How to straighten a wig? 3 Methods with step-by-step instructions

All girls are like that! Today you want romantic curls, tomorrow stylish straight strands, and the day after tomorrow playful curls. To avoid damaging your own hair with such harsh experiments, you can buy a wig, or better yet, several — for any occasion and mood. But even then, the question of "how to straighten a wig" remains relevant, as after transportation and long storage in a package, the hair can become crumpled.

In this article, we will explain how to straighten wig hair at home, restoring it to perfect smoothness and an attractive appearance. We will also provide useful tips for caring for straight and curly wigs.

Before You Start Straightening

Carefully study the instructions that come with every quality product. Thermofiber wigs can be straightened and curled with hot flat irons and curling irons at temperatures up to 356-392°F. These models are versatile and very comfortable to wear, and aesthetically they are almost indistinguishable from natural hair products.

However, kanekalon and modacrylic wigs are sensitive to high temperatures and will not forgive the use of a flat iron or thermal rollers. The fibers, based on seaweed and organic components, are very soft and light to the touch. Visually, they resemble human hair as they lack synthetic shine.

Kanekalon has one very interesting property — it holds the shape set during production very well. So, if you bought a curly kanekalon wig, you won't be able to change the hair structure even with all your effort. After washing, the curls will return to their original form.

It's different if you have a long straight modacrylic or kanekalon wig that has become slightly crumpled after long storage in a folded state. In this case, the question of "how to straighten a wig?" can be resolved quite quickly and without much effort on your part.

Method #1: How to Straighten a Synthetic Wig with Steam

Let's start with the simplest and most reliable method of straightening synthetic strands. For this procedure, you will only need a kettle and water.

1. Fill the kettle with water and bring it to a boil.
2. Hold the wig over the boiling kettle until the hair straightens.
3. As the hair straightens, comb the strands with a massage brush with thin wide teeth.

There are tips online suggesting that straightening synthetic hair is easier in a bathroom filled with steam. For this, turn on the hot water, wait until the room is steamy, and then start combing the locks. However, we do not recommend this method for two reasons:

• Firstly, using a kettle is much faster and more effective.
• Secondly, you won't have to steam up in the bathroom and waste cubic meters of hot water.

Method #2: How to Straighten a Wig with an Iron

Here, let's clarify immediately — you will need a steam iron, not a regular one!

1. Carefully comb the wig, detangling all knots, and place it on a stand or jar. To make combing easier and not damage the product, apply conditioner to the locks. We detailed the combing procedure in this article.
2. Turn on the iron and direct the steam at the wig strands without touching them. Move from the base to the ends, from top to bottom, and gradually comb, shaping the strands as needed.

Do not iron synthetic hair like regular clothes — it will ruin their structure and damage the product's appearance. If you still decide to use a regular iron, be sure to cover the locks with a special ironing cloth and set the iron to a medium temperature. If necessary, you can increase the temperature slightly, but be very careful not to damage the synthetic fibers.

Before ironing, test the reaction of synthetic strands to the set temperature. Start with the ends in an inconspicuous area.

Method #3: How to Straighten Wig Hair with Hot Water

This method of straightening is also very simple and accessible to every wig owner, regardless of length.

1. First, thoroughly comb the hair. If there are knots that are difficult to untangle, cut them with manicure scissors.
2. Hold the wig by the crown and pour hot water (176°F) over it so that it flows down the hair. Hold the wig straight to avoid tangling the strands, preferably pouring it on a stand.
3. When the water has drained, lay the wig on a thick cotton towel so the hair lays flat. Once it has slightly dried, start combing. If the hair still curls, repeat the procedure.

If the ends of synthetic hair look like a mess, trim them with a thinning razor. This inexpensive tool can profile the ends and give them a nice, even shape even without professional skills.

Straightening a human hair wig can be done with the same tools you use on your own hair. The advantage of these products is that they can be easily curled with thermal rollers and curling irons, straightened with a flat iron, and dried with a hairdryer. If a natural wig becomes crumpled, simply wash it with regular shampoo, dry it, and gently comb it. We detailed how to do this properly here.

To ease the combing process, use familiar balms and conditioners, and treat the ends with special oil for nourishment and easy detangling.

Secrets of Caring for Curly Wigs

• It’s better to comb wavy locks and curls with your fingers to avoid damaging them and pulling fibers out of the base.
• For gentle care, choose brushes with wide teeth to thoroughly comb the hair and remove knots.
• Dry synthetic wigs on a special stand or jar, away from sunlight and heat sources.
• To preserve the shape of the curls, do not braid them tightly before long storage in a box.

What to Do When a Wig Is in a Poor State

Curly and straight synthetic wigs retain their shape in rain, snow, and wind. They don’t need styling like natural wigs. They are sold with a ready-made hairstyle that will always be perfect if properly cared for. However, even the highest quality product loses its attractive appearance over time — the ends start to frizz, and the locks turn into a mess.

Here’s a proven method to restore synthetic locks, making them smooth and attractive. You will need regular household fabric conditioner like Lenor.

1. Soak the wig in conditioner for 1-2 hours. You can dilute it with a small amount of boiled water.
2. Take the wig out of the solution and let it dry. Do not rinse! Lay the locks flat on a towel and leave them to dry.
3. Divide the strands into several small sections to ease the combing process. Start from the ends and gradually work towards the crown.
4. To straighten thermofiber hair and restore its smoothness, use a flat iron. Just don’t overdo it and set a gentle temperature (no higher than 356°F).
5. Be even more careful with kanekalon and modacrylic locks. First, test how the material reacts to high temperature on the ends, and only then proceed to straighten the entire length.

As a result of this simple procedure, the wig's hair will become smooth and even, look well-groomed, and get rid of frizziness.