How to Fix a Frizzy Wig: Tutorial for All Textures

You know that moment. You glance in the mirror, and your wig has gone from “laid” to “lion’s mane”—and not in a good way.

It starts with a little fuzz near the ends, maybe a stray flyaway or two. No big deal, right? But then it creeps up the strands, and suddenly the whole thing looks dry, tangled, and kind of tired.

If that sounds familiar, you're not alone. Frizz happens to the best of wigs—synthetic, human, straight, kinky, curly, all of them. 

This post breaks down how to fix a frizzy wig based on two things: how bad the frizz is, and what kind of texture you're working with.

Because fixing a bone-straight unit is not the same as reviving a kinky curly one. 

Why Is My Wig So Frizzy?

Before you fix the frizz, you need to know what’s causing it.

And sometimes human hair wigs and synthetic wigs frizz for several different reasons. 

Human Hair Wigs

If your human hair wig is frizzing up, it’s probably reacting to its environment, or how it’s been handled. A human hair wig doesn’t get the natural oils from the scalp anymore, so it dries out faster.

That dryness leads to rough cuticles, and rough cuticles lead to—yep—frizz.

Common causes of frizz in human hair wigs:

• Dryness: Over-washing, too much heat, or just skipping conditioner can strip moisture.
• Humidity: Moist air swells the strands and makes them puff up.
• Friction: Rubbing against clothes, pillows, or hats? Instant fuzz.
• Old age: Hair gets more brittle the longer you wear and style it.
• Wrong products: Alcohol-heavy sprays or drugstore gels can leave it stiff and frizzy.

Synthetic Wigs

Synthetic wigs don’t have cuticles like real hair. They’re made from fibers (usually plastic blends), which means once they frizz, it’s a little harder to fix.

Instead of “dryness,” frizz in synthetic wigs usually comes from damage to the fibers themselves.

What causes synthetic wigs to frizz?

• Heat exposure: Even a blast of warm air can melt or warp the fibers (unless it’s heat-resistant).
• Friction: Just like human hair, rubbing causes static and fiber breakage.
• Tangles: If you don’t detangle regularly, it builds up fast.
• Wear and tear: Cheap wigs or older units tend to fuzz out quicker.
• Storage problems: Stuffing it in a drawer or leaving it out in the open? Recipe for a matted mess.

A Little Frizz? No Big Deal

If your wig’s only a little frizzy—like the ends are puffing out or the texture feels a bit rough—you caught it early. 

For Human Hair Wigs

Think of this like giving your wig a mini spa day.

1. Moisturize: Use a lightweight leave-in conditioner or wig-specific hair serum. Nothing too greasy—just enough to add slip and shine.
2. Cold water rinse (optional): If it’s been a while since the last wash, do a quick rinse with cool water. Then air-dry it flat or on a stand.
3. Detangle gently: Use a wide-tooth comb or your fingers, starting at the ends and working up. Always detangle when the hair is damp, not soaking wet.
4. Smooth it out: A pass with a flat iron on low heat can help, but only if the hair is 100% dry. Use a heat protectant if you go this route.

For Synthetic Wigs (Heat-Safe Only)

1. Detangle gently: Use a wide-tooth comb or your fingers. Start from the ends and work your way up. Always be patient—synthetic fibers don’t forgive rough handling.
2. Use steam (carefully): A handheld steamer works wonders. Hold the wig on a stand, use short bursts of steam a few inches away, and smooth with your fingers as you go. It helps soften frizz without soaking the hair.
3. Flat iron on low: If your wig is labeled heat-resistant, you can use a flat iron on the lowest setting. Quick, gentle passes only—no holding in one spot, or you’ll melt the fibers.
4. Use wig-safe detangling spray: These are made for synthetic fibers and help reduce static and smooth out rough spots. Spray lightly and comb through.

And never use fabric softener on your wig.

Not for detangling. Not for softening. Not for anything. It can break down the fibers, mess with the color, and leave a weird film that attracts dirt. Just... no.

For Synthetic Wigs (Not Heat-Safe)

1. Wig detangler spray: Use one that’s specifically for synthetic wigs. A little goes a long way. Spray, wait a few seconds, then finger-comb the frizz down.
2. Static got you? Rub your hands with a tiny bit of lightweight oil (like jojoba or wig-approved serum), then smooth over the surface. This helps with flyaways and that fuzzy halo look.
3. Dryer sheet trick (the safe way): You can gently swipe a dryer sheet over the surface to reduce static, but don’t soak the wig or rub too hard. And again, never soak your wig in anything not made for it.

Low-level frizz is easy to fix if you stay gentle and don’t overdo it.

