How to Smooth Frizzy Synthetic Wig Fibers
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Learn how to smooth frizzy synthetic wig fibers with easy tips and tricks! Heat-safe methods, like flat irons, hot combs, and steam, bring your wig back to life without damaging the fibers. For more posts like these, see my Wig Care page.
Hey friend! Let’s talk about something we all deal with at some point, frizzy synthetic wig fibers. Ugh, right? Whether it’s from rubbing against clothing, the weather, or just daily wear, those frizzy ends can make your favorite wig go from fab to drab real quick.
But don’t worry, I’ve got some easy tricks to help you smooth out those wild fibers and bring your wig back to life, without needing pro tools or a trip to the salon.
This post is a little long, use the Table of Contents below to skip around!
MORE POSTS LIKE THIS
How to Fix a Frizzy Synthetic Wig, Regular or Heat Resistant Fiber
Let’s start with…
How to Smooth Damaged Frizzed Ends
If your synthetic wig has very damaged frizzy ends. There are a few ways to smooth them out. But, just know, if they are overly damaged, they may not recover, or if they do, they will more than likely revert back very quickly. So, trimming them may be the only way to go.
Can you straighten a Synthetic Wig?
Yes, you can, and you would follow the same methods below to make the fiber smooth and straight.
One of the ways we smoothed out frizzy hair fiber in the shop was with steam. If your wig is in pretty bad shape, this would be my first method to try.
How to Smooth Synthetic Wig Fiber with Steam
- Wet the wig thoroughly with water. If it dries out, rewet it with a spraybottle of water.
- Part off 2-inch sections of the wig fiber.
- Apply steam from a clothing or wig steamer while using a comb to straighten and smooth out the frizzy ends.
- Stay away from the good, non-damaged synthetic fiber. This way you do not take away all of the remaining curl pattern. Try to only smooth the damaged ends if possible.
- Recurl the wig using one of the methods below.
STOP! BEFORE YOU PROCEED, A WORD OF CAUTION:
Regular Synthetic fiber can be permanently damaged very easily with heat appliances while styling if not done correctly. If you do not feel comfortable attempting to try these methods, please seek a professional wig stylist to assist you in styling your wigs.
Heat Ressitant Synthetic Fiber can be curled or straightened with or without water and is less likely to burn or be permantlly damaged as long as you use the manufacturers recommended heat settings.
DISCLAIMER: Kim Purvis, Made in a Day, Wig Revival, and the Purvis Group LLC are in no way responsible for damage to your wig or hair topper using this advice.
Here’s what to do it if you do not have a steamer.
How to straighten a Synthetic Wig with a Flatiron
These directions are for Regular synthetic and Heat-resistant synthetic fibers.
Supplies:
- Canvas Block Head or Styrofoam Head
- Wig Clamp
- T-pins
- Wide-tooth Wig Comb
- Flat Iron
- Water in a Spray Bottle
Instructions:
- Determine which type of synthetic wig you own. Regular Synthetic or Heat-resistant synthetic.
- Set your flat iron to a low setting.
I use a straightening iron on low heat, 130°F for regular synthetics and 320°F and under for Heat-resistant synthetic fiber.
. The heating temperature is different for every brand of appliance. Use the lowest setting possible for your appliance. To be safe, buy one with a digital setting you can adjust.
- Wash the wig and use a spray bottle full of water to soak the hair so it is dripping wet.
- Place the hot end of the flat iron onto a damp hand towel to keep it cool.
- Open the flat iron and spray water on the top and bottom metal heat elements. You will hear a sizzle and see steam. That cools the element off.
YOU MUST WET THE APPLIANCE TO COOL IT DOWN EVERY TIME YOU PICK IT UP TO USE IT.
- After misting the iron, immediately place the flat iron on the hair fiber and move it down over the hair in quick, fast motions to smooth out the frizzy hair. Stay away from the good fibers so they will retain their curl.
- Do not leave the flat iron on the fiber too long. Use quick bursts of straightening and then cool it off again until the fiber is smooth.
- After all the fiber has been smoothed, re-curl the wig with whatever method you choose or leave it straight.
TIP: To be safe, only straighten the frizzed ends, not the whole wig. If a section looks ok, skip it.
How to Smooth Frizzy Synthetic Wig Fibers with a Hot Comb
Frizz happens—but the good news is, a hot comb can work wonders on heat-friendly synthetic wigs when used correctly! Here’s how to safely smooth out those stubborn fibers and bring your wig back to life:
What You’ll Need:
- A heat-resistant synthetic fiber wig
- Electric hot comb with adjustable heat settings
- Wig stand or mannequin head
Set the Heat: Plug in your hot comb and set it to the lowest heat setting (below 300°F/150°C). Always double-check that your wig is labeled heat-friendly before applying any heat.
Test a Small Section First: Choose a small piece from underneath and gently run the hot comb through it to test how the fibers respond.
Smooth the Frizz: Working in small sections, quickly glide the hot comb through the wig to smooth the ends or change the hair or part direction.
Hot combs can be super hot! Don’t let the comb sit in one place too long—keep it moving to avoid melting the fibers.
Tame the Ends: Pay extra attention to the nape and ends, where frizz usually builds up.
Let It Cool: Allow the wig to cool completely before styling or wearing to help the new, smooth shape set in.
Curling your Synthetic Wig!
How to curl Synthetic Wigs
How to curl Heat-resistant Wigs
Last Resort: Trim the frizzy Hair Fiber
If the ends are totally fried and nothing helps, a light trim can clean things up. I’ll snip just the bottom inch or so to refresh the style and remove the worst of the frizz.
Frizz happens—even to the best of wigs. But with a little patience and the right TLC, you can smooth those synthetic fibers and get your wig looking fabulous again. I’ve saved so many pieces this way, and once you try it, you’ll feel like a total wig pro.
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