

Wig Styling Basics: Essential Tools and Tips
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When diving into the world of wig styling, the distinction between an average and a phenomenal look lies in the mastery of the right style wigs tools and techniques. This expertise is invaluable whether you're just starting, an experienced cosplayer, or navigating through hair loss. Grasping the fundamentals of wig styling is key to crafting the appearance you envision with style wigs.
Style wigs, crafted from either synthetic fibers or genuine human hair, provide a flexible option for altering your hairstyle sans the permanent commitment. However, they demand proper care and styling to preserve their quality and look.
For novices, the vast selection of styling tools and products might seem daunting. Yet, armed with a handful of essential tools and some foundational techniques, you can elevate your wig to a natural-looking masterpiece. This guide aims to walk you through the critical tools necessary for wig styling, introduce you to basic methods for beginners, and offer advanced strategies for perfecting your wig styling skills.
Essential Tools for Wig Styling

Wig Stands and Mannequin Heads
Having the right support is essential when styling a wig. A wig stand or mannequin head is an essential tool for any wig stylist. These tools help keep your wig in place, simplifying the styling and maintenance process.
A wig stand maintains the shape of the wig cap, preventing it from becoming misshapen when not in use. For more detailed styling, such as for cosplay or intricate designs, a mannequin head that matches your head size is ideal. This ensures a natural fit and allows for more accurate styling and adjustments.
Brushes and Combs
Brushes and combs are fundamental tools in wig styling. A wide-tooth comb is highly recommended for detangling and styling wigs, especially those made from synthetic hair. This comb is gentle on the hair, helping to prevent breakage and tangles. For more detailed work, a fine-tooth comb or a rat-tailed comb is useful.
The rat-tailed comb, with its long pointy end, is excellent for lifting small sections of hair and smoothing out areas, particularly when using rollers or creating intricate styles like finger waves. In addition to combs, specific brushes designed for wig care are essential. A steel or metal bristle brush with anti-static properties is kind to synthetic wig fibers and helps in reducing static. The loop brush, with its looped bristles, is designed to avoid pulling on the wefts and snagging the lace, making it ideal for smoothing the hair without causing damage.
Styling Products and Heat Tools
Styling products and wig styler tools are essential for achieving the desired look for your wig. For synthetic style wigs, it's important to use heat tools specifically designed for synthetic hair such as a wig styler to avoid damage. Tools like the René of Paris Hot Tool, which includes features such as ceramic pieces for straightening and curling, and an auto shut-off function, are ideal. This wig styler provides even heat distribution and can be used for both straightening and curling, ensuring a silky and shiny finish.
In addition to heat tools, styling products like hairspray are essential for keeping your style in place. For more elaborate styles, tools such as rollers, bobby pins, and hair pins can be used to secure the hair and maintain the desired look. It's also important to use gentle shampoos and conditioners specifically formulated for wigs to keep the hair healthy and looking its best.
Basic Techniques in Wig Styling
Detangling and Cleaning

Detangling and cleaning are important steps in maintaining the health and appearance of your wig. For both synthetic and human hair wigs, it's essential to use the right tools to avoid damage. Start by using a wide tooth comb or a wig paddle brush to gently detangle the hair, working from the ends upwards.
This method helps in minimizing tangles and breakage, especially for synthetic wigs. When cleaning your wig, use a mild shampoo specifically formulated for wigs. For synthetic wigs, a gentle, sulfate-free shampoo is recommended.
For human hair wigs, you can use a shampoo designed for natural hair, but ensure it is sulfate-free to maintain the hair's integrity. After shampooing, use a conditioner to keep the hair soft and manageable. For synthetic wigs, avoid using hot water, as it can cause the fibers to become brittle and prone to breakage.
Applying Heat and Setting Styles
Applying heat to your wig can transform its look, but it requires careful handling to avoid damage. For synthetic wigs, it's important to use heat-friendly fibers and to keep the heat settings low to medium (up to 140°C or 284°F).
Use ceramic or tourmaline-coated heat tools, as they distribute heat evenly and reduce the risk of hot spots that could harm the wig fibers. Before applying heat, use a heat protectant spray to shield the fibers from direct heat. When heat styling, work in small sections, whether you're curling, straightening, or creating waves.
For curling, use a larger barrel to achieve loose, natural-looking curls. For straightening, glide the flat iron gently through the wig, avoiding tugging or pulling on the fibers. After styling, allow the wig sufficient time to cool down before handling it further to set the style.
For human hair wigs, you can use higher heat settings, but it's still important to use a heat protectant spray to prevent damage. Use a blow dryer to dry the hair and smooth out the cuticle, and then use a straightener or curling wand in 1" sections from the bottom of the wig to the top.
Set the style with hairspray for longevity.
Cutting and Customizing
Cutting and customizing your wig can enhance its natural appearance and ensure a comfortable fit. When cutting a lace front wig, it's important to use the right tools, such as small, sharp scissors or those specifically designed for wigs. Secure the wig on a mannequin head or wear it yourself to see how it aligns with your natural hairline.
Use clips to pin back the strands, ensuring the lace is fully exposed, and adjust the wig so it fits snugly along your forehead and temples. Cut the lace carefully, following the natural hairline, to create a realistic look when worn. For more precise cuts, consider using a magnifying mirror for better visibility.
After cutting, trim the lace down a few millimeters from the hairline of the wig and apply wig glue or tape if necessary to secure the lace front in place.
Advanced Styling Tips

