How To Revive An Old Human Hair Wig?

Your lace wig deserves the same love and care you’d give your natural hair. With the right washing and conditioning routine, you can keep it soft, bouncy, and looking brand new for longer.

But what happens if your wig has gone neglected and needs revival? Without proper care, your wig can get tangled, start shedding, and lose the flawless lace look.

Luckily, restoring your wig to its formal glory is possible, and you can do it at home to get even more usage out of it. This article explains how you can revive an old wig using some simple yet proven tips and tricks.

Why Do Wigs Lose Their Softness and Shine?

Even the best-quality human hair wigs from the most reputable brands will naturally lose softness and shine over time. It is not always because you have done something wrong.

• Unlike natural hair, wigs don’t benefit from sebum, the scalp’s natural oil that keeps hair soft and shiny. Without that built-in moisture, wigs are more prone to dryness.
• Environmental factors also significantly impact the appearance of your wig. Prolonged sun exposure, hard water, or taking your wig for a dip in chlorine or seawater can all strip away softness.
• Everyday habits matter, too; sleeping with your wig on can cause tangling and frizz. Add in product buildup from gels, sprays, or other products into the mix, and you can understand how all these factors can cause your wig to look dull and worn.

Signs Your Wig Needs Revival

Not sure if it's time to revive your wig, here are some telltale signs that your wig needs some love:

Dry, brittle texture: The hair feels rough to the touch and doesn’t bounce or move the way it used to when you first bought the wig.

Tangled or matted strands: No matter how much you comb your wig, the knots just won’t stop coming back.

Loss of shine and silkiness: A brand new wig has a distinct, glossy, natural-looking finish. Over time, that shine and silky appearance fade away, and the wig starts looking dull, which means it is begging for some love.

Styling is a challenge: Styling a wig isn’t usually an issue. However, once the heat tools stop working or the brushes stop gliding smoothly between hair strands, it is your sign to give them a revival.

If your wig checks two or more of these boxes, then you should start the revival process explained below.

Prepping Your Human Hair Wig for Revival

Before jumping into the revival process, there is a little prep work that needs to be taken care of.

👉Start by detangling your wig hair gently with a wide-tooth comb, working from the ends upward to avoid breakage. Patience during this step prevents unnecessary shedding.

👉Next, give your wig the pre-wash treatment using natural oils like argan or coconut oil. This step infuses much-needed moisture into the strands and helps soften them before shampooing. Simply coat the hair lightly, place the wig under a shower cap, and let it sit for about 20-30 minutes.

👉Before you start the revival process, make sure that you understand that the wig may not bounce to a brand new state, but with the right care, you can restore its softness, shine, and stylability.

The Revival Process: Step by Step

Now it’s time to get the magic going and bring your favourite wig back to life. Here are the exact steps to revive an old wig:

Step 1: Wash with care

Start with a sulfate-free shampoo, as the sulfates can strip away the moisture or what’s left of it from your wig. Use lukewarm water and gently massage the shampoo in a downward motion, keeping the hair cuticles smooth.

Don't forget to wash the wig inside and the lace.

Wash the shampoo out before proceeding to the next step.

Step 2: Condition generously

Apply a hydrating conditioner, focusing on the nape and ends. These are the areas that are more prone to dryness. Let the conditioner sit for a few minutes before rinsing thoroughly.

Step 3: Deep conditioning

For wigs that feel extra brittle, a deep conditioning mask works wonders. Coat the strands evenly, cover with a shower cap, and let the warmth help the product penetrate evenly into the hair strands. Fifteen minutes is usually enough to bring the softness and shine back into your beloved hairpiece.

Step 4: Dry with care

Drying your wig properly is an important part of the revival process. Using too much force and rubbing the hair dry can do more harm than good. Instead, gently press the wig between a towel to remove excess water, then place it on a wig stand to let it dry naturally.

Now we know it is hard to resist putting your wig on ASAP, but a little patience will ensure that the wig remains intact.

And that’s it, you will be able to see a visible improvement in the wig’s appearance and stylability if you complete the revival process properly.

Pro tip: Always apply protectant spray first if you use heat styling and keep the tool on a low setting.

Long-term Care to Keep Wigs Looking Fresh

Reviving a wig once doesn’t mean you will get successful again. So your goal should be to keep it looking and feeling great so it doesn’t become dull again. Here are some long-term care tips for your wig to keep it looking fresh.

● Avoid overwashing your wig because less is more when it comes to washes. For human hair wigs, washing every 7-10 wears is enough unless you are using heavy styling products.

● Detangle your wig regularly and store it with care to prevent knots from forming. A silk bag is great for long-term storage, but a wig stand is recommended for daily storage.

● Use shampoos and conditioners that are designed specifically for wigs. Regular hair products often contain harsh chemicals that can weigh your wig down and can actually make it look worn.

Sometimes a wig is damaged beyond the point of revival, and you have to get a brand new wig to get that fresh, natural hair look. Replacing your old wig with a quality human hair wig from Cynosure Hair is often faster and easier than trying to revive an old wig. And you can still use the care tips provided above to make sure your next wig doesn’t wear out prematurely.

Conclusion

Reviving an old wig doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. With the right care, gentle detangling, sulfate-free washing, and careful storage, you might just give your old wig a fresh start.

But every wig has its limits, and when your unit shows signs of permanent, irreparable damage, it’s a sign to gracefully retire it and step into a new one.

Cynosure Hair wigs are crafted for durability and aesthetics, and with the right care, you will enjoy them for months to come.