Styling wigs effectively can greatly enhance your look and allow you to express your personal style. Here are some tips for styling wigs:
1. Understand the Wig Type: Identify whether your wig is made of synthetic fibers or human hair, as this will affect how you style and care for it. Synthetic wigs often come with a preset style and may not take to heat styling, while human hair wigs can be treated more like your natural hair .
2. Preparation: Before styling, it's important to prepare the wig properly. This may involve washing with shampoo and conditioner, and using a mixture of water and apple cider vinegar to remove any shine or film from synthetic wigs, allowing them to air dry .
3. Bleaching Knots: For a more natural look, especially with lace wigs, bleach the knots or the lace to help them blend with your skin tone. Use a mixture of bleach and developer, and rinse thoroughly afterward with a neutralizing shampoo .
4. Use the Right Tools: Use a wig brush or wide-toothed comb designed for wigs to detangle gently. A stainless steel brush can also be used for synthetic wigs, starting at the ends and working up to the roots .
5. Heat Styling: With human hair wigs, you can use heat styling tools like flat irons or curling wands with low heat settings. However, synthetic wigs usually cannot be heat styled without risking damage to the fibers .
6. Styling Products: Use products designed for wigs, such as volumizing mousses or root-lifting sprays, to help hold styles in place. Avoid using regular hairsprays on synthetic wigs as they can damage the fibers .
7. Setting Styles: For curly styles, you can use rollers or flexi rods on damp wigs and let them set until cool. For straight styles, ensure the wig is completely dry before using a flat iron .
8. Updos and Ponytails: If you want to create updos or ponytails, consider getting a 360 lace wig or a full lace wig, which offer more styling flexibility .
9. Customization: Customize the wigs by trimming the lace, plucking the hairline for a more natural look, and possibly ventilating the cap for a natural part .
10. Maintenance: Properly store the wigs on a wig stand or mannequin when not in use to maintain its shape. Handle it gently and avoid excessive use of heat and coloring to prolong its life .
Remember, the key to styling wigs is to be gentle and use the right tools and products to avoid damage. With a little practice, you can achieve a variety of stylish looks that suit any occasion.