Synthetic wigs are made up of plastic fibers, which means they cannot tolerate high heat levels. However, it is possible to straighten a synthetic wig, as long as you lower the temperature on your tools to avoid heat damage. If you have any questions or concerns about straightening your synthetic wig or any other issues, the professional stylists at Gabi’s Wigs can help.
In this article, we’ll explain how to straighten a synthetic wig.
5 Ways to Straighten Your Synthetic Wig
If you want to straighten your synthetic wig, there are several ways that you can do it. However, you will need a few basic tools, no matter which method you use.
- Mannequin head or wig stand
- T-pins
- Wide-tooth comb or wig brush
- Clip
It’s important to note that straightening a synthetic wig takes time. You should never get in a hurry. Below, we’ll look at 5 methods for straightening synthetic wigs:
Flat Iron
A flat iron should only be used on wigs made with heat-resistant fibers or the heat can cause significant damage.
- Start by securing the wig on a mannequin head with T-pins so that it doesn’t slide off.
- Gather a small section of hair and clip the rest out of the way.
- Use a wig brush to smooth out any tangles, combing from the bottom up to avoid pulling the fibers out of the cap.
- Spray the wig with a leave-in conditioner to keep it from drying out during straightening.
- Turn the flat iron to the lowest setting and slide it along the section of hair.
- Continue the same process until the entire wig is straightened.
Steamer
A steamer is gentle on synthetic fibers and works well for cheaper wigs.
- Secure the wig to a wig stand with T-pins to keep it from slipping off.
- Add water to the steamer and turn it on.
- Gather a small section of hair and clip the rest away.
- Detangle the wig using a wide tooth comb to make it easier to slide the steamer through.
- Hold the hair and run the steamer along the length.
- Clip the straight section away and repeat until the entire wig has been straightened.
- For best results, allow the wig to air dry.
Hot Water
When using hot water, it should be hot enough to relax the curls, but not hot enough to melt the fibers.
- Secure the wig to a mannequin head or wig stand with T-pins to keep it from falling off.
- Brush or comb the wig to remove any knots or tangles.
- Heat the water to about 180 to 185 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Dip the ends of the wig into the water and take it outside or to the bathtub.
- Pour the water over the entire wig, making sure that it saturates the fibers as much as possible.
- Comb through the fibers with your fingers until it is completely straight.
- Place in an open space to air dry.
Hair Dryer
A hair dryer is a simple way to straighten a synthetic wig. However, in order to avoid burning the fibers, you’ll need to use a cool-to-warm setting.
- Secure the wig to a mannequin head or wig stand with T-pins to keep it from falling off.
- Use a wig brush or comb to remove any tangles or knots from the wig.
- Gather a small section of hair and clip the remainder up out of the way.
- Hold the section of hair in your hand and point the hair dryer at it.
- Slowly move your hand and the hair dryer toward the end of the hair.
- Once that section is complete, move to another.
- If you want to completely remove the curl, slightly stretch the fibers as you heat them.
Hot Comb
A hot comb is ideal because it makes the fibers lie flatter and it only requires a few minutes of your time.
- Secure the wig to a wig stand or mannequin head with T-pins.
- Use a wig brush or comb to remove tangles from the fibers.
- Gather a section and clip the rest away.
- Turn the hot comb on to heat it up.
- Once it is heated up, start at the base of the wig and slowly slide the hot comb to the ends of the hair.
- Continue combing until the fibers have reached the desired straightness.
- Move to the next section and repeat.
Get Your Perfect Wig at Gabi’s Wigs
If you are looking for the perfect synthetic or human hair wig, let the professional stylists at Gabi’s Wigs help. We offer a wide variety of wig options, and we have the experience and expertise to help you find the wig that fits your style. If you have any questions or concerns, we are equipped to help you find the answers.
