Smoothing a wig, especially a synthetic one, involves techniques to remove frizz and tangles, creating a more polished look.
Methods for Smoothing a Wig
Several methods can be used, often combining different tools and products for the best results. Here's a breakdown of common approaches:
Using Heat
- Low Heat Styling: Employ a low-heat setting on a flat iron or curling iron to gently smooth the wig.
- Technique: Start at the roots, and in small sections, glide the iron down the hair shaft.
- Caution: Always use low heat settings to avoid damage to synthetic fibers. High heat will melt or frizz the fibers.
Using Steam
- Steam Smoothing: Using a steamer can help loosen and relax the wig fibers.
- Technique: Hold the steamer a few inches from the wig, moving it along the hair. Gently use your fingers or a wide-tooth comb to smooth it while steaming.
Using Products
- Wig-Specific Products: Use products designed for wigs, such as wig detangler or silicone-based sprays.
- Application: Spray the product lightly and evenly over the wig and gently comb through with a wide-tooth comb or wig brush.
- Fabric Softener: Some sources recommend mixing fabric softener with water to spray on the wig and then combing out the tangles.
Detangling Techniques
- Wide-Tooth Comb: Gently comb through the wig with a wide-tooth comb.
- Technique: Start from the ends and work your way up to the roots, taking small sections at a time.
- Wig Brush: Use a wig brush designed for gentle detangling to smooth and shape the wig.
Practical Tips and Examples
| Method | Description | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Low-Heat Iron | Using a flat iron or curling iron on the lowest heat setting to smooth individual sections of the hair. | After washing the wig, use a low heat flat iron, in small sections to smooth out the hair. |
| Steam Smoothing | Using a steamer to loosen and relax the wig fibers, followed by gentle combing. | Steam the wig, then use your fingers to guide and smooth it, followed by a wide tooth comb. |
| Wig Products | Applying wig-specific detangling sprays or silicone based sprays evenly to reduce frizz. | Apply detangler spray to a wig. Gently brush with a wide tooth comb. The wig will be more manageable and will look smoother. |
| Fabric Softener | Mixing fabric softener with water to spray on the wig and then gently combing to remove tangles. | Mix 1 part fabric softener to 3 parts water in a spray bottle. Spray the mix on the wig and gently use a wig brush or a wide-tooth comb to remove tangles and smooth it out. |
Information from the Provided Reference
The reference video discusses techniques for smoothing synthetic hair, particularly in a wig. The video shows the end result of styling an 80s style shag wig with smooth hair at 1:33 and 2:43. The video does not give details on specific techniques.
Summary
Smoothing a wig requires careful attention to the type of wig, and the correct method to use for the fiber. Low heat styling, steam, and wig-specific products are all effective techniques for smoothing a wig.
