How To Straighten Synthetic Hair Like a Pro

You can straighten nearly any synthetic hair to give it a fresh look. As long as you only apply lower temperatures to avoid potential heat damage.

Primarily, synthetic hair comprises plastic fibers and thus cannot tolerate high heat levels. They, therefore, require extra care during straightening. 

Today, we created a simple guide to help you learn how to straighten a synthetic wig using different methods.

Let’s get started!

5 Ways to Straighten Synthetic Hair

You can easily straighten a synthetic wig, but it is best to use low heat to avoid damaging the wig fibers. Here are some of the best methods to straighten a synthetic wig.

1. Flat Iron

You should only use this method on heat-resistant synthetic wigs. Or else the heat will burn or melt the delicate wig fibers. Here is a simple procedure to straighten a synthetic wig using a flat iron.

The Tools You Need

• Mannequin head
• Leave in conditioner
• Wide-tooth comb
• T-pins
• Hair clips
• Water
• Spray bottle

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Set the Wig

Place the wig on a mannequin head and secure it using T-pins. This will ensure it doesn’t slide off during the process.

Step 2: Section the Hair

Starting from the nape of the wig, section a small layer of hair and clip the rest away. Straightening the wig into smaller sections will make the process more manageable.

Step 3: Detangle the Hair

Next, smoothen out any tangles using a wide-tooth wig brush. Ensure you are combing from the bottom upward to avoid ripping off the fibers.

Step 4: Spray

Spritz a leave-in conditioner and water to moisturize the hair, so the hair does not dry out during straightening.

Step 5: Flat Iron

Turn the heat to the lowest setting and run the section of hair between the wands. Slide the hair straightener slowly toward the end of the hair as you brush toward the ends.

After finishing that section, clip it away and work on another piece. Repeat the same process until you are through with the entire wig.

Note: Using heat protection is better to safeguard the fibers from heat damage. Heat protectants will also seal in moisture and fend off frizz to keep the wig in top condition.

2. Steamer

Steamers style fibers very gently and are also applicable on cheaper wigs. Here are some instructions on straightening a synthetic wig using a steamer.

The Tools You Need

• Hair clips
• T-pins
• Wig stand
• Wide-tooth comb
• Oil
• Spray bottle
• Water

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preparations

Place the wig on a wig stand and stabilize it using T-pins. This will make the process more comfortable as the wig will not slip off once it gets wet.

Meanwhile, add some water to the steamer, turn it on and let the water heat up.

Step 2: Section the Hair

Section a smaller layer of the hair and clip away the rest to make the wig manageable. Then spray oil on the wig to keep the hair smooth when combing.

Step 3: Detangle

Use a wide tooth comb to detangle the hair gently to eliminate any knots or tangles. The wig should be tangle-free since you can easily comb through it during steaming.

Step 4: Steam

Hold the hair in your hands and place the steamer nozzle back an inch above the hair. Now steam along the length of the hair.

Step 5: Repeat

Clip away the steamed section and start working on the next one. After completing the wig, allow it to air dry for the best results.

Note: To completely straighten kinked-up hair, hold the hair and keep it straight and firm. Then, use the steam directly on top of the wig fibers and straighten it at least three times.

3. Hot Water

Hot water should be hot enough to release the wig’s pre-styled curls but not too hot to melt the wig fibers. A safer water temperature should be around 180 – 185 degrees Fahrenheit.

Here is a procedure to straighten a synthetic wig using hot water.

The Tools You Need

• Mannequin head
• T-pins
• Wig brush
• Water
• Large pot
• Stove

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Wig

Place and secure the wig on a mannequin head using T-pins to keep it from sliding off. Then use a wig brush to remove any tangles and knots gently.

Step 2: Heat the Water

Heat a large pot of water on a stove, and measure the temperature depending on your wig’s heat tolerance. However, ensure the temperature ranges from 180 to 185 degrees Fahrenheit.

Step 3: Dampen the Wig

Once the water achieves the right temperature, dunk the wig’s ends into the water. Then take the wig to your bathtub or outside.

After that, pour the hot water slowly all over the wig, ensuring it saturates the strands as much as possible.

Step 4: Finger Comb the Hair

Use your fingers to comb through the hair, so it hangs completely straight. Then, place the wig in an open space to air dry fully.

Note: Be sure not to brush the wig when wet, or else you could rip it off and damage the fibers.

4. Blow Dryer

A blow-dryer is a simple way to straighten a wig but ensure you use a cool to warm setting to avoid burning the fibers. Here is an easy way to straighten a synthetic wig using a blow dryer.

The Tools You Need

• Mannequin head
• Wide-tooth comb
• T-pins
• Hair clips

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Set the Wig

Secure the wig on a mannequin head and hold it down using T-pins to stay in place during the process.

Step 2: Section the Hair

Before getting started, clip all the hair at the crown to make it easier to work on the wig. Then, starting at the nape of the wig, section about 1 – 2 inch hair layer and let it hang loose.

Step 3: Detangle

Comb through the section of hair using a wide-tooth comb. Ensure you brush from the bottom and work up to get the hair completely tangle-free.

Step 4: Blow Dry

Next, hold the hair in your hands and point the nozzle of the dryer a few inches from the hair. Then, move your hand slowly toward the tips of the hair as you blow the dryer simultaneously.

After finishing that section, clip it off and begin on another part. Repeat the same procedure for the entire wig.

Note: If you want to remove curls completely, hold the strands with a slight stretch as you heat them. They remain straight once they cool off.

5. Hot Comb

The hot comb is a great method since it makes the hair lie flatter, and the process only takes a few minutes. Here is a step-by-step procedure to straighten a synthetic wig using a hot comb. [1]

The Tools You Need

• Mannequin head
• Wig brush
• Heat protectant spray
• T-pins
• Hair clips

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Set the Wig

Place the wig on a mannequin head and secure it using T-pins, so it doesn’t slide off during straightening.

Step 2: Section the Hair

Starting at the back, section off a small section of the hair and clip off the rest to get them out of the way.

Step 3: Brush the Hair

Use a wig brush to detangle the hair, eliminate knots, and smoothen it. Then spritz heat protectant spray before going in with heat.

Step 4: Hot Comb

Now go in with your hot comb and comb through close to the base of the wig. Then slide the comb down to the ends of the hair.

Step 5: Repeat

Repeat combing on the same section until you get desirable results. After that, clip the hair away and move to the next section. Repeat the steps for the entire wig.

Note: Hot combs are best for straightening lace frontal and closure wigs. They comb the hair and straighten it at the same time, therefore, making styling faster.

FAQs About Straighten Synthetic Hair

Final Thoughts

As you can see, it is possible to straighten synthetic hair. You can now safely straighten a synthetic wig using various methods. Moreover, consider learning the best way to style a synthetic wig to make it look more beautiful.