Coloring Your Wig
Coloring your wig can be a fantastic way to personalize and enhance its appearance. However, it's important to approach this process with caution, especially for synthetic wigs.
Synthetic wigs generally cannot be colored, as the fibers are not designed to withstand the chemical processes involved in coloring. Attempting to color a synthetic wig can lead to damage, discoloration, or even complete fiber degradation. For human hair wigs, coloring is more feasible but still requires careful consideration.
It's recommended to consult a professional stylist who specializes in wig coloring to ensure the process is done correctly. Human hair wigs can be colored using standard hair coloring techniques, but it's important to use high-quality coloring products and follow the instructions meticulously to avoid damaging the hair. Before coloring, perform a strand test to ensure the desired results and to check for any adverse reactions.
Creating Natural Looks
Creating a natural look with your wig involves several advanced techniques that can make the wig blend seamlessly with your natural features. One key aspect is customizing the hairline. For lace front wigs, carefully plucking the hairline with fine-pointed tweezers can create a softer, more realistic appearance.
This involves gently plucking 1-2 hairs at a time from the front of the wig to widen and lengthen the parting line as needed. Another technique is to blend the wig's parting with your own skin tone.
Use a small angled makeup brush to apply concealer along the parting line, matching it to your skin color. Set the product with setting powder to ensure a seamless blend.
Additionally, creating baby hairs around the perimeter of the hairline can add to the natural appearance. This can be done by cutting small strands of hair from the bottom layer of the wig and combing them forward to create a natural-looking hairline. To further enhance the natural look, consider adding layers and texture to the wig.
For human hair wigs, using thinning shears or consulting a professional stylist can help create layers that add movement and depth to the hair. For synthetic wigs, using dry shampoo and translucent powder can reduce shine and add volume, making the wig look more authentic. Finally, the placement and fitting of the wig are critical.
Ensure the wig is secured correctly using wig adhesive or tape for lace front wigs, and adjust the fit to match your natural hairline and scalp contours. Regularly checking and adjusting the fit from all angles will help maintain a natural and convincing appearance.
Conclusion
In conclusion, mastering the art of wig styling is a journey that encompasses the right tools, techniques, and care. It's essential to invest in key tools such as wig stands, wide-tooth combs, and heat tools that are specifically designed for your wig type. The processes of detangling and cleaning your wig with care, along with applying heat and styling products judiciously, are critical for maintaining its high quality.
Further enhancing the wig's appearance by customizing the hairline, securing the wig properly, and opting for products formulated for wig care will contribute to a natural and comfortable fit. Remember, practice makes perfect. Don't be discouraged if perfecting your technique takes time. With patience and the right guidance, you can transform your wig into a stunning, natural-looking hairstyle that boosts your confidence and elevates your style.
FAQ
What is the best way to style a wig?
To style a wig, begin by securing it onto a wig block or styling it directly on your head for a perfect fit. For synthetic wigs, a light mist of water and a wide-tooth comb or wig paddle brush are ideal.
When working with human or heat-friendly wigs, section the hair and use a blow dryer and heat styling tools, always applying a heat protectant spray first. Finalize the style with a touch of hairspray or styling crème for lasting hold.
What products can I use to style a wig?
For wig styling, opt for products specially formulated for wig care, including:
Wig shampoo and conditioner for cleanliness and hydration.
Wig hairspray for securing the style.
Velvet Spray Gel or Shaping Gel for versatile styling.
Smooth Detangler or Leave-in Conditioner to ease detangling.
Wide-tooth comb, rat-tailed comb, or sectioning brush for precise styling.
Can a synthetic wig be styled?
Yes, styling synthetic style wigs is possible but demands careful handling with a wig styler to prevent damage to the fibers. Techniques such as steam styling, using setting sprays or mousse, and incorporating accessories are effective. Always avoid high heat with your wig styler, and opt for gentle brushing and detangling methods when dealing with style wigs.
How can I make my fake wig look better?
To enhance the appearance of your synthetic wig, start by giving it a good shake to eliminate any flatness from packaging. Blow drying on a cool setting can reduce shine and add texture. Applying dry shampoo or baby powder minimizes shine and boosts volume.
Further diminish shine by dusting translucent powder along the hair lengths. Customize the part by applying concealer and setting powder to match your skin tone. Create natural-looking baby hairs by trimming small strands at the wig's edge and styling them.
Consider getting a professional trim to enhance the wig's shape around your face. Always style your wig while wearing it to ensure it naturally frames your face.