If you have a wig made from human hair, it’s probably fine to straighten it. However, if the wig is synthetic, or if it’s human hair that’s been treated with a lot of product, the wig could be permanently ruined if you use a flat iron on it.
These products typically help lock in moisture and create a barrier that protects hair from heat damage. A form will help the wig hold its shape as you style it. A styrofoam head is the most commonly-used type of wig form. To hold the wig in place, you may want to put a straight pin through the top of the wig and down into the wig form.
If your flat iron doesn’t have the temperatures listed on it, just put it on the lowest heat setting. You can raise the temperature slightly if you’re working with a thick wig made from human hair. However, use the lowest heat setting that allows you to straighten the hair effectively.
You can use 1 large clip to hold all of the hair out of the way, but it may be easier if you use several smaller clips and divide the hair into sections, instead.
If you try to straighten tangled hair, it could come out crimped or even matted.
You can find heat-resistant gloves at most beauty stores.
Avoid leaving the straightener in one place for more than a few seconds, as it might damage the hair.
If the hair frizzes or melts, it is not safe to use heat on the wig.
If you have a different type of wig form, you may need to use clips to secure the wig.
If you try to straighten your wig without detangling it, you could end up with kinks in the hair, or the tangles could become matted.
You could also place your brush beneath the hair to hold it in place, if you prefer. Start with the brush on the underside of the section near the top of the hair, right next to the wig form. Move the hair dryer or steamer and the brush together down the length of your hair as you straighten each section.
The humidity from the steamer may work to straighten the wig faster than just hot air from a hair dryer. However, both should work if you’re patient.
If you want your wig to be curly again, simply wet it and allow the hair to air dry.
This will secure the wig so it won’t fall off when you pour on the water.
Avoid using an upholstered chair, for instance, since the hot water could soak the padding. By putting the stand in your shower, you won’t have to worry about cleaning up the water.
If you have one, use a wide-toothed comb or a wig brush.
You can try using the hottest water from your tap, but depending on your water heater settings, it may not be hot enough to fully straighten the wig. It should still soften the curls, though.
If the hair looks the same after you put it in the water, it’s fine to continue.
Be careful so you don’t accidentally get scalded!
To dry the wig faster, use a hair dryer set to cool. However, do not attempt to use heat to blow dry a synthetic wig unless you’re sure the wig is made from a heat-safe material. You may be able to make your wig curly again by wetting the hair, then allowing it to air-dry.
