How To Style Synthetic Wigs? A Step-by-Step Guide (2024)

Modern-day synthetic wigs have inbuilt pattern memory, making them easy to style.

Styling a synthetic wig can offer challenges, and people often look for the right way to do it. Even so, mastering how to style a synthetic wig needs the correct tools and the right procedure.

Below, you will learn synthetic wig styling tips to make it look more beautiful.

Keep reading!

Table of Contents show

How to Style Heat-Friendly Synthetic Wigs

Styling a heat-resistant synthetic wig is achievable in the comfort of your home. It would help if you did it well to avoid burning the fibers. Here are some tips.

How To Style Synthetic Wigs? A Step-by-Step Guide (1)

What You Need to Style a Heat-Friendly Synthetic Wigs

Use professional thermal styling tools on a synthetic wig. They come with a temperature control button and varying heat settings. The heat should be under 350 degrees Fahrenheit to avoid damaging the fibers.

It would help if you also had a leave-in conditioner and thermal protection spray. These will coat the synthetic fibers and prevent them from burning.

Curling Synthetic Wigs

Below is a simple procedure to curl your wig.

Step 1: Set the Wig

Stabilize the wig on a wig head, then brush through using a wide-toothed comb or wig brush. This detangles the wig making it easy to style.

Step 2: Section the Hair

Starting at the nape, section about 1-inch parts of the hair. You can section smaller parts for tight curls and larger parts for looser curls.

Step 3: Spray

Spritz each section with a leave-in conditioner and thermal spray to protect the fibers from heat damage.

Step 4: Style

Gather hair into the curling iron and smooth through the ends. Then wrap hair around the curling tool and roll it up toward the base of the wig. Roll to about 2 inches away from the cup.

Hold for about 8-12 seconds, then release the curls into your palms. Do not release the curl until it cools entirely for a tighter curl. While for loose ones, release while when the curls are slightly warm.

Step 5: Repeat

Redo steps 2-4 for the entire wig.

Straightening Synthetic Wigs

Straightening a synthetic wig is quite easy. The following is all you need to do.

Step 1: Set the Wig

Stabilize the wig on a wig head, then brush through using a wide-toothed comb or wig brush. This detangles the wig making it easy to style.

Step 2: Section the Hair

Starting at the nape, section about 1-inch parts of the hair.

Step 3: Spray

Spritz each section with a leave-in conditioner and thermal spray to protect the fibers from heat damage.

Step 4: Style

Run the straightener starting about 1 inch from the roots to avoid damaging the hand-knotting. Flat iron towards the end of the hair.

Be sure not to hold the heat on for too long as it may burn the fibers.

Step 5: Repeat

Redo steps 2-4 for the entire wig.

How To Style Synthetic Wigs? A Step-by-Step Guide (2)

10 Styling Tips for Synthetic Wigs

The following are insights to help you style an ordinary wig without heat to help you revive your wig.

1. Dry Hair

A synthetic wig is best styled when completely dry. A load of water can stretch the wig fibers and damage the curl pattern.

So, after washing, blot or pat the synthetic wig using a clean towel, then place it on a wig stand to air dry.

How To Style Synthetic Wigs? A Step-by-Step Guide (3)

2. Spray Bottle

Pour clean cold water into a spray bottle and spritz the wig to make styling easy. Move your fingers gently through the strands to revitalize limp strands and smoothen frizz.

Using your fingers is more applicable to short wigs for achieving an edgy and voluminous look. But for longer wigs, use your hands to smoothen down the hair. And then, manage the ends using your fingertips.

After styling, you can coat the strands using a wig spray to hold the shape.

How To Style Synthetic Wigs? A Step-by-Step Guide (4)

3. Brush

Use a synthetic wig brush or a wide-toothed comb to eliminate tangles and knots on the wig. Do not use a human hair comb since it will stretch and pull off the fibers, ruining your wig.