Honestly, sometimes all your wig needs is a little moisture and a break from friction. If you catch it early and treat it right, you won’t have to deal with major tangles or a full rehab later.

How to Fix A Frizzy Wig: Serious Level and Guides for Different Hair Textures

When your wig is really acting up—dry, tangled, puffed out in all the wrong places—you can't just spritz and go.

You need a texture-specific game plan. Straight hair doesn't frizz like coils do, and wavy hair has a mind of its own.

Here's how to fix a frizzy wig based on what you're dealing with.

Straight Hair Wigs

• Start with a deep cleanse: Use a wig-safe shampoo and conditioner, especially if product buildup is making it stiff or dull.
• Smooth it back down: After washing, use a light leave-in conditioner or wig serum to help smooth the cuticle. Let it air dry flat on a wig stand.
• Flat iron (for heat-safe wigs): Work in small sections, use the lowest heat that works, and always use a heat protectant spray.
• Finish with oil: Rub a tiny bit of wig-friendly oil between your palms and smooth it over the surface to calm flyaways.

Skip this: Over-brushing. That’ll just create more static and breakage.

Wavy Hair Wigs

• Rewet and reset the wave: Spray lightly with water + wig-safe conditioner. Comb through gently with fingers or a wide-tooth comb.
• Scrunch and air dry: Don’t fight the wave—encourage it. Use your hands to gently scrunch sections upward while it dries.
• Define with curl mousse: Yes, even waves can benefit from a little styling help. Use a small amount of lightweight mousse made for wigs to define the pattern.
• Steam if needed (for synthetic): A quick pass of steam over the worst areas can help reset the wave without re-washing.

Curly Hair Wigs

• Detangle when damp: Never dry. Use a wide-tooth comb or your fingers, and start at the ends.
• Co-wash (or full wash if needed): Use a sulfate-free wig shampoo or just conditioner if the hair’s not dirty, just dry.
• Define curls in sections: While it’s still damp, use curl cream or mousse. Finger-coil sections, if needed, to revive the pattern.
• Let it fully air dry: Don’t touch it while it’s drying—hands off or you’ll cause more frizz.
• Once dry, fluff gently: Use your fingers to lift the roots if they need volume. No brushing.

Coiled Hair Wigs

• Start with moisture: If it’s super dry, apply a wig-safe deep conditioner and let it sit for 15–30 minutes (on a wig stand, not your head).
• Detangle in small sections: Use a detangling brush (like a Tangle Teezer or Denman) on damp—not—soaking—hair.
• Twist or braid to reset the pattern: After moisturizing, twist or braid the hair in sections and let it dry completely. This helps define the coils again and reduces frizz.
• Take it down gently: Once dry, unravel slowly. Add a bit of oil or cream to your hands if needed to reduce friction.
• Fluff and shape with care: Use a pick or fingers to shape the style without breaking the pattern.

Sometimes You Gotta Cut Your Losses

If the ends are too far gone—fried, rough, frayed—it might be time for a trim. No product can fix split fibers. A clean cut keeps the rest of the wig healthy and easier to manage.

Quick Tips for How to Fix a Frizzy Wig

1. Moisture is your friend.

Frizz often means the wig is dry. Use wig-safe leave-in conditioner, detangling sprays, or moisturizing serums. Human hair likes hydration; synthetic wigs need a light mist and some smoothing spray (no oils).

2. Use your fingers more than brushes.

Especially on curly or wavy wigs. Brushing dry hair creates static and frizz. If you must detangle, do it while damp, starting from the ends.

3. Always detangle from the bottom up.

Don’t yank from the top down. That just makes knots worse and breaks fibers. Patience saves the wig.

4. Don’t skip heat protection.

Using heat? Even on human hair? Always apply a wig-safe heat protectant. Otherwise, you’re basically toasting the strands—and frizz loves that.

5. Wash it the right way.

Use lukewarm water. Gently swirl the wig in the water—no scrubbing, no twisting. Use products made for wigs. Skip fabric softener (seriously).

6. Steam smart (synthetic only).

Light steam can help reset texture and smooth out frizz on synthetic wigs. Don’t overdo it. Keep a little distance and use a wide-tooth comb afterward.

7. Twist or braid before storing.

If it’s a curly or coily wig, loosely twist or braid the hair before putting it away. It keeps the pattern neat and prevents tangles from turning into frizz.

8. Trim the worst ends.

Sometimes frizz sticks around because the ends are just fried. A small trim can make the whole wig look fresh again.

9. Don’t sleep in it.

Even a “sleep-safe” wig can get frizzy fast. If you have to sleep in it, use a silk or satin bonnet or pillowcase.

10. Keep your hands off.

Touching your wig too much—especially when it's dry—causes friction. And yep, friction equals frizz.