less shiny.
Choose a Higher Quality Synthetic Hair
One of the best ways to avoid overly shiny synthetic hair is to invest in higher quality fibers to begin with. Cheaper, low-quality synthetic hair tends to have an unnatural plastic-like shine. Look for synthetic hair that is labeled as having a natural sheen, matte finish, or reduced luster. Higher-end synthetic fibers go through additional processing to remove some of the shine during manufacturing. Choosing a synthetic wig or hairpiece with a more matte finish will give you a head start on achieving a natural look.
Use Dry Shampoo
Dry shampoo is a popular product for refreshing natural hair between washes, but it can also work wonders on synthetic hair. Dry shampoo usually comes in a powdered or spray form. It helps absorb excess oils and adds texture and volume to hair. When applied to synthetic hair, dry shampoo can significantly reduce shine and make the fibers look more matte.
To use dry shampoo on your synthetic wig or hairpiece, first gently brush the hair to remove any tangles. Then, apply a liberal amount of dry shampoo to the hair, focusing on the areas that tend to be the shiniest, such as the top and crown. Let the dry shampoo sit on the hair for a few minutes to absorb oils and then gently brush through to distribute it evenly. You may need to repeat this process a few times to get the desired level of shine reduction.
Apply Baby Powder
Similar to dry shampoo, baby powder can help mattify synthetic hair and reduce shine. Baby powder is made from a finely milled powder, usually cornstarch or talc, that absorbs moisture and oils. It’s an affordable and easily accessible option for dulling the shine on synthetic hair.
To use baby powder, start with a clean and styled synthetic wig or hairpiece. Sprinkle a small amount of baby powder onto the hair, focusing on the shiniest areas. Use your fingers or a brush to work the powder into the hair, distributing it evenly from root to tip. Be careful not to apply too much, as it can leave a white cast on the hair. After applying the powder, gently brush through the hair to remove any excess and blend it in.
Use a Fabric Softener Sheet
Fabric softener sheets, like those used in the dryer, can also be used to reduce the shine on synthetic hair. The sheets are coated with a thin layer of fabric softener, which can help to mattify and soften synthetic fibers.
To use a fabric softener sheet, start by brushing your synthetic hair to remove any tangles. Then, gently rub the fabric softener sheet over the surface of the hair, focusing on the shiniest areas. Be sure to use a light touch and avoid rubbing too aggressively, as this can cause frizz or damage to the fibers. After rubbing the hair with the sheet, brush through to distribute the product evenly and remove any excess.
Apply a Light Hair Spray
Hair spray is another product that can be used to reduce shine on synthetic hair. Look for a lightweight, non-aerosol hair spray that won’t weigh down the fibers or leave a sticky residue. A light misting of hair spray can help to mattify the hair and reduce shine.
To use hair spray, hold the bottle about 6-8 inches away from the hair and mist lightly over the surface. Focus on the areas that tend to be the shiniest, such as the crown and top of the head. Avoid spraying too much product, as this can make the hair look stiff or crunchy. After misting with hair spray, gently brush through the hair to distribute the product evenly.
Brush with a Soft Bristle Brush
The type of brush you use on your synthetic hair can also impact its shine. Brushing with a soft bristle brush, such as a wig brush or a brush designed for use on extensions, can help to reduce shine and add texture to the hair.
When brushing synthetic hair, always start at the ends and work your way up to the roots. This helps to prevent tangling and damage to the fibers. Use gentle strokes and avoid brushing too aggressively, as this can cause frizz or breakage. Brushing with a soft bristle brush can help to distribute the hair’s natural oils (or any added products) evenly throughout the fibers, reducing shine and creating a more natural look.
Style with Low Heat
While synthetic hair is designed to withstand heat styling, using high heat can actually increase the shine of the fibers. If you want to reduce shine, try styling your synthetic hair with low heat settings on your tools.
When using a curling iron, flat iron, or hair dryer on synthetic hair, always use the lowest heat setting possible. Avoid applying heat directly to the fibers for too long, as this can cause damage or melting. Use a light hand when styling and don’t overwork the hair. Styling with low heat can help to maintain the hair’s texture and reduce shine.
Avoid Oil-Based Products
One of the main culprits behind overly shiny synthetic hair is the use of oil-based products. Many hair serums, creams, and mousses contain oils that can make synthetic fibers look greasy and shiny.
To keep your synthetic hair looking matte and natural, avoid using any products that contain oils or silicones. Stick to lightweight, water-based formulas that won’t weigh down the fibers or add excess shine. If you do need to use a product for styling or conditioning, look for one that is specifically designed for use on synthetic hair and won’t leave a shiny residue.
Conclusion
Reducing the shine on synthetic hair is all about finding the right combination of products and techniques that work for your specific hair type and style. By investing in higher quality fibers, using mattifying products like dry shampoo and baby powder, and styling with low heat and oil-free products, you can achieve a more natural-looking matte finish on your synthetic hair.
Remember to always handle your synthetic hair gently and avoid over-manipulating the fibers to prevent damage and frizz. With a little experimentation and practice, you can find the perfect method for making your synthetic hair look less shiny and more like natural, healthy hair.
