How to Curl Fake Wigs Without Damaging Them

Avoid curling irons to maintain the look of synthetic hair.

Though wigs made of human hair can be styled and cared for the same as regular hair, synthetic wigs require a different approach to keep them in shape. Hair tools that get red hot, such as curling irons, should be avoided when curling synthetic wigs as such wigs are made of plastic and can therefore melt under high heat. Use different forms of heat that will not cause melting, such as hot water, to curl synthetic wigs.

Things You'll Need

• Hair brush
• Comb
• Snap-on rollers
• Wig stand
• Medium-sized pot
• Water

Instructions

1. Brush out the wig with a plastic bristle brush or comb to remove any tangles and to smooth the hair.

2. Roll 1- to 2-inch sections of hair in snap-on plastic rollers. Roll the hair as tightly as desired depending on how loose or tight you wish the waves to be.

3. Bring a medium-sized pot of water to a rolling boil. Place the wig on a wig stand and set it in your bathtub, shower or large sink. Pour the boiling water over the wig, and inspect the wig carefully to ensure the entire wig is thoroughly soaked.

4. Keep the wig in the tub/sink or other applicable area and allow it to dry. The wig should be fully dry before you remove the rollers.

Tips & Warnings

• Electric hot rollers that are covered in velvet are another option for curling your synthetic wig, though the rollers will not curl hair as tightly as the hot water will.

References

• eHairExperts: How to Curl a Synthetic Wig

Resources

• Glamour Boutique: Caring for Your Synthetic Wig