Brush your synthetic wig from bottom to top. For short wigs, use short strokes, while for longer wigs, use long strokes with light pressure.

How To Style Synthetic Wigs? A Step-by-Step Guide (5)

4. Styling Head

Consider using a styling head or wig stand because it gives you a 360-degree angle of what your wig looks like. This way, you can visualize and reach all sides during styling.

You will need T-pins to secure the wig on a styling head. Ensure you do not puncture the wig monofilaments when applying the pins.

How To Style Synthetic Wigs? A Step-by-Step Guide (6)

5. Chin Strap

The chinstrap keeps the wig in place when styling and prevents it from slipping. Working with a stable wig allows you to coordinate on different frames to achieve the best results.

Place each end of the strap next to the ear area and be keen not to clip hair strands to avoid ripping off the fibers.

How To Style Synthetic Wigs? A Step-by-Step Guide (7)

6. No Heat

It is best not to use hot tools on regular synthetic wigs. Synthetic wigs come from plastic fibers that can not withstand high temperatures.

If you want to use heat for styling, consider getting a heat-friendly synthetic wig.

Be careful because even heat-friendly synthetic wigs can not withstand very high temperatures. You need to limit the heat to under 350 degrees Fahrenheit.

7. Care Products

The care products you use should be specifically meant for synthetic wigs. Washing with synthetic wig shampoos to avoid product buildup.

Be careful when washing to avoid tangles, then air-dry the wig before styling.

You need to spritz a leave-in conditioner for synthetic fiber and use wig mousse when styling. Apply the mousse using your fingers to hold the style.

How To Style Synthetic Wigs? A Step-by-Step Guide (8)

8. Styling Bangs

Styling bangs on a wig to achieve a relaxed style requires you to comb them on the forehead and smoothen out the hair. You can use a shaping cream to hold the style. [1]

And for a voluminous look, comb from the underside with an upward stroke. Then leave them to bounce back to their original position. Flatten the sides using your fingers to get a more refined look.

How To Style Synthetic Wigs? A Step-by-Step Guide (9)

9. Accessorize

You can use hair clips, headbands, or scarves to customize how the synthetic hair looks. Using wig accessories is good for re-styling and will make the wig look brighter.

Also, the hair strands can keep falling on your face every time you wear a wig. You will need accessories to tuck in the strands without ruining the style.

How To Style Synthetic Wigs? A Step-by-Step Guide (10)

10. Restoring Style

To rejuvenate the original style of your wig, wash it using a wig shampoo. Rinse the wig well, condition and let it air dry. The process will leave the wig fibers restored and looking fresh.

Conclusion

So, it’s easy to style synthetic wigs. All you need are the right tools and procedure, and then you are set to begin!

Is this article helpful? Leave a comment below to let us know what’s your ideas to style the synthetic hair.

How To Style Synthetic Wigs? A Step-by-Step Guide (2024)

FAQs

How to style synthetic wigs for beginners? ›

Use short lifting strokes with a wig brush on styles with tight curls, waves, or soft curls. Use long, even strokes with a wig brush for wigs that are smooth and straight. Use a pic comb or your fingers in a lifting motion for longer wigs that have ringlet curls.

How do you wear a wig for dummies? ›

Place the wig

Start at the bottom, right above the nape of your neck, and pull the wig over your head. If you're using glue or tape, gently press down on the wig hairline, so the wig connects to your own hairline. If you're using clips or pins, you'll want to start at one side of the wig and work your way around.

What are the tips for synthetic wigs? ›

Never squeeze, rub or wring your wig while drying. Remove from towel. TIP: Do not brush the wig while it is wet or damp, or use dryers as it will damage the synthetic fibres. However, you can absolutely comb when wet, as long as it is with a long tooth plastic comb, ends to roots through.

What should you not do with a synthetic wig? ›

Using hot tools on synthetic hair can damage the fibers of synthetic hair. It's also important to be careful near ovens, stoves and open grills. If you prefer to style synthetic hair with hot tools, be sure to choose a heat-friendly option.

