Most wigs can be straightened, but synthetic fiber wigs require more care. Being plastic, they are sensitive to high temperatures and cannot be smoothed with the plate. The only exception is for those made of heat resistant fibers. This article will show you three simple methods for straightening a synthetic fiber wig. It will also show you how to treat a heat resistant one.
Steps
Method 1 of 5: Prepare the Wig
Step 1. Get a styrofoam wig head
It can be found in beauty, costume, fine arts and hobby stores. You can also buy it online. It resembles a human head, complete with a neck, except that it is made of white Styrofoam.
Step 2. Place the Styrofoam head on a stable base, so that the wig fibers can fall smoothly
You can buy this base online or at a wig shop. You can also make it at home by sticking a wooden stick into a wooden base after having pierced it in the center. Here are other solutions:
- A plunger will work well for short and medium wigs.
- A plastic bottle filled with water, sand or stones is useful for short wigs.
- A camera tripod will allow you to rotate your head 360 °.
Step 3. Place the wig on the Styrofoam head and secure it with pins
Slip one onto the top of your head, temples, sides, and nape of your neck. You can use sewing pins or T-pins.
Step 4. Detangle the wig with a wide-toothed comb or a steel wig brush
Gently detangles the fibers. Work one small section at a time, starting at the tips and working upwards. Never comb a wig from root to tip.
- Never use your usual hairbrush. The sebum will damage the fibers.
- Never use a classic brush, including boar bristle and flat brushes. These can also damage the fibers and ruin the finish.
Method 2 of 5: Using Hot Water
Step 1. Gently detangle the wig with a wide-toothed comb
Once wet, you won't be able to brush it until the fibers have dried. Brushing a wet wig can cause nasty frizz and damage the fibers.
Step 2. Put a pan of water on the gas and fix a thermometer on the side of the pan
You need to bring it to a certain temperature (indicated in the next step). Also, try to use the largest pot you can find, so that you have enough water to pour over the wig. The longer the fibers, the larger the container should be.
Step 3. Heat the water until it reaches a temperature of around 70-80 ° C
This is very important. If the water is not hot enough, the wig will not straighten. If it is too hot, the fibers may melt.
Step 4. Pour the hot water onto the wig
If you have a very long wig, you could submerge it entirely (including the head) in the pot and let it soak for 10-15 seconds, then take it off. Put your head back on its cradle
Step 5. Do not brush the wig
If you see knots, you can gently untie them with your fingers. Brushing a wet wig will damage its fibers.
Step 6. Let the wig dry
If you are in a hurry, you can put it in front of a fan. You can also use a hair dryer, but be sure to adjust it to blow out a blast of cool air.
Step 7. Repeat the process if necessary
This method usually helps to straighten wigs with wavy locks. If it is very curly, it may be necessary to repeat the whole process a few more times. It all depends on how smooth you want it to be. Let it dry completely before ironing it again.
Method 3 of 5: Using Steam for Gentle Ironing
Step 1. Put the wig stand in the bathroom
If there are any windows open, be sure to close them. As much steam as possible must be formed.
Step 2. Let the hot water run into the shower until steam builds up in the room
The time it takes to achieve this depends on the starting temperature you have in the bathroom.
Step 3. Gently brush the wig with a wide-toothed comb or a special steel brush
Always start from the tips, working up to the roots. The steam will heat the fibers and soften the curls.
Step 4. Once condensation has started to build up, take the wig to a cool, dry place
Method 4 of 5: Use a Hair Dryer for an Absolute Smooth Effect
Step 1. Gather all of your hair, except the bottom section, in a soft bun on top of the wig
Secure it with pliers. The only loose hair should be the hair that is sewn along the bottom edge of the wig.
If you look closely, you may notice that the hair is sewn to the base of the wig in rows, creating a texture. Pay attention: you will use them to guide you
Step 2. Spray water on the bottom section so the fibers won't overheat
Step 3. Take a section of hair three to five centimeters wide
It is best to start at the front of the wig, near one of the temples. This way you will be able to progressively work the back of the wig up to the other end.
Step 4. Smooth the fibers with a wide toothed comb or a steel wig brush
Make sure the strand is completely untangled.
Step 5. Set the hair dryer to a lukewarm temperature
Avoid high temperatures: they can cause the fibers to melt.
Step 6. Move the comb (or brush) and hair dryer down synchronously
Once the section is completely free of knots, place the comb or brush at the roots of the wig. Make sure the bristles are underneath the fibers. Hold the hair dryer a few inches away from the fibers, with the nozzle pointed towards them. Slowly move the comb (or brush) and hairdryer towards the ends of the strand. The fibers must always be kept between the comb (or brush) and the nozzle of the hairdryer.
Step 7. Repeat strand by strand moving upwards
Once you've finished a row, untie another layer from the bun. Gather the rest of the hair into a soft bun and pin it back with pliers. Proceed following the plot. You can work with one or two files at a time.
Method 5 of 5: Straighten a Heat Resistant Wig
Step 1. Use this method only with heat resistant fiber wigs
In this case, the methods illustrated so far are useless. However, you can use the plate. This solution should be avoided for other types of synthetic wigs, otherwise the heat will melt the fibers.
- Wig packaging usually specifies whether it is heat resistant.
- If you buy it online, the website will specify if the fibers are heat resistant. If there is no information about it, it probably consists of very normal synthetic fibers.
Step 2. Gather the wig hair into a soft bun, but leave the bottom row loose
Secure them with pliers. Only the hair attached to the bottom hem of the wig should be loose. This will be the first layer that you will smooth out.
If you look closely at the wig, you will likely notice that the hair is sewn in rows at the base, forming textures. They will serve you as a guide
Step 3. Take a small section of hair and untangle the knots
The locks should be three to five centimeters wide. You may want to start grabbing the hair from one of the temples, this way you can gradually work your way up the back of the wig to the other side. Once you've grabbed the strand, undo the knots with a wide-toothed comb. Always start with the tips. Never comb a wig from root to tip.
Step 4. Sprinkle some water on the strand
Fill a spray bottle with water, then mist it to moisten your hair.
Step 5. Set the soleplate to the lowest possible temperature
It should be around 160-180 ° C. It will be safer for the wig.
Some heat resistant wigs can tolerate temperatures up to 210 ° C. Visit the website on which you purchased it to find out the methods of treatment
Step 6. Straighten the strand as if it were normal hair
Steam may come out, this is normal. If necessary, go over the strand several times, until you get the desired result.
Step 7. Let the fibers cool
At this point, comb them and leave them loose.
Step 8. Repeat the process for the rest of the row
Check for any ripples and plate them.
Step 9. Once the row is complete, untie the next layer of hair from the bun
Again, try to use the storyline to guide you. You can work with one or two files at a time.
Advice
- If the wig is not smooth enough, repeat the ironing. The very curly ones sometimes need to be plated two or three times.
- Use a wide-toothed comb or a steel brush to detangle the wig. Never use your usual brush.
- Some synthetic fiber wigs are heat resistant. This property is specified on the product packaging or website.
Warnings
- Don't use your usual brush. The sebum can damage the fibers of the wig.
- Do not brush the fibers when they are wet, otherwise they can stretch, tear and wrinkle.
- If the wig does not smooth out, inquire about the composition of the fibers. Natural fibers (human hair) and heat resistant fibers must be ironed with the straightener.
- Do not use the straightener, unless the wig is made of heat resistant fibers. Platen temperatures are often too high for even the lowest wig fibers. In fact, you risk making them dissolve.
