How to straighten a synthetic wig
With NYAF right around the corner, I’ve pulled my wigs out of hibernation and started de-tangling and re-styling them for this weekend’s festivities.
I’ve had my Orihime wig for about a year. Every time I come home from a con, it’s tangled, frizzy, and ends up getting thrown in a closet or cupboard that way until the next con or event rolls around. So how do I keep my Orihime wig looking sleek, sexy, and brand new every time I wear it? Simple. I take a straightener to it.
WARNING: Proceed at your own risk when straightening a synthetic wig. My wig is made out of high-quality Japanese fiber. I would NOT attempt something like this on a party store wig. If you’re not sure if it’ll work, test on a small section of the wig in an area which won’t be noticeable if you fuck it up.
When I first got my Orihime wig, it had a loose curl to it, but it was the only wig I could find in that length and color. I’d read various tutorials online on how to straighten a curly wig using hot water, steam, etc. None of them were practical for me. So I made my own attempt.
If your wig is really tangled, you’ll want to condition it first. Fill a sink or large basin with lukewarm water, dunk your wig in to thoroughly soak it, then apply regular conditioner to the wig and really work it in. Rinse out the conditioner by swirling it around in the water and squeezing it with your hands. Once it doesn’t have any obvious amounts of conditioner in it anymore, gently squeeze any excess water out, and then place it on a wig head, comb out (DO NOT USE A BRUSH) thoroughly, and let air dry.
Once the wig is dry, get a straightener that you can adjust the heat, a spray bottle full of water, and I usually have a spray de-tangler or light-weight de-frizzer handy. Make sure your straightener is on the lowest heat possible. I work in sections, starting at the back of the wig and working towards the front/top. Combing is essential. You don’t want to heat-seal in any kinks or knots. This part requires a LOT of time and patience, because you’ll need to work in small sections to get the best results, and depending on the length of your wig, this can take a LONG time. I use the spray bottle of water to keep the wig slightly damp so it doesn’t burn, and I use a de-tangling or de-frizzing spray to keep the fibers somewhat lubricated.
That’s about it, hope it helps those looking to revive/restyle their synthetic wigs, but are afraid of using hot tools. Does anyone else have tips for keeping their cosplay wigs in tip-top shape?
September 23rd, 2009 |
5 Comments
Now I’m glad I don’t own any wigs, because this sounds like a lot of work.
Yay!! A fellow cosplayer!! I”ve had my share of wig nightmares. I tackled a long Chii wig from Amphigory and it just never stopped shedding since I took it out of the box. TOTAL NIGHTMARE. And I really messed up on the bangs… the whole experience made me realize how bad I look as a blonde ROFL! You have a versatile look~
I never thought of treating a wig the same as you would your normal hair, but that really makes sense. I don’t think I could do that on my wigs. They are just normal ones that they sell around Halloween. They get so tangled so quickly and if you try to fix them the hair just gets pulled right now. It’s so annoying.
Thanks so much! My new lo-ong hair wig went from gorgeous to all frizzed ends in about 6 wks. It’s synthetic, but good quality. AND I paid a good penny for it, so, without taking it to the Wig shop (probably the BEST solution,) I followed the above w/ great results!! I wear it every day, so it’s important to me that it look real, until I can afford real hair. Appreciate your time and effort putting this online! Ann ;>
Thank you! i have a Miku wig and the pigtails are a NIGHTMARE. They get super frizzy and tangled, and when i brush it (even carefully) hair gets pulled out. I really want it to be straight and easy, but the ends are totally screwed up.
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