How to curl and style a synthetic wig? ›

When curling synthetic hair wigs, it's crucial to use a curling iron with a low heat setting, approximately around 300°F or 150°C, to avoid damaging the synthetic fibers. Begin by dividing the wig into small sections, then carefully wrap each section around the curling iron for about 10 to 15 seconds.

How do you keep the ends of a synthetic wig good looking? ›

You can put the wig on a mannequin head or on your knee to remove frizz. Avoid using the tools while you are wearing them. Now you need to choose the right brush or comb which is specially designed for your synthetic wig. You can also use your fingers to get rid of frizzy ends from the synthetic wig.

How do you make a synthetic wig soft and shiny? ›

Spray your wig liberally with the fabric softener spray.

The fabric softener spray helps to moisturise the synthetic fibres and makes them soft and shiny. Spray the top layer of the wig until the hair is soaked and dripping.

How do you style a synthetic wig without heat? ›

How to curl a synthetic wig without heat
  1. Rollers. To use bendy rollers to curl your wig, you first need to dampen it with water. ...
  2. Plaits. An alternative to using rollers is to plait your wig. ...
  3. Bun wrap. You can also curl your synthetic wigs with a doughnut bun wrap, especially when your wig has long hair.

How should a wig sit on your head? ›

Gently pull both ear points to position the wig until it feels comfortable on your head. The ear points should align with one another and sit near your ears. Hold the top of the wig and pull the back of the wig down to the nape of your neck.

How should I style my wig? ›

Tease some volume into your look

Tease your wig from the root to add some height to your human hair wig, using gentle motions moving upwards and away from your wig cap. Use some wig spray to hold the style in place for longer. Or, you could use a three-quarter wig or a hair topper to add some extra 'oomph'.

Do you have to style a synthetic wig? ›

Synthetic wigs are the easiest wigs to maintain because they come pre-styled. Many synthetic wigs can be worn right out of the box with minimal styling because of this feature. Also, each time you wash your synthetic wig, its style will bounce back to life once it dries since the styling is baked into the fibers.

How do you style a synthetic wig straight? ›

  1. Warm water bath. Brush your wig while dry and gently place it in the sink or bath and boil a pan of water to between 160 and 180 degrees. ...
  2. Steam. Either use steam from an enclosed shower room, gently brushing waves out of the wig or use a steamer on a low heat setting.
  3. Blow Dry Straight.
Nov 26, 2019

What to do with a synthetic wig when you first buy it? ›

When I first get my synthetic wig out of the package, I apply some good old-fashioned water and that helps me get rid of the flyways in the synthetic texture and it also helps preserve the longevity of my synthetic lace front wigs.

Should I use hairspray or hair gel for a synthetic wig? ›

The best way to achieve just that is with a good quality hairspray. Yet standard hairspray products won't do if you sport a synthetic wig. Wig hairsprays are designed to be different. Most are free from the parabens and sulphates that cause issues for synthetic hair.

How do you style a synthetic wig after washing it? ›

Once your wig is dry, spray it with a detangler or hair sheen product, combing the product through the fibers. You can style your wig with brush rollers or your fingers while it's still damp. Sometimes, you can style a synthetic hair wig by gently shaking it, too.

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Chrissy Homenick

Last Updated:

Views: 6533

Rating: 4.3 / 5 (54 voted)

Reviews: 93% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Chrissy Homenick

Birthday: 2001-10-22

Address: 611 Kuhn Oval, Feltonbury, NY 02783-3818

Phone: +96619177651654

Job: Mining Representative

Hobby: amateur radio, Sculling, Knife making, Gardening, Watching movies, Gunsmithing, Video gaming

Introduction: My name is Chrissy Homenick, I am a tender, funny, determined, tender, glorious, fancy, enthusiastic person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.