Styling Synthetic Wigs: Brushing, Curling, and Frizz Control

Last Updated on December 11, 2022 by Gaga

Synthetic wigs come pre-styled and have less styling versatility than human hair. However, taking care of synthetic wigs is not as easy as it might seem. Synthetic hair tends to create friction and tangle more than real hair. Tangles and frizz especially affect long or shoulder-length synthetic wigs. The frizz usually happens at the ends or underneath and is often caused by friction from jewelry or clothes.

Synthetic hair doesn’t contain natural oils produced by your scalp, which is the main reason why the wig fibers easily get dried out. When your synthetic wig doesn’t get the moisture it needs and ends up rubbing against your clothes, you’re bound to get a frustratingly frizzy wig.

Fortunately, there are some things you can do to minimize tangles and keep frizz under control.

How to Keep a Synthetic Wig from Tangling

1. To lessen problems caused by tangling, it’s essential to use a shampoo and conditioner, designed specifically for synthetic wigs.
2. After washing your wig, make sure to be extra gentle when drying it with a towel. Otherwise, you’ll end up with even more tangles.
3. Wearing a silk or satin scarf over the collar of your jacket or wool sweater helps keep tangles at bay. It’s also best to stay out of direct sunlight and avoid the wind.
4. It can be easy to take a snooze, but it’s important to remember not to sleep with your wig on, or else you’ll end up with unnecessary knots and tangles.
5. Brush your wig with a comb or brush designed specifically for wigs. You can do this after each wear to catch those fine knots early on. Spritz your wig with a leave-in conditioner from both sides and gently comb through. If your wig is curly, use your fingers to detangle it and avoid using a brush. Then give it a shake and put your wig on a stand.
6. To keep the fibers soft and to prevent future tangles, use a leave-in detangling spray specially formulated for synthetic hair. Jon Renau HD Smooth Detangler is designed to eliminate tangles and frizz in synthetic hair extensions and wigs. It coats wig fibers giving them a much smoother texture, This spray is pricey but a little goes a long way and it will give your wig a longer life.

How to Keep Synthetic Hair from Frizzing

1. To maintain a healthy-looking and smooth wig, using the appropriate wig products is essential. Using regular styling products will lead to the build-up of dull fibers. You also can’t scrub roughly when brushing. It’s tempting to treat synthetic wigs as normal hair, but they’re not.
2. Let the wig air dry naturally by placing it on a wig stand. Cover your wig when not in use with a satin scarf to prevent rubbing against other objects.
3. Wrap your wig with a satin scarf when you are wearing it in the sun, rain, or wind.
4. Lastly, use a wig spray before or after styling to coat the fibers. This product will moisturize the fibers and prevent friction. African Essence Control Wig Spray reduces tangling, keeps the strands from looking frizzy on the ends, and prevents flyaways.

How to Style your Synthetic Wig

Synthetic wigs are pretty easy to style because they come pre-styled and you can wear them with minimal style upkeep. These wigs have a surprising style memory and always bounce back into shape after washing and air-drying. For detangling and minor style adjustments, use a Styrofoam or canvas wig head to stabilize the wig while working on it.

Straight-style wigs can be combed and brushed, just make sure to use the right tools and products. Use a looped brush for brushing your synthetic wig to avoid pulling hair fibers and prevent shedding. Lightly mist the wig with a wig spray to add moisture and reduce frizz. After spraying, you can use your fingers to create a tousled style.

Wigs with tight curls should not be brushed as brushing can ruin the curls. Curly wigs should be finger-detangled to remove tangles and knots. Keep in mind that using a wig hairspray can help prevent friction and maintain the style.

Related product: Awesome Synthetic Wig Leave-in Conditioning Spray prevent dryness and helps detangle any type of hair. This spray can be used before using hair rollers. It revitalizes old wigs, eliminates bad smells, and promotes volume and softness.

Caution – you should not use hot tools on regular synthetic wigs because the heat will melt synthetic fibers.

How to Curl a Synthetic Wig?

Curling your wig is a great way to refresh your style. Unfortunately, standard synthetic hair will easily melt if you use hot tools to curl it. If your wig is not heat resistant, you need plastic or foam rollers to create curls.

1. Slightly mist your wig with cool water before using rollers.
2. Comb the section of the hair to ensure that it is tangle-free.
3. Spray the section you’re working on with a wig hairspray before curling.
4. Wrap the end of the wig hair around the roller and roll each section, starting from the ends towards the base of the wig.
5. Use hair clips to secure the rollers in place.
6. Once the wig is completely dry, unravel the rollers and apply a wig spray.

How to Style Heat-Friendly Synthetic Wig

Nowadays, some brands of synthetic wigs are made to withstand the low to moderate heat of styling devices.

Make sure to check the label on the packaging for instructions. Synthetic wigs labeled as “heat resistant” can be heat styled by setting a safe range of temperatures.

The temperature you use should aim for is usually between 180 to 250 degrees Fahrenheit. With the proper temperature settings, you will be able to create curls without causing permanent damage to the fibers.

For added protection use a heat protectant that is meant for use on delicate synthetic hair. HairUWear”Restore” Leave-in Conditioner & Heat Styler is a gentle nourishing detangler that also works as a heat-styling protector for heat-friendly synthetic wigs.