Styling your wig for that perfect look

Wigs are undoubtedly in style right now, and it's unclear why this trend didn't start earlier. Consider this: Wigs are so incredibly adaptable.

You can cut, curl, or color your wig depending on your selected style to make it fit your vibe. Additionally, wigs are a fantastic protective style alternative, protecting your natural hair from any potential harm while allowing you to experiment with various looks.

But first, ground rules must be set before you start wearing your wig.

What distinguishes a real hair wig from a synthetic hair wig?

Although human hair wigs cost more, they appear (and feel) more authentic, are safe for heat styling, and, with proper care, will last you at least a year.

Synthetic wigs are significantly more cost-effective and require less maintenance than human hair wigs, albeit they tend to seem less natural and can typically not be heated styled (more on that below).

How can a synthetic wig be styled?

It's difficult; you should read the label on the synthetic wig before using a flat iron or curling iron.

The problem is that wigs are occasionally advertised as synthetic when blended with human and synthetic hair, allowing for low-heat styling. But typically, you can't style a full synthetic wig using hot tools.

You have a lot more styling options when using human hair wigs. Just like your own hair, these wigs should be handled with care.

Before utilizing any hot instruments, this entails spraying on a heat-protectant spray all over. To maintain your look for longer and use less heat, advise taking off your wig at night and putting it on a wig head (or laying it flat in a silk or satin bag).

Do you need to prep your wig in any way before styling it?

Preparing your human hair wig for styling isn't all that different from doing the same with your real hair.

It will help if you start by ensuring that your wig is completely detangled. Clear any knots and tangles with a detangling brush.

Pro tip: When brushing, start at the ends and work your way up. This will guarantee that there isn't a tone of breaking.

A mild leave-in conditioner (to boost moisture levels) and a heat protectant spray should then be used (to protect your wig from heat damage).

If you want to use as few items as possible, look for a two-in-one solution that hydrates and protects.

Advises applying a curl-enhancing leave-in product if your wig is curly or wavy, followed by letting the product air dry or using a blow dryer and diffuser on low heat. You'll obtain a more clearly defined texture thanks to this.

What supplies and tools are recommended for styling wigs?

Any heated tool is fair game if you're working with a human hair wig. But as Johnson points out, you should attempt to refrain from frequently heating your wigs because doing so could potentially harm them.

The same is true for wash day; wherever possible, air drying your wig instead of blow drying it.

Johnson also advises avoiding silicone-containing products (particularly when it comes to cleansing) to prevent accumulation That said, Johnson advises using a clarifying shampoo followed by a deep-conditioning treatment to revive your wig if there is silicone in your preferred gel or style product (you know, the one you can't bear to part with).