How to straighten a wig? Easy tutorials

Straight hair, believe it or not, is something that ladies have a crazy crush on. Ideal for both casual and luxurious events, straight hair instantly boosts any woman’s chic factor. Instead of styling your natural hair, why don’t we explore how to straighten a wig to turn your dream of having luscious hair into a reality?

In this article on how to straighten a wig, Jen Hair will show you two simple tutorials, whether it’s synthetic or a human hair wig. Let’s begin right away!

How to straighten a wig

How to straighten a synthetic wig?

To begin with, how to straighten a wig, you would want to make it work without heating tools. As we both know, synthetic wigs are made of plastic, which often requires low-heat styling. Jen Hair recommends “showering” your synthetic wig, which is the most efficient and cost-effective method.

Before you even pick up your straighteners, you need to ensure that you have prepared the following tools:

• Wig stand
• Wig brush or a wide-tooth comb
• Cool water
• A big pot of water
• Hair clips and bobby pins
• Hair conditioner

Step 1: Secure the wig on a wig stand

Since we will carry out a “special treatment” with hot water to straighten a synthetic wig, it’s not a good idea to wear your wig and practice in this situation. On the other way, you would want to put it on a wig stand and secure your wig with pins.

Furthermore, make sure the hair can hang loosely to keep it in shape throughout the process. As you might need a tripod or something like that to put on the wig stand. 

Step 2: Brush your wig smoothly

It’s important to brush your wig before styling it if you want to achieve the best result. The styling process will be much quicker and easier, and it will reduce tangles. Pick a wide-tooth comb and remove tangles first, starting at the bottom and working your way up to prevent breakage.

Be cautious: Your wig can only be brushed while it’s dry; do not comb the wet wig as it might cause damage and tangle. 

Step 3: Use hot water to straighten the wig

After running a wide-toothed comb through your wig, it’s time to prepare hot water to straighten the wig. Our goal is to heat it enough that the wig releases its pre-styled curl and hangs straight, but not too high that you melt the wig and damage the wig fibers.

You might need a large pot of water and boil it to between 160 degrees Fahrenheit and 180 degrees Fahrenheit. However, the temperature at which you are going to heat your wig will depend on that. The longer your wig is, the more water you will need.

Step 4: Pour hot water over the wig

Once the water reaches your desired temperature, pour it slowly over the wig. In this step, the stream can soften the texture of your wig and aid in shaping it. If you have a very long wig, consider dipping it into the pot for 10 to 15 seconds while still on the wig head, then pulling it out.

The process can be repeated one or two more times if your wig is very curly.

Step 5: Apply some hair conditioner to your wig

When your wig is about 60% dry, applying a little hair conditioner can go a long way toward softening its texture. It also adds instant shine for a pleasant feeling all day long. Nevertheless, remember to use only hair products that are specifically designed for synthetic wigs.

Step 6: Allow the wig to air dry

For the most gentle drying method, allow your wig to air dry. In addition, air drying your wig may take a day, so it is essential to maintain it in a cool, dry storage area. On the other hand, you can blow-dry your wig with a blow dryer, but make sure to use the “cool” setting for the best maintenance.

How to straighten a human hair wig?

Straightening a human hair wig is much easier than straightening synthetic hair, which requires a lot of patience and care. 100% human hair wigs are as resistant to friction, hair products, and heat as your own natural hair. They can be curled, blow-dried, and straightened much as you would normally. These 6 steps below not only help you to have flawless human hair but also protect it from being damaged.

Step 1: Wear your wig or place it on a wig stand

Firstly, for flexible parting and a more realistic-looking hairline, you can wear your wig or place it on a wig stand. 

When putting your wig on your wig stand, it may not fit securely and may move around as you prepare and style it. Use T-pins or hair clips to secure your wig and separate the hair into four large sections for an easier process.

Step 2: Apply heat protectant

After securing your wig, it’s important to make sure your hair underneath it is completely dry before straightening your hair. If you use a heat protectant before using the flat iron, your extensions will last longer.

In addition, heat protectants will create an invisible barrier between your heating tool and your wig, seal in moisture, and fend off frizz. They also work to smooth the cuticle, making your hair look smooth and feel soft. As a result, applying a heat protectant to a wig is always recommended for styling.

Step 3: Brush and detangle your wig

While your wig has absorbed heat protectant, gently brush and detangle it with a wide-tooth comb. To avoid breakage, begin at the bottom and work your way up. The styling process will be much quicker and easier, and it will reduce tangles. 

Step 4: Straighten your wig with a flat iron

Now that we’ve completed the preparation steps, let’s move on to the main step, which can dramatically alter the appearance of your human hair wig.

According to hair experts, the best temperature for straightening a wig is between 230 and 250 degrees Fahrenheit. So be mindful of how much heat you are putting on your hair because once heat damage is done, there is no going back. 

After getting the right temperature, begin straightening some of the wig’s bottom strands. Continue in this manner until the bottom portion is complete. Finally, reach the top and straighten the wig’s entire top.

Step 5: Use the holding spray

Hairspray should be the last step in your routine if you want your straightened wig to stay put all day. After you’ve finished straightening your hair, spritz it with a strong-hold hairspray. To avoid product buildup or crunchiness, spray at least the length of the bottle away from the head.

When in doubt, start with a light-holding spray layer and allow it to dry. You can always apply more if you think your wig needs extra hold.

FAQs

1. Why do people put wigs in boiling water?

Putting wigs in boiling water is something people might be afraid of when they hear about this method for the first time. However, it is true that boiling a pot of water is no longer just for cooking purposes!

Boiling water not only restores your extensions but also gives them a lot of shine and moisture while conditioning them. Your wig will be soft and full, in just-like-new condition! The best thing about this method is that it’s natural!

2. Can I dry my wig in the sun after the straightening process?

Direct sunlight, like natural hair and many other things, can have a bad effect on your wig. As sunlight can damage and change the color of the wig’s hair, remember to wear a hat or head scarf if you know that you’re going to be out in the sun all day.

In order to maintain your wig correctly, store it in a cool, dry area when you are not using it.

3. Is it better to straighten the wig wet or dry?

Because we both know that your hair is most vulnerable when wet, it’s always preferable to apply heat to slightly damp hair rather than drenched hair. The same thing happens to your wig.

Don’t forget to straighten your wig when it is totally dried. Styling your human hair wig while it’s wet will damage the wig’s construction. To avoid an accident, wash it and let it dry, or use a hair dryer on low or medium heat.

Final thoughts

Overall, no matter if you have long or short hair, learning how to straighten a wig is not only easy to manage and comb but is also highly appreciated and loved by everyone.

By following the article on how to straighten a wig, you can save a lot of money at the hair salon to straighten it, as well as improve your hairstyling skills to make your desired hair a reality. Jen Hair hopes you spend enough time practicing all the steps we listed above.

If you are looking for more instructions on how to style a wig, follow the articles from Jen Hair for more helpful tutorials. Don’t forget to follow our social platforms to receive notifications of our latest posts!