Heat styling a synthetic wig
How to Safely Heat Style Your Synthetic Wig
Changing up your look is one of the best parts of wearing a wig. If you have been dreaming of turning your sleek, straight synthetic unit into a bouncy, wavy masterpiece—or vice versa—you absolutely can! However, unlike human hair, synthetic fibers require a completely different approach to thermal styling.
Before you plug in your curling wand, read this definitive guide to safely heat styling your synthetic wig without damaging the fibers.
The Golden Rule: Check the Label First
Rest assured, here at Lush Wigs all styles are heat-resistant; however, there are limits when it comes to how high your heat can go!
always keep your tools within the safe zone: 120°C to 140°C (250°F to 280°F). Going any higher risks permanently frizzing or melting the fibres
What You Need
Before getting started, gather your tools:
A canvas block head or styrofoam wig stand
Stainless steel T-pins to secure the wig
A wide-tooth comb or loop brush
Note: For further advice about what combs and brushes to use, please take a look here.
Hair sectioning clips
A digital hot tool (flat iron or curling wand with adjustable temperature)
Note: Your styling appliance does not have to be ceramic. Other types, such as those made from steel, are also compatible with synthetic fibres.
A specialised synthetic hair heat protectant spray
While there are many options on the market, most leave-in conditioners for synthetic hair will coat the fibres with a protective layer.
Prep and Detangle
Never apply heat to tangled fibre, as it will bake the knots permanently into the hair. Secure your wig to the styling head using T-pins through the ear tabs and the nape. Gently brush out any tangles starting from the ends and working your way up to the roots.
Spritz Your Protectant
Mist the hair lightly with a specialised synthetic wig heat protectant. This adds a barrier of moisture and helps the tool glide smoothly along the synthetic strands.
Work in Small Sections
Clip the bulk of the hair up, leaving only the lowest layer at the nape of the neck free. Working in small, 1-inch sections ensures even heat distribution and gives you much cleaner results. Tip: Always do a “strand test” on a hidden section at the very back first to verify your iron isn’t too hot.
Apply Heat Smoothly
To Straighten: Take your section and glide a flat iron smoothly from root to tip. Keep the iron moving at a steady pace—never let it sit on one spot.
To Curl: Wrap the hair smoothly around a curling barrel for about 5 to 8 seconds, then gently slide the wand out.
The Critical Step: Cool to Lock
This is where the magic happens. Human hair changes shape when it is hot, but synthetic fibre only locks into a new shape once it cools completely.
If you are straightening, hold the strand straight in your fingers until it cools.
If you are curling, catch the warm curl in your palm or pin it to the wig head with a clip. Leave it pinned until it is completely cold to the touch. If you let a warm synthetic curl drop, it will instantly fall flat.
Finish and Flaunt
Once the entire unit has cooled down completely (let it sit for about 15 minutes), remove the clips or pins. Use your fingers or a wide-tooth comb to gently fluff the curls or smooth down the straight layers.
Ready to Transform Your Look?
With the right temperature and a little patience, you can completely reinvent your favorite synthetic style. Just remember: keep the heat low to medium, and always let it cool!