Cheap wigs are great. They just need help.
The difference between a $20 costume wig and a $200 styled one is mostly care, not money. Here's the three-step routine that works on any synthetic.
Step 1 — De-shine
Synthetic wigs ship with a plasticky sheen that screams "costume." Lightly dust the wig with translucent baby powder, brush through with a wide-tooth comb, and shake out. The shine drops by half.
Step 2 — Wash & detangle
Fill a sink with cool water and a teaspoon of fabric softener. Soak the wig 5 minutes, swirl gently (no rubbing), rinse, and lay flat on a towel.
While damp, comb from the ends up — never from the roots down.
Step 3 — Set the style
Pin the wig to a foam head, mist lightly with cool water, and let it air-dry overnight. Heat tools work only if the package says heat-resistant — otherwise you'll melt it.
Bonus tip — Lay the lace
If your wig has a lace front, trim the excess lace with small scissors following the hairline. A few drops of liquid foundation along the lace blends it into your skin.
That's it. A $20 wig that passes for $200, every time.